All Industrial Services Inc. of New Jersey| 190 Boundary Rd, Marlboro, NJ 07746
quote@rbaker.com| 732-222-3553|         
 
All Industrial Services Inc. of New Jersey| 190 Boundary Rd, Marlboro, NJ 07746
quote@rbaker.com| 732-222-3553|         
190 Boundary Rd, Marlboro, NJ 07746 732-222-3553
asset recovery, rigging team with sling and interior demolition

Rigging Near Overhead Powerlines

Rigging Near Overhead Powerlines

Crane operation near overhead power lines is one of the most dangerous jobs a rigging crew can undertake. In fact, electrocution is the number one cause of crane-related fatalities, making compliance with OSHA standards and guidelines absolutely crucial when working in close proximity to overhead power lines.

Before equipment is brought to a jobsite near overhead power lines, a 360-degree hazard assessment inside the work zone must be completed. If it is determined that a crane could exceed minimum required distances, further action is required by the contractor. The first option is to coordinate with the power company to have the lines de-energized and visibly grounded. Line owners will sometimes opt to move the lines so that minimum clearance distance can be achieved. Both options require some preplanning as it may take some time to complete the necessary work.

OSHA requirements for working near overhead power lines that are not de-energized are clear cut. For power lines 50 kV or less, all parts of the crane, boom, rigging equipment, and loads carried must be kept at least 10 ft. away. This distance increases to 20 ft. for lines rated 50 kV to 350 kV, and 50 ft. for lines over 350 kV. If the voltage cannot be determined, cranes and rigging equipment must be kept at least 45 ft. away. A planning meeting with the crane operator and riggers must be conducted to review the location of the power lines and implement a rigging plan to prevent encroachment. All tag lines used must be non-conductive to prevent electrocution. An elevated warning line, barricade or line of electrocution hazard warning signs equipped with high-visibility flags must be erected 20 ft. from the power line in view of the crane operator. In addition, the rigging contractor must utilize at least one of the following: a dedicated spotter, proximity alarm, range control device, range of motion limiting device, and/or insulating link.

Crane operators and rigging crew members should be trained to work safely near overhead power lines and how to react if safety measures fail and contact is made. Dedicated spotters have the important responsibility to ensure that the minimum distance is not breach and thus must receive special training.

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
190 Boundary Road
Marlboro, NJ 07746
732-222-3553
http://www.rbaker.com

Full News Archive

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

Recent News

Safety is a Mindset at R. Baker & Son 
Safety is a Mindset at R. Baker & Son

Every construction project is different, from site to site, in size and scope, and in the overall approach to safe work practices. Where many projects take safety very seriously, plenty of others are...
Water Treatment Systems
Disassemble and Relocate Water Treatment Systems

When a food manufacturerand longtime R. Baker & Son clientdecided to sell off their existing reverse osmosis and pH waste neutralization systems at their northeastern Pennsylvania manufacturing...
Dust, Noise, and Vibration on Demolition Sites
Planning for Dust, Noise, and Vibration on Demo Projects

Planning for dust, noise, and vibration can be an important part of demolition and dismantling, particularly in and near occupied buildings and in densely-populated areas. R. Baker & Son works...
Machinery moving, assembly project, used conveyor system
Machinery Moving and Assembly Project

A manufacturer was referred to R. Baker & Son for help with a plant expansion project. A used conveyor system was being added to their production line connecting several newly-leased pieces of...
Rigging and Assembling Test Equipment-NJ Processing Facility
Rigging and Assembling Test Equipment-NJ Processing Facility

An R. Baker & Son previous client was rapidly growing and had plans to refine and expand their operation. Their R&D test team had been working with several engineering firms to design and...
Concrete Slab X-Rays Enable Accurate Cutting and Drilling
Concrete Slab X-Rays Enable Accurate Cutting and Drilling

R. Baker & Son was recently involved in a selective demolition project at a four-story, 90,000 sq. ft. R&D lab facility with basement and penthouse where all forty-six laboratories would be...
Baker Wins 3 Highwire Platinum Safety Awards
R. Baker & Son Wins 3 Highwire 2022 Platinum Safety Awards

R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services was awarded 3 HighwirePlatinum Safety Awards for 2022! The Safety Assessment Program reviews a company’s historic safety performance and current...
Rigging and Assembly in New Storage and Maintenance Facility
Rigging and Assembly in New Storage and Maintenance Facility

A longtime customer referred R. Baker & Son to a company in need of immediate assistance at their company’s new storage facility. Truckloads of various materials and equipment were arriving...