Electrical Safety
Overhead Power Line Hazards
Most people do not realize overhead power lines are typically not insulated. More than half of all electrocutions are caused by direct worker contact with energized power lines. Power line workers must be especially aware of the dangers of overhead lines. In the past, 80% of all lineman deaths were caused by contacting a live wire with a bare hand. Due to such incidents, all linemen now wear special rubber gloves that protect them up to 34,500 volts. Today, most electrocutions involving overhead power lines are caused by failure to maintain proper work distances.
Shocks and electrocutions occur where physical barriers are not in place to prevent contact with the wires. When dump trucks, cranes, work platforms, or other conductive materials (such as pipes and ladders) contact overhead wires, the equipment operator or other workers can be killed.
Clearance Distances
If you do not maintain the required clearance distances from power lines, you can be shocked and killed.
- The minimum distance for voltages up to 50kV is 10 feet.
- For voltages over 50kV, the minimum distance is 10 feet plus 4 inches for every 10 kV over 50kV.
Never store materials and equipment under or near overhead power lines. You need to recognize that overhead power lines are a hazard.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-11. What causes more than half of all electrocutions with energized power lines?
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