Between 1990 and 1998, more than 300 people in the U.S. were electrocuted when an antenna or pole they were holding touched a high-voltage power line, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

During this same timeframe, CPSC is aware of nearly 150 electrocution deaths due to ladders coming into contact with an electrical line. Overall, there are about 200 consumer product-related electrocution deaths each year, which is down from about 600 deaths per year in the 1970s.

Here are some safety tips:

·         Never place a ladder anywhere near an electrical power line.

·         Position non-metal ladders (such as fiberglass) at a height and location that prevents the possibility of you or it contacting a power line.

·         Be aware that you can be electrocuted by touching a power line directly or by touching a conductive material (such as a metal ladder, antenna, pipe, kite) and, at the same time, the earth or any grounded item.

·         If you are taking down or moving an antenna, be aware of new power lines that have been put up since the antenna was first installed.

·         Never assume that an overhead power line is electrically insulated; always assume that contact with any line can be lethal.

·         Keep the distance from an antenna or pole to the power line at least 11/2 times the height of the antenna or pole.

·         Properly ground all masts in accordance with electrical codes.

 
For more information, visit http://www.cpsc.gov