Overhead power lines

Contact with overhead lines kills workers every year, usually through a ladder, a boom or a long piece of material.

Key points

• Look up before you set a ladder, raise a boom or carry long material.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from lines. Bigger lines need more distance.
• Assume every line is live and uninsulated.
• Use a spotter when equipment works near lines.
• If equipment contacts a line, stay inside unless there's fire, and keep everyone back.

Ask the crew

• Where are the overhead lines on this site?
• What equipment or material today could reach them?