Working Near Overhead Power Lines Background

1. Safety Alert 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.