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Welcome to Rhode Island Energy’s Tips of the Trade for first responders. These tips are intended to help you respond safely and effectively to incidents involving natural gas and electricity. Please review them with your team.
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| Downed power lines and step potential |
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| Step potential is the voltage difference between the two feet of a person standing near an energized, grounded object. This invisible hazard can be deadly for anyone in the vicinity of a downed power line. |
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| To order our FREE safety kit, visit the Rhode Island Energy e‑SMARTresponders website. |
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| How step potential happens |
| When a power line contacts the earth, it carries electric current into the ground. If the voltage is strong enough, the current will spread out from the point of contact. Voltage will be highest at the point of contact and will diminish with distance from that point. (Voltage levels may vary with ground conditions and the conductivity of the soil.) |
| If you walk across this energized area, the voltage between your feet will differ. Electricity will use your legs as a path to travel from an area of higher voltage to an area of lesser voltage, resulting in electrocution or serious injury. |
| The shuffle technique is key |
| If you are in the vicinity of a downed power line, you must shuffle away with small movements, keeping your feet close together and on the ground at all times. DO NOT take large steps, and DO NOT allow the heel of one foot to pass the toes of the other. These precautions ensure both feet remain in areas of similar voltage. |
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| Continue shuffling until you are at least 30 feet away from the line and any objects that may be energized. Downed transmission lines from large towers require 100 feet of clearance. Always maintain the maximum distance possible from any downed line. |
| Distance is your best protection |
| Downed power lines can be energized even if they don’t hum or spark, and even lines that appear dead could become re-energized at any moment. If you know or even suspect that a power line is down, contact Rhode Island Energy immediately at 1‑855‑RIE‑1102 (743‑1102), and take these precautions: |
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Keep yourself, the public, and all vehicles and equipment as far away as possible from ALL downed power lines and objects that may be energized. Stay at least 30 feet away from downed distribution lines and 100 feet away from downed transmission lines. |
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DO NOT attempt to rescue anyone near a downed power line until the Rhode Island Energy representative confirms the line has been de-energized and grounded. |
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Maintain a safety perimeter to keep the public far away from the area until Rhode Island Energy personnel give the all clear. |
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