502 EM 385-1-1 Sections 14-19

16.G.05 Communications.

2. A signal person must be used in the following situations:
• (1) When the point of operation, load travel, area near or at load placement, is not in full view of the operator;
• (2) When the equipment is traveling and the view in the direction of travel is obstructed;
• (3) Due to site-specific safety concerns, either the operator or the person handling the load determines that it is necessary.
3. During LHE operations requiring signals, the ability to transmit signals between the operator and signal person must be maintained. If that ability is interrupted at any time, the operator must safely stop operations requiring signals until it is reestablished and a proper signal is given and understood.
4. Only one person gives signals to a LHE operator at a time unless an emergency stop signal is given (which may be given by anyone and must be obeyed by the operator).

16.G.06 Riding on loads, hooks, hammers, buckets, material hoists, or other hoisting equipment not meant for personnel handling is prohibited.

16.G.07 When practical and when their use does not create a hazard, tag lines must be used to control loads.

16.G.08 Whenever a slack line condition occurs, the proper seating of the rope in the sheaves and on the drum must be checked prior to further operations.

16.G.09 Power Line Clearance During Assembly and/or Disassembly (up to 350 kV).

Before assembling or disassembling LHE, the employer must determine if any part of the LHE, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories) could get closer than 20 ft (6 m) to a power line during this process. If so, one of the following requirements must be met:

1. De-energize and ground. Confirm from the utility owner/operator that the line has been de-energized and visibly grounded at the worksite.
2. 20-ft (6 m) clearance. Ensure no part of the LHE, load line or load gets closer than 20 ft (6 m) to the power line by implementing the following:
• (1) Conduct a planning meeting with the assembly/disassembly (A/D) director, operator, A/D crew and the other workers who will be in the area. Review location of the power lines and the control measures to prevent encroachment/or electrocution;
• (2) If tag lines are used, they must be non-conductive;
• (3) In addition, at least one of the following must be in place:
• (a) Use of a dedicated spotter who is in continuous contact with the operator;
• (b) A proximity alarm set to give operator sufficient warning;
• (c) A device that automatically limits range of movement, set to prevent encroachment;
• (d) An elevated warning line, barricade or line of signs in view of the operator, equipped with flags or similar high-visibility markings.
3. Table 16-1 clearance.
• (1) Determine the line's voltage and minimum clearance distance permitted under Table 16-1.
Table 16-1 - Minimum Clearance from Energized Overhead Electric Lines

Voltage (nominal, kV, alternating current)	Minimum clearance distance
	Up to 50	10 ft (3 m)
51 – 200	15 ft (4.6 m)
201 – 350	20 ft (6 m)
351 – 500	25 ft (7.6 m)
501 – 750	35 ft (10.7 m)
751 – 1000	45 ft (13.7 m)
Over 1,000	(As established by the utility owner/operator or RPE who is a QP with respect to electrical power transmission and distribution)

• (2) Determine if any part of the LHE, load line, or load, could get closer that the minimum clearance distance to the power line permitted. If so, the control measures identified in paragraph b (above) must be implemented.

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