True or False? Power lines are insulated to allow safe contact.
False. While some power lines may have a covering to protect against weather, they are NOT insulated for contact. Birds can sit on power lines unhurt because they don’t represent a path to the ground. You and your ladder do.
True or False? I should keep myself and any equipment I’m using at least 10 feet away from any power lines.
True. You don’t need to contact a power line to be in danger; electricity can jump, or arc, from a power line to a person who gets too close. The best insulator is lots of space. You should keep yourself and any equipment you’re using a minimum of 10 feet away from power lines, but far greater distances are recommended.
True or False? I can be electrocuted by a power line even if I am wearing gloves and rubber boots.
True. Work gloves and rubber boots offer no protection against contact with a power line. Once again, space—and lots of it—is the best insulator.