If clearance from power lines is less than 10 ft while moving equipment, what action is required?

If clearance from power lines is less than 10 ft while moving equipment, what action is required?

• A. Power lines de-energized or special precautions should be taken
• B. Proceed with caution at slow speed
• C. Only wear gloves
• D. Ignore; it's safe

Answer: (A)

When equipment is moving near energized power lines, there is a real risk of contact or arcing that can cause severe injury or death. The safety rule requires maintaining a safe minimum distance from lines, and if that distance drops below the allowable threshold (less than 10 feet in this scenario), you must either de-energize the lines or put protective measures in place to create a safe condition before proceeding. De-energizing the lines eliminates the voltage risk entirely, which is the most straightforward and reliable option. When that isn’t feasible, “special precautions” may be required—these can include routing the equipment away from the lines, using barriers or insulating shielding, ensuring only qualified personnel operate under approved procedures, having a spotter to maintain awareness, and verifying that the equipment and its boom, load, or structure will not encroach on the lines. The key idea is to avoid any possibility of contact or arcing by removing the voltage or guaranteeing a safe, protected working condition.

When equipment is moving near energized power lines, there is a real risk of contact or arcing that can cause severe injury or death. The safety rule requires maintaining a safe minimum distance from lines, and if that distance drops below the allowable threshold (less than 10 feet in this scenario), you must either de-energize the lines or put protective measures in place to create a safe condition before proceeding.

De-energizing the lines eliminates the voltage risk entirely, which is the most straightforward and reliable option. When that isn’t feasible, “special precautions” may be required—these can include routing the equipment away from the lines, using barriers or insulating shielding, ensuring only qualified personnel operate under approved procedures, having a spotter to maintain awareness, and verifying that the equipment and its boom, load, or structure will not encroach on the lines. The key idea is to avoid any possibility of contact or arcing by removing the voltage or guaranteeing a safe, protected working condition.