Most so-called "weekend loggers" are unaware of the risks they're taking in terms of working around power lines, according to a survey conducted on behalf of BC Hydro.
Of the 800 British Columbians polled, 80 per cent do not know how far their tools should be from overhead power lines when doing yard work and 60 per cent trim trees, bushes and hedges near power lines without the help of a professional.
Hydro also found there have been more than 400 dangerous incidents involving power lines and homeowners trimming trees and pruning hedges on their property over the last five years.
The results are included in a report released by BC Hydro this week: "Crossing the line: The dangerous rise of incidents involving power lines and 'weekend loggers'"
"Many of these incidents could have resulted in serious injury or death," Hydro said in a statement. "In fact, the report estimates 7,500 British Columbians have had a close call with electricity while pruning trees or doing work on a roof, such as cleaning gutters or replacing shingles."
There are other important safety rules British Columbians are unaware of, according to the report:
- 30 per cent of those surveyed are under the mistaken impression that tools and ladders must touch a power line to be dangerous; however, electricity can "arc" or jump from power lines across a gap to tools and ladders;
- 20 per cent of those surveyed believe trees cannot conduct electricity; however, trees do conduct electricity and branches that touch power lines can make the tree a safety hazard - especially when wet.
For more information on how to stay safe around electricity, visit bchydro.com/besafe.
