What should a worker do if their equipment, such as a crane or a dump truck, makes contact with an overhead power line?

2025-08-12

This is an extremely dangerous situation, and a specific emergency procedure must be followed to prevent electrocution.

  1. Stay in the vehicle: The safest place is inside the cab. Do not exit the vehicle, as the ground around it may be energized.

  2. Warn others: Immediately warn anyone nearby to stay at least 30 to 100 feet away, as the ground can be energized.

  3. Call for help: Contact the local utility company and emergency services (e.g., 911) immediately.

  4. Try to drive away (if safe): If the vehicle can be moved without further contact, drive it away from the line.

  5. Escape as a last resort: Only if the vehicle is on fire and you must exit, you should jump clear of the equipment, landing with both feet together and shuffling or "bunny hopping" away. This prevents one foot from being in a high-voltage area and the other in a low-voltage area, which can cause a fatal electric shock. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.

What is the "safe approach distance" or "exclusion zone" for working near overhead power lines?What is the hierarchy of control for managing risks when working near overhead power lines?
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