Module 4: Overhead and Underground Power Lines

Overview of Module 4
Background on power lines Hazards of overhead and underground power lines Injury prevention techniques Summary

Background
Power lines transmit electricity Electrical current exposes workers to serious hazards
Most common hazard is electrocution Most workers are unaware of potential electrical hazards

Power lines and transmission towers

Power lines can be

Overhead Underground Underground Utility Work

Background (cont)
Some activities may cause interference with power lines
Overhead power lines
Operation of a crane, forklift, and other construction equipment Changing street lights Tree trimming

Underground power lines

Excavation

Caution: Look out for overhead power lines when operating equipment

Types of Electrical Lines

Electrical Cables
High Voltage, Low Voltage Supervisory and Signaling Cables Cathodic protection (cabinets, cables, earthing conductors, cable shrouds)

Communication Cables
Phone lines Coaxial cables (e.g. data cables) Broadband cables Tram traction cables and trolley wires Railway supply cables and traction wires

Power Line Hazards

Who is at risk?
Almost everyone working near power lines Common hazards:
Electrocution
Injuries are typically fatal

When unloading materials, watch out for overhead power lines

Electrical shock Fires Falls

As a result of contact with electricity Fire may be caused after overhead power lines are hit

Common Misconceptions
Birds land on power lines, so they must be safe to touch - NO
Main objective of electricity is to reach the ground using the most direct route Birds do not get electrocuted when they land on wires because they do not represent a path to the ground

The power lines are safe for perching, but not when struck

Common Misconceptions
Power lines are insulated, so they are safe to touch - NO
They are not always insulated Insulation deals with placing nonconductive material around the wire Insulation is a material that offers high electric resistance making it suitable for covering wires to prevent the possible future contact of adjacent conductors resulting in a short circuit

Just because a wire is weather protected does not mean that it is insulated
Weather protection prevents water and snow from reaching the wire (and insulation, if used)

Common Misconceptions (Cont)

Nonmetallic ladders are safe around power lines - NO
Wet ladders can be a conducting medium for electricity

If power lines are not touched, they are safe - NO

Electricity can jump Maintain a safe distance from the Danger Zone (10 foot radius from the power line)

Hazard Identification
Conduct site investigation to identify existing conditions of:
Voltages of lines and equipment Presence of hazardous, induced voltages Presence and condition of protective grounds and equipment grounding conductors Locations of electrical circuits and equipment Maximum switching transient voltages

Dump truck operators should use caution when unloading materials near overhead power lines

Injury Prevention Techniques

Stay away from power lines while working Maintain a safe distance
OSHAs 10-Foot Circle of Safety rule Increase safe distance near higher voltage power lines

Maintain a safe distance from the Danger Zone (10 foot radius from the power line)

Operation Clearances for Energized Overhead Lines

Nominal Voltage 0 to 50,000 Over 50,000 Minimum Required Distance (Feet) 10 10+0.4 inch for each 1,000 volt

In Transit Clearances for Energized Overhead Lines

Nominal Voltage 0 to 50,000 50,000 to 345,000 Over 345,000 to 750,000 Minimum Required Distance (Feet) 4 10 16

Source: OSHA

Injury Prevention Techniques

Recognize high voltage power lines
If unknown, the appropriate agency should be contacted

Inform others about high-voltage power lines

Be aware of nearby highvoltage power lines

Injury Prevention Techniques

Examine the site
Be mindful of power lines Search carefully around the site Look for lines not seen due to obstructions

Alert others at the pre-job briefing Assume all lines are energized and potentially dangerous Make a safety clearance boundary
Portable safety barriers

HAZARD: Safe distance has not been maintained

Injury Prevention
Use a spotter
Equipment operators have limited visibility Get spotters help to stay clear of overhead power lines
Spotters job should only require spotting and NOT guiding

Guiders may be at risk of electrical shock

Especially when using a tag line
A spotter guiding heavy equipment operator

Injury Prevention
When working with tall and long equipment
Carefully plan and organize work with heavy equipment Keep vehicles clear of power lines Watch out for long objects Adjust the position of equipment to maintain a safe distance from power lines

Working with tall equipment

Injury Prevention
In cases of fallen power lines
Stay away Call for help Shuffle with your feet together and on the ground to minimize electrical shock Encourage others to do the same

Down power lines are dangerous

Injury Prevention
Fallen power lines can cause fires
Fire caused by fallen power line

If a co-worker makes contact with a power line

Stay away Protect yourself
You could be shocked too if you touch someone who is in contact with electricity

Injury Prevention
If you hit a power line
In case of no immediate danger
Move the equipment away Have someone call 911 Stay on the equipment until you know it is safe. Warn others to stay away

If you MUST get off the equipment, jump clear

Crane hitting a power line

Underground Power Lines

Hitting a buried power, gas or communications line can cause
Injury Excessive cost of repair

Plan the work ahead Call the utility company

With proper planning, these types of mistakes can be avoided

Underground Power Lines

Locate and mark the perimeter of underground lines Exercise caution when excavating near power lines
Some manual excavation

may be required

Stay away from pad mount transformers

Green metal box

Underground utility line that has been hit

Tree Trimming
Trees that grow into power lines can cause unnecessary power outages Trees planted under or near power lines are potentially dangerous hazards Before tree trimming, check for the power lines Use proper equipment and Tree trimming may be dangerous trained personnel
if power lines are hidden in the foliage

Applicable Standards
29 CFR 1926, Subpart K Electrical 29 CFR 1926, Subpart N Cranes, Derricks 29 CFR 1926, Subpart O Motor Vehicles, Mechanized Equipment 29 CFR 1926, Subpart P Excavations 1926.416 Electrical Hazards 1926.955 Overhead Lines 1926.956 Underground Lines

Summary of the Module

Working in proximity of overhead and underground power lines is hazardous
Most common hazard is electrocution

Workers should be aware of such hazards Several injury prevention techniques should be exercised to prevent injuries and fatalities
Need sufficient training to understand the hazards and practices for injury prevention One of the best ways of hazard elimination is maintain a minimum safe distance

Properly locate underground power lines before starting of work