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Request for assistance in preventing electrocutions from contact between cranes and power lines (superseded by 95-108).

NIOSH

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 85-111, 1985 Jul; :1-6

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/85-111/

00184334

A review was made of six fatal injuries occurring as a result of five instances of contact between cranes and power lines. The review indicated that: in none of the five instances had the power lines been moved, insulated, or deenergized before work was begun; in no case was the recommended absolute minimum clearance maintained for specific voltage; in no case was a signal man used; in no case were nonconductive taglines used rather than direct contact to stabilize the load; in two cases combustible materials were stored directly beneath power lines; in no case were boom guards, insulating lines, or proximity warning devices used in addition to other requirements; and in no case were insulating boots and gloves worn when workers connected loads or contacted the crane while in the vicinity of the overhead power lines. It was concluded that existing regulations and OSHA standards appear sufficient to prevent these crane related electrocutions. All employers who use cranes in the vicinity of overhead power lines are urged to familiarize themselves with and implement the existing standard. Safety and trade associations, crane manufacturers, electric utility companies and OSHA state consultative services are urged to bring this standard to the attention of employers who use cranes.

Construction-industry; Construction-workers; Accident-analysis; Accident-prevention; Safety-research; Safety-practices; Electrical-workers

19850701

Numbered Publication; Alert

1985

PB86-121407

A02

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 85-111

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

OH