Write a risk assessment for crane operations near power lines

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(A) Use a dedicated spotter (who meets the definition of a dedi- cated spotter) who is in continuous contact with the crane/equipment operator, plus an elevated warning line, barricade, or line of signs, in view of the spotter, equipped with flags or similar high-visibility markings. The dedicated spotter must: (I) Be equipped with a visual aid to assist in identifying the minimum clearance distance. Examples of a visual aid include: A clear- ly visible line painted on the ground; a clearly visible line on stan- chions; a set of clearly visible line-of-sight landmarks (such as a fence post behind the dedicated spotter and a building corner ahead of the dedicated spotter); (II) Be positioned to effectively gauge the clearance distance; (III) Where necessary, use equipment that enables the dedicated spotter to communicate directly with the operator, in accordance with WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code] (13) (radio, telephone, or other electronic transmis- sion of signals); and (IV) Give timely information to the operator so that the required clearance distance can be maintained. (B) A proximity alarm set to give the operator sufficient warning to prevent encroachment. (C) A device that automatically warns the operator when to stop movement, such as a range control warning device. Such a device must be set to give the operator sufficient warning to prevent encroach- ment. (D) A device that automatically limits range of movement, set to prevent encroachment. (c) Assembly, disassembly, or reconfiguration below power lines is prohibited. No part of a crane/equipment, load line, or load (in- cluding rigging and lifting accessories), whether partially or fully assembled, is allowed below a power line unless it has been confirmed that the utility owner/operator has deenergized and visibly grounded the power line at the job site. (d) Assembly, disassembly, or reconfiguration inside Table 4 clearance is prohibited. No part of a crane/equipment, load line, or load (incl…

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# Appendix A (cont.) ## Cranes [crawler cranes, rubber-tired hydraulic cranes, truck-mounted - cranes] (cont.) b. Can the operation be changed in some way to eliminate the need for a crane? c. Can the utility company de-energize the overhead power lines? - Always meet with the power utility prior to de-energizing the line so that they can visually identify for you what sections of the line are de-energized. Always arrange with the utility to have them contact you in person when they re- energize the line. Even if you are working near a line that appears to be de- energized and visibly grounded, but if you are not absolutely sure, contact the utility and meet with them on site to visually identify the de-energized sections. d. Can the utility company move the overhead power lines? - Only the power utility can move an overhead power line. 4. If the power line hazard can't be eliminated, what can be done to prevent a line contact? a. Can barrier protection be used? - With any form of barrier protection, the contractor should not allow any portion of the crane to move closer than the line clearance distance. - If insulated sleeves are used, only the power utility can install them. - If a physical barrier is used to prevent any part of the crane from contacting the power lines, the barrier cannot be attached to the power line or utility pole, and must be substantial enough for the crane being used. b. Can warning lines with flags be used? - The contractor may be able to use flagged warning lines to visually mark the horizontal or vertical line clearance distance. The warning lines can't be attached to the power line or utility poles. c. Can an observer be used? - When using an observer, the observer should be positioned so as to have a clear view of the overhead line and must not be given other responsibilities that may create distractions. - For horizontal clearances, the observer should mark off on the ground the line clearance dis…

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power line, or more than the Table 4 minimum clearance distance below the plane of the power line; or (D) Compliance with (d) (i) of this subsection is infeasible and meets all of the requirements of subsection (4) of this section. (e) Power lines presumed energized. It must be assumed that all power lines are energized unless the utility owner/operator confirms that the power line has been, and continues to be, deenergized and visibly grounded at the job site. (f) Training. (i) The employer must train each operator and crew member as- signed to work with the crane/equipment on all the following: (A) The procedures to be followed in the event of electrical con- tact with a power line. Such training must include: (I) Information regarding the danger of electrocution from the operator simultaneously touching the crane/equipment and the ground; (II) The importance to the operator's safety of remaining inside the cab, except where there is an imminent danger of fire, explosion, or other emergency that necessitates leaving the cab; (III) The safest means of evacuating from the crane/equipment that may be energized; (IV) The danger of the potentially energized zone around the crane/equipment (step potential); (V) The need for crew in the area to avoid approaching or touch- ing the crane/equipment and the load; and (VI) Safe clearance distance from power lines. (B) Power lines are presumed to be energized unless the utility owner/operator confirms that the power line has been and continues to be deenergized, and visibly grounded at the job site. (C) Power lines are presumed to be uninsulated unless the utility owner/operator or a registered engineer who is a qualified person with respect to electrical power transmission and distribution confirms that a power line is insulated. (D) The limitations of an insulating link/device, proximity alarm, and range control (and similar) device, if used. (E) The procedures to be followed to properly ground equipment and…

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POWER LINE SAFETY - EVALUATING THE WORK ZONE ## Requirements for preventing encroachment/electrocution (Options 2 and 3) 1. Conduct a planning meeting. Meet with the operator and the other workers who will be in the area to review the location of the power line(s), and steps that will be implemented to prevent encroachment. 2. If tag lines are used, they must be nonconductive. 3. Erect an elevated warning line, barricade, or line of signs, in view of the operator. The warning line must have flags or similar high-visibility markings at 20 feet from the power line if using Option (2), or at the minimum approach distance under Table A, if using Option (3). If the operator is unable to see the warning line, you must use a dedicated spotter who is in continuous contact with the operator. 4. Do at least one of the following: - Use a proximity alarm set to give sufficient warning to prevent encroachment. • Use a dedicated spotter who is in continuous contact with the operator. Dedicated spotter must: - Be equipped with a visual aid to assist in identifying the minimum clearance distance, such as clearly visible lines painted on the ground, a clearly visible line of stanchions, or a set of clearly visible line-of-sight landmarks. - Be positioned to effectively gauge the clearance distance. - Use equipment to communicate directly with the operator. - Give timely information to the operator in order to maintain the required clearance distance. - Be trained to effectively perform this task, including training on the applicable requirements of 1926.1408. • Use a device that automatically warns the operator when to stop movement, such as a range-control warning device set to give the operator sufficient warning to prevent encroachment. - Use a device that automatically limits range of movement. • Use an insulating link/device that is installed at a point between the end of the load line (or below) and the load. 5. Train each ope…

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# Appendix A (cont.) ## Cranes [crawler cranes, rubber-tired hydraulic cranes, truck-mounted - cranes] (cont.) For vertical clearances, the observer should use some nearby visual marker to identify the line clearance distance. One might use flagged warning line not attached to the power lines or utility poles. d. Can protective technologies be used? - Insulated link: This type of device is designed to provide an insulating barrier between the load and the load line. The link must be periodically inspected and properly maintained. If a power line contact occurs on the rigging or the load, the rigger will not be protected. If a power line contact occurs on the boom or any other part of the crane, the operator and any workers near the crane will be exposed to a potential electrocution. With this device the operator can't work closer than the line clearance distance to an overhead power line. - Proximity device: This device is designed to warn the operator when the crane boom moves too close to an overhead power line. It is possible to get false readings with it, so the operator must be familiar with the device's limitations. With this device the operator can't work closer than the line clearance distance to an overhead power line. - Boom-cage guard: This device is designed to provide an insulating barrier between the guard and the crane boom. It must be periodically inspected and properly maintained. The device will only provide protection for the area of the boom covered by the device. This device does not allow the operator to work closer than the line clearance distance to an overhead power line. 5. Common Hazards Involving Cranes a. Material storage underneath overhead power lines: The contractor must not allow any material storage underneath any overhead line. A good way to prevent this from occurring is to use caution tape to cordon-off all areas under overhead lines and use signage to communicate why the area cannot be entered by equipment. b. …

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proach distance established in (d) of this subsection and prevent electrocution. This meeting shall be conducted prior to the commence- ment of using the crane/equipment, and must be documented. The meeting documentation must remain on-site for the entire duration that the crane/equipment is on-site, and shall include at least the following: (i) Names and signatures of all meeting attendees; (ii) Date the meeting is conducted; (iii) Address/location of where the crane work will be performed; (iv) Drawing showing the equipment's work Zone and how it is identified; (v) Voltage information and location of all energized lines; and (vi) Steps implemented to prevent encroachment/electrocution. (h) The procedures developed to comply with (e) of this subsec- tion are implemented; (i) The utility owner/operator, RPE who is a qualified person with respect to electrical power transmission and distribution, and all employers of any employees involved in the work, must identify one person who will direct the implementation of the procedures. The per- son identified in accordance with this section must direct the imple- mentation of the procedures and must have the authority to stop work at any time to ensure safety; (j) If a problem occurs implementing the procedures being used to comply with (e) of this subsection, or there is indication that those procedures are inadequate to prevent electrocution, the employer must safely stop operations and either develop new procedures to comply with (e) of this subsection, or have the utility owner/operator dee- nergize and visibly ground or relocate the power line at the job site before resuming work; (k) Devices originally designed by the manufacturer for use as a safety device (see WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code]), operational aids (see WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code]), or a means to prevent power line contact or electrocu- tion, when used to comply with this section, must meet the manufactur- er's procedures for us…

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WORK SAFE KENTUCKY Free safety resources provided by KEMI HOME SAFETY RESOURCES SAFETY TRAINING SAFETY BLOG ABOUT KEMI CONTACT US O # Mobile Cranes and Overhead Power Lines ## Print a Sign-In Sheet | Spanish Version The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established standards for the safe operation of cranes near power lines. ## Line Clearance Distance OSHA's Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Standard 29 CFR 1910.269 limits crane operations to a minimum clearance distance of 10 feet from power lines and related equipment energized up to 50 kilovolts (50,000 volts). For power lines and equipment energized. more than 50 kV, the distance is 10 feet plus 4 inches for every 10 kV over 50 kV. ## Safe Working Clearance Distance OSHA's minimum line clearance determines only the closest distance that any equipment or material can get to an overhead power line. It does not determine the safe working clearance distance. The safe working clearance distance is determined by adding a crane's furthest reach, including the extension of any load, to the line clearance distance. For example, if a crane with a 100-foot boom is working near a power line that has a line clearance distance of 10 feet, the crane should be placed 110 feet from the power line. A 100-foot crane located 50 feet from a power line still has the potential to come in contact with the line. The safe working clearance eliminates this risk and should be used whenever possible. Under no circumstances should equipment or personnel be closer than OSHA's line clearance distance unless the utility has de-energized and visibly grounded the power lines and informed the appropriate personnel that the lines no longer pose a threat. ## Contact with Power Lines If the crane or mast comes in contact with a power line, the operator should swing the boom into the clear. If it is necessary to leave the equipment, anyone on the machine should jump entirely clear of the unit…

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ceeds 350 kV (if using Option (2)), or at the minimum approach dis- tance under Table 4 of this section (if using Option (3)). If the op- erator is unable to see the elevated warning line, a dedicated spotter must be used as described in (iv) (B) of this subsection, in addition to implementing one of the measures described in (b) (i), (iii) through (v) of this subsection. (iv) Implement at least one of the following measures: (A) A proximity alarm set to give the operator sufficient warning to prevent encroachment. (B) Use a dedicated spotter (who meets the definition of a dedi- cated spotter) who is in continuous contact with the crane/equipment operator, plus an elevated warning line, barricade, or line of signs, in view of the spotter, equipped with fluorescent colored flags or similar high-visibility markings. The dedicated spotter must: (I) Be equipped with a visual aid to assist in identifying the minimum clearance distance. Examples of a visual aid include: A clear- ly visible line painted on the ground; a clearly visible line on stan- chions; a set of clearly visible line-of-sight landmarks (such as a fence post behind the dedicated spotter and a building corner ahead of the dedicated spotter). (II) Be positioned to effectively gauge the clearance distance. (III) Where necessary, use equipment that enables the dedicated spotter to communicate directly with the operator. (IV) Give timely information to the operator so that the required clearance distance can be maintained. (C) A device that automatically warns the operator when to stop movement, such as a range control warning device. Such a device must be set to give the operator sufficient warning to prevent encroach- ment. (D) A device that automatically limits range of movement, set to prevent encroachment. (E) An insulating link/device, as defined in WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code], installed at a point between the end of the load line (or below) and the load. (v) The requirements of (b) …

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# OVERHEAD POWERLINES DANGER OVERHEAD POWER LINES Date Posted: 05/30/2024 According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, between 2011 and 2020, 39% of all electrically related workplace fatalities were caused by overhead power lines. 53% of all fatal electrical injuries occurred in the Construction industry. The Construction industry has remained the leading source of fatal electrical injuries, with 82, about three times the amount of the second-highest industry. Working with or near power lines can expose workers to electrical hazards, but these dangers can be avoided through safe work practices. Exposure to overhead power line hazards is not limited to employees of electrical utilities-workers in industries like construction and agriculture can also be exposed to them. Accidental contact with live overhead power lines can cause severe injuries and even death. Electricity can jump if equipment or machinery gets too close to powerlines, and fatal injury can be sustained, even without direct contact with a powerline. ## WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF OVERHEAD POWERLINES? - Generally, there are three types of lines: • Transmission lines: Carry more than 69,000 volts of current. Subtransmission lines: Carry from 34,500 volts to 69,000 volts of current. • Distribution lines: Carry less than 34,500 volts of current. ## WHAT ARE COMMON CONSTRUCTION EXPOSURES TO OVERHEAD POWERLINES • Use elevating equipment, like dump trucks, backhoes, or cranes • Carry long conductive objects like piping or ladders. • Work at elevation, from ladders and scaffolds, aerial lifts, or in bucket trucks. ## HAZARDS OF EXPOSURE TO OVERHEAD POWERLINES When workers are near overhead power lines, they may be exposed to hazards that include: • Electric shock Direct contact with live electrical current results in electric shock, which can kill or injure. • Electrocution: Electrocution occurs when a worker receives a powerful enough electric shock to kill. Electrical burns: A person who co…

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FACE/WA Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation FATALITY NARRATIVE Framer Electrocuted when Crane Hoist Line Contacts Power Line * Industry: Framing contractors Task: Rigging OSB bundle to be lifted by crane Occupation: Framer Type of Incident: Electrocution Incident Date: June 7, 2012 Release Date: August 13, 2013 SHARP Report No.: 71-123-2013 Case No.: 12WA019 On June 07, 2012, a journeyman framer acting as a rigger was electrocuted when a boom truck's crane hoist line contacted an overhead power line. The 34-year-old victim was employed by a framing contractor. The victim, who was the site lead framer, and two other framers had been working on a new two- story, single-family residence for 15 days. On the day of the incident, an employee of another contractor was operating a telescopic boom truck crane to deliver trusses and lumber. In order to make room for delivery of the trusses, the victim asked the crane operator to lift two bundles of OSB sheathing to the residence's second floor. The victim used a steel chain to rig an OSB bundle. The crane operator then lifted the bundle slightly and the victim placed blocks under the bundle so that he could place a second chain around it. As the victim was placing a second chain around the bundle in preparation for the lift, he grabbed the crane's hoist line in order to hook the chain. The line was in contact with a 7,200 volt overhead power line and carried electric current to the victim. He was electrocuted and died two days later. ## Requirements - Have a formal Accident Prevention Program tailored to the needs of the particular operation and potential overhead power line electrocution hazards involved with operating, rigging, and signaling a crane. See WAC [redacted identifier](2). • Identify potential hazards by performing a site walk-around safety inspection. See WAC [redacted identifier](9). • Conduct a crew safety meeting. See WAC [redacted identifier](5). • Define a work zone by demarcating boundar…

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# Chapter 6 ## Planning After you have identified the power line hazards and developed ways to prevent electrocutions, you should put it into a written plan. The plan should be treated like any job safety analysis and cover: - The power line hazards on the job site. - Methods to eliminate or reduce those hazards. - Worker training (content and verification). - Assignment of responsibility for certain activities (e.g. observer for crane near line). - Communication between contractors about power line hazards and control methods used on the job site. - Emergency response. ## Survey Before beginning any project, you must first survey your work area to find power lines at the job site. The important question to ask is, "where are the power lines on the job site?". ## "Where are the power lines on the job site?" With prints in hand, go to the work site and identify all of the overhead and underground power lines that may put you or your workers at risk. Consider any line to be live until proven otherwise. Ideally, this should be done several weeks before beginning your job. If you think you'll need a local utility to de-energize, move or shield any lines, contact the company well in advance. Area one-call systems and affected utilities may need several days to locate underground lines. Don't cut yourself short by waiting until the last minute. ## Identify After finding all of the power lines at your site, identify the activities you'll be doing that may put you or your workers at risk. Ask yourself, "what will our company be doing that may result in a power line contact?". ## "What will our company be doing that may result in a power line contact?" List the activities that you believe will place any worker or piece of equipment inside the buffer zone of an overhead power line. Remember, high-risk equipment and activities include: 18

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WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code] Power line safety. (1) Assembly, disassembly, or reconfiguration of a crane/equipment. (a) Before assembling, disassembling, or reconfiguring a crane/ equipment, it must first be determined if any part of the crane/equip- ment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories) could get, in the direction or area of assembly, closer than 20 feet of a power line that is up to 350 kV, or closer than 50 feet of a pow- er line that exceeds 350 kV during the assembly, disassembly, or re- configuration process. If so, the requirements in Option (1), Option (2), or Option (3), must be met as follows: (i) Option (1) - Deenergize and ground. Confirm from the utility owner/operator that the power line has been deenergized and visibly grounded at the job site. (ii) Option (2) - Clearance. Ensure that no part of the crane/ equipment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accesso- ries) gets closer than 20 feet of a power line that is up to 350 kV, or closer than 50 feet of a power line that exceeds 350 kV, by imple- menting the measures specified in (b) of this subsection. (iii) Option (3) - Table 4 clearance. (A) Determine the line's voltage and the minimum approach dis- tance permitted under Table 4 of this section. (B) Determine if any part of the crane/equipment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), could get closer than the minimum approach distance of the power line permitted under Table 4 of this section. If so, the requirements in (b) of this sub- section must be followed to ensure that no part of the crane/equip- ment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), gets closer to the line than the minimum approach distance. (b) Preventing encroachment/electrocution. Where encroachment precautions are required under Option (2) or Option (3), all of the following requirements must be met: (i) Conduct a planning meeting with the A/D director, operator, assembly,…

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# Fatality Narrative Worker Electrocuted when Irrigation System Contacts Overhead Power Line* Industry: Irrigation assembly Occupation: Construction laborer/operator pivot irrigation circle into place to assemble Type of Incident: Electrocution Release Date: May 9, 2002 Case No.: 02WA019 Task: Truck-mounted crane lifting end tower of SHARP Report No.: 71-1-2002 On February 12, 2002 a section of an irrigation system being lifted by a crane contacted an overhead power line killing a 28 year-old construction laborer/operator. The victim was standing on the ground operating the truck-mounted crane to lift a section of an irrigation system into place. He was lifting the end tower of a pivot irrigation circle system onto a dolly so that it could be moved out into the field where it could be attached to the rest of the assembled system. This section was 80 feet longer than previously assembled sections and extended under power lines. It came into contact with a 7620 volt ac power 3 phase system distribution line. The power went through the section, the truck, the operator and into the ground. The victim had one year of experience in the assembly of irrigation systems. He did not belong to a union. At the time of the incident the weather was clear and cold and it was near dusk. He had been working for the company for about a year. ## Requirements/Recommendations - Σ Evaluate job site before beginning work to determine how best to move and place the crane. - Σ If possible, avoid using cranes in the vicinity of overhead power lines. - Σ When operating cranes near overhead power lines maintain proper clearance distances. Remember the 10 foot rule. Keep vehicles, equipment, tools, and people at least 10 feet from overhead power lines. - Σ Consider all overhead power lines to be energized unless the utility company or owner of the line has confirmed that it is de-energized and grounded. - Σ A qualified worker should be assigned to observe clearance during crane mo…

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# KEY REQUIREMENTS IN SUBDIVISION CC # Power line safety when operating near overhead power lines: evaluating the work zone If the crane will be operating near an overhead power line, do both of the following before the work begins: 1. Determine the power line's voltage. (Ask the utility owner or utility operator for the information. Allow the utility two working days to give you the information.) 2. Use Table A to determine the crane's minimum clearance distance to the power line (Page 18). " If any part of the crane, including rigging and lifting accessories, could get closer to the power line than the minimum clearance distance in Table A, ask the utility to de-energize and ground the power line. Do this before you begin work. ■ If the utility can't ground and de-energize the power line, or if you're unable to confirm from the utility that the power line is de-energized, you must identify the work zone by doing "A" or "B," below. A. Mark the boundaries of the work zone using items such as flags, a range-limit device, or a range-control warning device and prohibit the crane operator from operating beyond those boundaries. Once you have established the boundary (based on Table A) and prohibited crane operations from going beyond that boundary, you do not need to do anything else. (See diagram on Page 19.) B. Define the work zone as an area 360 degrees around the crane, up to the crane's maximum working radius for the actual crane work. If the crane can get within 20 feet of the power line, do one of the following: ■ Ground and de-energize the power line ■ Maintain 20 feet and ensure that no part of the crane, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), gets closer than 20 feet by following the requirements for preventing encroachment or electrocution below ■ Maintain the required minimum approach distance in Table A and ensure that no part of the crane, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), gets closer than …

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WORKER HEALTH AND SAFETY ⑪FACT SHEET Power line safety - OSHA Oregon OSHA evaluating the work zone Department of Consumer and Business Services If a crane is going to operate within 20 feet of an overhead power line up to 350 kV, do the following: NOTE: Not applicable to utility owner/operators. Determine the power line's voltage. Ask the utility owner or utility operator for the information. Allow two working days for a response. ― 1926.1408 (c) Use Table A to determine the crane's minimum approach distance (MAD) to the power line. — 1926.1408 (a)(2)(iii) <table><tr><th colspan="2">Table A</th></tr><tr><td>Power line voltage - nominal kV, alternating current</td><td>Minimum approach distance (MAD) in feet</td></tr><tr><td>Up to 50</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>More than 50 to 200</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td>More than 200 to 350</td><td>20 20</td></tr><tr><td>More than 350 to 500</td><td>25 25</td></tr><tr><td>More than 500 to 750</td><td>35</td></tr><tr><td>More than 750 to 1,000</td><td>45</td></tr><tr><td>More than 1,000</td><td>See 1926.1408</td></tr></table> OSHA Oregon OSHA Department of Consumer and Business Services Salem Central Office [redacted street address]. NE Salem, OR [redacted identifier] Phone: [redacted phone] Toll-free: [redacted phone] Fax: [redacted phone]

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ings clearly visible to the operator, or a device such as a range lim- it device or range control warning device, and prohibiting the opera- tor from operating the crane/equipment past those boundaries; or (B) Define the work zone as the area 360 degrees around the crane/equipment, up to its maximum working radius. (ii) Determine if any part of the crane/equipment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), if operated up to its maximum working radius in the work zone, could get closer than 20 feet of a power line that is up to 350 kV, or closer than 50 feet of a power line that exceeds 350 kV. If so, the employer must meet the re- quirements in Option (1), Option (2), or Option (3) as follows: (A) Option (1) Deenergize and ground. Confirm from the utility - owner/operator that the power line has been deenergized and visibly grounded at the job site. (B) Option (2) 20-foot clearance. Ensure that no part of the - crane/equipment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting ac- cessories), gets closer than 20 feet to the power line by implementing the measures specified in (b) of this subsection. (C) Option (3) - Table 4 clearance. (I) Determine the line's voltage and the minimum approach dis- tance permitted under Table 4 of this section. (II) Determine if any part of the crane/equipment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), while operating up to its maximum working radius in the work zone, could get closer than the minimum approach distance of the power line permitted under Table 4 of this section. If so, the employer must follow the requirements in (b) of this subsection to ensure that no part of the crane/equipment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), gets closer to the line than the minimum approach distance. (b) Preventing encroachment/electrocution. Where encroachment precautions are required under Option (2) or Option (3), all of the following requirements must be met: …