Power Line Clearance
Construction · Ver en español
Talking points
- Maintain at least 20 feet of clearance between any part of a crane (including the load line and load) and power lines up to 350kV.
- For non-crane equipment — boom trucks, concrete pumps, excavators — maintain at least 10 feet from lines under 50kV.
- Always assume overhead lines are energized unless the utility has confirmed de-energization in writing and installed visible grounds.
- Designate a spotter whose sole job is to watch clearance when equipment operates near power lines. The spotter should do nothing else during the operation.
- Electricity can arc through air — you do not have to physically touch a power line to be electrocuted. This is why minimum distances exist.
Ask the crew
Are there any overhead power lines on or near this jobsite — and does everyone know the minimum clearance for the equipment we're using?
Standards this talk is built on
A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.
Run this talk with your crew and keep the record
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Sign-in sheet
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| Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|
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