Overhead Power Line Safety
Cranes and other high-reaching equipment. Be sure the utility company has confirmed the voltage and, therefore, the safe working distance from the power lines.
Electrocution - Work Safely with Ladders Near Power Lines
If applicable and feasible, use a/an: observer; insulated link; boom cage guard; proximity device.
Mobile heavy equipment. If provided, use installed rider posts under power lines to avoid working too close to the power lines.
Scaffolds. Erecting scaffolds under or next to power lines may cause workers to violate safe clearance distances and expose them to electrocution. Care must be taken to ensure the scaffold does not contact power lines or that workers cannot expose themselves to electrocution while using equipment on the scaffold.
Ladders. Fatalities occur every year due to the use of metallic ladders under power lines. It's easy to forget the locations of power lines when focused on tasks. Therefore, use only nonconductive ladders and be sure to retract them before moving. If it's necessary to use metallic ladders, make sure you retract and carry them horizontally.
Material storage. Ensure no materials are stored under power lines, and use caution tape and signs to cordon off area under power lines.
Excavations. Locate and understand the markings the local underground line locator service has marked before digging. Hand dig within three feet of cable location (be aware that more than one underground cable may be buried in area of locator markings).
Description of Accident
Employees were moving a steel canopy structure using a "boom crane" truck.
The boom cable made contact with a 7200-volt electrical power distribution line electrocuting the operator of the crane; he was the foreman at the site.
Inspection Results
As a result of its investigation OSHA issued citations for four serious violations of its construction standards dealing with training, protective equipment, and working too close to power lines. OSHA's construction safety standards include several requirements that, if they had been followed here might have prevented this fatality.
What would you recommend?
Recommendations
- Develop and maintain a safety and health program to provide guidance for safe operations (1926.20(b)(1))
- Instruct each employee on how to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions that apply to the work and work areas (1926.21(b)(2))
- If high voltage lines are not de-energized, visibly grounded, or protected by insulating barriers, equipment operators must maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet between their equipment and the electrical distribution or transmission lines (1926.550(a)(15)(i))
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-2. Which of the following is necessary when using high-reaching equipment near overhead power lines?
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