16.G.10 Power line clearance - equipment operations (all voltages).
Maintain a 20 ft clearance.
The employer must identify the work zone for the LHE in question (work zone is the area 360 degrees around the crane, up to the LHE's maximum working radius).
A determination must be made if any part of the LHE, load line or load (to include rigging and lifting accessories), if operated up to the LHE/crane's maximum working radius in the work zone, could get within 20 ft (6 m) of the power line one of the following must be met:
- De-energize and ground. Confirm from the utility owner/operator that the power line has been de-energized and visibly grounded at the worksite.
- Twenty Feet Clearance (20 ft 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 site/lift supervisor, signal person/rigger, operator, 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) Erect and maintain an elevated warning line, barricade or line of signs in view of the operator, equipped with flags or similar high-visibility markings, at 20 ft (6 m) from the power line or at a minimum approach distance under Table 16-1. (See below)
- (4) 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. The spotter must have a visual aid to assist in identifying the minimum clearance distance (e.g., clearly visible line painted on the ground). The spotter must be positioned to effectively gauge the clearance distance;
- (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 insulating link/device installed at a point between the end of the load line (or below) and the load.
- Table 16-1 clearance.
- (1) Determine line's voltage and minimum clearance distance permitted under Table 16-1.
| 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 equipment, load line, or load, while operating up to the LHE's maximum working radius in the work zone could get closer than the minimum clearance distance to the power line permitted. If so, the control measures identified in paragraph b above must be implemented.
- Permanently installed overhead and gantry cranes clearances must be in accordance with NFPA 70;
- When working near transmitter/communication towers where the LHE is close enough for an electrical charge to be induced in the LHE or materials being handled, the transmitter must be de-energized or provided with an electrical ground. Taglines, if used, must be non-conductive.
- It must be assumed that all power lines are energized unless the utility owner/operator confirms that the power line has been and will continue to be deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite.
- Training. Each operator and crew member assigned to work with the equipment must have received the following training by a QP:
- (1) Procedures to follow in the event there is contact with the power line;
- (2) Information regarding the danger of electrocution from the operator simultaneously touching the equipment and the ground;
- (3) The importance to the operator's safety of remaining inside the cab except where there is an imminent danger of fire, explosion, or other emergency that necessitates leaving the cab;
- (4) The safest means of evacuating LHE that may be energized;
- (5) The danger of the potentially energized zone around the LHE;
- (6) The need for crew in the area to avoid approaching or touching the LHE and the load;
- (7) Safe clearance distance from the power line;
- (8) Power lines are presumed to be energized unless the utility owner/operator confirms that the power line is deenergized and visibly grounded;
- (9) Power lines are presumed to be uninsulated unless the utility owner/operator or a RPE who is a QP confirms that a line is insulated;
- (10) The limitations of an insulating link/device, proximity alarm, and range control (or similar) device if used;
- (11) Equipment grounding procedures and the limitations thereof;
- (12) Dedicated spotters must be trained to effectively perform their tasks, including the applicable training previously identified herein.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
16-11. The employer must take special precautions if the LHE work zone gets within _____ of a power line.
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