Overhead Electric Power Lines Safety

Working with equipment immediately under or near overhead lines is unsafe as electrical current or flashover can kill you.

• Maintain adequate distance – stay outside of the safe limits of approach
• Be aware that a flashover can happen if you even if you do not touch an overhead line

As a worker, you must:

• Never work with equipment under or near overhead lines unless authorized to do so by your supervisor.
• Always confirm that the correct hazards controls are in place and that it is safe to start work.

If you are the supervisor or person in charge of the work you must:

• Not allow workers or equipment (e.g. cranes, ground moving equipment, etc.) to work within the 7 metres (23 feet) clearance distance of live overhead power lines without an Overhead Power Line Encroachment Permit (CEN751) this is extremely important especially if you are working on any Cenovus site.
• Not allow fixed loads under a live power line where the load is higher than 4.15 metres (13.4 feet) without an Overhead Power Line Encroachment Permit (CEN751).

Always confirm that the correct hazard controls are in place and that it is safe to start work.

Examples of hazard controls:

• De-energize power lines: the power lines can be electrically switched off/isolated and verified to be de-energized by a qualified utility worker.
• Plan for and conduct the work outside the 7 metres unsafe/clearance distance.
• Install barriers to mark the clearance distance and/or safe passageways are created.