SAFETY ON WORKING OVER OVERHEAD POWER LINES BASIC INFORMATION

Statistics on accidental electrocution show that quite a few of them involve work on or near overhead electric lines. Work on overhead lines is only to be done by qualified electrical lineworkers.

Many times, due to the need to maintain service continuity, the lines are kept energized while work is being performed on them. Lineworkers must be well trained to perform such tasks using safe practices, appropriate personal protective equipment, and insulated tools.

When planning for work on overhead lines, however, one should always try to make the safest choice, which is to put the lines in an electrically safe work condition. Grounding the lines to create an equipotential zone within which a lineworker can be safe is advisable while working on overhead lines.

Work on or near overhead lines requires unique safety analysis because

a) The overhead lines can change position due to wind or other disturbances.
b) A person working on the lines is not usually in the most stable position.
c) The voltages and energy levels involved with overhead lines are often large.

Working near overhead lines, or near vehicles and equipment that could contact overhead lines, requires electrical safety training even for nonelectrical personnel.

The National Electrical Safety Code¨ (NESC¨) (Accredited Standards Committee C2-1997) is a key document that gives significant detail regarding the safety rules for the installation and maintenance of overhead electric supply and communication lines. NFPA 70E-1995 also mentions safety around overhead lines in Part II.

The OSHA regulations that cover work on and near overhead electric lines are 29 CFR 1910.269 and 29 CFR 1910.333 for general industry, and 29 CFR 1926.955 for the construction industry.