There is nothing more important on a job site than the safety of crews and communities. As a contractor specializing in power line installation, we are acutely aware of the dangers that lie in wait for construction crews working near power lines.
Keeping your construction crews and the community safe—and preventing the delays and costs associated with mistakes— starts with awareness. It is critical to be aware of the locations of both overhead and underground power lines to keep a safe distance. We recommend adherence to the following safety guidelines:
Maintain a safe distance. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requires that contractors keep cranes and derricks at least 20 feet from overhead power lines. This “circle of safety” regulation also includes the tools and materials you are handling (such as bull float handles, rebar, long sections of metal conduit, etc.). In instances where it is not possible to keep the minimum distances required by the circle of safety regulation, it is critical to contact the power company to make arrangements to get your work completed safely.
Plan. Plan. Plan. Working around live power lines requires careful positioning of heavy equipment. To keep workers and equipment operators safe, advanced planning with the power company is a must. In some instances—when OSHA’s circle of safety cannot be maintained—the power company may need to de-energize the lines to make it safe for your crews to work. The key to safety in these types of situations is joint planning with the power company.
Employ a “safety watch.” When heavy equipment is positioned near live power lines, a member of your crew should be designated as a “safety watch” to observe and communicate with the operator to ensure that the circle of safety is maintained at all times.
Call before you dig. It is critical to locate underground utilities BEFORE you start digging. Part of the planning for your project should be contacting the power company—by calling 811—to identify underground lines and mark the area so that you can avoid making contact with the lines. It may also be necessary to have your work area remarked later in the project if the original markings are wiped out by your construction activities or weather.
If, despite taking all the precautions, you make contact with a live power line, it is important to know how to react. Make sure to check with the power company for guidelines on what to do if you strike a power line, and then share the safety protocols with your crews so that they can minimize the impact if contact occurs.
When it comes to safety around power lines, there are no shortcuts. It is critical to follow safe practices at construction sites to ensure the safety of your crews and the surrounding community. Simply put, it can be a life-or-death situation.