OSHA 1926.1408(a): crane operations near power lines
Under 29 CFR 1926.1408(a), before crane operations begin the employer must identify the work zone and determine whether the equipment, load line or load could get closer than 20 feet to a power line. If so, the line is deenergized and grounded, or a 20-foot or Table A clearance is kept.
Official text
(a)(1) Identify the work zone by either: (i) Demarcating boundaries (such as with flags, or a device such as a range limit device or range control warning device) and prohibiting the operator from operating the equipment past those boundaries, or (ii) Defining the work zone as the area 360 degrees around the equipment, up to the equipment's maximum working radius.Read the full section on eCFR
(a)(2) Determine if any part of the equipment, load line or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), if operated up to the equipment's maximum working radius in the work zone, could get closer than 20 feet to a power line. If so, the employer must meet the requirements in Option (1), Option (2), or Option (3) of this section, as follows: (i) Option (1)—Deenergize and ground. Confirm from the utility owner/operator that the power line has been deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite. (ii) Option (2)—20 foot clearance. Ensure that no part of the equipment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), gets closer than 20 feet to the power line by implementing the measures specified in paragraph (b) of this section. (iii) Option (3)—Table A clearance. (A) Determine the line's voltage and the minimum approach distance permitted under Table A (see § 1926.1408). (B) Determine if any part of the equipment, load line or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), while operating up to the equipment's maximum working radius in the work zone, could get closer than the minimum approach distance of the power line permitted under Table A (see § 1926.1408). If so, then the employer must follow the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section to ensure that no part of the equipment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), gets closer to the line than the minimum approach distance.Read the full section on eCFR
(h) Devices originally designed by the manufacturer for use as: A safety device (see § 1926.1415), operational aid, or a means to prevent power line contact or electrocution, when used to comply with this section, must meet the manufacturer's procedures for use and conditions of use. Table A—Minimum Clearance Distances Voltage (nominal, kV, alternating current) | Minimum clearance distance (feet) up to 50 | 10 over 50 to 200 | 15 over 200 to 350 | 20 over 350 to 500 | 25 over 500 to 750 | 35 over 750 to 1,000 | 45 over 1,000 | (as established by the utility owner/operator or registered professional engineer who is a qualified person with respect to electrical power transmission and distribution). Note: The value that follows “to” is up to and includes that value. For example, over 50 to 200 means up to and including 200kV.Read the full section on eCFR
What it requires, in plain English
- The work zone is identified either by demarcated boundaries the operator is prohibited from operating past, or as the area 360 degrees around the equipment up to its maximum working radius.
- If any part of the equipment, load line or load could get closer than 20 feet to a power line, the employer follows Option (1), (2) or (3).
- Option (1) is confirmation from the utility owner/operator that the line is deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite. Option (2) keeps every part of the equipment, load line and load at least 20 feet from the line using the measures in 1926.1408(b).
- Option (3) uses the line’s voltage and the Table A minimum clearance distance, for example 10 feet up to 50 kV and 15 feet over 50 to 200 kV.
Where it shows up on site
- A crane or boom truck set up beside an overhead line along the site frontage
- A boom truck unloading material under overhead lines at the street
- No flags, warning line or spotter marking the clearance distance
Verify on site before you call it
A photo rarely shows every fact a standard depends on. Confirm these in person before treating the condition as a violation:
- What is the equipment’s maximum working radius, and could any part, the load line or the load reach within 20 feet of the line?
- What is the line voltage, as confirmed with the utility owner/operator, if Table A clearance is being used?
- Has the utility owner/operator confirmed the line is deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite?
- Was the work zone demarcated, or defined as the area 360 degrees around the equipment?
Typical corrective actions
- Hold the lift until the work zone is identified and the 20-foot assessment is done.
- Contact the utility owner/operator to deenergize and ground the line, or to get the voltage needed for Table A.
- Put the encroachment precautions required by 1926.1408(b) in place before operations resume.
- Brief the operator and crew on the line location and the clearance distance being kept.
Common questions
How close can a crane get to a power line?
Under 1926.1408(a), if any part of the equipment, load line or load could get closer than 20 feet to a power line, the employer must have the line deenergized and grounded, keep a 20-foot clearance, or keep the Table A minimum clearance for the line’s voltage. Table A starts at 10 feet for lines up to 50 kV.
What is Table A in OSHA 1926.1408?
Table A lists minimum clearance distances by nominal voltage: 10 feet up to 50 kV, 15 feet over 50 to 200 kV, 20 feet over 200 to 350 kV, and larger distances above that. Over 1,000 kV, the distance is set by the utility owner/operator or a registered professional engineer who is a qualified person.
Turn the observation into a notice
Record what the photo shows, confirm the on-site checks above, and identify the responsible company and due date. Use the fillable construction safety notice template or follow aworked example from observation to verified fix. Cirqify can draft the notice from your circled photo for you to review.
Related standards
This guide summarizes federal OSHA construction standards for general information. It is not legal advice. States with their own OSHA-approved plans may set different or additional requirements; see federal and state coverage.