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SAFETY MOMENT, JULY 29

Treat every power line as live

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Safety moment, July 29

Treat every power line as live

Cranes lift and swing heavy loads near workers and power lines, often on ground that can shift. When something goes wrong, it happens fast. The operator is not the only one at risk: riggers, signal persons, laborers and anyone walking by can be struck, crushed or caught under a load.

SAFETY MOMENT

July 29

The hazard

Cranes lift and swing heavy loads near workers and power lines, often on ground that can shift. When something goes wrong, it happens fast. The operator is not the only one at risk: riggers, signal persons, laborers and anyone walking by can be struck, crushed or caught under a load.

The action

In construction, power lines must be treated as energized unless the utility confirms they are deenergized and visibly grounded at the site (29 CFR 1926.1408(e)). If the crane, load line or load could get closer than 20 feet to a power line, the employer must have the line deenergized and grounded or keep a set clearance, using measures such as a warning line and a dedicated spotter (29 CFR 1926.1408(b)). If a crane ever touches a line, stay away from the machine and the load, and keep others back. (29 CFR 1926.1408(a)(2))

ASK THE CREW

What would you do if you saw a frayed rope or soft ground near an outrigger?

From the talk: Crane safety. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.

HOW TO USE IT

How to give a safety moment

  1. Gather the crew where they work, before the shift or the meeting starts. Read the hazard out loud.
  2. Ask the question and let two or three people answer. What they say about their own work counts for more than what you read.
  3. Name the action and point to one place on today's job where it applies, so everyone knows what to do differently.
  4. Write the date and the names on a sign-in sheet.

A safety moment is short and does not replace the full talk. When you want to go through a topic with the crew, pick a free toolbox talk.

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