Roof Installations

Check for power lines.
Carefully check the location of all overhead wires before you begin. Power lines and phone lines often appear similar. Assume all overhead wires around your roof carry electricity, including the one that runs from the power pole to your home.

Keep equipment away from power lines:

Lower your ladder or equipment when you are moving it and carry it horizontally whenever possible.
Be particularly careful on windy days, as a gust of wind can cause equipment to shift and touch an overhead line.
Fiberglass ladders are safer than metal ladders or even wood ladders because they are less conductive.

Follow the 10-foot rule.
The 10-foot rule gives you a safety buffer zone to prevent power line contacts. Add your own height to the height of any equipment you will be using or installing, and make sure the total height will stay at least 10 feet from any power lines. If the installation requires that you work within 10 feet of a power line, call a professional.

Keep yourself and all equipment at least 10 feet from power lines. That includes the lines that run from the street to your roof.