Contact with live power lines

The manhole covers on tank cars are sometimes sealed with wires. Loose ends of wires protruding above the manhole cover have come into contact with the overhead electric wire, which supplies power to the train, and caused a short circuit. 

In the UK there is normally a gap of 4 in. between the highest point of the tank car and the lowest point of the cables, but if the gap falls below 2 in. arcing may occur [7]. 

Somewhat similar incidents have occurred on railway lines powered by a third electrified rail. The cap covering the discharge pipe has vibrated loose, the retaining chain has been too long, and the cap has contacted the third rail [7]. 

Report on a Fatal Accident and Fire at the West London Terminal on 1 April 1967, Her Majesty s Stationery Office, London, 1967. 

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V7. High Voltage Power Transmission Lines Electric Currents. The chief hazard associated with operations near such lines is the possibility of being electrocuted should a cap leg wire or leading wire be thrown by the blast to make contact with the live power line... 

Never touch a person who is in contact with a live power line. 

Note that construction work adjacent to live overhead power lines eomes within the remit of Regulation 14. The same considerations apply and the precautions against injury from contact with the lines are explained in Chapter 11. 

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