15 February, 2024
If an AWP or its occupants come into contact with power lines the result can be instant death, electric shock, or other injuries caused directly or indirectly by electricity.
Electric shock can also occur without direct contact with power lines, as arcing or a flashover may result if the machine is too close to the power line. Incorrect identification of overhead power lines is also a risk, as they can be mistaken for telecommunication lines.
Other risk factors include power lines that may be hidden from view by vegetation or trees, a lack of work site supervision and operator complacency.
1. Be prepared
At the start of a project, look out and around for power lines in the work area. Conduct a site survey and risk assessment. Correct machine selection is critical. If power lines are in your work area, contact the energy supplier before work commences. Give all operators a briefing before they start and ensure they are aware of the presence of power lines in the vicinity.
2. Train operators
Anyone involved in the safe use of AWPs must be properly trained on the machine they are using and must have received a machine-specific familiarisation. As this is a high risk activity and can have severe consequences, managers must ensure operators, supervisors and spotters are briefed on safety.
3. Stay outside exclusion zones
An exclusion zone is the prescribed safety envelope around live electric power lines. Where there is potential for any part of it to enter an exclusion zone, an aerial work platform should not be operated.
4. Know your rescue plan
Does everyone on site know what to do in case of an emergency? If someone has been electrocuted by arcing of electricity or has been in contact with a power line, immediately call an ambulance and the energy supplier to have the power turned off. Make sure everyone knows and follows the emergency instructions.
STAY
If you are in the platform, stay there. If you are on the ground, do not approach the machine and remain at a safe distance recommended by the energy supplier.
CALL
the emergency services.
WAIT
for assistance from the emergency services and energy supplier.