Injury Illness Prevention Plan - Flipbook - Page 44
TABLE A: Minimum Clearance Distances for Overhead Powerlines
Voltage (kV)
Minimum Clearance Distance (ft.)
Up to 50
10
>50 to 200
15
>200 to 350
20
>350 to 500
25*
>500 to 750
35*
>750 to 1,000
45*
>1,000
Determined by the Utility/Owner
*According to OSHA 1926.1409, for powerlines 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.
In the event that work must operate closer than Table A values, then the following
precautions must be taken at a minimum:
x The employer must confirm that at Table A is infeasible and that it is infeasible
to de-energize and ground or relocate the line in question.
x Safe distances must be determined by the owner/operator of the line or a
registered professional engineer who is a qualified person.
x A planning meeting must be held; no work will be done until procedures are
made.
x Automatic re-energizing devices must be inoperative.
x A dedicated spotter must be assigned and properly trained.
x An elevated warning line/barricade or an insulating link must be installed
between the line and the load, except for work on electrical
transmission/distribution lines covered by Subpart V (additional provisions take
effect one to three years after the effective date).
x Non-conductive rigging must be used.
x A range-of-motion limiting device must be used.
x Non-conductive tag lines must be used.
x Barricades at least 10 feet from the equipment (where feasible) must be
established.
x Equipment must be properly grounded.
x Workers must be kept from touching the line above the insulating link.
x Only essential personnel are allowed in the area.
x Insulating line hose or cover-up must be installed by the owner/operator if
available.
x The owner and user must meet with the equipment operator and other workers
to review procedures.
x One person must be identified for plan implementation and could stop work.
x Documentation of these procedures must be immediately available on-site.
x Safety devices and aids must comply with manufacturers’ specifications.
Revised: October 2023
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