Working Near Overhead Power Lines

1
07/93

Committed to
Safety

• Working Near Overhead Power Lines
• Background
• A worker incurred a serious injury during the
  unloading of pipe from a trailer on 6th October,
  1993. The worker was in the process of aligning
  the suspended load when the crane struck an
  overhead 33KV power line. The worker received a
  severe electrical shock and suffered extensive
  first degree burns to 75 of his body. The
  accident investigation revealed that the hazard
  posed by the overhead power lines had not been
  recognised.
• Recommendations
• To prevent a recurrence during any activity near
  overhead power lines, it is recommended that
• The work procedures reflect the safe distances
  required when working near overhead power lines.
  The distances are specified in ERD 64-07
  Electrical Safe Operational Procedure 20
• The work permit specifies the safety measures to
  be adopted
• The Permit Holder understands and adheres to the
  stipulations of the work permit
• Supervisors address the hazards of the work in
  the toolbox meetings
• Ensure crane signal men are placed in locations
  where good visibility exists between the crane,
  the load and the surroundings.
• Learning Points
• Simple tasks such as unloading have hazards that
  often go unrecognised. Higher levels of
  supervision may be required for hazardous phases
  of a job.
• Remember, supervisors have a key function in
  identifying hazards before the job begins.