Minimum Approach Distance
Before working under or near overhead power lines, ensure that you maintain a safe distance to the lines and, for very high-voltage lines, ground any equipment such as cranes that can become energized.
Before working under or near overhead power lines, make sure you maintain a safe distance to the lines.
If working on power lines, ensure that the lines have been deenergized and grounded by the owner or operator of the lines. Other protective measures like guarding or insulating the lines help prevent accidental contact. Important points to remember include:
- Employees unqualified to work with electricity, as well as mechanical equipment, should remain at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
- If the voltage is more than 50,000 volts, the clearance increases by 4 inches (10 centimeters) for each additional 10,000 volts.
- When mechanical equipment is operated near overhead lines, employees standing on the ground should avoid contact with the equipment unless it is located outside the danger zone.
- When factoring the safe standoff distance, be sure to consider the equipment’s maximum reach.
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4-7. What is the minimum safe distance between workers unqualified to work with electricity and overhead power lines?
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