Protection While Working Around Overhead Power Lines (Powerline Safety)

Protection from Overhead Power Lines

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. If working on power lines, ensure that the lines have been de-energized and
grounded by the owner or operator of the lines. Other protective measures like guarding or
insulating the lines help prevent accidental contact.

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 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.

Remember these important safe practices when working around downed power lines:

• Do NOT assume that a downed conductor is safe simply because it is on the ground or it
  is not sparking.

• Do NOT assume all coated, weatherproof or insulated wire is just telephone, television
  or fiber-optic cable.

• Low-hanging wires still have voltage potential even if they are not touching the ground.
  So, “don’t touch them.” Everything is energized until tested to be deenergized.

• Never go near a downed or fallen electric power line. Always assume it is energized.
  Touching it could be fatal.

• Electricity can spread outward through the ground in a circular shape from the point of
  contact. As you move away from the center, large differences in voltages can be
  created.

• Never drive over downed power lines. Assume that they are energized. And, even if they
  are not, downed lines can become entangled in your equipment or vehicle.

• If contact is made with an energized power line while you are in a vehicle, remain calm
  and do not get out unless the vehicle is on fire. If possible, call for help.

• If you must exit any equipment because of fire or other safety reasons, try to jump
  completely clear, making sure that you do not touch the equipment and the ground at
  the same time. Land with both feet together and shuffle away in small steps to minimize
  the path of electric current and avoid electrical shock. Be careful to maintain your
  balance.

Electrical Protective Equipment

Employees who work directly with electricity should use the personal protective equipment
required for the jobs they perform. This equipment may include rubber insulating gloves,
hoods, sleeves, matting, blankets, line hose, and industrial protective helmets designed to
reduce electric shock hazard. All this help reduce the risk of electrical accidents. General safe
practices include:

• Electrical protective equipment must be periodically tested in accord with the test
  tables found in OSHA 1910.137, Electrical Protective Equipment.

• Insulating equipment must be inspected for damage before each day’s use. Insulating
  equipment found to have other defects that might affect its insulating properties shall
  be removed from service and returned for testing.

• The arc-rated protective clothing and other protective equipment generally must cover
  the worker’s entire body, except for hands, feet, head and face, which may be protected
  by other PPE.

Tools

Appropriate and properly maintained tools help protect workers against electric hazards. It is
important to maintain tools regularly because it prevents them from deteriorating and
becoming dangerous. Check each tool before using it. If you find a defect, immediately remove
it from service and tag it so no one will use it until it has been repaired or replaced.

When using a tool to handle energized conductors, check to make sure it is designed and
constructed to withstand the voltages and stresses to which it has been exposed.

Training Requirements

All employees should be trained to be thoroughly familiar with the safety procedures for their
jobs. Moreover, good judgment and common sense are integral to preventing electrical
accidents. When working on electrical equipment, for example, some basic procedures to
follow are to:

• Assume that all overhead wires are energized at lethal voltages. Never assume that a
  wire is safe to touch even if it is down or appears to be insulated.

• Never touch a fallen overhead power line. Call the electric utility company to report
  fallen electrical lines.

• Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead wires during cleanup and other activities. If
  working at heights or handling long objects, survey the area before starting work for the
  presence of overhead wires.

• If an overhead wire falls across your vehicle while you are driving, stay inside the vehicle
  and continue to drive away from the line. If the engine stalls, do not leave your vehicle.
  Warn people not to touch the vehicle or the wire. Call or ask someone to call the local
  electric utility company and emergency services.

• Never operate electrical equipment while you are standing in water.

• Never repair electrical cords or equipment unless qualified and authorized.

• Have a qualified electrician inspect electrical equipment that has gotten wet before
  energizing it.

• If working in damp locations, inspect electric cords and equipment to ensure that they
  are in good condition and free of defects, and use a ground-fault circuit interrupter
  (GFCI).

• Always use caution when working near electricity.