New Roads, Louisiana 70760
Phone: 225-638-3751
Fax: 225-638-8124
1-800-738-7232
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PO Box 160 New Roads, Louisiana 70760 Phone: 225-638-3751 Fax: 225-638-8124 1-800-738-7232 |
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Attaching Objects to Poles Puts Lives on the Line—And It’s a Crime
What do yard sale signs, basketball hoops, deer stands, satellite dishes, and birdhouses have in common? They’re often found illegally attached to utility poles. Attaching items to a utility pole is not only illegal and in violation of the National Electric Safety Code, but it also places the lives of line workers and the public in danger. Pointe Coupee Electric line workers have reported more poles used as community bulletin boards, satellite mounts, and even support legs for deer stands, lights, and carports. Not only do these attachments put line crews at risk—anyone illegally placing these items on poles comes dangerously close to energized power lines with thousands of volts of energy running overhead. It is required by law to keep any structure at least 10 feet away from power lines and utility equipment. “Pointe Coupee Electric line crews climb utility poles at all hours of the day and night, in the worst of conditions,” explains Joe Langlois, safety coordinator for Pointe Coupee Electric. Even a small nail partially driven into a pole can pierce a line workers glove, stripping away critical protection from high-voltage electricity. Langlois continues, “Anything attached to utility poles can create serious hazards for our line personnel. Sharp objects like nails, tacks, staples, or barbed wire can puncture rubber gloves and other safety equipment, making linemen vulnerable to electrocution.” Please help us keep our linemen—and our community—safe. Report any unauthorized items attached to utility poles to Pointe Coupee Electric at 1-800-738-7232. Fixtures not belonging to the cooperative or another utility will be removed by Pointe Coupee Electric line personnel; the co-op is not responsible for any losses if an item is damaged or destroyed during removal. |
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