Safety

Ladders


Never stand ladders near powerlines. When working on or near ladders, keep all tools, the ladder, and anything you carry well away (at least 10 feet) from powerlines.

High Reach Equipment


Keep all cranes, scaffolding and lift buckets away from power lines. Contact with a power line can cause serious burns or electrocution. Remember to maintain a safe distance from all power lines. Keep yourself and equipment at least 10 feet from power lines. If using a crane or derrick maintain a clearance of 20 feet from power lines. Consult OSHA for clearances for all voltages.

Fallen Powerlines


Keep yourself and others away from any fallen powerlines. You never know when they might be live. Call Utility Dispatch right away at (505) 863-1200 and report the location of the downed wires.

Trees Near Powerlines


Don't climb or trim trees near powerlines and keep children from doing the same. Hire a qualified contractor to trim trees near powerlines. Contact Utility Dispatch if you have any questions about removing limbs or trees near powerlines.

Digging


You are required by law to call New Mexico 8-1-1 to locate gas, electric, and telephone lines before you dig. Whether you are planting a tree, building a fence or laying foundation, contacting a line with a shovel or pick can damage powerlines — and injure or kill.

Working Near Powerlines


Contact us if you are conducting any work or activity that may bring yourself, your equipment, and anything you carry within ten feet of a powerline. Exercise extreme caution near live wires. Do not attempt to measure exact distances to live wires due to danger of electrocution.