Electrical safety when working near overhead power lines

This paper addresses the use of safety management techniques to effectively identify and control electrical hazards relating to utility and non-utility work performed near overhead power lines. Incidents involving power lines can be reduced when hazards and risks are effectively identified and appropriate controls developed and utilized. Current OSHA regulations require employers to take precautions when cranes and other boomed equipment are operated near overhead power lines. This paper addresses the electrical hazards associated with cranes and other boom type equipment operating near overhead power lines. Also addressed are the electrical hazards associated with rigging and moving loads by ground personnel.