Barricades are important safety tools used to limit access to hazardous areas and prevent accidents. Here's how they should be used in relation to electricity and construction:

• Electrical Hazards: Use barricades with safety signs to prevent access to areas with uninsulated, energized conductors or circuit parts [1]. Conductive barricades should not be used if they could create an electrical contact hazard [1].

• Overhead High Voltage Lines: When working near overhead high voltage lines, restrict or barricade the area to prevent machines or equipment from reaching into restricted space [2]. If signs and barricades are not enough, use an attendant to warn and protect employees [1].

• General Construction: Construction areas with hazards should be clearly posted with traffic control signs and protected by traffic control devices [3]. The design and use of barricades must conform to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) [3].

• Mechanical Equipment: Maintain a minimum horizontal clearance of three feet between the rotating superstructure of any mechanical equipment and adjacent objects. If this isn't possible, install barricades to isolate the hazardous area [4]. When working within three feet of the swing radius of rotating equipment, provide a warning barricade [5].

• Crane Operations: When operating a crane near power lines, use barricades to form a perimeter at least 10 feet away from the equipment to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the work area [6].

• Other Considerations:

  • Ensure signs and barricades are visible when work is being performed and removed when hazards no longer exist [7].
  • When equipment is left unattended at night near highways or construction areas, use lights, reflectors, or barricades with lights or reflectors to identify the equipment's location [8].
  • In urban areas, use barricades to prevent unauthorized personnel or vehicles from entering the worksite [9].

It is important to note that 29 CFR 1926.202 Barricades, has been repealed in Oregon [10].