What safety measures should be taken for a crane or truck working near energized power lines?

When working near energized power lines, taking appropriate safety measures is crucial to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment. Grounding, barricading, or coning off the area around a crane or truck helps minimize the risk of accidental contact with live power lines. This ensures that the equipment does not inadvertently come into contact with energized lines, which can lead to serious electrical hazards, including electrocution.

Barricading the area helps prevent unauthorized personnel from accidentally entering a dangerous zone. By providing a clear visual cue that the area is hazardous, it reinforces the importance of maintaining a safe distance from power lines. Grounding the equipment can also protect operators from electrical faults, providing an alternative path for electrical current and reducing the risk of injury.

Although other options may seem viable for safety, they do not provide the comprehensive protective measures that barricading, coning off, or grounding the equipment offers. For example, simply covering the equipment with tarps would not prevent accidents caused by close proximity to energized lines. Calling the utility company is certainly a wise step but should be combined with physical safety measures as the primary focus. Moving the equipment further away is not always feasible due to site constraints, and ensuring clear boundaries and barriers is often the most effective immediate safety protocol.