Look Up and Around for Power Lines

Power lines carry 4,000 to 345,000 volts that can kill a worker on contact. OSHA regulations state that a minimum safe distance of 10 feet must be maintained for up to 50,000 volts. It’s the “circle of safety” rule.

Check out your work site. Know where power lines are located and look for lines not seen due to obstructions. Assume all lines are energized and potentially dangerous, even if they appear to be insulated.

When operating any type of equipment with an articulated boom, it may be difficult for the operator to judge the distance between the equipment and the power line. Weather conditions and bright or dim lighting conditions can make it even harder to judge distances.

That’s why someone on the ground watching around the operator can have a much better view of clearances. A spotter is one whose only job is to watch the operator and the position of the equipment to make sure there is a safe distance from overhead lines and other hazards.

Fallen power lines can be dangerous to anyone since they may be “live.” Stay away from downed power lines even if they’re not humming, sparking, or “dancing.” You should make a 911 call to report the location of the fallen line.

For your own safety and well-being, you must stay clear of any person or object that is in contact with a power line. If you touch that person in a rescue attempt or try to remove the object, you will become part of the ground fault and likely be electrocuted.

If you hit a power line while operating equipment, stay calm. Don’t make contact with control levers as they may be electrified. Don’t attempt to leave the equipment unless told to do so by a rescuer. Advise others to stay clear since anyone on the ground has the greatest risk of being injured.

 

If you have to get off the equipment due to a fire or other danger, jump clear and try to land with both feet together. Avoid touching the equipment and ground at the same time. Shuffle away keeping your feet together on the ground. It is likely that electricity is radiating through the ground around the equipment. If you run or take large steps, you increase the chance of creating a path for electricity to travel up one leg and down the other.