What is the Ideal Boom Lift Distance from Power Lines?

OSHA mandates that boom and scissor lift operators must maintain a safe aerial lift distance from power lines. If your business requires workers to use boom lifts, scissor lifts, or other lifts near power lines, it must comply with OSHA requirements. Because, if your company fails to do so, it could put its lift operators at risk of electrocutions and falls. Maintaining a safe boom lift distance from power lines is vital for professionals hoping to stay safe on the job.

A Closer Look at OSHA’s Scissor Lift Distance from Power Lines Requirements

Aerial lift operators must have a minimum clearance of 10 ft. from power lines, according to OSHA. Also, wires, transformers, or any other conductive objects that can be contacted must be at least 10 ft. from overhead. Power lines should always be treated as energized as well.

In cases where an aerial lift could come into contact with energized power lines, OSHA offers the following recommendations:

• Cover any energized power lines with insulating protective material
• Insulate the lift to ensure that any uninsulated portions cannot come into contact with these lines
• Ensure any equipment used by workers is properly grounded
• Bond all work equipment together
• Use ground mats around work equipment
• Leverage insulating protective equipment or barricades

Along with these recommendations, OSHA provides the following recommendations for aerial lift operators who perform overhead line work:

• Wear fall protection equipment
• Test the lift’s bucket, derrick, and all other controls every day
• Perform a visual inspection of the lift’s ability to rotate, raise, and lower loads and review other safety components
• Do not back up a lift unless a driver has a clear rear view, the vehicle has a backup alarm, and/or another worker can serve as a guide
• Use outriggers unless work is performed in an area or on a terrain where they cannot be utilized safely
• Remain at the controls of the lift any time a load is suspended from its boom

Aerial lift safety training is an OSHA requirement, too. Boom and scissor lift operators must complete a safety program, so they understand the dangers associated with completing tasks at heights. Upon completion of this program, aerial lift operators will know exactly what it takes to correctly use a lift, even when they work near power lines.

How Can Aerial Lift Operators Avoid Hazards When They Work Near Power Lines?

Learning and following OSHA requirements is critical for aerial lift operators who perform tasks near power lines. These operators can take various steps to avoid aerial lift power line hazards, including:

• Inspect the jobsite before any work gets underway; if live cables or any other dangers are found, set up warning signs to notify all workers and bystanders about these risks
• Use a “spotter” who can verify that there is a safe distance between an aerial lift and power lines
• Do not extend an aerial lift above live cables

Aerial lift operators should also comply with the Minimum Safe Approach Distance (MSAD) to guard against electrocutions when they work near power lines. MSAD begins at 10 ft. and increases based on the cable’s voltage. OSHA offers guidelines to determine the recommended boom lift distance from power lines, and these guidelines must be followed when aerial lift operators work near power lines.

Finally, if an employer requires aerial lift operators to work near power lines, it must have an emergency plan in place that accounts for accidents that can occur near power lines. The plan should enable aerial lift operators to quickly get medical support if they are electrocuted or fall during a power line accident.

Using Minimum Safe Approach Distances

In order to prevent accidents, work to identify all power sources on a job site before beginning work. Place clear barricades or warning flags at least 30 feet from wood poles and 50 feet from steel towers. Of course, used MSAD calculations can help your team understand the specific risks and recommendations for your specific work zone. 

Understanding the minimum safe distance from power lines can help keep workers safe. The reality is, though, that most operators are simply not qualified to identify line voltage or offer safe OSHA electrical panel clearance recommendations. Only a qualified person should define the line voltage and determine the closest MSAD possible. 

What to Do if You Hit a Line

Even when maintaining a safe boom lift distance from power lines, accidents can happen. Thankfully, most power line contacts with cranes and lifts don’t result in operator injuries. Riggers or workers standing near the equipment, on the other hand, may suffer injuries and, on occasion, death. 

Operators who find themselves in this kind of situation should stay on their lifts and keep others away from the equipment. The power company must de-energize the line before the operator leaves their position. Only extreme circumstances like fire warrant a lift operator leaving their position of safety. To do so, jump from the equipment and try to land with your feet together. Extra precautions must be made to not touch the lift and the ground at the same time. After leaping, the operator should take small steps away from the lift. Currents will be actively flowing out from the point of contact through the soil, so extra precautions must be taken to prevent injury. 

Provide Your Aerial Lift Operators with Comprehensive SafetyTraining

At AerialLiftCertification.com, we provide an in-depth safety training program that teaches workers how to maintain a safe boom lift distance from power lines. Our program is designed for workers of all skill and experience levels and ensures that they can become OSHA-compliant aerial lift operators. To learn more or to sign up your workers for our aerial lift safety training program, please contact us online or call us today at (888) 278-8896.