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Working Near Power Lines Toolbox Talk
Working near power lines is one of the most dangerous situations a crew can face. Contact with an energized line, whether it’s your body, a ladder, a crane boom, or a dump truck bed, can cause severe injuries or death in an instant. Use this toolbox talk on overhead power line safety to review the hazards and the precautions that keep your crew safe.
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Dangers of Working Near Electrical Lines
Electrocution
Direct or indirect contact with an energized line can cause a fatal electric shock.
Arc flash
A sudden release of electrical energy can cause severe burns and other injuries, even without direct contact.
Falls
Work near overhead lines often happens at height, so a shock can also cause a fall.
OSHA Minimum Clearance Distances
Unqualified workers and their conductive tools and materials must stay at least 10 feet from overhead lines energized at 50 kV or less. Add 4 inches for every 10 kV over 50 kV (29 CFR 1910.333(c)(3)).
For cranes and derricks in construction, the minimum clearance increases with voltage (29 CFR 1926.1408, Table A):
| Line voltage | Minimum clearance |
|---|---|
| Up to 50 kV | 10 feet |
| Over 50 to 200 kV | 15 feet |
| Over 200 to 350 kV | 20 feet |
| Over 350 to 500 kV | 25 feet |
| Over 500 to 750 kV | 35 feet |
| Over 750 to 1,000 kV | 45 feet |
When you don’t know the voltage, assume it’s high and stay well back. Contact the utility to confirm.
Safety Precautions When Working Near Power Lines
Know where the lines are. Identify all overhead and underground lines before work starts, and mark them. Report damaged or downed lines to the utility right away.
Call before you dig. In Ohio, contact OHIO811 by calling 811 at least two working days before excavating so underground lines can be marked.
Use a spotter. Assign a dedicated spotter when cranes, booms, dump beds, or tall equipment work near lines.
Use the right tools and PPE. Use insulated tools designed for electrical work, and wear the PPE your task requires, such as hard hats, safety glasses, and properly rated gloves.
Keep metal away. Keep ladders, scaffolds, pipe, and tools away from energized lines. Aluminum ladders conduct electricity, so use non-conductive fiberglass ladders near power.
Never assume a line is dead. Treat every line as energized until the utility confirms it’s de-energized and grounded. Never touch a downed line.
Coordinate with the utility. Notify the utility in advance of work near its lines, and follow its instructions, which may include de-energizing or insulating lines.
Have an emergency plan. Know where first aid and fire extinguishers are, and train workers in emergency response, first aid, and CPR.
What to Do If Equipment Contacts a Power Line
If you’re in the equipment, stay inside unless there’s a fire. Warn others to stay at least 35 feet away and call 911 and the utility.
If you must get out, jump clear with both feet together, never touching the equipment and the ground at the same time, then shuffle away with small steps.
Never touch someone in contact with a line. You could become a second victim.
Discussion Questions for Your Crew
Close your working near power lines toolbox talk with these questions:
- Where are the overhead and underground lines on this jobsite?
- Which of our equipment could reach a power line today?
- Who’s our spotter, and what’s our signal to stop?
What is the 10-foot rule for power lines?
It’s OSHA’s minimum clearance for unqualified workers near overhead lines energized at 50 kV or less. Workers and conductive objects must stay at least 10 feet away, with more distance required at higher voltages.
Are underground power lines a hazard too?
Yes. Striking a buried line while digging can cause electrocution, fires, and outages. Always contact OHIO811 before you dig in Ohio.
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This is one of our free toolbox talks. Pair it with electrical safety training and a job safety analysis for work near lines. Get a new talk every week with our weekly toolbox talk program. Call 330-677-4433.
