Working near overhead power lines is extremely dangerous. Electricity can arc across gaps to plant, equipment, and materials without direct contact. Crane booms, excavator arms, scaffold poles, and tipping vehicles have all made contact with overhead lines on construction sites, causing fatal electrocutions. Safe clearance distances must be maintained at all times, and specific precautions are required before any work takes place beneath or near overhead power lines.
Key Hazards
Electrocution from plant or equipment contacting overhead power lines
Electrical arcing across air gaps to nearby metallic objects or vehicles
Materials such as scaffold tubes or long loads bridging safe clearance distances
Tipping vehicles raising their bodies into contact with overhead conductors
Control Measures
Identify all overhead power lines on site and mark them clearly on the site plan.
Establish safe clearance distances as agreed with the distribution network operator.
Install goal posts, bunting, and height restriction barriers beneath overhead line crossings.
Brief all plant operators and delivery drivers on overhead line locations and height restrictions.
Prohibit crane, excavator, and MEWP use within the exclusion zone without a specific risk assessment.
Divert vehicle routes to avoid crossing beneath overhead power lines wherever possible.
Use non-conducting materials for any work that must be carried out near overhead lines.
Arrange for the network operator to divert, raise, or isolate lines before work begins if feasible.
Appoint a safety observer to monitor clearance distances during all high-risk activities near lines.
Emergency / Rescue
If plant contacts an overhead line, stay in the cab and call for help. Do not touch the machine or the ground simultaneously. If you must exit due to fire, jump clear without touching the cab and ground at the same time, then shuffle away.
Remember
Electricity can arc from overhead lines to nearby objects without any physical contact occurring.
Safe clearance distances must be maintained at all times and are set by the network operator.
Goal posts and height barriers provide a visual warning but are not an absolute safety measure.
If your vehicle contacts a line, stay inside and do not step out until the power is confirmed off.
Long materials like scaffold tubes and pipes can bridge safe distances and conduct electricity.
All plant operators must be briefed on overhead line locations before working on site.
Applicable Legislation: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · HSG141 (Electrical Safety on Construction Sites) · ENA TS 43-8