What minimum clearance should be maintained from overhead power lines during lifts?

What minimum clearance should be maintained from overhead power lines during lifts?

• A. Keep at least five feet from lines.
• B. Maintain regulatory-required clearance; do not let any part of the load contact the lines; coordinate with utilities before lifting near lines; keep tag lines away from lines.
• C. Never consider utilities; assume lines are away.
• D. Only avoid contact with lines; ignore clearance regulations.

Answer: (B)

Electrical safety around overhead power lines hinges on keeping the load and rigging outside the regulatory-required clearance so nothing can contact the lines. Before any lift near lines, coordinate with the utility to determine if the lines can be de-energized or if other safe arrangements are needed, and establish a plan that keeps the load path and all rigging outside the prohibited zone. Keep tag lines away from the lines because a swinging line can become energized or create a conductive path, putting workers at serious risk. This approach protects people from shock and arc hazards and ensures compliance with the safety rules for working near energized equipment. Fixed small-distance rules or neglecting utilities are unsafe and not acceptable.

Electrical safety around overhead power lines hinges on keeping the load and rigging outside the regulatory-required clearance so nothing can contact the lines. Before any lift near lines, coordinate with the utility to determine if the lines can be de-energized or if other safe arrangements are needed, and establish a plan that keeps the load path and all rigging outside the prohibited zone. Keep tag lines away from the lines because a swinging line can become energized or create a conductive path, putting workers at serious risk. This approach protects people from shock and arc hazards and ensures compliance with the safety rules for working near energized equipment. Fixed small-distance rules or neglecting utilities are unsafe and not acceptable.