Overhead hazards
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Published by SALUSToolbox Talk: Overhead Hazards
Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]
Objective
To educate participants on the risks associated with overhead hazards, particularly those involving energized power lines, and to provide practical measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
Introduction
Overhead hazards, especially those involving energized power lines, pose significant risks in many work environments. Understanding these hazards and implementing effective safety measures is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure a safe workplace.
Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to overhead hazards.
Key Points
- Awareness of Overhead Lines: Always be aware of the location of overhead power lines and maintain a safe distance to prevent accidental contact.
- Use of Signallers: Employ signallers to guide equipment movement near overhead lines to ensure safe operations [1].
- Protective Equipment: Ensure vehicles and equipment are equipped with overhead guards to protect operators from falling objects [2].
- Approach Distances: Maintain minimum approach distances to energized lines as specified by safety regulations [3].
- Emergency Procedures: Have clear emergency procedures in place in case of contact with overhead lines.
Hazard Identification
Common hazards related to overhead lines include:
- Contact with Energized Lines: Can result in electrocution or severe injury.
- Falling Objects: Objects can fall from overhead structures, posing a risk to workers below.
- Equipment Movement: Moving equipment can inadvertently contact overhead lines if not properly monitored.
Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.
Control Measures
- Elimination: De-energize and ground lines when possible before starting work [4].
- Engineering Controls: Use insulating barriers or guards to prevent contact with lines [5].
- Administrative Controls: Implement a system of signallers and clear communication protocols [1].
- PPE: Use insulated gloves and other protective gear when working near energized lines [3].
Safe Work Procedures
- Identify all overhead lines in the work area.
- Establish a safe work zone with appropriate barriers.
- Use signallers to guide equipment movement.
- Maintain safe approach distances at all times.
- Follow emergency procedures if contact occurs.
Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
- Insulated Gloves: Use when working near energized lines to prevent electrical shock [3].
- Hard Hats: Protect against falling objects from overhead structures [6].
- Safety Glasses: Protect eyes from debris and other hazards.
Real-World Example or Case Study
Discuss a scenario where a worker was injured due to contact with an overhead line. Highlight what went wrong and the safety measures that could have prevented the incident.
Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.
Group Discussion
Discuss the following questions:
- What are some common overhead hazards in our workplace?
- How can we improve our current safety measures?
- What should be done in case of an emergency involving overhead lines?
Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.
Emergency Procedures
- Stop all work immediately.
- Notify the supervisor and emergency services.
- Evacuate the area if necessary.
- Follow the company's emergency response plan.
Questions and Answers
Encourage participants to ask questions and provide answers to common questions related to overhead hazards.
- Q: What is the minimum safe distance from overhead power lines?
A: Maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet for lines up to 50kV, and increase by 0.4 inches for each additional kV [4].
- Q: What should I do if my equipment contacts an overhead line?
A: Stay inside the equipment if safe, and call for help immediately.
Summary
- Always be aware of overhead hazards and maintain safe distances.
- Use signallers and communication protocols to guide equipment movement.
- Implement engineering and administrative controls to prevent contact with lines.
- Use appropriate PPE to protect against electrical and physical hazards.
Action Items
- Review and update safety protocols for working near overhead lines.
- Conduct regular training sessions on overhead hazard awareness.
- Ensure all equipment is equipped with necessary protective features.
Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility. Stay alert and report any hazards immediately.
Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.
Safety powered by SALUS
Sources used for this answer
[1] Occupational Safety General Regulations (N.S. Reg. 44/99)
Page 34
Open source documentSource excerpt
- (d) is not able to see clearly where the hoist or its load may encroach the minimum distance specified in Section 126 or a hoist is positioned closer than the length of its boom to an overhead energized power line or power line equipment; or - (e) is causing the equipment to move under its own power from one location to another and the situation creates a hazard in the workplace. Subsection 57(1) amended: O.I.C. 2000-130, N.S. Reg. 52/2000; amended: O.I.C. 2013-65, N.S. Reg. 53/2013. - (2) A signaller shall - (a) be readily identifiable to the operator; - (b) direct the movement of a load or equipment by a well understood distinctive code of hand signals or another effective communication system; - (c) warn the operator each time - (i) any part of the hoist or its load may encroach on the minimum distance specified in Section 126, or - (ii) the hoist is positioned closer than the length of its boom from an overhead energized power line or power line equipment; and - (d) obtain the assistance of another signaller if all or part of the view of the load or route is obstructed from both the signaller and the operator. - (3) An operator of a hoist, lift truck or powered mobile equipment in a situation referred to in subsection (1) shall move a load only on a signal from a signaller. Subsection 57(3) amended: O.I.C. 2013-65, N.S. Reg. 53/2013. ## Safety equipment and precautions - 58 An employer shall ensure that a mobile crane, lift truck or powered mobile equipment is equipped with - (a) an audible back-up alarm that - (i) operates automatically when the vehicle is in reverse gear, and - (ii) is clearly audible above the background noise at the workplace, - or that another means of protection or warning that provides an equivalent \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
[2] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)
Page 1729
Open source documentSource excerpt
Division 2 - (7) Approach distances to exposed energized overhead power lines and parts. The employer shall ensure that no employee approaches or takes any conductive object closer to any electrically energized overhead power lines and parts than prescribed in Table R-2, unless: - (i) The employee is insulated or guarded from the energized parts (insulating gloves rated for the voltage involved shall be considered adequate insulation), or - (ii) The energized parts are insulated or guarded from the employee and any other conductive object at a different potential, or - (iii) The power conductors and equipment are deenergized and grounded. - (8) Illumination of field work. Whenever natural light is insufficient to adequately illuminate the work site, artificial illumination shall be provided to enable the employee to perform the work safely. Table R 2 - Approach Distances to Exposed Energized Overhead Power Lines and Parts
[3] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)
Page 482
Open source documentSource excerpt
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - (5) Overhead lines . If work is to be performed near overhead lines, you must deenergize and ground the lines, or provide other protective measures before work is started. If the lines are to be deenergized, you must make arrangements with the person or organization that operates or controls the electric circuits involved to deenergize and ground them. If protective measures, such as guarding, isolating, or insulating, these precautions must prevent employees from contacting such lines directly with any part of their body or indirectly through conductive materials, tools, or equipment. - (6) Unqualified persons . When an unqualified person is working in an elevated position, or on the ground, near overhead lines, the location must be such that the person and the longest conductive object he or she may contact cannot come closer to any unguarded, energized overhead line than the following distances: - (a) For voltages to ground 50kV or below--10 ft.; - (b) For voltages to ground over 50kV--10 ft. plus 0.4 inch for every 1 kV over 50 kV. - (7) Qualified persons . When a qualified person is working in the vicinity of overhead lines, whether in an elevated position or on the ground, the person must not approach or take any conductive object without an approved insulating handle closer to exposed energized parts than shown in subsections (3) and (4) of this section unless: - (a) The person is insulated from the energized part (gloves, with sleeves if necessary, rated for the voltage involved are considered to be insulation of the person from the energized part on which work is performed); or - (b) The energized part is insulated both from all other conductive objects at a different potential and from the person; or - (c) The person is insulated from all co…
[4] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)
Page 1700
Open source documentSource excerpt
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Division 2 - (iv) Overhead guard. All vehicles operated in areas where overhead hazards exist shall be equipped with an approved overhead guard. See American National Standard Safety Code for Powered Industrial Trucks, B56.1-1969, which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6. - (v) Platform guard. Where the operator is exposed to hazard from backing the vehicle into objects, an approved platform guard shall be provided and so arranged as to not impede exit of driver from vehicle. - (vi) Reserved. - (vii) Operation in buildings. Vehicles powered by internal combustion engines shall not operate in buildings unless the buildings are adequately ventilated. - (viii) Load limits. No vehicle shall be operated with loads exceeding its safe load capacity. - (ix) Brakes. All vehicles shall be equipped with brakes capable of holding and controlling the vehicle and capacity load upon any incline or grade over which they may be operated. - (x) Reserved. - (xi) Carriers. - (A) Carriers shall be so designed and constructed that the operator's field of vision shall not be unnecessarily restricted. - (B) Carriers shall be provided with an access ladder or equivalent. - (xii) Lumber hauling trucks. - (A) On trucks where movement of load on stopping would endanger the operator, a substantial bulkhead shall be installed behind the operator's seat. This shall extend to the top of the operator's compartment. - (B) Stakes, stake pockets, racks, tighteners, and binders shall provide adequate means to secure the load against any movement during transit. - (C) Where rollers are used, at least two shall be equipped with locks which shall be locked when supporting loads during transit. - (31) Traffic control and flow.
[5] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)
Page 486
Open source documentSource excerpt
## WORKING NEAR OVERHEAD HIGH VOLTAGES LINES & EQUIPMENT ## SAFETY-RELATED WORK PRACTICES ## [redacted phone] Working Near Overhead High Voltage Lines and Equipment. ## (1) Definitions. Insulating Barrier or Guard. A structure, installation, barrier, or guard (such as a wall, fence, pole, shield, or something similar) that stops movement and prevents all possible contact with the lines or equipment. Its design, material composition, and installation prevents possible conduction of electricity up to the maximum voltage of the system. ## Restricted Space. - (a) For lines rated more than 600 V to 50 kV, restricted space extends 10 feet in all directions from the surface of the line or equipment. - (b) For lines rated over 50 kV, restricted space extends 10 feet plus 0.4 inch for each 1 kV over 50 kV, or twice the length of the insulator (but never less than 10 feet) in all directions from the surface of the line or equipment. - (c) For equipment or structures in transit, on level surfaces, restricted space extends 4 feet in all directions from lines or equipment rated 50 kV or less, 10 feet in all directions for lines or equipment rated over 50 kV, and 16 feet in all directions for lines or equipment rated over 345 kV up to and including 750 kV. Proper Notification. The person(s) responsible for the planned activity must notify the owner/ operator of the line or equipment, at their business office, at least 2 business days prior to the anticipated beginning of work (business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal and state holidays). The notification must include: (1) the proposed date to start activity within restricted space; (2) the location of the planned activity; (3) a description of the planned activity; and (4) name and contact information of the contact person. - (2) General requirement. Do not enter, perform any function of activity (such as handling, erecting, operating, transporting, or storing any tools, equipment or materials, …
[6] CAT 345D, 349D, and 349D2 Excavators Operation and Maintenance Manual
Page 23
Open source documentSource excerpt
<!-- image --> Operating the machine while distracted can result in the loss of machine control. Use extreme caution when using any device while operating the machine. Operating the machine while distracted can result in personal injury or death. Know the width of your equipment to maintain proper clearance when you operate the equipment near fences or near boundary obstacles. Be aware of high-voltage power lines and power cables that are buried. If the machine comes in contact with these hazards, serious injury or death may occur from electrocution. Illustration 41 <!-- image --> Wear a hard hat, protective glasses, and other protective equipment, as required. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that can snag on controls or on other parts of the equipment. Make sure that all protective guards and all covers are secured in place on the equipment. Keep the equipment free from foreign material. Remove debris, oil, tools, and other items from the deck, from walkways, and from steps. Secure all loose items such as lunch boxes, tools, and other items that are not a part of the equipment. Know the appropriate work site hand signals and the personnel that are authorized to give the hand signals. Accept hand signals from one person only. Do not smoke when you service an air conditioner. Also, do not smoke if refrigerant gas may be present. Inhaling the fumes that are released from a flame that contacts air conditioner refrigerant can cause bodily harm or death. Inhaling gas from air conditioner refrigerant through a lighted cigarette can cause bodily harm or death. Never put maintenance fluids into glass containers. Drain all liquids into a suitable container. Obey all local regulations for the disposal of liquids. Use all cleaning solutions with care. Report all necessary repairs. Do not allow unauthorized personnel on the equipment. Unless you are instructed otherwise, perform maintenance with the equipment in the servicing position. Refer to Operation …
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