WHAT DOES MEAN BY WORKING NEAR OVERHEAD POWER LINES?
MSRA DOCS are free quality health and safety documents such as risk assessments, method statements, safety checklists, and safety forms downloaded as a free source for engineers, supervisors, foremen, and safety professionals. this method statement for working near overhead power lines refers to performing tasks or activities in the proximity of electrical power lines that are suspended above the ground. These high voltage or extreme power lines particularly carry high-voltage electricity, which may pose significant and critical health safety hazards if appropriate and necessary safety measures are not taken.
While carrying out work close to or near overhead electrical or power lines, all workers require to be well aware of the possible and certain potential risks and carry out and adopt special health and safety measures and get proper guidelines to minimize the likelihood and possibility of fatal accidents or serious injuries.
Working near overhead power lines requires strict adherence to safety protocols and compliance with relevant regulations. It is essential to consult with local electrical authorities or power companies for specific guidelines and recommendations to ensure a safe working environment.
Some key considerations include:
Electrocution hazard: The primary risk when working near power lines is the possibility of electric shock or electrocution. Direct contact with the power lines or even proximity to them can be dangerous. Electricity can arc or jump from the lines to nearby conductive objects or individuals, leading to severe injury or death.
Safety zones and clearance distances: Power lines have designated safety zones or clearance distances that need to be maintained. These zones depend on the voltage carried by the lines and may vary between countries or regions. Workers should be aware of the specific clearance requirements and ensure they stay outside those boundaries.
Control Measures: As per the scope and or nature of work, extra measures should be taken. This can include using insulated tools, employing barriers or warning signs, and implementing safety protocols like grounding or de-energizing the lines, if possible.
Risk assessment and planning: Before commencing work near power lines, a thorough risk assessment should be conducted. This assessment helps identify potential hazards and determine appropriate control measures to minimize risks. Adequate planning and communication with all involved parties are crucial to ensure safety.
Training and qualifications: Workers involved in tasks near overhead power lines should receive appropriate training and possess the necessary qualifications. They need to understand the risks, safety procedures, and emergency protocols to respond effectively to potential incidents.
1. PURPOSE
The aim and
objective of this methodology document is to make sure that the health and safety of all workers involved in the high risk work and to avoid any accidental contact
with the electrical high power
lines
2. SCOPE
This practice includes the following major sections:
- General Requirements
- Responsibilities
- Permit Process
- Working Distances
- Task Completion
3. APPLICATION
This practice applies to work activities and employees under the control of [Company/Contractor Name Here] and its contractors.
4. DEFINITIONS
- Overhead Power Lines: Any above-ground line, whether high voltage, low voltage, or communication cable will be classified as an overhead power line and afforded caution. Poles, guy wires, underground anchors, and any such structural member that constitutes the structural integrity of the power line will be included as part of the power line.
- Working Near Overhead Power Lines: Work within 33 feet (10.1 meters) of an overhead power line and includes but is not limited to: earthworks such as excavations and earthmoving, drilling and blasting, grubbing, and felling of trees, and assembly, disassembly, lifting, and reaching activities associated with using the crane, boom trucks, aerial lifts, and similar equipment.
5. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- All work within 33 feet (10.1 meters) of overhead power lines must be performed under an approved Working Near Overhead Power Lines Permit Form.
- If the permit-to-work process is in use, a Permit to Work is required in addition to the Working Near Overhead Power Lines Permit Form.
- Driving a vehicle that does not have the capability of any part of it raising under an overhead power line does not require a permit. A vehicle that does have the capability of any part of it raising under an overhead power line (such as a rubber-tired truck crane or dump truck) “may” require a permit, depending on driving conditions or circumstances.
- All lines must be considered energized unless the authority or utility company owning the lines indicates in writing that they are not energized and that the lines are grounded at the point of operation.
- Before work is begun, a Safety Task Assignment (STA) Form must be completed identifying and communicating to each employee the task steps to be completed, the hazards and risks associated with the task, and the safe work practices that are to be applied to complete the task safely.
- If there is any risk of contact, the electrical supply will be turned off and isolated.
Risk Assessment:
4.1. Identify the location of overhead power lines and determine the safe working distance based on their voltage and configuration.
4.2. Assess the work activities and identify any potential risks of contact with the power lines, such as working with tall equipment, scaffolding, or cranes.
4.3. Establish exclusion zones around the power lines based on the safe working distances identified.
Safety Controls:
5.1. Obtain the necessary permits and approvals from the relevant authorities before commencing work near power lines.
5.2. Mark and clearly demarcate exclusion zones using appropriate signage, barriers, or flagging tape.
5.3. Ensure that all personnel are aware of the exclusion zones and understand the consequences of entering them.
5.4. Provide adequate training to workers on the hazards associated with working near power lines and the importance of maintaining safe distances.
5.5. Use barricades or physical barriers to prevent unauthorized access to the exclusion zones.
5.6. Ensure that all equipment and machinery used near power lines are properly maintained and free from defects that could pose a risk of electrical contact.
5.7. Implement a buddy system where one worker acts as a dedicated spotter to monitor the proximity of personnel and equipment to the power lines.
5.8. Regularly inspect the work area and equipment for any changes that could affect the safety of working near power lines, such as new power line installations or weather conditions.
Emergency Procedures:
6.1. Establish a clear communication plan and ensure that all personnel know how to report an emergency or incident involving power lines.
6.2. In the event of accidental contact with a power line:
- Do not touch any equipment or personnel in contact with the line.
- Immediately call emergency services and the local power utility company to report the incident.
- Warn others to stay clear of the area.
- Only attempt to assist if it is safe to do so after the power has been disconnected.
- Follow any additional emergency procedures specific to your site.
6. RESPONSIBILITIES
6.1. Work Supervisor
The work supervisor is responsible for the following:
- Stay on the worksite and oversee all employee and equipment activities being performed near overhead power lines.
- Take immediate corrective measures, including stopping work, to eliminate a hazardous condition.
- Install and maintain protective safety systems such as warning signs and barricades.
- Understand the site’s emergency response procedures.
- Assign a “spotter” when moving a crane and there is a potential for any part of the crane or load to come within 20 feet (6.1 meters) of an energized power line.
- Sign the Working Near Overhead Power Lines Permit accepting responsibility for the safe execution of the work as stated on the permit.
6.2. Electrical Superintendent
- The electrical superintendent is responsible for the following:
- Checks if the authority has been granted to allow work within the 33 feet (10.2 meters) limit of overhead power lines.
- Inspect the worksite before the commencement of work.
- Signs the Working Near Overhead Power Lines Permit allowing work to proceed within the 33 feet (10.1 meters) distance to an overhead power line.
7. PERMIT PROCESS
- Before work commences within 33 feet (10.1 meters) of an energized overhead power line, a Working Near Overhead Power Lines Permit must be approved and issued.
- The appointment and training of Working Near Overhead Power Lines Permit Issuers are like Permit to Work and Confined Space Entry Authorized Permit Issuers. However, in addition, they will have sound and thorough knowledge in matters relating to the preparation and conduct of working near overhead power lines. Practical experience in preparing excavation permits under guidance may be appropriate.
- The appointment is made in writing on Form, Authorized Permit Issuers, by the Project Manager.
Note: When performing excavation in an operating facility, it is a common requirement to use the facility “working near overhead power lines permit process” instead of the process described above.
- The work supervisor will generate the permit and attach a drawing outlining the key points of the proposed task.
IF THE WORK CANNOT BE PERFORMED IN A SAFE MANNER, THE PERMIT WILL NOT BE ISSUED.
8. WORKING DISTANCES
8.1. Cranes
Cranes will not be assembled, disassembled, or operated when there is the potential for any part of the crane to come within “x” feet of an energized power line as follows:
- Up to 350 kV … x = 20 feet (6.1 meters)
- 351 kV to 1000 kV … x = 50 feet (15.2 meters)
- Over 1000 kV … x = the distance determined by the utility owner or a registered professional engineer who is a Qualified Person concerning electrical power transmission and distribution.
8.2. Equipment Other Than Cranes
No equipment will be erected or operated under any circumstances when any part of the equipment is closer than 10 feet (3.1 meters) to energized electrical distribution lines rated 50 kV or below, unless:
- The lines have been de-energized and are grounded at the point of work, or
- Insulating barriers, that are not part of the equipment, have been erected.
- For lines rated over 50 kV, the minimum clearance between lines and any part of the equipment or load will be 10 feet (3.1 meters), plus 0.4 inches (1.02 centimeters) for each kilovolt over 50 kV or twice the length of the line insulator.
9. TASK COMPLETION
- When the work covered by the permit is completed, protective safety systems (warning signs, barricades, etc.) will be removed.
- The completed permits will be retained at the site until work is completed, then managed as a project “record.”
10. RESOURCES
Global Standards
Australian Government Safety and Compensation Council: List of National Codes of Practice
Safety and Compensation Council: List of National Standards
European Union: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
United Kingdom: Construction Regulations 2007
HSE 025: Pre-Job & Pre-Task Safety Planning
HSE 187: Electrical Safety
11. ATTACHMENTS
- Risk Assessments
- Permit to Work
12. REFERENCES
- Permit to Work Forms
- Safety Task Assignment
- Working Near Overhead Power Lines Permit
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