Electric fences hazards

Set out flares, and halt or reroute traffic. Keep all spectators a safe distance (at least 100 feet) from the scene. Electric power emergencies often occur when it is raining wet ground increases the hazard. After dark, light the scene as well as you can. Direct your spotlight on the broken or fallen wires. Remember that metal or cable guardrails, steel wire fences, and telephone lines may be energized by a fallen wire and may carry the current a mile or more from the point of contact. 

Respect warning signs, fences, cages, or other barriers for special electrical hazards. 

Plant employees and equipment must be protected from construction hazards, including excavations, falling objects, welding operations, dust, dirt, and the shortcomings of temporary electrical service. Construction areas should be isolated by signs and barricades, fences, guardrails, or fully sealed bulkheads. 

If, however, the hazards cannot reliably be kept in check, recourse can be taken to the direct protection of the human body. The worker must be supplied with appropriate personal protective devices. Examples of hazard protection are isolating open electrical units with a locked door protecting robots by locked safety fences, transporting hazardous material in particular containers. Examples of personal protection are personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, fire resistant clothing, ear protection, work gloves and safety shoes. The protection approach has only limited value, because isolation of hazards can be undone by unsafe behavior. For example, safety fences can be climbed, safety shields removed, and personal protective equipment not worn. 

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