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Safety
OTEC adopted the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP) in 2021 to achieve a high standard of safety for our employees, member-owners, communities, and businesses within the cooperative. We are committed to providing clear expectations, education, and training to reach our goal of continually improving our safety culture. We incorporate safety as an integral aspect of all operations and a core value of OTEC.
The senior leadership at OTEC has shown their commitment to safety through the Commitment to Zero Contacts and RESAP programs, and in return, they have asked for and received the same commitment from our employees. This is essential in defining and operating a successful safety program that protects our people and the public.
Safety & Education
Downed power lines can be deadly.
Always assume downed power lines are live and avoid approaching them or anything near them.
Use Precaution!
- Downed power lines can energize the ground up to 50 feet away, even more in wet conditions.
- Never drive over downed power lines or anything in contact with them.
- Never try to move a downed power line.
- If you see a downed power line, call 911.
If a vehicle contacts a power line or utility pole, stay away and call 911.
- Consider all lines to be live and dangerous.
- Warn others to stay at least 50 feet away.
- If your vehicle contacts a power line or utility pole, stay in place or inside your vehicle unless you see fire or smoke.
- Tell others not to approach the vehicle, downed lines, or anything that may be in contact with downed lines.
In the event of fire or smoke:
- Do not touch the ground and vehicle at the same time.
- Jump from the vehicle with your feet together.
- KEEP your arms crossed, feet together, and HOP at least 50 feet to safety.
If you feel any tingling, HOP further away.
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It's always wise to be prepared for any weather event, such as a wildfire, high winds, or winter storms.
It's recommended that everyone sign up for their community's warning system. You can do that now by clicking on your county's link below:
In traumatic situations, it may be instinctive to flee as soon as possible. A car accident is a good example of this. However, if you are in a car accident with a power line, the safest place is often inside the car.
When a car crashes into a power pole, the pole may fall down, lines may fall on your car or nearby, and the area around your car may become charged with electric energy. If you stepped out of the car in this scenario, your body would become the path to ground for the electricity, and you could be electrocuted.
While downed lines can sometimes show they are live by arcing and sparking with electricity, this is not always the case. Power lines do not always show signs that they are live, but are just as lethal.
Stay in the car if you are in a car accident with a power pole. Warn those who try to come near your car to help that they must stay far away. Call 911 for help, and wait until a professional from the electric utility tells you it is safe to leave the car.
The exception to this rule is if your car is on fire. In that case, jump clear of the vehicle without touching it and the ground at the same time. Then hop away with feet together. This way there will not be a voltage difference between your two feet, which would give electricity the chance to flow through your body.
If you witness a car collision with a power pole, do not approach the accident. By trying to help, you will put your own life at risk. The best thing to do is contact emergency responders and stay far away from the accident.
Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative is proud to have created a new training video in 360-degree format to teach agriculture workers about the hazards of working near power lines.
This innovative video demonstrates OTEC's commitment to our member-owners and their safety.
Tips for a safe harvest:
- Identify power lines
- Inspect the height of equipment to determine clearance.
- Always keep equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines.
- Remember to lower extensions.
- If a power line is sagging or looks dangerous, please call us at 541-523-3616. Do not attempt to raise.
You've contacted a power line, and your vehicle is on fire.
You have no choice but to exit the cab. Here is how to do it safely.
- CHECK and make sure no wires are in your way.
- STAND in the doorway, cross your arms, and put your feet together.
- JUMP as far as possible away from the vehicle, and land with both feet together.
- DO NOT touch the vehicle.
- KEEP your arms crossed and feet together, and HOP at least 50 feet to safety.
If you feel any tingling, HOP further away.
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Operating large equipment is a dangerous job.
Among the many dangers is the threat of electric shock.
Safety Checklist for Large Equipment Operators
- Make a plan each morning. Know where power lines are and how you plan to stay clear of them.
- Keep machinery, equipment and yourself at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines in all directions, at all times. Higher voltage lines require a greater distance be maintained. If you are uncertain of the voltage, maintain a distance of 18 feet.
- Use a spotter to help you stay clear of power lines.
- Power lines begin to sag over the years. If sagging power lines are in your way, do not raise them. Call OTEC to fix the power lines and raise them high enough for you to work.
- Weather should be a consideration in your daily plans. Keep in mind that tall objects could be blown out of control by the wind, and particles in water are a good conductor of electricity. Some activities are not appropriate for a damp or windy day.
- If you are on equipment that becomes entangled in power lines, do not step off the equipment. When you step off the equipment, you become the path to ground and receive an electric shock that could be fatal. Stay put, call OTEC for assistance, and warn others not to come near the equipment. Then wait for utility professionals to shut of electricity to the power line, and confirm it is safe to exit equipment.
- Be sure everyone you are working with knows proper safety procedures and emergency contacts
Not all power strips are equally protected
Check the label to ensure the power strip has an internal circuit breaker or surge protector.
Look for a certification label
A certification label ensures the unit has been properly tested. Look for UL, CSA, or ETL markings. Unlisted items could be defective & cause injury or damage.
Plug only one power strip into a wall outlet
To prevent overloading, only plug one power strip into a wall receptacle. Flickering lights and blown fuses indicate that too much current is traveling through the outlet.
Do not daisy-chain power strips
Avoid plugging a power strip into another power strip (daisy-chaining). The excessive amount of power being drawn could overload the circuit.
Avoid using power strips with high-wattage appliances
Most power strips are not designed to power high-wattage appliances. Check the label for capacity. Typical power strips are rated 15 amps for a 120-volt circuit (1800 watts max).
Water and electricity do not mix
Never use power strips in a wet environment unless rated for such use. Serious injury can occur from electrocution.
FOLLOW THESE GENERATOR SAFETY TIPS:
- Use a properly rated extension cord to plug appliances into a generator. Do not daisy-chain appliances when using a generator.
- Never plug a generator into your home's electrical system.
- Place the generator at least 20 feet away from windows or doors.
- This 20-foot rule also applies to a porch or garage (or any part of the home).
- Set up and run your generator in a well-ventilated, dry area.
- Place the generator under a stand-alone, canopy-like structure if it is raining.
- Always direct exhaust away from the home and any door or window when using a generator.
- Do not use a generator in a carport or garage, even with the doors open. Exhaust gas can accumulate and cause carbon monoxide poisoning inside the house.
Ensure that working carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are located on every level of the home and tested monthly. CO poisoning can happen quickly, and individuals exposed to the odorless, invisible gas may become unconscious before realizing they are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or weakness.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR HUNTERS
OTEC encourages you to please be aware of electrical equipment when hunting.
Keep these safety tips in mind as you enjoy the great outdoors.
Remember: LOOK UP & LIVE!
- Keep clear of electrical equipment.
- Do not shoot at or near power lines or insulators.
- Know where power lines & equipment are located where you hunt.
- Be vigilant in wooded areas where power lines are less visible.
- Never place deer stands on utility poles.
- Never place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment.
- Be aware of fire restrictions & exercise appropriate fire safety precautions.
Call 811 Before You Dig
Did you know a shovel hitting an underground power line can be just as dangerous as contacting an overhead line?
Remember to be safe when working on projects like planting trees, digging holes for fence posts, installing sprinklers and more.
When digging within two feet of the marked area, only use small hand tools such as a garden trowel and avoid contact with the utility line. Remember, requirements have changed and not all utilities are installed the same. While some utilities have protective casings, others do not and can be damaged by tools as simple as a shovel. Always proceed with caution when digging around utility lines.
Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative wants to make sure members stay safe at all times. Call 811 or visit https://digsafelyoregon.com/ for location services and protect you and your family. Please remember, this is a state law. If you damage a utility without having location completed, you are liable for the damage caused.
Once you have made your underground locate request, understand there is an expiration date. If you plan on digging past the date, remember to contact the Oregon Utility Notification Center at least two business days before your expiration date expires.
Dial 811 or 1-800-332-2344 or make an online request at Oregon Utility Notification Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Power Surges
More than likely, you have surge protectors in your home with multiple electrical devices plugged into them. Whether on the floor, behind a desk or couch, or placed into the wall, we all understand the need to protect appliances and electronics from power surges.
What are electrical Surges?
Source: The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, an “electrical surge is a sudden and unwanted increase in voltage that can damage, degrade, or destroy sensitive electronic equipment in a home or business.”
Two main sources of electrical surges are lightning surges and overvoltage generated by the equipment. Lighting surges are the most familiar source for electrical surges; however, they are one of the least common causes. NEMA states, “When lightning strikes near a power line, the electrical energy can boost electrical pressure by millions of volts.”
NEMA estimates that 60% to 80% of surges are created within a facility, such as when large appliances (e.g., air conditioners) turn on and off. This switching creates sudden, brief demands for power, which upset the steady voltage flow in the electrical system and causes repetitive surges. While these surges are nowhere near the intensity of a lightning surge, they can be severe enough to damage components, immediately or gradually, and they occur regularly in most building’s electrical systems.
What can you do about it?
A common misconception is surge protection strips completely protect a home or business from power surges. Surge strips are useful, but they offer only a limited layer of protection. While they offer protection for devices connected to it, most of the heavy-duty electronic appliances in a home (e.g., television, cooktop, microwave, washer, dryer, and dishwasher) are connected to the mainline, which remains vulnerable during power surges. A surge protective device (SPD) is an appliance or device designed to protect from voltage spikes or surges transmitted from the power distribution line into the home. A SPD, typically, is mounted on a home’s circuit breaker panel. A surge, which lasts a few microseconds, can destroy computer memory, processors, capacitors, and screens. SPDs help to reduce the voltage spike to a value compatible with connected appliances. By layering cord-connected surge protectors and panel-mounted SPDs, we can achieve a more reliable protection scheme for our homes and appliances and electronics.
If you are interested in placing an SPD on your home’s panel, make sure you contact a licensed electrician and request pricing and installation information.
For additional information about electrical surges, go to www.nemasurge.org.
Property damage liability from power surges:
If you have recently experienced property damage that you suspect may be related to power flow fluctuations, please consider the following before seeking compensation from Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative:
It is the member's responsibility to protect their equipment from power outages and fluctuations. Large power systems regularly experience power fluctuations that are beyond a reasonable expectation of control on the side of the utility (e.g, "Acts of God"). For example, power outages and related damages caused by weather events fall into this category and are beyond Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative's ability to control.
Given this information, neither the constant flow of electricity nor the absence of power fluctuations can be guaranteed. Please understand that Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative will not provide reasonable compensation for damages from power fluctuations and outages out of its control.
Want to file a claim report for property damage? Please call 541-523-3616
Understanding Electromagnetic Fields
An electromagnetic field, sometimes referred to as EMF, is created by electrical charges and currents flowing though wires. When an appliance is turned on, current or charge flows creating EMF. Given the widespread use of electricity, electromagnetic fields or EMFs are present everywhere in our daily lives.
Safety Practices and EMF Exposure
Extensive research on EMF exposure and safety has been conducted by international and national scientists. The results from this research have been evaluated by reputable international and national scientific and public health organizations and agencies. Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative relies on the evaluations from these organizations and agencies when assessing potential risks. All of OTEC’s facilities, transmission and distribution lines follow the rules, regulations and standards for electromagnetic field exposure to provide safe and reliable electric service.
At Home
The chart below illustrates how the magnetic field exposure lessens with an increase in distance from typical electric sources at home.
Measurements are in milligauss:
What is EMF Exposure?
EMFs occur anywhere there is electric power. Most electromagnetic fields found in homes are power frequency (60-hertz), which is categorized as extremely low frequency (ELF). Common sources of electric and magnetic fields in the home are appliances, televisions, computers, and standard electrical wiring. Anything that has a voltage has an ELF electric field. When a device is turned on, electrical current flows, which also creates an ELF magnetic field.
The electric fields near outdoor transmission lines are typically stronger than those found in homes because they have a higher voltage than residential sources or appliances/devices. On the other hand, the magnetic fields around electrical appliances in homes can be as high as or higher than the magnetic fields near outdoor power lines. Because electromagnetic fields decrease significantly with distance from the source, EMF exposure from power lines is reduced significantly by the distance from the wires – including the height of the towers or poles that carry overhead transmission and distribution lines. Transmission line electric fields, but not magnetic fields, are also shielded by trees and homes, so that they are further reduced inside homes and buildings.
What Can You Do?
In a situation of scientific uncertainty and public concern, the World Health Organization recommended that utilities explore “very low-cost” ways to reduce EMF exposure from new or upgraded facilities. OTEC and other public utilities already pursue no-cost and low-cost measures to reduce EMF levels from new utility transmission lines and substation projects. You, too, may want to take no-cost and low-cost measures to reduce your EMF exposure at home and at work.
Human studies have not produced a consensus about any health benefits from changing the way people use electric appliances. But, if you feel reducing your EMF exposure would be beneficial, you can increase your distance from electric appliances and/or limit the amount of time you use appliances at home or at work.
For instance, you can place phone answering machines and electric clocks away from the head of your bed. Increasing your distance from these and other appliances such as televisions, computer monitors and microwave ovens can reduce your EMF exposure.
You can also reduce your EMF exposure by limiting the time you spend using personal appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, heating pads and electric blankets. You may also want to limit the time you spend using electric cooking appliances. You can locate the sources of EMF in your work environment and spend break time in lower-field areas.
It is not known whether such actions will have any impact on your health.
World Health Organization Findings
The World Health Organization (WHO) completed a review of the potential health implications of extremely low frequency EMF, which includes power-frequency fields. Their conclusions and recommendations were presented in June 2007 in a report known as the Extremely Low Frequency Fields, Environmental Health Criteria Monograph No. 238.
The WHO report concluded that evidence for a link between ELF magnetic fields and childhood leukemia “is not strong enough to be considered causal but sufficiently strong to remain a concern.” “Virtually all of the laboratory evidence and the mechanistic evidence fail to support” this reported association. For all other diseases, there is inadequate or no evidence of health effects at low exposure levels.
The report emphasized that, given the weakness of the evidence for health effects, the health benefits of exposure reduction are unclear and adopting policies based on the arbitrary low exposure limits are not warranted.
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