What is the minimum clearance between personnel and high voltage lines when using crane or boom-type lifting equipment?

The minimum clearance requirement of 10 feet between personnel and high voltage lines when using crane or boom-type lifting equipment is based on safety regulations designed to prevent electrical accidents. This distance is critical because high voltage lines can pose significant hazards due to the risk of electric shock or electrocution. The 10-foot clearance serves to establish a safe working zone where workers are less likely to accidentally come into contact with electrical wires or experience electrical arcing, which can occur if equipment or personnel enter within a dangerous proximity to these lines.

This requirement is generally outlined in safety regulations set by organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), which emphasize the importance of maintaining safe operational distances to protect workers’ health and safety during construction or maintenance activities. Such protocols are essential to mitigate risks and promote a safe work environment in situations where heavy equipment is operated near overhead power lines.