Download Working Near Overhead Power Lines

Practice 000.653.3209
Date 01Apr2011
Page 1 of 5
WORKING NEAR OVERHEAD POWER LINES
PURPOSE
This practice provides the requirements for working near overhead power lines.
SCOPE
This practice includes the following major sections:
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General Requirements
Responsibilities
Permit Process
Working Distances
Task Completion
APPLICATION
This practice applies to work activities and employees under the control of P2S and its
contractors.
DEFINITIONS
Overhead Power Lines  Any above ground line, whether high voltage, low voltage, or
communication cable will be classified as overhead power line and afforded caution.
Poles, guy wires, underground anchors, and any such structural member that constitutes
to the structural integrity of the power line will be included as part of the power line.
Working Near Overhead Power Lines  Work within 33 feet (10.1 meters) of an
overhead power line and includes, but is not limited to: earthworks such as excavations
and earthmoving, drilling and blasting, grubbing and felling of trees, and assembly,
disassembly, lifting, and reaching activities associated with using crane, boom trucks,
aerial lifts, and similar equipment.
Health, Safety, and Environmental
Practice 000.653.3209
Date 01Apr2011
Page 2 of 5
WORKING NEAR OVERHEAD POWER LINES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................................................................1
SCOPE ..........................................................................................................................................................................1
APPLICATION ...........................................................................................................................................................1
DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................................................................1
1.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................................3
2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................................................................................................3
2.1 Work Supervisor ......................................................................................................................................3
2.2 Electrical Superintendent .........................................................................................................................3
3.0 PERMIT PROCESS .........................................................................................................................................4
4.0 WORKING DISTANCES ................................................................................................................................4
4.1 Cranes.......................................................................................................................................................4
4.2 Equipment Other Than Cranes .................................................................................................................4
5.0 TASK COMPLETION .....................................................................................................................................5
6.0 REFERENCES..................................................................................................................................................5
Health, Safety, and Environmental
Practice 000.653.3209
Date 01Apr2011
Page 3 of 5
WORKING NEAR OVERHEAD POWER LINES
1.0
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
All work near within 33 feet (10.1 meters) of overhead power lines must be performed
under an approved Working Near Overhead Power Lines Permit (Form 000.653.F0187).
Note:
If the permit to work process is in use, a Permit to Work is required in addition
to the Working Near Overhead Power Lines Permit (Practice 000.653.1302).
All lines must be considered energized unless the authority or utility company owning the
lines indicates in writing that they are not energized and that the lines are grounded at the
point of operation.
Before work is begun, a Safety Task Assignment (STA) (Form 000.653.F0101) must be
completed identifying and communicating to each employee the task steps to be
completed, the hazards and risks associated with the task, and the safe work practices that
are to be applied to complete the task safely.
If there is any risk of contact, the electrical supply will be turned off and isolated.
2.0
RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1
Work Supervisor
The work supervisor is responsible for the following:
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2.2
Stay on the worksite and oversee all employee and equipment activities being
performed near overhead power lines.
Take immediate corrective measures, including stopping work, to eliminate a
hazardous condition.
Install and maintain protective safety systems such as warning signs and barricades.
Understand the site emergency response procedures.
Assign a “spotter” when moving a crane and there is a potential for any part of the
crane or load to come within 20 feet (6.1 meters) of an energized power line
Sign the Working Near Overhead Power Lines Permit accepting responsibility for
the safe execution of the work as stated on the permit.
Electrical Superintendent
The electrical superintendent is responsible for the following:
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Checks if the authority has been granted to allow work within the 33-feet
(10.2-meter) limit of overhead power lines.
Inspects the worksite before commencement of work.
Signs the Working Near Overhead Power Lines Permit allowing work to proceed
within the 33-feet (10.1-meter) distance to an overhead power line.
Health, Safety, and Environmental
Practice 000.653.3209
Date 01Apr2011
Page 4 of 5
WORKING NEAR OVERHEAD POWER LINES
3.0
PERMIT PROCESS
Before work commences within 33 feet (10.1 meters) of an energized overhead power
line, a Working Near Overhead Power Lines Permit must be approved and issued.
The appointment and training of Working Near Overhead Power Lines Permit Issuers is
similar to Permit to Work and Confined Space Entry Authorized Permit Issuers (refer to
Practice 000.653.1302). However, in addition, they will have sound and thorough
knowledge in matters relating to the preparation and conduct of working near overhead
power lines. Practical experience in preparing excavation permits under guidance may be
appropriate. Appointment is made in writing on Form 000.653.F0205, Authorized Permit
Issuers, by the Project Manager.
Note:
When performing excavation in an operating facility, it is a common
requirement to use the facility “working near overhead power lines permit
process” instead of the process described above.
The work supervisor will generate the permit and attach a drawing outlining the key
points of the proposed task.
IF THE WORK CANNOT BE PERFORMED IN A SAFE MANNER, THE
PERMIT WILL NOT BE ISSUED.
4.0
WORKING DISTANCES
4.1
Cranes
Cranes will not be assembled, disassembled, or operated when there is the potential for
any part of the crane to come within “x” feet of an energized power line as follows:
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4.2
Up to 350 kV … x = 20 feet (6.1 meters)
351 kV to 1000 kV … x = 50 feet (15.2 meters)
Over 1000 kV … x = the distance determined by the utility owner, or a registered
professional engineer who is a Qualified Person with respect to electrical power
transmission and distribution.
Equipment Other Than Cranes
No equipment will be erected or operated under any circumstances when any part of the
equipment is closer than 10 feet (3.1 meters) of energized electrical distribution lines
rated 50 kV or below, unless:
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The lines have been deenergized and are grounded at the point of work, or
Insulating barriers, that are not part of the equipment, have been erected.
For lines rated over 50 kV, the minimum clearance between lines and any part of the
equipment or load will be 10 feet (3.1 meters), plus 0.4 inches (1.02 centimeters) for each
kilovolt over 50 kV or twice the length of the line insulator.
Health, Safety, and Environmental
Practice 000.653.3209
Date 01Apr2011
Page 5 of 5
WORKING NEAR OVERHEAD POWER LINES
5.0
TASK COMPLETION
When the work covered by the permit is completed, protective safety systems (warning
signs, barricades, etc.) will be removed.
The completed permits will be retained at the site until work is completed, then managed
as a project “record.”
6.0
REFERENCES
Document ID
000.653.1302
Document Title
Permit to Work
Forms:
000.653.F0101
Safety Task Assignment
000.653.F0187
Working Near Overhead Power Lines Permit
Health, Safety, and Environmental