The San Fernando Electric Light and Power Company (SFELAPCO) has issued a renewed and urgent plea for stricter adherence to safety regulations. This call to action comes in the wake of several serious electrocution incidents linked to construction and repair work conducted dangerously close to active power lines in recent weeks. Tragically, some of these accidents have resulted in loss of life.
A Legal and Life-Saving Requirement
SFELAPCO spokesperson, lawyer Cathy Diaz, addressed contractors, construction workers, and homeowners directly. She stressed that maintaining a safe distance from overhead power lines is not merely a recommended safety practice—it is a legal requirement. Diaz emphasized the extreme danger posed by the company's distribution network, which carries high-voltage electricity capable of causing catastrophic injury, massive property damage, or instant death upon contact.
Coordination is Key to Prevention
Diaz underscored the critical importance of proactive planning. She urged anyone planning activities—such as building construction, utility installation, or maintenance work—that will occur near electrical lines to coordinate with SFELAPCO beforehand. Obtaining the necessary permits and rigorously following established safety protocols can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents. Her fundamental advice to all workers is to always treat every power line as if it is live and hazardous.
Recent Tragic Cases Highlight the Danger
The utility firm reported multiple specific incidents that illustrate the ever-present risks. In one case, a worker was electrocuted while replacing roof flashing when he accidentally struck a primary line. Another incident involved a utility crew whose wire flickered against a live line during cable installation.
Additional separate cases documented by SFELAPCO include:
- A worker installing roof purlins who made contact with a primary line.
- A laborer who fell unconscious after touching a primary line while positioning a construction form.
- A ceiling installer whose spandrel hit primary lines due to insufficient scaffolding clearance.
In light of these alarming events, SFELAPCO's final message to the public is unequivocal: prioritize safety at all times to prevent further accidents and the heartbreaking loss of life. The company reminds everyone that vigilance and proper procedure are the only defenses against these preventable tragedies.
