Powerline Hazards

Working around powerlines can be hazardous and can lead to serious injury or death if the necessary precautions are not in place. Any work near powerlines needs to be carefully planned and carried out to prevent a worker from coming in contact with electricity. Make sure you look for both overhead and underground power lines and keep back a safe distance.

Some common activities that could result in contact with an overhead or underground powerline, would include:

The most significant hazard associated with working around powerlines is electrocution. Powerlines are not typically insulated and can carry tens of thousands of volts. Electricity is always looking for a path to ground and is dangerous to anyone along that route. If a worker, tools, materials or equipment makes contact with a powerline, a path to ground can be created.  Contact with electricity can be fatal. It can also cause serve damage to major organs of the body such as cardiac arrest, heart failure, damage to the lungs, internal bleeding, and severe burns. It is important to note that direct contact with the powerline is not always required.  Electricity can arc or jump between conductors, particularly in moist or damp environments.

Other possible hazards could include:

• Fire & explosion caused by sparks from electrical equipment;
• Flash fire or electrical equipment flashover (i.e. arc flash);
• Falls can occur when climbing or working on a powerline structure,

A hazard assessment is a process used to identify hazards and eliminate or reduce the risk of injury or loss.  The steps of a hazard assessment include:

1. Identify the Hazard – Review the workplace and/or a specific task to identify real and potential hazards.
2. Evaluate the Risk – Estimate the potential loss to people, equipment, materials, and environment due to the hazard.
3. Select Appropriate Controls – Controls are used to eliminate the hazard or reduce the risk of injury, illness or damage.

When conducting a hazard assessment for work around powerlines, ensure that you consider things like:

• Overhead and underground lines
• Weather conditions (wind, rain, ice etc.)
• Equipment operating in the area
• Workers in the area
• Other work being conducted
• Public access/traffic control

When it comes to electrical safety, there is NO crossing the line. Death or serious injury can result from contact with or proximity to electrical power lines and equipment. Always maintain a safe clearance from electrical lines and equipment.

An employer is required to obtain the safe clearance requirements from the electrical utility when:

• Materials are piled, stored or handled;
• Scaffolding is to be erected or dismantled; or
• A mobile crane, boom truck or similar equipment will operate in an area where overhead or underground conductors are located that are capable of energizing the material, mobile equipment or load.

Specifically, permits are required when working within 5.5 metres (18 feet) of energized power lines. These permits must be obtained from the appropriate electrical utility (Newfoundland Power or NL Hydro).

In accordance with Section 483 of the Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, anyone who is operating mobile equipment that has the potential to encroach on a power line, is required to complete the approved WorkplaceNL 1/2 day Powerline Hazard Training course. Recertification is required every three years.  Powerline hazard training requirements are set out in WorkplaceNL Powerline Hazard Certification Training Standard.

Additional training that may be required include, but is not limited to:

• Aerial Work Platform Operation
• Scaffold Erection and Inspection
• First Aid

Employers should also ensure that workers are trained on site and equipment-specific hazards and procedures.

NL Occupational Health and Safety Explanation Guide – Electrical Safety