Before assembly or disassembly of a crane or other equipment, the employer must determine if it could come within 20 feet of a power line (up to 350 kV). If so, the employer must take one of the following actions:
- Confirm with the power company that the line is de-energized and visibly grounded at the worksite.
- Make sure no part gets within 20 feet of the power line.
- Follow Table A, which has minimum clearance distances based on voltage
TABLE A: MINIMUM CLEARANCE DISTANCES BASED ON VOLTAGE (OSHA 1926.1408 Table A)
Voltage (kV) | Minimum clearance distance (feet) |
Up to 50 kV | 10 ft |
>50 to 200 kV | 15 ft |
>200 to 350 kV | 20 ft |
>350 to 500 kV | 25 ft* |
>500 to 750 kV | 35 ft* |
>750 to 1,000 kV | 45 ft* |
>1,000 kV | Determined by the utility/owner |
*According to 1926.1409, for power lines over 350 to 1,000 kV, the minimum distance is presumed to be 50 feet. Over 1,000 kV, the utility/owner or a registered engineer must establish it. |
EQUIPMENT CLEARANCE DISTANCES
Equipment traveling under or near a power line must:
(a) Have a lowered boom/mast and support system
(b) Obey minimum clearance distances set in Table T
(c) Reduce speeds to minimize breaching
(d) Use a dedicated spotter if closer than 20 feet
(e) Illuminate or identify the power lines at night
(f) Identify and use a safe path of travel.
TABLE T – Minimum clearance distances while traveling with no load
Voltage (kV) | Minimum clearance distance (feet) |
Up to 0.75 kV | 4 ft |
>0.75 to 50 kV | 6 ft |
>50 to 345 kV | 10 ft |
>345 to 750 kV | 16 ft |
>750 to 1,000 kV | 20 ft |
> 1,000 kV | * |
>1,000 | Determined by the utility/owner |
*Established by owner or registered professional engineer/qualified person. |
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