Date June 1, 2017
For Release Upon Receipt
Contacts Ashlee Yingling
412.430.3404
Duquesne Light Company Shares Tips and Resources to Keep Public Safe
June is National Safety Month
PITTSBURGH – With rising temperatures, many will take to the outdoors to do home repairs and other projects in the coming months. As the National Safety Council recognizes every June as National Safety Month, Duquesne Light Company is offering tips to help keep customers and contractors stay safe near electrical lines and equipment this summer.
“Safety is always the most important factor when working around electricity,” said Dan Wesolowski, Senior Manager of Safety, Health, and Environmental at Duquesne Light Company. “Working outside around electricity or with electrical equipment can cause unforeseen issues. It’s important to be prepared and take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and those around you.”
While Duquesne Light Company continues working hard to keep its customers and employees safe, here are some helpful reminders to help the public stay safe this summer:
- When a customer or contractor is working or operating machinery near power lines, they should call Duquesne Light at 1-888-393-7000 to conduct a safety survey before work begins, and always keep fellow workers aware of the hazards of power line contacts.
- Use caution when moving long metal items such as metal gutters or working on an elevated surface so that you or the object does not come in contact with an overhead power line.
- Only use power tools that have a three-wire cord plugged into a grounded receptacle, are double insulated, or are powered by an outlet with a ground fault circuit interrupter. Inspect all electric tools before each use for frayed power cords, broken plugs, and cracked or broken housings. If damaged, stop using immediately and have it repaired or replaced.
- Use extra caution when using a ladder near overhead lines as you do repair work, remodeling or maintenance work around your home. Be sure to keep the ladder and other tools at least 10 feet away from the lines at all times. When possible, utilize a non-conductive ladder.
- Do not attempt to touch or trim trees that are closer than 10 feet to any power line as they may be carrying an electrical current. Instead, consult Duquesne Light or another licensed or qualified professional for help.
- Before you do any digging or excavating in your yard, remember to place a call at least three working days in advance to Pennsylvania One Call at 8-1-1 to have underground utilities properly identified and marked.
In case of emergency, always dial 9-1-1 and then call Duquesne Light at 1-888-393-7000. Never touch any person, vehicle, or equipment that is in contact with electrified wires. For more information regarding electrical safety, please visit duquesnelight.com/safety.
About Duquesne Light Company
Duquesne Light Company is committed to more than keeping the lights on; it powers the moments in its customers’ lives. As a next generation energy company, Duquesne Light Company’s nearly 1,500 employees are dedicated to delivering reliable and safe energy to more than a half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.
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