Overhead line safety

  • Keep personnel and equipment at least 10 feet from overhead lines at all times. Consider how close aerial equipment will be when fully extended, and use a spotter to monitor placement.
  • Remember that wind can move lines or aerial equipment, so always use the maximum possible clearance.
  • OSHA requires greater than 10 feet of clearance from lines that are over 50,000 volts. For example, the minimum clearance for a 500,000-volt line is 18 feet. There are no visible markers to identify a power line’s voltage, so call National Grid for clearance information if you are unsure.
Fireman near overhead lines

Ladder hits lines; firefighter dies

Three firefighters were positioning a 35-foot aluminum extension ladder outside a three-story building with an active fire on the third floor. Two of the firefighters apparently slipped and lost control of the ladder, which fell against a 7,600-volt power line. One firefighter was killed and one was seriously injured.

If National Grid does not distribute electricity in your department’s response area, please coordinate your incident response with the appropriate local electric utility.