Power line safety requirements

An employer must identify the work zone either by demarcating boundaries or by defining it as the 360-degree area around the equipment up to the equipment's maximum working radius, as required in 1926.1408(a)(1).

• If you demarcate the work zone, use visible methods (flags, range limit devices, or range control warning devices) and prohibit operators from moving equipment past those boundaries (1926.1408(a)(1)(i)).
• Alternatively, you may define the work zone as the full 360° area around the equipment up to its maximum working radius (1926.1408(a)(1)(ii)).
• Document how the work zone was set and communicate it at the pre-task planning meeting (see 1926.1408(b)(1)).

Practical tip: Marking the radius on the ground or using visible flags helps both operators and spotters consistently recognize the boundary.

The employer must implement additional measures whenever any part of the equipment, load line, or load could, while operating to the equipment's maximum working radius in the work zone, get closer than 20 feet to a power line, as required by 1926.1408(a)(2).

• If that distance could be less than 20 feet, the employer must choose Option (1) (deenergize and ground), Option (2) (maintain 20 ft clearance using controls in paragraph (b)), or Option (3) (meet Table A minimum approach distance and controls in paragraph (b)) (1926.1408(a)(2)(i)-(iii)).
• Start with a hazard assessment to measure clearances and determine which option is feasible before work begins (1926.1408(a)(2)).

Practical tip: Use the equipment’s maximum working radius and include rigging and tag lines when checking potential encroachment.

"Deenergize and ground" requires confirmation from the utility owner/operator that the power line has been deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite before equipment operations proceed, per 1926.1408(a)(2)(i).

• The employer must obtain and document confirmation from the utility; simply asking is not enough—get clear, site-specific confirmation that the line is deenergized and visibly grounded (1926.1408(e)).
• Continue to assume lines remain deenergized only if the utility confirms they have been and continue to be deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite (1926.1408(e)).

Practical tip: Record the utility contact, the personnel you spoke with, and the time/date of the confirmation in your job file.

To use Option (2), the employer must ensure that no part of the equipment, load line, or load gets closer than 20 feet to the power line by implementing the measures listed in 1926.1408(b).

Key measures include:

• Hold a planning meeting with the operator and workers to review power-line locations and how to prevent encroachment (1926.1408(b)(1)).
• Use non-conductive tag lines when tag lines are required (1926.1408(b)(2)).
• Erect an elevated warning line or equivalent at 20 feet from the power line that the operator can see; if the operator cannot see it, use a dedicated spotter plus other controls listed in 1926.1408(b)(4).

Practical tip: When using Option (2), document the planning meeting and the measures selected (warning line, spotter, alarms, etc.) to show compliance.

An employer must determine the line's nominal voltage and then use Table A to find the minimum approach distance (MAD) for that voltage, as required by 1926.1408(a)(2)(iii)(A).

• After identifying the MAD from Table A, the employer must determine whether any part of the equipment, load line, or load could, at maximum working radius, get closer than that MAD; if so, the employer must implement the encroachment-prevention measures in 1926.1408(b) (1926.1408(a)(2)(iii)(B)).
• Table A lists MADs such as 15 ft for voltages over 50 to 200 kV and 20 ft for over 200 to 350 kV; consult Table A in 1926.1408(h).

Practical tip: If you are unsure of the line voltage, request voltage information from the utility; under 1926.1408(c), they must respond within two working days when Option (3) is used.

A planning meeting must be conducted before equipment operations and must review the power-line locations and the steps that will be used to prevent encroachment or electrocution, per 1926.1408(b)(1).

• Attendees should include the equipment operator and other workers who will be in the area of the equipment or load.
• Topics should cover the work zone boundaries, identified clearances to power lines, control measures selected (warning lines, spotters, alarms, limiting devices, insulating links), communication methods, and evacuation procedures in case of contact.
• Record who attended and what controls were chosen to demonstrate that the meeting occurred and the plan was communicated.

Practical tip: Use a short checklist (power-line voltage, MAD, selected control measures, and communications plan) to keep the planning meeting focused and documented.

If tag lines are used near power lines, they must be non-conductive, as stated in 1926.1408(b)(2).

• Non-conductive tag lines reduce the risk of creating a conductive path to the power line if the tag line contacts a line.
• Inspect tag lines before use to ensure they are in good condition and truly non-conductive (e.g., synthetic fiber lines rather than wire or rope with metal).

Practical tip: Mark or label non-conductive tag lines and store them separately so crews do not confuse them with conductive lines.

The employer must erect and maintain an elevated warning line, barricade, or line of signs with high-visibility markers at 20 feet from the power line (for Option (2)) or at the Table A minimum approach distance (for Option (3)), and if the operator cannot see that warning line a dedicated spotter must be used in addition to other selected measures, as required by 1926.1408(b)(3).

• The warning must be visible to the operator and equipped with flags or similar markings.
• If the operator lacks line-of-sight to the warning, you must both use a dedicated spotter and implement at least one of the measures in 1926.1408(b)(4)(i),(iii)-(v).

Practical tip: Use bright, contrasting flags or a painted line on the ground that aligns with a visual landmark the operator can see; if not visible, plan for radios and a trained dedicated spotter.

A dedicated spotter must be in continuous contact with the operator, positioned to effectively gauge clearance, equipped with a visual aid, communicate directly when necessary, and provide timely information so the operator can maintain the required clearance, as specified in 1926.1408(b)(4)(ii).

• The spotter must have a visual aid (painted line, stanchions, or line-of-sight landmarks) to help identify the minimum clearance (1926.1408(b)(4)(ii)(A)).
• They must be positioned to effectively judge the clearance distance (1926.1408(b)(4)(ii)(B)).
• Where needed, provide equipment (radios, headsets) that allow direct communication with the operator (1926.1408(b)(4)(ii)(C)).
• Give timely information so the operator can keep required clearance (1926.1408(b)(4)(ii)(D)).

Practical tip: Train spotters and use simple, agreed-upon hand signals or radio procedures and verify they understand the MAD or 20-ft boundary before operations begin (1926.1408(g)(2)).

Employers may use a proximity alarm, a device that automatically warns when to stop (range control warning device), a device that automatically limits movement (range-limiting device), or an insulating link/device installed between the load line and the load, as allowed in 1926.1408(b)(4)(i),(iii),(iv),(v).

• Proximity alarms and warning devices must be set to give the operator sufficient warning to prevent encroachment (1926.1408(b)(4)(i),(iii)).
• Range-limiting devices must be set so they physically prevent encroachment (1926.1408(b)(4)(iv)).
• Insulating links/devices must meet the definition in [1926.1401] and be installed between the end of the load line (or below) and the load (1926.1408(b)(4)(v); see 1926.1401 for definitions).

Practical tip: Follow the device manufacturer’s procedures and limitations when using these devices (1926.1408(h)).

An insulating link/device is a device designed to insulate the load line from the load and may be installed between the end of the load line (or below) and the load as one of the approved measures to prevent encroachment, per 1926.1408(b)(4)(v) and the definition references in 1926.1401.

• Use an insulating link/device only if it is designed for that purpose and installed per the manufacturer’s instructions and conditions of use (1926.1408(h)).
• Insulating links reduce the chance that current will flow from a power line through the load line to the load and workers, but they are not a substitute for maintaining required clearances where those are feasible.

Practical tip: Ensure any insulating device is rated and maintained per manufacturer guidance and include its limitations in operator and spotter training (1926.1408(g)(1)(iv)).

When an employer uses Option (3) and requests voltage information, the utility owner/operator must provide the requested voltage information within two working days, per 1926.1408(c).

• This information lets the employer select the correct minimum approach distance from Table A and determine what controls are needed.
• If the utility does not provide timely information, document your request and consider using the safest option (e.g., assume higher voltages and use greater clearances or seek a registered engineer’s input).

Practical tip: Make the request in writing (email) and retain the reply (or lack of reply) in the job file to show due diligence.

No part of equipment, load line, or load may be below a power line unless the employer has confirmation from the utility that the line is deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite, except where one of the exceptions in 1926.1408(d)(2) applies (1926.1408(d)(1)).

Exceptions include:

• Work covered by Subpart V of Part 1926 (1926.1408(d)(2)(i)).
• Equipment with non-extensible booms where the top of the equipment at true vertical would be more than 20 feet (or Table A MAD) below the line (1926.1408(d)(2)(ii)).
• Equipment with articulating or extensible booms where the uppermost part when fully extended at true vertical would be more than 20 feet (or Table A MAD) below the line (1926.1408(d)(2)(iii)).
• If the employer demonstrates compliance is infeasible and meets the requirements of 1926.1410 (1926.1408(d)(2)(iv)).

Practical tip: Verify boom configurations and do physical measurements before positioning equipment under lines; document the basis for any exception used.

Employers must presume that all power lines are energized unless the utility owner/operator confirms the line has been and continues to be deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite, as stated in 1926.1408(e).

• This presumption means you should plan controls (clearances, spotters, insulating devices, deenergization requests) that address energized-line hazards unless you have documented confirmation from the utility.
• Keep records of utility confirmations to support any determination that lines are deenergized and grounded.

Practical tip: Treating lines as energized by default ensures conservative planning and reduces the risk of accidental contact.

When equipment is close enough to transmitter/communication towers for an electrical charge to be induced, the transmitter must be deenergized or the equipment must be grounded and tag lines must be non-conductive, per 1926.1408(f).

• Specifically, provide electrical grounding for the equipment (1926.1408(f)(1)).
• If tag lines are used in that situation, they must be non-conductive (1926.1408(f)(2)).

Practical tip: Coordinate with the tower owner/operator to confirm deenergization when possible, and inspect grounding connections before operations.

Employers must train each operator and crew member assigned to work with the equipment on specified topics, including procedures after electrical contact, the danger of touching equipment and ground simultaneously, staying in the cab unless there's an imminent emergency, safe evacuation methods from energized equipment, and step potential hazards, as required by 1926.1408(g)(1).

Training must also include:

• That power lines are presumed energized unless the utility confirms otherwise and presumed uninsulated unless confirmed insulated (1926.1408(g)(1)(ii)-(iii)).
• Limitations of insulating links, proximity alarms, and range control devices if they are used (1926.1408(g)(1)(iv)).
• Procedures to properly ground equipment and grounding limitations (1926.1408(g)(1)(v)).
• Training must be administered in accordance with 1926.1430(g).

Practical tip: Use hands-on drills (e.g., how to respond to contact) and document employee completion and understanding of the training.

Dedicated spotters must be trained to effectively perform their task, including training on the applicable requirements of the power-line safety section, per 1926.1408(g)(2).

• Training should cover the minimum approach distance, the warning/visual aids used, effective positioning, communication methods with the operator, and how to provide timely information.
• The spotter should also be trained on the limitations of any devices used (alarms, insulating links) and emergency procedures for electrical contact (1926.1408(g)(1)(iv)-(i)).

Practical tip: Evaluate spotter competency through observed practice sessions before assigning them to live lifts.

Devices originally designed by the manufacturer as a safety device, operational aid, or to prevent power-line contact must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's procedures and conditions of use when relied upon for compliance, per 1926.1408(h).

• This means you must follow the manufacturer's installation, maintenance, inspection, and operational instructions for the device.
• Do not assume the device provides protection beyond the manufacturer's stated limitations; include those limitations in training (1926.1408(g)(1)(iv)).

Practical tip: Keep manufacturer manuals and maintenance logs with the equipment and show them during inspections to demonstrate compliance.

For a nominal voltage over 200 kV up to 350 kV, Table A lists a minimum clearance distance of 20 feet, as shown in Table A of 1926.1408(h).

• Use this 20-foot MAD when applying Option (3) and implement 1926.1408(b) encroachment-prevention measures if equipment could get closer than 20 feet.

Practical tip: If line voltage is uncertain, request voltage info from the utility under 1926.1408(c) or assume the higher distance until confirmed.

If the employer demonstrates compliance with 1926.1408(d)(1) is infeasible, the employer must meet the requirements of 1926.1410, as provided in 1926.1408(d)(2)(iv).

• Meeting 1926.1410 typically requires a documented analysis showing infeasibility and implementing alternative protective measures required by that section.
• Document the demonstration and the alternative protections taken to reduce risk when placing equipment below the line.

Practical tip: Consult 1926.1410 early in planning and involve a qualified person (engineer) if necessary.

The requirements of 1926.1408(b)(4) do not apply to work covered by Subpart V of Part 1926, as stated in 1926.1408(b)(5).

• Subpart V addresses power transmission and distribution operations and contains its own requirements for working around lines; if your activity is within that subpart, follow its rules instead.

Practical tip: Determine which subpart covers your work early to apply the correct standard and avoid conflicting procedures.

Employers must presume power lines are uninsulated unless the utility owner/operator or a registered engineer who is a qualified person confirms that a line is insulated, per 1926.1408(g)(1)(iii).

• Treating lines as uninsulated leads to more protective planning (greater clearances, insulating devices, deenergizing requests).
• If the utility or a qualified registered engineer confirms insulation, retain written confirmation of that determination and its basis.

Practical tip: Do not rely on visible coverings alone; get written confirmation before reducing conservative controls.

Where necessary, employers must provide equipment that enables the dedicated spotter to communicate directly with the operator, as required by 1926.1408(b)(4)(ii)(C).

• Direct communication methods commonly include two-way radios, headsets, or other reliable voice/visual signaling systems.
• The communication method must allow timely instructions so the operator can maintain the required clearance (1926.1408(b)(4)(ii)(D)).

Practical tip: Test radios on site before lifting to ensure clear reception and establish simple, pre-agreed phrases for stop/hold/clear.

Defining the work zone as the 360-degree area around the equipment up to its maximum working radius means you must consider every direction the equipment could reach and assess whether any part (including rigging and tag lines) could come within restricted clearance distances, per 1926.1408(a)(1)(ii).

• Walk or mark the equipment’s maximum reach on the ground (including swing and lift geometry) and identify any power lines that fall within that circle.
• Include attachments, rigging, and tag lines in the reach assessment and document potential encroachment points.

Practical tip: Use a tape measure, chalk, or temporary paint to mark the maximum radius so that spotters and operators can see the full work zone.

Acceptable visual aids for a dedicated spotter include a clearly visible painted line on the ground, a line of stanchions, or a set of visible line-of-sight landmarks (for example, a fence post behind the spotter and a building corner ahead), as described in 1926.1408(b)(4)(ii)(A).

• The visual aid must help the spotter and operator identify the minimum clearance distance and enable accurate gauging of separation from the power line.
• Use high-contrast, durable markers that remain visible in the working conditions (daylight, dust, rain).

Practical tip: Combine a painted line with stanchions or flags to increase visibility from various vantage points and include the visual aid in the pre-job planning meeting (1926.1408(b)(1)).