04/25/2023
In addition to the Rules for Electric Meter and Service Installations (REMSI), there are certain safety practices in connection with electric service facilities on the customer's premises that the customer should follow in order to avoid personal injury, loss of life or extended loss of electric service.
These safe practices particularly concern the installation of television towers and antennas. This area of Pennsylvania is subject to sharp and violent storms, even hurricane winds. TV antennas are particularly vulnerable in such storms. Accidents may be prevented if TV antenna installations are made by experienced installers who use prime materials and conform to the manufacturer's recommendations, the National Electrical Code (NEC) and all local building codes. An important and effective extra safeguard is to erect TV antennas and similar towering structures where such structures cannot contact electric wires should they fall.
Similarly, extreme caution in handling ladders, in erecting scaffolds, and in operating cranes, booms and similar rigs in close proximity to electric wires will pay off in increased safety.
Accidents can be prevented if trees and shrubs are planted where they will not grow into electric wires. An important safeguard in instances where there is any possibility of trees, shrubbery or limbs falling across electric wires is to have such endangering trees, shrubs or limbs properly trimmed or removed by experienced workmen or by giving PPL EU or its contractor permission to do such work when requested.
Safe practices can prevent death, personal injury, property damage or extended loss of electric service.
PA One Call
The hazards of underground facilities also must be considered. The State of Pennsylvania has approved an Underground Utility Line Protection Act which requires notification by excavators, designers, or any person preparing to disturb the earth's surface anywhere in the Commonwealth.
It is the duty of each contractor who intends to perform excavation or demolition work to request the location and type of facility owner lines at each site by notifying the facility owner through a Pennsylvania One Call System at 1-800-242-1776.
Notification must be not less than three (3) days, nor more than ten (10) working days, in advance of beginning excavation or demolition work.
