Work at height near power lines

Safety while working at height is generally focused on providing fall protection measures to the workers. But when working at height, there are another dangers that employers need to be aware of, one danger you can spot when looking up is overhead power lines. There may be times where work must be executed at height, near overhead power lines. Whether it’s work on a scaffold, mobile elevated work platform or a rooftop, working near power lines is dangerous. Working near overhead power lines poses the risk of electrocution. Thru an electrical arch even if you do not touch the lines, electricity can discharge by atmosphere and electrocute you. Being close to a power line can be dangerous. To prevent electrocutions, safety measures need to be taken when working near power lines, one of this is a safe distance between the work location and a power line. 

Risk assessment

    As with any work situation, and especially when working at height, a risk assessment should be executed before starting work. Think about all the different jobs that need to be executed on the site and the potential risks employees face. Your analysis should consider any situation that could lead to danger for a worker or the general public. If there are overhead power lines near the work site or near the edges of the work site, contact the owners of the lines. Discuss the safety measures you want to take with them, to see if the proposed plan is accurate.  The risk assessment is not a static document, whenever the work site changes new risks can arise that need 

Safe distance

    The best way to avoid danger is by keeping a safe distance between the work and the power lines. 

  The approach distance for each work zone will vary depending on the voltage of the overhead electric line and the level of authorization of each person carrying out the work. As the risk increases a greater approach distance is required. There are three work zones:

Zone C is a no go zone closest to and surrounding the electric line where authority from the Electricity Supply Authority is required.

Zone B surrounds the electric line and is further away than Zone C. It is for authorized persons.

Zone A is furthest away from the electric line and is for unauthorized persons.

 To maintain this safe distance, boundaries need to be set up. This can be established with flags, etc. Keep in mind the maximum working radius of equipment and ensure that equipment cannot extend higher than the safety zone. In situations where materials must be moved a spotter can help ensure that the safe boundary isn’t crossed.

    There may be work situations in which you cannot keep a large barrier between a power line and the work area. Plus you should implement measures, such as a high-visibility warning line with flags that indicate the end of the safe zone.

Training

   As with any hazard, employees working at height near overhead power lines need to be trained. Their training should include both fall prevention measures and safety measures to prevent electrocution. Employees need to know what steps to take should contact be made with a power line. Meaning they learn about emergency procedures and the consequences of not following these procedures.

What to do if you accidentally contact a power line

If the contact with a power line or a power line is grounded, stay back at least 10 meters and contact the appropriate emergency organizations listed in the ERP. This will probably include local emergency services and the electricity company. Do not allow anyone to enter the 10 m area until the power company confirms that the power has been stopped on the line.

If you are in a vehicle or equipment that has come into contact with a power line, if possible, drive at least 10 meters away from the danger zone. If your vehicle is damaged or locked, it is safest to stay indoors. If you need to get out of the vehicle or car due to an immediate threat such as a fire, follow these steps:

? Do not touch the vehicle and the ground with any part of the body or clothing.

? Remove matching clothing such as jackets or scarves.

? Use the handle to open the vehicle door, but do not touch the door itself.

? Stand at the door opening with elbows tucked into your stomach and hands held close to your chest.

? Jump and remove the vehicle. Land with your feet together - don't stop.

? Mix calmly with your feet together. Keep your feet touching while you mix. The heel of one leg should, however, touch the other's finger when you begin to move the other leg.

? Continue to mix until you are at least one bus length away from the vehicle (10 meters or 33 feet).

? Call for help

 Recognizing of overhead electrical transmission lines:

Proper pre-work planning is critical when working around power-lines. Identify if there are any overhead or buried power-lines in the work area. For overhead power-lines, determinate if they are high voltage transmission lines or low voltage distribution lines and use this information to calculate the safe limit of approach.   

Information from this article was taken from XSPlatforms, check here fore more interesting information: https://usa.xsplatforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/XSPlatforms-work-at-height-near-powerlines.pdf?__s=zt1vzutfd2ct4jvssihe&drip_email=bogdantadio%40yahoo.com&drip_subscriber_id=zt1vzutfd2ct4jvssihe