Working Near Above Ground Power Lines
| Purpose |
To ensure the safety of Workers and the public when working near overhead power lines during home-building activities. |
| Definition |
Power lines refer to energized overhead electrical conductors used for distribution of electricity to homes and communities. |
| Hazards
This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.
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Physical:
- Arc flash or arc blast (eye, ear or burn injury)
- Electrocution (direct contact, induction or step and touch potential)
- Fire/Explosion
- Material damage/loss of service
- Weather Conditions
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| Controls |
Engineering:
- Non-conductive tools (ladders)
Administrative:
- Hazard Assessment
- Safe Limits of Approach
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
- Training and competency
- Signs/markings/flagging
- Reliable weather-monitoring tools (Environment Canada, AccuWeather, etc.)
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Task-Specific PPE: Electric shock resistant safety footwear (orange omega Ω letter)
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| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Ensure Workers complete a hazard assessment prior to starting work and provide proper instruction to Workers regarding site hazards.
- Determine the Safe Limits of Approach and ensure they are adhered to by Workers.
- If the voltage is unknown, ensure Workers maintain a clearance of at least 7 metres/22 feet of energized overhead power lines. If this distance is not practical to do the work task call the power company to either de-energize or cover the lines.
- Ensure that a competent signal person is assigned if there is a risk that a large piece of equipment may approach encroach into the safe approach limit of approach.
- Ensure spoil piles are not located under power lines.
Do not
- Allow Workers to encroach with powered equipment within the Safe Limits of Approach.
- Permit equipment or materials to be stored or moved under overhead lines without clearance verification.
- Allow work around downed power lines.
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| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Participate in the identification of hazards on the Work Site and follow instruction on protection requirements.
- Adhere to the Safe Limits of Approach distance requirements.
- Place overhead power line signage on site in a visible location as directed by the Supervisor/Superintendent.
- Use only non-conductive ladders and tools when working near power lines. Ensure you are wearing task-specific PPE before beginning work.
- Establish a control zone to ensure others are aware of hazards.
- Keep vehicles and equipment away from overhead powerlines.
- Stay in the vehicle or equipment and warn others to stay away if it contacts a power line. Call 911.
Do not
- Work within Safe Limit of Approach of a power line without authorization.
- Disturb the soil near the base of a power pole.
- Do not put spoil pile under overhead power lines.
- Work around downed power lines.
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