TM 5-3810-307-10
Crane operation is dangerous when close to an energized electrical power source.
Exercise extreme caution and prudent judgement. Operate slowly and cautiously when in the
vicinity of power lines.
If the load, wire rope, crane boom, or any portion of the crane contacts or comes too close
to an electrical power source, everyone in, on, and around the crane can be seriously injured or
killed.
The safest way to avoid electrocution is to stay away from electrical power lines and
electrical power sources.
You, the operator, are responsible for alerting all personnel of dangers associated with
electrical power lines and equipment. The crane is not insulated. Do not allow unnecessary
personnel in the vicinity of the crane while operating. Permit no one to lean against or touch the
crane. Permit no one, including riggers and load handlers, to hold the load, load lines, tag lines, or
rigging gear.
Even if the crane operator is not affected by an electrical contact, others in the area may
become seriously injured or killed.
It is not always necessary to contact a power line or power source to become electrocuted.
Electricity, depending on magnitude, can arc or jump to any part of the load, load line, or crane
boom if it comes too close to an electrical power source. Low voltages can also be dangerous.
Thoroughly read, understand, and abide by all applicable federal, state, and local
regulations.
Federal law prohibits the use of cranes closer than 10 ft (3.05 m) to power sources up to
50,000 volts and greater distances for higher voltages. [29CFR1910.180 and 29CFR1926.550]
Grove recommends keeping cranes twice the minimum distance (e.g., 20 ft (6.10 m) as specified by
U.S. Department of Labor - Occupational Safety and Heath Administration (OSHA) standards.
2-7.1
Set-up and Operation.
During crane use, assume that every line is energized ("hot" or "live") and take the
necessary precautions.
Set-up the crane in a position such that the load, boom, or any part of the crane and
its attachments cannot be moved to within 20 ft (6.10 m) of electrical power lines or equipment.
This includes the crane boom (fully extended to maximum height, radius and length) and all
attachments (jibs, boom extensions, rigging, loads, etc.). Overhead lines tend to blow in the wind
so allow for lines' movement when determining safe operating distance.
A suitable barricade should be erected to physically restrain the crane and all
attachments (including the load) from entering into an unsafe distance from electrical power lines or
equipment.
2-11
