Nearly 30% of the 350 electrical-related fatalities that occur every year involve construction equipment and overhead power lines. The danger is often made worse by uneven ground that could cause a crane to weave or bob into power lines, or windy conditions that make power lines sway, reducing clearance. To address these issues, OSHA has new rules on where power line encroachment prevention measures must be implemented. These new rules require encroachment prevention anytime you're within 20' of a power line.

Here are the steps you should take to comply, followed by the encroachment prevention measures you must use:

First, identify if you will work within 20' of a power line. Be sure you take into account the 360 degree working radius of your crane or other equipment. If you're outside the 20' clearance, you're all set: no encroachment prevention is needed. If not, you have one of 3 options. The first is the easiest and preferred: De-energize the line, ground the equipment, then initiate and complete the work.

Option 2 requires encroachment prevention any time you do not de-energize the line and you're working between the minimum clearance distance listed in Table A and a 20' offset from the line. This is the major change in the regulations. Previously, as long as you were outside the clearance distance listed in prior regulations, encroachment prevention measures were not needed.

Option 3 kicks in anytime you intentionally work closer than the Table A clearances.

For Option 2 , a pre-construction planning meeting with the utility is required, tag lines (if used) must be non-conductive, and the encroachment line must be marked with elevated warning lines, a barricade, or a line of signs. In addition, one of the following must be used: a proximity alarm, spotter, warning device, range limiter, or insulating link. These measures will be discussed and agreed on at the required planning meeting.

If you're working under the last option, you must first show that staying outside the zone is infeasible and that it is infeasible to de-energize and ground. The power utility
will then set the minimum approach distance.

In addition, all of the following are required: A planning meeting, the minimum measures discussed above, a dedicated spotter, an elevated warning line or barricade, grounding of the crane, access only by essential workers, nonconductive rigging, and other similar protective measures. Consult the utility and the High Voltage Protection Act (HVPA)for specifics.

High voltage electricity can be deadly. It's best to avoid any direct or indirect contact. Following the above clearance and safety rules will save lives. For more information, refer to www.osha.gov.

Table A: Minimum Clearance Distance

Voltage / Clearance
Up to 50 / 10'
Over 50 to 200 / 15'
Over 200 to 350 / 20'
Over 350 / Consult HVPA