When coming in contact with or hitting a communication line, how should it be treated?

When coming into contact with or hitting a communication line, it should be treated as an electrical strike due to the potential risks associated with such an encounter. Communication lines, often carrying signals, can sometimes be found in close proximity to electrical lines or can even be energized due to faulty equipment or adjacent electrical systems.

By treating the situation as an electrical strike, workers understand that they must take all necessary precautions to ensure safety, such as standing clear of the line, alerting others, and following emergency protocols. This perspective emphasizes the unpredictability of the situation and reinforces the importance of cautious behavior, as these lines can present serious dangers despite their function primarily being for communication.

Considering this, treating communication lines similarly to water lines or as a low hazard could lead to significant risk as it downplays the potential for electric shock or other hazards. Also, while overhead lines may share some similarities, they usually have different safety protocols due to their interactions with electrical infrastructure, thus necessitating a more cautious approach to communication lines specifically.