WORKING NEAR POWERLINES

1. Locate Powerlines

Before beginning work, locate powerlines.

2. Advise Co-Workers 

If you're working with plans or blueprints, mark the powerlines on them. Place warning signs along the route of overhead and underground powerlines in the work area. Inform workers of the hazards of touching or coming too close to the lines. If equipment touches powerlines, the whole rig becomes electrically alive, including winch lines, drag lines or anything they are attached to. Remember to advise any new workers.

3. Keep Material and Equipment Safely Away from Powerlines

Familiarize workers with the safe distances to keep from powerlines. The law (Section 186, Regulations for Construction Projects of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990) states that these minimum distances must be kept between workers or equipment and power lines. Power lines less than 750 volts can injure or kill someone who touches or comes too close. It is difficult to distinguish between low-voltage power lines, telephone and cable television wires. Avoid taking unnecessary chances - keep a safe distrance from all wires. The law also states that a signalman must be assigned to stay in view while vehicles are in operation to warn drivers of dangers, such as touch power lines.

Even coming within certain distances of power lines can cause serious injury or death for the operator as well as endangering the lives of others standing nearby. Remember this when working with:

• Cranes
• Derricks
• Drilling rigs
• Boom equipped vehicles
• Winch lines
• Ladder trucks
• Bucket trucks
• Dump trucks
• House movers
• Earth augers
• Trenchers
• Excavators
• Pile drivers
• Tree trimmers
• Drag lines
• Farm equipment
• Piping
• Antennas
• Scaffolds and platforms
• Ladders