Pocket Reference Guide for Power Line Clearance
|
|
The Construction
Safety Council suggests that you print this out as a two-sided card
and laminate it, to use for quick reference on the job.
|
Power
Line Clearance Distances
|
Voltages
|
Distances
from Power Lines
|
<
50kV
|
10
feet
|
200
kV
|
15
feet
|
350
kV
|
20
feet
|
500
kV
|
25
feet
|
650
kV
|
30
feet
|
800
kV
|
35
feet
|
Preventive
Measures
General
- Move equipment/activity
to the safe working distance from power lines
- Have utility de-energize
and visibly ground power lines
- Have utility move
power lines to the safe working distance.
- Have utility install
insulated sleeves on power lines.*
- Install flagged
warning lines to mark horizontal and vertical power line clearance distances.
- Use nonconductive
tools and materials
Cranes and Other
High Reaching Equipment
- Use an observer.*
- Use an insulated
link, if applicable.*
- Use a boom cage
guard, if applicable.*
- Use a proximity
device, if applicable.*
Mobile Heavy Equipment
- Install rider
posts or goal posts under power lines.
- Install warning
signs at driver's eye level.
* These options
do not allow the operator to work closer than the line clearance distance.
Ladders
- Use nonconductive
ladders
- Don't carry or
move extension ladders fully extended. Retract before moving.
- Get help moving
ladders to maintain control.
Material Storage
- Don't store any
materials under power lines.
- Use caution tape
and signs to cordon off area under power lines.
Excavations
- Call local one-call
service several days before you dig to locate all underground cables.
- Hand dig within
three feet of cable location.
- Be aware that
more than one underground cable may be buried in area of locator markings.
Remember:
The Only safe power lines are the ones that don't exist.
|
Rule
of Thumb:
If the overhead power line is 50 kV or less, then stay at least
10 feet away. For everything else, keep at least 35 feet away.
|
For More Information
on Training Courses and Other Materials Contact:
Construction Safety Council
4100 Madison Street
Hillside, Illinois 60162
Phone: 800-552-7744
Web Site: www.buildsafe.org
This paper
appears in the eLCOSH website with the permission of the author and/or
copyright holder and may not be reproduced without their consent. eLCOSH
is an information clearinghouse. eLCOSH and its sponsors are not responsible
for the accuracy of information provided on this web site, nor for its
use or misuse.
eLCOSH
| CDC | NIOSH
| Site Map | Search
| Links | Help
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy
|