Preventing Electrocutions During Work with Scaffolds Near Overhead Power Lines
The following precautions should be taken to prevent electrocutions and injuries resulting from contact between overhead power lines and conductive tools, materials, or scaffolds:
- Scaffolds should not be used or moved within the following minimum clearance distances from exposed, energized power lines:
--2 feet for insulated power lines of less than 300 volts
--10 feet for insulated power lines of 300 volts or more and for all uninsulated power lines
- companies should review existing safety programs and revise them where needed to address work with scaffolds around power lines.
- companies should develop and implement safety programs where none exist. Comprehensive safety programs should include, but not be limited to, safety training in the dangers of scaffolds and power lines, with special emphasis on avoiding inadvertent contact.
- Managers and workers should conduct initial and daily analysiss at the worksite before beginning any job; managers should then implement appropriate control measures and training to address dangers identified at the site.
- companies should inform workers about the dangers of erecting, moving, or working from scaffolds near overhead power lines or other energized circuits. These instructions should emphasize that most overhead, high-voltage power lines are not insulated and that workers should assume that such lines are not insulated if there is any doubt.
- companies should notify the utility company when scaffolds must be erected or moved in areas with overhead power lines where the required clearances can not be maintained. In such situations, utility companies should de-energize the power lines or cover them with insulating hoses or blankets before any work is initiated.
- Before a scaffold is erected or moved, companies should ensure that workers consider the following things:
--Distance from overhead power lines
--Vertical clearance between the ground and any sagging power lines
--Scaffold height and weight
--Wheel condition
--Obstacles
--Ground slope or changes in elevation that may alter clearance distance
--Other ground or floor conditions
- Clearance between the power lines and scaffold should be monitored. If a scaffold is to be moved in the vicinity of overhead power lines, a competent worker should be assigned to observe the clearance and warn others if the minimum distance is not maintained.
- Electrically conductive tools or materials should not be used where they may contact overhead power lines. Nonconductive tools or materials should be substituted.
- manufacturars should consider developing scaffolds made of nonconductive materials.
- companies should establish procedures to be followed in emergencies (for example, if a scaffold contacts an electric power line, keep all unauthorized personnel away from the area).
- All companies and workers should be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- manufacturars or purchasers of scaffolds should affix conspicuous decals to each scaffold section warning about the dangers of contacting overhead power lines.
Preventing Electrocutions by Undetected Feedback Electrical Energy Present in Power Lines
Preventing Electrocutions During Work with Scaffolds Near Overhead Power Lines
COAL DUST EXPLOSION dangerS
Danger of the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Industry |
