Working Near Overhead Power LinesBackground

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.

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