Cranes & Power Lines: Preventing Contact

Power line contact is one of the leading causes of crane deaths. The people most often killed aren’t the operators but the riggers and laborers touching the load or the crane. Electricity can also arc across the air without the boom ever touching the line. OSHA’s crane rule (29 CFR 1926.1407 to 1926.1411) sets out exactly how to plan for it.

• Construction
• Cranes
• Rigging

Step 1: Check the 20-foot zone

Before assembly or operation, mark out the work zone and decide whether any part of the crane, load line or load could get closer than 20 feet to a power line (for lines up to 350 kV) if it moved to its maximum working radius. Over 350 kV, the distance is 50 feet. If the answer is no, you can work normally. If yes, pick one of the options below.

Treat every line as energized until the utility confirms it’s de-energized and visibly grounded at the site.

Step 2: Choose an option

1. De-energize and ground the line through the utility or owner. This is the safest choice.
2. Stay 20 feet away (50 feet for over 350 kV), using the protections below.
3. Use the Table A distance, after getting the line voltage from the utility.

Required protections when working near lines

If you aren’t de-energizing, the employer must:

• Hold a planning meeting with the operator and crew about the location of lines and the protections in use.
• Use only non-conductive tag lines, if tag lines are used.
• Set up an elevated warning line, barricade or line of demarcation at the minimum clearance distance, visible to the operator.
• Use at least one more measure: a dedicated spotter whose only job is watching the clearance, a proximity alarm, a range control warning device, a range limiting device, or an insulating link.

Working closer than the Table A distance is only allowed in rare cases, with the utility’s involvement and many more precautions.

Traveling under lines

Lower the boom, use a dedicated spotter when you’ll pass close to lines, and remember that rough ground makes the boom bounce. OSHA has separate minimum clearances for cranes in transit with no load. See Overhead Power Lines.

If the crane contacts a line

• Operator: stay in the cab unless there’s fire or another immediate danger. Try to move the boom away from the line if you can do so safely.
• Everyone else: stay at least 35 feet away and keep others back. Don’t touch the crane, load, tag lines or anyone in contact with them.
• Call 911 and the utility to de-energize the line.
• If the operator must get out, jump clear with feet together, never touching the crane and the ground at the same time, and shuffle or hop away with feet together.

See Equipment Contact with Power Lines.

Pre-lift power line checklist

• All lines within reach identified, and voltage known
• Utility contacted about de-energizing
• Clearance distance chosen and marked with a warning line or barricade
• Dedicated spotter or warning device in place
• Planning meeting held; tag lines are non-conductive

Last updated: October 2, 2026