Power lines working near

Ask your trainees if they know of anyone injmed by an electric arc accident. Discuss possible scenarios where a worker could be exposed to arc flash (working near overhead power lines, working near exposed electrical equipment). Discuss any company-specific training that yom- employees need to know. 

Keep your distance from power lines-notify the company before working near power lines. Never work closer tlian lO feet on a ladder near power lines. Use insulated equipment (notliing metal). Never touch fallen power lines. 

NIOSH, 1995. Preventing electrocutions of crane operators and crew members working near overhead power lines, NIOSH Alert, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No... 

Working on a scaffold platform involves understanding (1) loading and rated capacity, (2) working near power lines, (3) weather conditions, and (4) fall protection requirements. At the same time employees must concentrate on doing the project. 

Subpart CC requires employers to use a very specific and systematic approach to deal with the hazards of power lines. When working near all voltages the basic steps are ... 

Trigger distances for working near overhead power lines. 

Working near overhead power lines is a very dangerous job. The following safety tips can help you protect your employees. 

Where the exact location of underground lines are unknown, employees using jackhammers or hand tools that may contact a line must be provided with insulated protective gloves. If work is to be done near overhead power lines, the lines must be de-energized and grounded or other protective measures must be provided before work is started. Unqualified employees and mechanical equipment must stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. For voltages over 50,000 volts, the clearance should be increased by four inches for each additional 10,000 volts. 

Beyond 1926.950, employers will find further training provisions in Subpart V. These go over first aid, job briefings, enclosed spaces, personal protective equipment, personal fall arrest systems, working on or near exposed energized parts, testing, overhead fines and live-line barehand work, laser equipment, power-line carrier work, and more. 

Construction equipment, fire fighting equipment, and other elevated machines can contact overhead power lines. Equipment operators must know line locations and properly position equipment when working near lines. In some cases, the power should be shut off. Depending on voltage, electricity can arc through air as far as three or more feet to grounded equipment. 

This long-overdue update will save nearly 20 lives and prevent 118 serious injuries annually, said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. Electric utilities, electrical contractors and labor organizations have persistently championed these much-needed measures to better protect the men and women who work on or near electrical power lines. ... 

Electrical hazards are covered in detail in Chapter 14, and all the control measures mentioned apply on a construction site. However, due to the possibility of wet conditions, it is recommended that only 110 V equipment is used on site. If mains electricity is used (perhaps during the final fitting out of the building), residual current devices should be used with all electrical equipment. Where workers or tall vehicles are working near or under overhead power lines, either the power should be turned off or goal posts or taped markers used to prevent contact with the lines. Similarly, underground supply lines should be located and marked before digging takes place. 

Plant and equipment should be used with care to ensure that no part of them comes into contact with overhead or underground wires or cables. When working near any power lines or cables or other services such as gas mains, any national or local legislative requirements for such work must be followed. 

Has the design considered the requirements of electrical hot work and cranes near power lines such that outage requirements and variances wiil be minimized ... 

Work being performed near transmitter towers or power lines— where an electrical charge can be induced in the equipment or materials being handled— must have precautionary measures implemented to dissipate induced voltages, and this must be done before the work is performed. Also, be aware of the limitations of grounding. 

When work incorporates aerial devices near power lines, the lines must be deenergized or the device must be adequately insulated. When using the devices, the following clearances to power lines must be maintained ... 

Work near or under overhead power lines... 

When working near overhead power lines, the use of nonconductive wooden or fiberglass ladders is recommended. 

---