What safety procedure should be followed if a digger derrick contacts energized lines?

When a digger derrick contacts energized lines, the most crucial action is to safely distance oneself from the potential hazard, making it essential to jump clear and shuffle or hop away. This method helps avoid the risk of electric shock that could occur if the individual simply walks away, which might create a path for current to travel through the body.

Shuffling or hopping minimizes the chance of creating a conductive path; this technique allows the person to keep their feet close together and prevents electricity from moving across the body, thus reducing the risk of injury. This safety procedure emphasizes the importance of maintaining awareness of the potential dangers associated with electricity and recognizing that the safest way to escape the situation is to distance oneself without making contact with the ground in a way that could allow current to flow through the body.

Other options, such as immediately backing away or shouting for help, do not provide the same level of immediate safety, as backing away may still leave the person exposed and in danger of electrocution. Meanwhile, waiting for assistance could lead to fatal consequences, and using tools to disconnect the lines without proper training and safety precautions introduces significant risks. The primary focus should always be on personal safety and reducing the risk of electrocution.