What precaution should be taken when working near overhead power lines?

Maintaining a safe distance and ensuring that equipment does not come into contact with overhead power lines is crucial for safety when working near them. Overhead power lines carry high voltages, and coming too close can lead to electrical shock or even fatal accidents. By keeping a safe distance, workers minimize the risk of accidents caused by accidental contact with the lines or by electrical arcing, which can occur even without direct contact if the voltage is high enough.

This precaution is standard practice and is emphasized in safety regulations and training because it significantly reduces the potential for dangerous incidents. For instance, various guidelines specify that workers should maintain specific clearance distances based on the voltage of the lines to ensure safety.

While wearing rubber footwear and using wooden ladders may offer some protection under certain circumstances, they do not address the fundamental risk associated with proximity to high-voltage lines. Additionally, working at night when visibility is low increases the risk of not observing safe distances and properly identifying hazards. Therefore, ensuring sufficient distance from overhead power lines is the most effective and widely recognized safety measure.