Lifting Near Overhead Power Lines
Lifting Operations › General › Lifting Near Overhead Power Lines
Lifting Near Overhead Power Lines
Lifting operations near overhead power lines are extremely dangerous because cranes, jibs, and loads can contact or arc to energised conductors without touching them directly. Contact with high-voltage overhead lines is almost always fatal. Strict exclusion zones and planning controls must be in place before any crane operates near power lines. This talk covers the controls required for lifting safely near overhead electricity.
- Identify all overhead power lines on the site plan and physically on site before any lift begins.
- Contact the distribution network operator to confirm voltage, clearance requirements, and options.
- Establish exclusion zones based on the voltage of the overhead line as specified in GS6 guidance.
- Use goal posts, bunting, and warning signs to clearly mark the exclusion zone boundaries on site.
- Fit crane height and radius limiters where the lift plan requires them to prevent zone breaches.
- Brief the crane operator and all lifting team members on the power line locations and exclusion zones.
- Request a line outage from the network operator if safe clearance distances cannot be maintained.
- Ensure a banksman maintains visual contact between the crane jib and the power lines throughout.
- Do not allow any part of the crane, load, or rigging to enter the exclusion zone at any time.
If the crane contacts an overhead power line, stay in the cab and do not touch the ground and crane simultaneously. Warn everyone to stay clear. If you must evacuate, jump clear without touching the crane and ground at once. Call 999.
- Identify all overhead power lines and confirm voltages with the network operator before any lift
- Establish exclusion zones based on the line voltage as specified in HSE GS6 guidance
- Goal posts, bunting, and signs must clearly mark the exclusion zone boundaries on the ground
- No part of the crane, load, or rigging may enter the exclusion zone at any time during lifting
- If the crane contacts a power line, stay in the cab and warn everyone to stay well clear
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