Crane Booms and Power Lines Supervisor Talk
SUPERVISOR TALK
Most of you who have spent time in heavy construction know of or have heard of someone who has been killed or severely shocked or burned when a crane boom hit an energized power line. When a job is being planned, power lines should be located and the voltages determined. Provisions should be made to eliminate the danger by having the current shut off or to minimize the danger by setting up safe procedures. Make sure you understand and comply with OSHA regulations for construction, 1926.1407 -1926.1411, when working around power lines.
A Typical Case
A change of work area made it necessary to position a crane near a power line. With the boom in the air, the crane was rolled forward and then stopped. Supposedly, it was far enough away from the line to allow the boom to be lowered without hitting the wires. But the boom didn’t clear.
Who Was at Fault?
Who was guilty of poor judgment? It was the whole crew, which includes the operator and the crew who guided the movement and gave the signals.
What should the workers have done? Obviously, they should have stopped the crane farther back. They also should have kept a close watch as the boom was being lowered, and signaled the operator to stop when it became evident that the boom was going to hit the power line. Had they done so, the crane could have backed off and completed the lowering without a mishap.
But, what about the operator? He should have allowed enough distance to provide clearance, regardless of the ground men’s lack of judgment.
All crewmembers share the responsibility for preventing accidents in situations such as the one described. All must be alert at all times; first to protect himself or herself, and second, to protect the other person.
Worth Repeating
Use good judgment when you’re working close to a power line. Ensure that all employees have been trained on the OSHA standards pertaining to this scope of work before the work begins. Locate loading, unloading and storage sites away from overhead power lines to decrease the chance of accidental boom contact. Electrocution isn’t a pleasant prospect. But when a crane boom gets too close to a power line, that's exactly what can happen.
Additional Information
- 1926.1407 Power line safety (up to 350 kV) – assembly and disassembly
- 1926.1408 Power line safety (up to 350 kV) – equipment operations
- 1926.1409 Power line safety (over 350 kV)
- 1926.1410 Power line safety (all voltages) – equipment operations closer than the Table A zone
- 1926.1411 Power line safety – while traveling
Looking for additional topics for your safety meetings?
Browse our collection of Supervisor Talks.
Related Resources
The information provided in this document is intended for use as a guideline and is not intended as, nor does it constitute, legal or professional advice. Travelers does not warrant that adherence to, or compliance with, any recommendations, best practices, checklists, or guidelines will result in a particular outcome. In no event will Travelers, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, be liable in tort or in contract to anyone who has access to or uses this information for any purpose. Travelers does not warrant that the information in this document constitutes a complete and finite list of each and every item or procedure related to the topics or issues referenced herein. Furthermore, federal, state, provincial, municipal or local laws, regulations, standards or codes, as is applicable, may change from time to time and the user should always refer to the most current requirements. This material does not amend, or otherwise affect, the provisions or coverages of any insurance policy or bond issued by Travelers, nor is it a representation that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any such policy or bond. Coverage depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss, all applicable policy or bond provisions, and any applicable law.
