Module 4:

Overhead and Underground

Power Lines
 Overview of Module 4

Background on power lines

Hazards of overhead and underground
power lines
Injury prevention techniques
Summary
 Background
Power lines transmit electricity
Electrical current exposes
workers to serious hazards
Most common hazard is Power lines and
electrocution transmission towers
Most workers are unaware of
potential electrical hazards
Power lines can be
Overhead
Underground
Underground Utility Work
 Background (cont)
Some activities may cause
interference with power
lines
Overhead power lines
Operation of a crane, forklift,
and other construction
equipment
Changing street lights
Tree trimming
Underground power lines Caution: Look out for
overhead power lines when
Excavation
operating equipment
 Types of Electrical Lines
Electrical Cables
High Voltage, Low Voltage
Supervisory and Signaling Cables
Cathodic protection (cabinets, cables, earthing
conductors, cable shrouds)
Communication Cables
Phone lines
Coaxial cables (e.g. data cables)
Broadband cables
Tram traction cables and trolley wires
Railway supply cables and traction wires
 Power Line Hazards
Who is at risk?
Almost everyone working
near power lines
Common hazards:
When unloading materials, watch
Electrocution out for overhead power lines
Injuries are typically fatal
Electrical shock
Fires
Falls
As a result of contact
Fire may be caused after
with electricity overhead power lines are hit
 Common Misconceptions
Birds land on power
lines, so they must be
safe to touch - NO
Main objective of
electricity is to reach
the ground using the
most direct route
Birds do not get
electrocuted when
The power lines are safe for
they land on wires
because they do not perching, but not when struck
represent a path to the
ground
 Common Misconceptions
Power lines are insulated, so they are safe to
touch - NO
They are not always insulated
Insulation deals with placing nonconductive
material around the wire
Insulation is a material that offers high electric
resistance making it suitable for covering wires
to prevent the possible future contact of
adjacent conductors resulting in a short circuit
Just because a wire is weather protected
does not mean that it is insulated
Weather protection prevents water and snow
from reaching the wire (and insulation, if used)
Common Misconceptions (Cont)
Nonmetallic ladders are safe around
power lines - NO
Wet ladders can be a conducting medium for
electricity
If power lines are not touched, they are
safe - NO
Electricity can jump

Maintain a safe distance from the

Danger Zone
(10 foot radius from the power line)
 Hazard Identification
Conduct site investigation to identify
existing conditions of:
Voltages of lines and equipment
Presence of hazardous, induced voltages
Presence and condition of protective
grounds and equipment grounding
conductors
Locations of electrical circuits and
equipment
Maximum switching transient voltages
Dump truck operators should use caution when
unloading materials near overhead power lines
 Injury Prevention Techniques
Stay away from power
lines while working
Maintain a safe
distance
OSHAs 10-Foot Circle
of Safety rule
Increase safe distance
near higher voltage Maintain a safe distance from the
power lines Danger Zone
(10 foot radius from the power line)
 Operation Clearances for Energized Overhead Lines
Nominal Voltage Minimum Required Distance (Feet)
0 to 50,000 10

Over 50,000 10+0.4 inch for each 1,000 volt

In Transit Clearances for Energized Overhead Lines

Nominal Voltage Minimum Required Distance (Feet)

0 to 50,000 4

50,000 to 345,000 10

Over 345,000 to 16
750,000
Source: OSHA
 Injury Prevention Techniques
Recognize high voltage
power lines
If unknown, the
appropriate agency
should be contacted
Inform others about
high-voltage power
Be aware of nearby high-
lines voltage power lines
 Injury Prevention Techniques
Examine the site
Be mindful of power lines
Search carefully around the site
Look for lines not seen due to
obstructions
Alert others at the pre-job briefing
Assume all lines are energized and HAZARD:
potentially dangerous
Make a safety clearance boundary Safe distance
has not been
Portable safety barriers maintained
 Injury Prevention
Use a spotter
Equipment operators have
limited visibility
Get spotters help to stay clear
of overhead power lines
Spotters job should only
require spotting and NOT
guiding
Guiders may be at risk of
electrical shock
Especially when using a tag
line A spotter guiding heavy
equipment operator
 Injury Prevention
When working with tall and
long equipment
Carefully plan and organize work
with heavy equipment
Keep vehicles clear of power
lines
Watch out for long objects
Adjust the position of equipment
to maintain a safe distance from
power lines
Working with tall equipment
 Injury Prevention
In cases of fallen
power lines
Stay away
Call for help
Shuffle with your
feet together and on
the ground to
minimize electrical
shock
Down power lines are
Encourage others to dangerous
do the same
 Injury Prevention
Fallen power lines can cause fires

Fire caused by fallen

power line

If a co-worker makes contact with a power line

Stay away
Protect yourself
You could be shocked too if you touch someone
who is in contact with electricity
 Injury Prevention
If you hit a power line
In case of no immediate
danger
Move the equipment away
Have someone call 911
Stay on the equipment until
you know it is safe.
Warn others to stay away
If you MUST get off the
equipment, jump clear Crane hitting a power line
 Underground Power Lines
Hitting a buried power, gas or
communications line can cause
Injury
Excessive cost of repair
Plan the work ahead
Call the utility company

With proper planning, these types of mistakes can be avoided

 Underground Power Lines
Locate and mark the
perimeter of underground
lines
Exercise caution when
excavating near power lines
Some manual excavation
may be required
Underground utility
Stay away from pad mount
line that has been hit
transformers
Green metal box
 Tree Trimming
Trees that grow into power
lines can cause unnecessary
power outages
Trees planted under or near
power lines are potentially
dangerous hazards
Before tree trimming, check for
the power lines
Use proper equipment and
trained personnel Tree trimming may be dangerous
if power lines are hidden in the
foliage
 Applicable Standards
29 CFR 1926, Subpart K Electrical
29 CFR 1926, Subpart N Cranes, Derricks
29 CFR 1926, Subpart O Motor Vehicles,
Mechanized Equipment
29 CFR 1926, Subpart P Excavations
1926.416 Electrical Hazards
1926.955 Overhead Lines
1926.956 Underground Lines
 Summary of the Module
Working in proximity of overhead and
underground power lines is hazardous
Most common hazard is electrocution
Workers should be aware of such hazards
Several injury prevention techniques should be
exercised to prevent injuries and fatalities
Need sufficient training to understand the hazards
and practices for injury prevention
One of the best ways of hazard elimination is
maintain a minimum safe distance
Properly locate underground power lines before
starting of work