Contact with overhead power lines remains one of the deadliest hazards for crane, excavator, concrete pump and tipper operators. Electricity can also arc across a gap without direct contact.
Plan to stay away
The best control is to avoid working near live lines altogether: re-route the work, ask the network operator to isolate or divert the line, or use equipment that cannot reach it.
When work must go ahead
- Confirm the line voltage and the minimum approach distance with the network operator and local regulations — for example, OSHA uses 20 ft for lines up to 350 kV.
- Mark the exclusion zone with barriers, goal posts or flags.
- Use a dedicated spotter whose only job is watching the clearance.
- Brief the team on what to do if contact happens.
If contact happens
Stay in the cab if it is safe to do so, warn others to keep away, and try to move the equipment clear. If you must leave because of fire, jump clear without touching the machine and the ground at the same time, then shuffle away with small steps.
