Overhead Power Lines Toolbox Talk

Overhead Power Lines Safety Talk

Overhead power lines are one of many overhead hazards on a construction site. When working in construction, there will always be a chance of power lines running above you. In fact, more likely than not, there will be some somewhere on the property.

Knowing the right regulations and safety precautions to take when working around power lines is important. It is advised that all employees are trained and educated on the dangers and precautions that should be taken when working around overhead power lines.

Overhead power lines fatality statistics

Construction workers are at particularly high risk for death by electrocution, with the National Fire Protection Association calculating that of the 325 electrocutions that took place from 2012-2016, 77% involved construction workers. 

All employees who work in construction should be educated on electrical safety and the risks that come from electrocution. They should also know how to prevent electrocution and other electrical injuries. Many times, these incidents happen because workers have not been made aware of what can cause electrocution on the jobsite.

How to avoid electrocution from overhead power lines

The best way to avoid getting electrocuted by a power line is to not go near them in the first place. However, depending on the task and jobsite, that may not always be possible. When you are not able to completely stay clear of power lines, here are some safety precautions you can take:

1. Inspect the site

When you arrive at a jobsite, always thoroughly inspect the whole area and locate where the hazards are. That way, when briefing your crews on the job, they can know what the risks are and what to be careful of.

2. Educate all employees

All employees should have proper training and education on this topic to ensure their safety. It’s easy for bystanders to get injured from negligence, even when they aren’t the one performing the task.

3. Post signage

Even though employees have been briefed about the risks and where they are located on the worksite, there should be proper signage indicating where power lines are located to remind employees who may be focused on other things.

4. De-energize power lines (if possible)

Sometimes, it’s possible to have power lines on the jobsite de-energized. This eliminates the risk of electrocution altogether.

5. Keep a safe distance

If the power lines that you are working near cannot be de-energized, then workers should keep a safe distance away from them. The exact distance that you should keep from power lines depends on voltage.

OSHA’s recommended clearance distances for power lines are as follows:

• Voltage up to 50 should have a minimum clearance of 10 feet

• Voltage ranging from 50 to 200 should have a minimum clearance of 15 feet

• Voltage ranging from 200 to 350 should have a minimum clearance of 20 feet

• Voltage ranging from 350 to 500 should have a minimum clearance of 25 feet

• Voltage ranging from 500 to 750 should have a minimum clearance of 35 feet

• Voltage ranging from 750 to 1,000 should have a minimum clearance of 45 feet

6. Have a spotter

It’s always a good idea to have a spotter when working at height on a jobsite, particularly when power lines are involved. A spotter can help communicate and make sure there are not any barriers to hearing what is being discussed.

For example, if a hazardous situation occurs and you are unable to exit your equipment due to risk of electrocution, the spotter can contact the person in charge to help remedy the situation. Always contact 911 when there is a hazardous situation involving a power line.

Personal protective equipment for electricity

Anyone who is performing a task that has the potential of electrocution should use the proper PPE. Some of the items that should be worn are:

• Safety glasses

• Hard hats

• Face shields

• Insulating gloves (rubber/leather protectors)

• Insulating sleeves

• Flame resistant clothing

• Safety shoes
  

All of these PPE items help keep you as safe as possible while on the job, but like all PPE, these items should be a last resort. They won’t eliminate your risk 100%, so you should still use extreme caution when dealing with electricity.