Larry from OSHA

Larry (from OSHA)

Gordy,

Isn't it great to be in an industry where everything works easily and just falls into place? Seriously, I don't envy your spot right now. Probably just one of many challenges.

I think the short answer is keep 10 feet away or get the utility to temporarily move the lines. As you know, there are some provisions for covering lines under certain situations. I don't think this applies in your case.

The ten foot rule is to give cranes (and crane operators) a bit of breathing room when wind, ground stability conditions or other things could make the boom move where you don't want it to.

We had an exciting moment at the 35W site a while ago during the demolition where a crane snagged a line right in front of ALL the site safety people. The line snapped like a rubber band, insulator pieces were flying and a bunch of OSHA, MnDOT and construction guys were ducking for cover. The crane guy got re-assigned.

Maybe you can get the lines moved if you can show that the job can't be done safely otherwise.

Here is a link to a few OSHA interpretations that I think talk about what you have going on. I hope this helps. Let me know.

<A href=http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owaquery.query_docs?src_doc_type=INTERPRETATIONS&src_anchor_name=1926.550(a)(15)&src_ex_doc_type=STANDARDS&src_unique_file=1926_0550>Interps</A>

Larry

Gordy

Calling Larry From OSHA off topic

Larry I have an OSHA question for you regarding overhead power, and cranes.
Thanks in advance gordy

Larry (from OSHA)

All questions answered

Gordy,

Keep your cranes away from power lines. How's that for an OSHA answer?

Seriously, ask away. I'm glad to help you any way I can.

Larry

Gordy

Look Up

Look Down there is power all around LOL. Good answer Larry !

Seriously though I have a situation where the lines can not be moved or de energized. They are coated lines that supply power to signals, and overhead lighting to the traffic in the construction area. Two stage bridge construction to be exact.

The supplied power is 480v So under 50kv is 10 feet but 1926.550(a)(15) states.

"Except where electrical distribution, and transmission lines have been deenrgized, and visibly grounded at point of work or where insulating barriers, not part of or an attatchment to the equipment or machinery have been erected to prevent physical contact with the lines, equipment or machines shall be operated proximate to power lines only in accordance with the following: 550(a)(15)(i);(ii);(iii);(iv);(v);(vi);(vii)."


Where can I find out what is an exceptable barrier with coated power lines, and what is the exceptable distance when covered?

I'm reading 550 and its sub parts as 10' under 50kv no matter what, Table V1 does not apply in my situation that applies to hot stick, and bare hand work.

Any insight would be appreciated Larry thanks

Gordy

Gordy

Reassigned?

To the hall maybe. The company I used to work for had an incident where we had to set a beam next to a power line. Utility gave us the go ahead the power is off. As soon as the steel beam made ground with some rebar sticking out of the abutment all hell broke lose.

Power company pulled up admitted they droped the ball, forgot to shut off the secondary. Visible grounds were not in place so we got a violation. The foreman did not know about that step. No one was killed but 3 iron workers were in the hospital a bit.

I'm just looking for the proper info so my project manager can go into an IDOT meeting with a box of kelenex and cry to the RE for extra money to shut off the power, and use flaggers. There are other ways 99% of the time.
Sometimes cost bars good judgement and I have to keep them honest.


Thanks again for your help Larry