Which statement is correct about using materials around energized lines?

Which statement is correct about using materials around energized lines?

• A. Conductive materials such as steel tape measures can be used
• B. Any rope or string can be used
• C. Only non-conductive materials should be used
• D. It is safe to use any material with PPE

Answer: (C)

When working near energized lines, the priority is to prevent current from finding a path to you. Using only non-conductive materials around energized lines creates an insulating barrier and greatly reduces the chance that electricity will travel through your tools or equipment to you. Conductive materials can carry current and become a shock or arc-flash hazard, even if you’re wearing PPE. Ropes or strings are not guaranteed to be non-conductive and can be wet or contaminated, which can make them conductive and dangerous. Relying on PPE alone does not make it safe to use conductive materials around live lines, since PPE cannot eliminate the risk of current flow through tools or objects. So, the safest practice is to use materials that do not conduct electricity around energized lines.

When working near energized lines, the priority is to prevent current from finding a path to you. Using only non-conductive materials around energized lines creates an insulating barrier and greatly reduces the chance that electricity will travel through your tools or equipment to you. Conductive materials can carry current and become a shock or arc-flash hazard, even if you’re wearing PPE. Ropes or strings are not guaranteed to be non-conductive and can be wet or contaminated, which can make them conductive and dangerous. Relying on PPE alone does not make it safe to use conductive materials around live lines, since PPE cannot eliminate the risk of current flow through tools or objects.

So, the safest practice is to use materials that do not conduct electricity around energized lines.