Safety Procedures for Working Near Power Lines with EWPs

Working near power lines with Elevating Work Platforms (EWPs) presents significant hazards that require careful planning and strict safety protocols. In New Zealand, accidents involving EWPs and power lines have resulted in serious injuries and fatalities, making it essential for businesses to implement comprehensive safety measures. Following proper procedures not only protects workers but also improves productivity by preventing accidents that could lead to project delays, equipment damage, and potential prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Understanding the Risks

Electricity can arc or “jump” across gaps, meaning that direct contact with power lines isn’t necessary for electrocution to occur. When operating EWPs near overhead power lines, workers face potential risks including:

• Electric shock or electrocution
• Falls resulting from electric shock
• Fire or explosion
• Equipment damage
• Secondary injuries to others in the vicinity

These risks are amplified by the height and reach capabilities of modern EWPs, which can easily bring workers within the danger zone of overhead lines if proper precautions aren’t taken.

Minimum Approach Distances

New Zealand regulations specify minimum approach distances (MADs) that must be maintained from power lines. These distances are legally mandated safety buffers designed to prevent accidents.

The key distance to remember is 4 metres – this is the absolute minimum distance any EWP (including its load, attachments, tools, and equipment) must maintain from power lines. This 4-metre zone is considered a “no-go zone” and entering it without proper authorisation from the power company is prohibited.

For distances between 4 and 6.4 metres from power lines, operators must work within an “exclusion zone” with specific controls in place. Any work planned within these zones requires careful planning and additional safety measures.

Pre-Work Planning and Assessment

Before commencing any work with EWPs near power lines, a thorough hazard assessment must be completed. This should include:

Site Assessment

Inspect the entire worksite to identify all overhead power lines and related hazards. Document the location and height of power lines in relation to the planned work area. Determine voltage levels by consulting with the local power company if necessary.

Risk Assessment

Evaluate whether the work can be completed while maintaining the required minimum approach distances. Consider alternative methods that might eliminate the need to work near power lines. If the work must proceed near power lines, develop a comprehensive risk management plan.

Documentation and Notification

Complete all required documentation, including hazard identification sheets, traffic management plans, and pre-start checklists. If work must be done within 4 metres of power lines, written consent from the power company is required, and a copy of this consent must be kept on site at all times.

Control Measures for Working in the Exclusion Zone

When operating between 4 and 6.4 metres from power lines (the exclusion zone), the following controls must be implemented:

Physical Barriers and Visual Markers

Clearly mark the 4-metre no-go zone using cones, tape, or other visual indicators. Establish barriers to prevent unauthorised entry into this zone. Use signage to warn workers about the presence of overhead power lines.

Competency Requirements

Only operators who have been specifically trained in working near power lines should work within the exclusion zone. They must be competent in operating the specific type of EWP being used and thoroughly briefed on the dangers of working near overhead power lines.

Safety Observer

A dedicated safety observer (spotter) must be present at all times when working in the exclusion zone. This person’s sole responsibility is to monitor the position of the EWP in relation to power lines and alert the operator immediately if they are about to enter the 4-metre no-go zone. The safety observer must not be assigned any other tasks that could distract them from this critical role.

Communication

Establish clear communication protocols between operators and safety observers. Operators working in the exclusion zone must immediately obey any instructions given by the safety observer. Mobile phones and electronic devices that could cause distraction should not be used by operators in the exclusion zone.

Emergency Procedures

If an EWP does come into contact with overhead power lines, all workers must be trained in the correct emergency response procedures:

Immediate Response

If an EWP touches overhead power lines, anyone in the EWP should remain there and warn others to stay clear. If it is safe to do so, the operator should try to break contact by operating the controls to move away from the power line.

Rescue Procedures

If it is not safe to break contact, the operator should:

• Call for help, warning everyone to keep well clear of the machine
• Remain in the EWP until the power company can de-energise the line and advise that it is safe to exit

Emergency Evacuation (Last Resort)

Only in extreme emergencies (such as fire) when the operator must exit the EWP while still in contact with power lines:

1. Switch off the motor and apply brakes where applicable
2. Remove any loose clothing
3. Jump clear of the EWP, ensuring no part of the body touches the EWP and ground simultaneously
4. Land with feet together and hop or shuffle away from the EWP (keeping feet close together)
5. Do not return to the EWP until the power company confirms it is safe

Training Requirements

All operators working with EWPs near power lines must have appropriate training, including:

• General EWP operation training (relevant NZQA unit standards or equivalent)
• Specific training on the hazards of working near power lines
• Emergency response procedures
• Correct use of personal protective equipment
• Communication protocols

Documentation and Compliance

Maintaining proper documentation is essential not only for legal compliance but also for ensuring safety protocols are consistently followed:

• Keep copies of operator certifications and training records
• Maintain logbooks for all EWPs, documenting pre-start inspections
• Retain hazard assessment forms and work plans
• Keep records of all safety briefings conducted before work near power lines
• Document any incidents or near misses for review and continuous improvement.

Working near power lines with EWPs demands the highest level of safety awareness and procedural discipline. By implementing comprehensive risk assessments, maintaining minimum approach distances, using dedicated safety observers, and ensuring all operators are properly trained, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of electrical accidents.

These safety procedures are not merely regulatory requirements, they are essential practices that protect lives, prevent equipment damage, and ensure business continuity. The productivity and financial benefits of avoiding accidents far outweigh the time and resources invested in proper safety planning and implementation.

No job is so urgent that it cannot be done safely. When it comes to EWPs and power lines, maintaining the minimum 4-metre clearance is not just best practice, it’s a matter of life and death.