[dave0123]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/03/window-washer-electrocuted-in-huntington-beach.html

[SPE]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/03/window-washer-electrocuted-in-huntington-beach.html

Terribly sad and awful story, but take a look at that picture, who in their right mind would not see the very obvious danger in using wfp there ? disturbing stupidity

[rosskesava]

Terribly sad and awful story, but take a look at that picture, who in their right mind would not see the very obvious danger in using wfp there ? disturbing stupidity

That why such seemingly and sometimes pointless things as being in the habit of a risk assessment are so important. The 'stupidity' was not to do even a basic one.

[deeege]

Nearly a 2 year old article which has been posted before.

Also, i think I'm correct in saying that in America the overhead power lines are not insulated and therefore far more dangerous to the UK equivalent.

[rosskesava]

The insulation does it's job but only if it's in good nick and in dry conditions. If it's raining or it's been raining, or if the humidity is very high and the temperatures are towards being cold, or if the dew point is higher than the air temperature, then you may be in for a bit of a shock.

[dave0123]

Didn't realize it  was 2 years old or it had been posted before, sorry.. am sure there are people who haven't seen it though.

[FCS]

The lines round our way aren't insulated at all. I've hit one before, thankfully I was holding a carbon fibre pole that had a fibreglass butt section so I wasn't incinerated.. Burned right through the pole though, in two places!

I didn't even think to look for them before that, it simply wasn't on my radar. Now I see them all the time, I can't believe they're just out there, unsheathed. If they were planning a network like that now surely they wouldn't get past planning permission? I could stand on my van and reach one set, they're that low.

I'm not gonna though. I've learned my lesson.

[rosskesava]

The lines round our way aren't insulated at all. I've hit one before, thankfully I was holding a carbon fibre pole that had a fibreglass butt section so I wasn't incinerated.. Burned right through the pole though, in two places!

I didn't even think to look for them before that, it simply wasn't on my radar. Now I see them all the time, I can't believe they're just out there, unsheathed. If they were planning a network like that now surely they wouldn't get past planning permission? I could stand on my van and reach one set, they're that low.

I'm not gonna though. I've learned my lesson.

Years ago when I first started and trad I was carrying a ladder when it got caught on something. I looked up and was a power line. Thank god it had insulation and it was a dry sunny day. I live in an area where I assumed there were no over head power cables to houses but for some reason, in this road, there was.

I guess I was a stupid person as per the posting several above this one.

Now though, for new jobs, I still check. The memory still stays with me.

[dave f]

although posted before it is still a good remiderof the dangers some of use face , we also have care free people who just plod on regardless of danger imo

[Tom Kelly]

There's also this article regarding electrocution in America through Water Fed Poles...

http://www.cleaning43.com/latest-news/latest-news-article.php?latestNewsID=913

This was the final outcome...

http://www.cleaning43.com/latest-news/latest-news-article.php?latestNewsID=914

[Gary f]

One piece of advice higher voltage can actully jump to say carbon fibre but happens more with high voltage ie pylon to pylon more danger to fisher men with poles. 240v probably would kill you  if pole was left there .

Electicution is always a danger with longer poles.

[James archell]

Well, we've said n here more than once about this happening. Its not pretty however you cut it is it.


A timely reminder.