Chapter 2 Safety
13
Contact the utility company before beginning work near powerlines.
Always assume overhead lines to be energized.
Avoid transporting a crane over uneven terrain.
When using rope to steady a load or restrain spinning of the load, be aware that rope will
also conduct electricity, especially if wet or damp.
Reduce operating speed when in close proximity to powerlines in order to allow the operator
more reaction time.
IF ELECTRICAL CONTACT OCCURS:
1
If you are on or inside a vehicle that contacts or is energized by a power line, stay where you
are. Exiting the vehicle is more hazardous than remaining inside. Unless there is a fire, it is
safer to stay in the vehicle than to attempt an exit. Stay in or on the vehicle until a power
company representative informs you that the line has been de-energized and grounded and
that the area is safe.
2
If it is critical that you leave the vehicle, JUMP as far away as possible landing with both feet
together. Maintain balance or fall forward, don’t fall back towards the vehicle which could
result in the body becoming a pathway between the vehicle and the ground. No part of your
body should touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
3
If you are outside of the vehicle that contacts or is energized by a power line, move away
from the vehicle and stay away. Warn others to stay away. You are safe from electrical
shock as long as you do not become a pathway for current to flow to the ground. Do not
approach the vehicle until a power company representative informs you that the line has
been de-energized and grounded and that the area is safe
4
In certain circumstances the ground around a charged vehicle or downed power line may be
energized. The ground becomes charged in concentric circles around the vehicle with
varying voltage potential. Straddling these bands can result in serious injury or death as the
current passes through your body. Stay away from the vehicle or power line, keeping both
feet on the ground at the same time. This will prevent you from becoming a conductor
between two areas of the ground that are charged differently.
5
If someone is trapped inside a vehicle that has come in contact with a power line, instruct
them to stay inside and not to try to exit, unless their life is in eminent danger or a fire is
present. Call 911 immediately and instruct the 911 operator to contact the power company.
The power company personnel are trained to eliminate the hazard by de-energizing the line.
6
Do not attempt any rescue a person on or inside an energized vehicle, or who is energized
themselves. If you touch someone whose body is conducting current, the current will flow
through you too. Your muscles will seize up and you will not be able to escape.
ELECTRICAL CONTACT FOLLOW-UP:
1
Inspect and repair any equipment affected by electrical contact.
2
Replace any wire rope which has had high voltage contact.
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