Safe Work Procedure: High Voltage Construction Work

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary safety precautions and procedures to be followed when performing construction work in proximity to high voltage electrical power lines in California. This procedure applies to all personnel involved in construction activities, including but not limited to equipment operators, ground personnel, supervisors, and contractors. It covers the operation of machinery, manual tasks, and any other activities that could potentially bring workers or equipment within the vicinity of energized power lines. This SWP aims to prevent electrical contact, electrocution, and other related hazards associated with high voltage environments. This procedure should be used in conjunction with all other relevant safety procedures, manufacturer guidelines, and site-specific safety plans.

2. Definitions

High Voltage A voltage level that poses a significant risk of electric shock or arc flash, typically defined as [SPECIFY VOLTAGE LEVEL - e.g., 600 volts or higher].

Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) The closest distance that any worker, tool, or equipment can approach an energized power line. This distance is determined by the voltage of the power line and is specified in relevant safety regulations and standards.

Competent Person An individual who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them [1].

Signal Person A person trained and designated to direct equipment operators when operating near power lines or in areas with limited visibility 2, 3, 4.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure all workers are adequately trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks safely.
Conduct thorough pre-job briefings to discuss potential hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures.
Enforce adherence to this SWP and all other relevant safety regulations.
Ensure that equipment is properly inspected and maintained.
Monitor work activities to identify and correct any unsafe conditions or behaviors.

3.2 Workers

Participate in all required training and pre-job briefings.
Follow all safety procedures and instructions outlined in this SWP.
Use required PPE and ensure it is in good condition.
Inspect tools and equipment before use and report any defects.
Immediately report any hazards, near-misses, or incidents to the supervisor.
Refrain from approaching power lines closer than the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD).

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of this SWP.
Conduct regular site inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Investigate incidents and near-misses to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions.
Provide guidance and support to supervisors and workers on health and safety matters.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Contact with energized power lines	Electrocution, severe burns, arc flash, equipment damage	Maintain Minimum Approach Distance (MAD), de-energize power lines when possible, use insulated equipment, implement spotters/signal persons, use proximity alarms, ensure proper grounding
Arc Flash	Severe burns, eye injuries, hearing damage	Wear appropriate arc-rated PPE, increase standoff distance, use remote control equipment
Unstable ground conditions	Equipment rollover, collapse of excavations	Inspect ground conditions, ensure proper sloping/shoring, use appropriate equipment for the terrain
Falling objects	Head injuries, other bodily injuries	Wear hard hats, secure tools and materials, establish exclusion zones
Poor visibility	Collisions, struck-by incidents	Use work lights, ensure clear communication, use signal persons
Fire hazards	Burns, explosions	Remove flammable materials, ensure proper ventilation, use fire extinguishers, no smoking

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use the appropriate PPE for the task being performed. Inspect all PPE before use to ensure it is in good condition and fits properly.

Hard Hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impacts.
Safety Glasses/Face Shield - Protects the eyes from dust, debris, and arc flash.
Insulated Gloves - Protects hands from electrical shock when working near energized sources. Ensure gloves are rated for the voltage level.
High-Visibility Clothing - Increases visibility to other workers and equipment operators.
Safety Boots - Provides foot protection from impacts, punctures, and electrical hazards. Ensure boots are EH (Electrical Hazard) rated.

Inspect PPE for damage before each use. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately. Clean and store PPE properly when not in use.

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use the right equipment and tools for the job. Inspect all equipment and tools before use to ensure they are in good working condition.

Excavators/Backhoes - Used for digging and moving earth. Ensure equipment is properly grounded and operated by trained personnel 1, 2, 3, 4.
Cranes - Used for lifting and moving heavy materials. Ensure cranes are operated by certified operators and equipped with proximity alarms.
Insulated Tools - Used when working near energized electrical equipment. Ensure tools are rated for the voltage level.
Grounding Equipment - Used to ground equipment and structures to prevent electrical shock.
Proximity Alarms - Alerts equipment operators when they are approaching power lines.

Inspect equipment and tools for defects before each use. Remove any damaged equipment from service. Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All personnel must have completed [SPECIFY REQUIRED TRAINING, e.g., OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour Construction Safety Course].
Equipment operators must be certified and trained in the safe operation of the specific equipment they will be using.
Workers must be trained on the hazards of working near high voltage power lines and the requirements of this SWP.
Competent Person training is required for individuals responsible for identifying hazards and implementing control measures [1].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all personnel involved in the work. Review the scope of work, potential hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures.
Discuss the location of power lines and the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD).
Assign roles and responsibilities, including signal persons and spotters.
Ensure everyone understands the communication methods to be used.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Contact the local utility company to identify and mark the location of underground utilities 7, 15.
Establish a clear work zone and barricade the area to prevent unauthorized access 2, 3, 4.
Inspect the ground conditions and ensure they are stable. If the ground is soft or unstable, take measures to stabilize it 1, 15.
Ensure adequate lighting is provided, especially when working in dark or low-light conditions 1, 2, 3, 4, 15.
Remove any flammable materials from the work area [2].

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Planning and Preparation

Before starting any work, review project plans and identify all potential electrical hazards. Contact the local utility company to confirm the location of all overhead and underground power lines. Obtain necessary permits and approvals. Ensure that all workers have the required training and qualifications.

Sub-step 1.1: Review site-specific safety plan.
Sub-step 1.2: Conduct a job hazard analysis (JHA).
Sub-step 1.3: Verify that all equipment is in good working order.

Safety considerations: Ensure all planning documents address electrical hazards and mitigation strategies.

Step 2: Establishing Safe Clearances

Maintain the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) from all energized power lines. This distance varies depending on the voltage of the power line. Use physical barriers, such as cones or flags, to clearly mark the MAD. If work must be performed closer than the MAD, the power lines must be de-energized by the utility company [1].

Sub-step 2.1: Identify the voltage of the power lines.
Sub-step 2.2: Determine the appropriate MAD.
Sub-step 2.3: Establish physical barriers to maintain MAD.

Safety considerations: Never assume a power line is de-energized. Always verify with the utility company.

Step 3: Operating Equipment Safely

When operating equipment near power lines, use a signal person to guide the operator and ensure that the equipment does not encroach on the MAD 1, 2, 3, 4. Use proximity alarms to provide an additional warning. Keep all personnel clear of the equipment operating area. Ensure equipment is properly grounded.

Sub-step 3.1: Use a trained and qualified signal person.
Sub-step 3.2: Monitor proximity alarm and respond immediately.
Sub-step 3.3: Ensure equipment is properly grounded.

Safety considerations: Equipment operators must be constantly aware of their surroundings and potential electrical hazards.

Step 4: Working at Heights

When working at heights near power lines, use fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and lanyards [3]. Ensure that scaffolds are erected and used in accordance with OSHA regulations [1]. Never use metal ladders near power lines. Maintain the MAD from all power lines.

Sub-step 4.1: Inspect fall protection equipment before use.
Sub-step 4.2: Ensure scaffolds are properly erected and maintained.
Sub-step 4.3: Maintain MAD from power lines.

Safety considerations: Be aware of the increased risk of electrical contact when working at heights.

Step 5: Completion and Post-Job Inspection

After completing the work, conduct a post-job inspection to ensure that the work area is safe and that all equipment has been removed. Document any incidents or near-misses. Review the effectiveness of the safety procedures and make any necessary improvements.

Sub-step 5.1: Inspect the work area for hazards.
Sub-step 5.2: Remove all equipment and materials.
Sub-step 5.3: Document any incidents or near-misses.

Safety considerations: A thorough post-job inspection helps prevent future incidents.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Maintain Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) - Never allow workers or equipment to get closer to energized power lines than the specified MAD.
De-energize Power Lines - When possible, request the utility company to de-energize power lines before starting work [1].
Use Signal Persons - Use trained signal persons to guide equipment operators when working near power lines 1, 2, 3, 4.
Ground Equipment - Ensure that all equipment is properly grounded to prevent electrical shock.
Wear Appropriate PPE - Use required PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, insulated gloves, and safety boots.
Inspect Equipment - Inspect all equipment before use and remove any damaged equipment from service.
Provide Adequate Lighting - Ensure that the work area is adequately lit, especially when working in dark or low-light conditions 1, 2, 3, 4, 15.
Remove Flammable Materials - Remove any flammable materials from the work area to prevent fires [2].
Monitor Weather Conditions - Stop work during electrical storms or other adverse weather conditions 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
Emergency Shutdown Procedures - Know the location of emergency shutdown switches and procedures in case of electrical contact.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately stop work and evacuate the area. Call 911 for medical assistance and fire department if necessary. Notify the supervisor and project manager. Do not attempt to move an injured worker who has come into contact with a power line until the power has been shut off.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Electrical Contact: If a worker or equipment comes into contact with a power line, immediately call the utility company to de-energize the line. Keep everyone away from the contact area. Do not approach the equipment or victim until the power is confirmed to be off.
Fire: If a fire breaks out, use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire if it is safe to do so. Evacuate the area and call the fire department.
Injury: Provide first aid to injured workers. Call 911 for serious injuries.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[Your Company] Safety Department: [PHONE NUMBER]
Local Utility Company: [PHONE NUMBER]
Project Manager: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. The incident report should include a detailed description of the event, the names of the people involved, and any injuries or damages that occurred.

12. References and Related Documents

OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart V - Power Transmission and Distribution
OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart K - Electrical
California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Subchapter 5 - Electrical Safety Orders
[SPECIFY ANY COMPANY-SPECIFIC SAFETY POLICIES OR PROCEDURES]

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]