Toolbox Talk: Overhead Power Lines

Why it matters

Contact with overhead power lines kills workers every year, often when a ladder, crane, lift, dump truck bed or long tool touches a line.

Talking points

• Look up first: before any task, find overhead lines and plan around them.
• Keep your distance: stay at least 10 feet from lines up to 50 kilovolts, and farther from higher voltage lines.
• Assume they are live: overhead lines are usually bare and not insulated. Don't trust the coating or a wooden pole.
• Use a spotter: with equipment near lines, a spotter watches clearances. Mark the boundary with signs or flags.
• Call the utility: ask them to de-energize or shield lines if work must be closer.
• If equipment touches a line: stay in the cab and warn others to stay away. If you must get out due to fire, jump clear with feet together and shuffle away.

Ask the crew

1. Where are the overhead lines near today's work?
2. What equipment could reach them: lifts, cranes, dump beds, ladders?
3. Who will be the spotter?

Before we start work today: Walk the area, locate the lines and mark the 10-foot boundary where equipment will work.

Who attended

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Source: OSHA: Electrical safety. General safety information only, not legal advice; follow your employer’s program, the manufacturer’s instructions and current regulations. Keep signed sheets with your safety records. FirstDayTraining.com · Todd Allyn Media Inc.