Safety Tips

Safety for Working, Playing & Digging

Call Before You Dig! DIAL 811.

If you are planning an outdoor project that includes digging, remember that there may be buried utility lines that you need to avoid. Natural Gas, Water Lines, Sewer Lines, Telephone, and CableTV/Internet may be located underground, in addition to electric lines. Damaging or disturbing the underground utilities could cause power outages or interruptions of other utility services. Worse — you could be seriously injured or killed. Learn more by visiting DigSafe.

Portable Generator Safety Tips

Portable generators are internal combustion engines used to generate electricity. They are useful when temporary or remote power is needed, and are commonly used during cleanup and recovery efforts following disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. This fact sheet discusses specific hazards inherent with the use of generators and also provides helpful information to ensure that workers and others using such equipment remain safe.

Hazards Associated with Generators:
• Shocks and electrocution from improper use of power or accidentally energizing other electrical systems.
• Carbon monoxide from a generator’s exhaust.
• Fires from improperly refueling a generator or inappropriately storing the fuel for a generator.
• Noise and vibration hazards.

Shock and Electrocution.
The electricity created by generators has the same hazards as normal utility-supplied electricity. It also has some additional hazards because generator users often bypass the safety devices (such as circuit breakers) that are built into electrical systems. The following precautions are provided to reduce shock and electrocution hazards:
• Never attach a generator directly to the electrical system of a structure (home, office, trailer, etc.) unless a qualified electrician has properly installed the generator with a transfer switch. Attaching a generator directly to a building electrical system without a properly installed transfer switch can energize wiring systems for great distances. This creates a risk of electrocution for utility workers and others in the area.
• Always plug electrical appliances directly into the generator using the manufacturer’s supplied cords or extension cords that are grounded (3-pronged). Inspect the cords to make sure they are fully intact and not damaged, cut or abraded. Never use frayed or damaged extension cords. Ensure the cords are appropriately rated in watts or amps for the intended use. Do not use underrated cords—replace them with appropriately rated cords that use heavier gauge wires. Do not overload a generator; this can lead to overheating which can create a fire hazard.
• Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), especially where electrical equipment is used in or around wet or damp locations. GFCIs shut off power when an electrical current is detected outside normal paths. GFCIs and extension cords with built-in GFCI protection can be purchased at hardware stores, do-it-yourself centers, and other locations that sell electrical equipment. Regardless of GFCI use, electrical equipment used in wet and damp locations must be listed and approved for those conditions.
• Make sure a generator is properly grounded and the grounding connections are tight. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for proper grounding methods.
• Keep a generator dry; do not use it in the rain or wet conditions. If needed, protect a generator with a canopy. Never manipulate a generator’s electrical components if you are wet or standing in water.
• Do not use electrical equipment that has been submerged in water. Equipment must be thoroughly dried out and properly evaluated before using. Power off and do not use any electrical equipment that has strange odors or begins smoking.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas. Many people have died from CO poisoning because their generator was not adequately ventilated.
• Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages, crawl spaces, and basements. NOTE: Open windows and doors may NOT prevent CO from building up when a generator is located in an enclosed space.
• Make sure a generator has 3 to 4 feet of clear space on all sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation.
• Do not use a generator outdoors if its placement near doors, windows, and vents could allow CO to enter and build up in occupied spaces.
• If you or others show symptoms of CO poisoning— dizziness, headaches, nausea, tiredness—get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention. Do not re-enter the area until it is determined to be safe by trained and properly equipped personnel.

Fire Hazards.
• Generators become hot while running and remain hot for long periods after they are stopped. Generator fuels (gasoline,
• Before refueling, shut down the generator and allow it to cool.
• Gasoline and other generator fuels should be stored and transported in approved containers that are properly designed and marked for their contents, and vented.
• Keep fuel containers away from flame producing and heat generating devices (such as the generator itself, water heaters, cigarettes, lighters, and matches). Do not smoke around fuel containers. Escaping vapors or vapors from spilled materials can travel long distances to ignition sources.
• Do not store generator fuels in your home. Store fuels away from living areas.

Noise and Vibration Hazards.
• Generator engines vibrate and create noise. Excessive noise and vibration could cause hearing loss and fatigue that may affect job performance.
• Keep portable generators as far away as possible from work areas and gathering spaces.
• Wear hearing protection if this is not possible.

Source: OSHA FactSheet "Using Portable Generators Safely".

10 Quick Tips to Keep you Safe Indoors

OUTLETS: Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, which can overheat and lead to fire. Replace any broken wall plates. Make sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children.

CORDS: Make sure cords are in good condition, not frayed or cracked. Make sure they are placed out of traffic areas. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard or to another object and they should not have any furniture resting on them.

EXTENSION CORDS: Check to see that the cords are not overheated. Additionally, extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis. They are not safe as permanent household wiring.

PLUGS: Make sure the proper type plug is in each outlet. If you are using three-prong plugs in a room with two-conductor outlets, do not cut off the ground pin (the third/bottom prong) from the plug. This could lead to an electrical shock hazard. A better solution is to use a two-prong adapter. NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESN'T FIT. This could lead to fire or shock. Plugs should fit securely into outlets and outlets should not be overloaded.

GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS (GFCI's): GFCI's can prevent many electrocutions. They should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. Test GFCI's regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions to make sure they are working properly.

LIGHT BULBS: Check the wattage of all bulbs in lighting fixtures to make sure they are the correct wattage for the size of the fixture. Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended; if you don't know the correct wattage, check with the manufacturer of the fixture. CFL bulbs are better than incandescent. And LED bulbs are even more energy-efficient than CFLs. (Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely. Loose bulbs may overheat.)

CIRCUIT BREAKERS/FUSES: Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct sizes for the circuits. If you do not know the correct size fuse, have a licensed electrician identify and label the right sizes to be used. Never replace a fuse with anything but another, correct size fuse.

WATER AND ELECTRICITY DON'T MIX: Don't place any electrical appliances near water like a sink or bathtub. Appliances that are used near water should be unplugged when not in use. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, unplug it and don't use it until it's been checked by a qualified repair person.

APPLIANCES: If one appliance repeatedly blows a fuse or trips a circuit breaker, or if it has emitted an electric shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced.

ENTERTAINMENT/COMPUTER EQUIPMENT: Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly; look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs, connectors and that they are not clogged with dust.

Outdoors Working or Playing

Working or playing outdoors?

ALWAYS stay at least 10 feet away from overhead electrical power lines.

Overhead power lines may be coated to protect them from the weather, but that coating will NOT PROTECT YOU from electrical shock. If you contact an overhead line - with your body or indirectly through a ladder or tool - you may be seriously injured or even killed.

Metal and moisture conduct electricity, so never use an aluminum ladder or a damp wooden ladder within 10 feet of power lines. Before erecting a ladder, always look up to be sure it will not contact - or even come near - any power lines. Never extend a tool to within 10 feet of power lines.

Don't erect scaffolding near power lines. Scaffolding can sway into a power line, energizing the entire structure and endangering anyone who touches it.

Be especially careful when installing metal siding, gutters, antennas or satellite dishes, etc., which can blow into a power line while being raised into place.

MMLD receives Annual APPA Safety Awards

Marblehead Municipal Light Department is a member of the American Public Power Association (APPA). Each year we are eligible for a safety award. This award is presented only to utilities with outstanding safety records and comes with very prestigious national recognition.

Over the last 20 years, MMLD has been awarded a safety award every year, recognizing our commitment to providing safety awareness in the community,and also our own workplace.

In 2009 MMLD was awarded the First Place award by APPA. We're proud of our safety record and are constantly training and monitoring all areas of our work environment.

We Pride Ourselves in Safety Training

Marblehead Light Department performs safety trainings on a regular basis. We hold monthly safety meetings for all of our linemen here at our headquarters, updating them on the safety issues that are essential in their jobs.

They are tested annually on simulated pole-top rescue procedures. The safety equipment that we use on a daily basis is regularly inspected for defects and possible replacement and updating.

Our Mission

Your Town's Light Department

Joseph KowalikGeneral Manager

Greg Chane Distribution Manager

Matt Barrett Business Manager

Colin ColemanManager of Technical Operations

Light Commission

Mission

Jack Ravagno Generation & Substation Operations

Paul CamardaWorking Foreman

Kerry HomanLead Lineman

Matt Karakoudas 1st Class Lineman

Kyle Larson 1st Class Lineman

Adam Bernard2nd Class Lineman

Trevor Conroy2nd Class Lineman

Didi Rubano Lead Meter Technician

Megan Milan Energy Services, Lead Customer Service & Website

Nate KobialkaElectric Utility General Tech

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Safety Tips

MMLD receives Annual APPA Safety Awards

We Pride Ourselves in Safety Training