Final answer:
To prevent accidents when working near high-voltage power lines, safety measures include using lockout/tagout procedures, maintaining a safe distance, using personal protective equipment, receiving proper electrical safety training, and adhering to OSHA standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent the fatal accident involving a worker making contact with a 7200-volt power transmission line, several safety measures should have been adhered to.
Firstly, the worker should have implemented lockout/tagout procedures to ensure the line was de-energized before starting the work. It is also critical for workers to maintain a safe distance from live electrical components and use proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as insulated gloves and tools.
Additionally, workers should always use a non-conductive material to handle potentially energized equipment.
Furthermore, proper training on electrical safety is essential for anyone working in proximity to high-voltage lines. Knowing how to recognize hazardous situations and understanding the physics of electricity, such as why wet skin has much lower resistance than dry skin, are key to preventing such accidents.
For instance, wet skin or the presence of bodily fluids like blood, which have low resistances, can drastically increase the risk of electrical shock. In any case of working with or near electrical components, adherence to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and guidelines is a must to prevent such tragic incidents.
Lastly, it's important to ensure that emergency protocols are in place. This includes having emergency response plans and equipment ready, as well as conducting regular safety drills to prepare workers for the unexpected.
Safety measures like these are critical in providing a safe working environment around high-voltage power lines.