Crane Operations Near Overhead Power Lines Risk Assessment

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers all crane operations conducted within proximity to overhead power lines. It includes the setup, operation, and dismantling phases of crane activities where there is a potential for electrical hazards. The scope excludes crane operations where power lines have been de-energized and visibly grounded with confirmation from the utility company.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment employs a qualitative risk assessment method using a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk levels based on likelihood and severity. The hierarchy of controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, and PPE) is applied to identify and implement control measures. Field-level risk assessments will supplement this formal assessment.

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Low	Moderate	Moderate
Major	Low	Moderate	Moderate	High	High
Moderate	Low	Moderate	High	High	Extreme
Minor	Moderate	High	High	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	Moderate	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Contact with overhead power lines

Potential Consequences: Electrocution, severe burns, equipment damage, fire, explosion. [1] [2]

Affected Persons: Crane operators, riggers, ground personnel, nearby workers, public.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	Extreme

Control Measures

• Relocate or bury powerlines prior to operation of equipment
• Use range limiting device
• Use insulating and non-conductive guarding
• Establish a 10-foot clearance from power lines and related equipment energized up to 50 kilovolts (50,000 volts). For power lines and equipment energized more than 50 kV, the distance is 10 feet plus 4 inches for every 10 kV over 50 kV.
• Use proximity alarm
• Identify the powerline danger zone on the ground with conspicuous markers
• Ensure a spotter is used to maintain minimum approach distance

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	High

2. Crane Overload

Potential Consequences: Upset, structural failure, dropped load, injury to personnel, damage to property. [3]

Affected Persons: Crane operator, riggers, ground personnel, nearby workers, public.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Use Load Moment Indicator
• Ensure design of object being lifted can be freely suspended
• Regular inspection of crane and rigging equipment
• Proper load weight calculation and verification
• Adherence to crane load chart

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Moderate

3. Unintentional Crane Movement

Potential Consequences: Injury to personnel, load loss, powerline contact, overload, damage to equipment. [3] [3] [3]

Affected Persons: Crane operator, riggers, ground personnel, nearby workers.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Control guarding
• Failsafe control design
• Emergency stop
• Controls that do not return to "neutral"
• User information system
• Implement a pre-lift checklist to verify crane setup and function
• Use tag lines to control the load

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Moderate

4. Blind Zones

Potential Consequences: Vehicle/equipment strikes bystander/worker, upset, injury. [3]

Affected Persons: Ground personnel, pedestrians, other workers in the area.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Smart reverse signal alarm (only sounds when
• Use spotters to guide crane movements in blind zones
• Establish clear communication protocols between operator and ground personnel
• Implement pedestrian walkways and barriers
• Use mirrors and cameras to improve visibility

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Moderate

5. Instability During Setup

Potential Consequences: Crane tip-over, collapse, injury to personnel, damage to equipment.

Affected Persons: Crane operator, riggers, ground personnel.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Ensure proper ground preparation and soil compaction
• Use outriggers and stabilizers according to manufacturer's specifications
• Verify level surface using appropriate leveling tools
• Regularly inspect outrigger pads for damage or wear
• Implement a documented setup procedure

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Moderate

5. General Control Measures

• Conduct daily inspections of cranes and rigging equipment.

Ensure inspections are documented and performed by a competent person.

• Establish and enforce a clear communication system between the crane operator, riggers, and ground personnel.

Use standardized hand signals or radio communication.

• Provide comprehensive training to all personnel involved in crane operations.

Training should cover crane operation, rigging, signaling, and hazard awareness.

• Ensure all personnel wear appropriate PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, and high-visibility clothing.

PPE should be inspected regularly for damage or wear.

• Implement a site-specific lift plan for all crane operations.

The lift plan should address potential hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• In the event of contact with a power line, the operator should swing the boom into the clear. [2]
• If it is necessary to leave the equipment, anyone on the machine should jump entirely clear of the unit. Keep your feet close together and jump so that both feet hit the ground at the same time. Walk away in a small-step shuffle because a large amount of electricity flowing into the ground can create differences in electrical potential - enough difference to actually shock anyone whose feet are too far apart. [2]
• Once clear of the equipment, do not return for any reason until the power line has been grounded and/or determined to be safe by the electric utility or owner of the line. Prevent personnel from touching or approaching the equipment. [2]
• Establish an emergency response plan that includes procedures for electrical contact, crane failure, and medical emergencies.
• Ensure that all personnel are trained on emergency procedures and evacuation routes.

7. Training Requirements

• Crane Operator Certification: All crane operators must be certified and qualified to operate the specific type of crane being used. Training must include safe operating procedures, load chart interpretation, and emergency response.
• Rigger Training: All riggers must be trained and qualified in proper rigging techniques, load weight estimation, and inspection of rigging equipment.
• Spotter Training: Spotters must be trained to identify hazards, maintain minimum approach distances from power lines, and effectively communicate with the crane operator.
• Electrical Hazard Awareness: All personnel involved in crane operations near power lines must receive training on electrical hazards, safe work practices, and emergency procedures.
• First Aid/CPR: At least one member of the crane crew should be trained in first aid and CPR.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any incident involving crane operations near power lines

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Daily	Crane Operator	Conduct a daily inspection of the crane, rigging, and work area to identify any hazards or defects.
Performance Indicator	Monthly	Safety Manager	Track and analyze near-miss incidents involving crane operations to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Audit	Annually	Safety Department	Conduct a comprehensive audit of crane operations to ensure compliance with safety procedures and regulations.
Observation	Weekly	Supervisor	Observe crane operations to ensure adherence to safe work practices and identify any potential hazards.
Equipment Testing	As per manufacturer's recommendations	Qualified Technician	Regularly test and certify crane and rigging equipment to ensure it meets safety standards.

9. Special Circumstances

• Crane operations during adverse weather conditions (high winds, rain, snow) may increase the risk of accidents. Implement procedures to halt operations when weather conditions are unfavorable.
• Night work increases the risk of reduced visibility. Ensure adequate lighting is provided and that all personnel wear reflective clothing.
• Lone work should be avoided whenever possible. If lone work is necessary, implement a buddy system or use a monitoring system to ensure the worker's safety.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, or after any incident involving crane operations near power lines or when significant changes occur.

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