Energy organizations stress the importance of adhering to safety measures within energy installations
Since the beginning of 2025, a total of 39 power outages have occurred within the Central Energy Zone of Yakutia, primarily due to negligence during vehicle operation and construction projects, causing approximately 1.5 million rubles in damage. Ongoing investigations aim to identify and hold those responsible accountable and recover the damages.
To minimize the risk of future power outages and potential harm, energy workers stress the importance of observing electrical safety guidelines in the protected zones of power lines. This calls for residents, organizations, and enterprises to adhere strictly to these guidelines during construction, loading/unloading, and other technical equipment operations near energy facilities. Regardless of the location, damaging power grid infrastructure may lead to both civil and criminal consequences.
To ensure the safe operation of energy facilities, it is prohibited to perform any unauthorized actions in the protected zones without first obtaining approval from PАО "Yakutskenergo." Working under or near power lines, even if the pylons are on private property, is hazardous and should be avoided.
The protected zones surrounding power lines vary in size, with distances ranging from 2 to 20 meters, depending on the voltage class. It is essential to be aware that power grid facilities are potential sources of danger, as electric current is invisible, odorless, and inconspicuous.
To protect the public from this hidden hazard, warning signs should be heeded when approaching energy facilities. Signs such as "STOP! HIGH VOLTAGE!" or "DANGER! HIGH VOLTAGE!" or "CAUTION: ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD" are in place to alert individuals about the dangerous consequences of entering the protected zone around energy facilities.
Based on common electrical safety practices, entry to protected zones is subject to strict control or prohibition to prevent unauthorized access to live electrical equipment. Adherence to prescribed minimum distances from power lines and electrical installations is another crucial precaution to avoid electric shocks or arcing.
For workers engaged in maintenance or construction tasks near power lines, appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory, including gloves, boots, and helmets specifically designed for electrical work. Prior to any work within the protected zone, the power line or equipment should be de-energized and grounded in accordance with regulations to eliminate electrical hazards.
Additionally, clear warning signs and physical barriers should be installed in the protected zones to deter unauthorized or accidental encroachment. Work permits and safety briefings are necessary for any activities within the protected zones to ensure that personnel are fully informed of electrical hazards and emergency procedures.
Utilizing insulated and non-conductive tools and equipment is essential when working near power lines to avoid inadvertent contact. In the event of electrical emergencies within the protected zones, immediate access to emergency response plans and equipment is imperative.
While specific rules for the Central Energy Zone of Yakutia may vary due to regional circumstances, the primary focus remains ensuring personnel safety around power lines in protected zones, involving maintaining safe distances, using correct PPE, controlling access, proper grounding, and adherence to permit and signage requirements. For comprehensive information regarding official Russian safety standards and electrical codes for Yakutia, it is advisable to consult authorized regulatory sources or regional energy authorities.
- To prevent any accidental damage that may impact the industry, finance, and energy sectors, enterprises within the Central Energy Zone of Yakutia should strictly adhere to electrical safety guidelines when operating near energy facilities.
- Employees working in the energy sector are required to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow proper procedures, such as de-energizing and grounding power lines, to minimize risks and ensure safety for the protection of both the industry and the public.
