Preventing Electrocution and Contact Injuries
It's important to identify any potential electrical hazards employees will be exposed to while working at the worksite. Be sure to take into account that you don't have to make contact with a power line for the electricity to arc and make contact with the worker or equipment.
Take appropriate precautions when electrical hazards are identified by using lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, signs, barricades, insulated equipment, or de-energizing the power lines to protect workers. If working near traffic, set up traffic controls around the lift to keep vehicles at a safe distance.
Worker on Scissor Lift Electrocuted
Maintain a Safe Distance from Power Lines: OSHA requires workers to maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from live power lines. Ensure that any overhead wires are properly identified and maintain the required distance from the employees and the lift. Be sure to lower the bucket or platform before moving the lift.
Use Insulated Equipment: If the job requires working near power lines, use aerial lifts with insulated components and confirm the power lines are de-energized before starting work.
Insulated aerial lifts protect you from electric shock and electrocution by keeping you isolated from the electrical ground. However, they won’t protect you if there is another way for electricity to reach the ground, for example if you touch another wire. To keep the insulation effective, never drill holes in the lift bucket.
Be Aware of Electrical Hazards: Workers should be trained to recognize electrical hazards and avoid contact with any overhead wires, transformers, or other live electrical equipment (OSHA 1910 Subpart R).
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-4. How does electricity pose a danger even if workers don’t directly contact power lines?
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