IPAF Overhead Hazards & Site Risks — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum safe distance from overhead power lines when using a MEWP, and how is it determined?
- As specified by the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for the specific line voltage — typically at least 6 metres for 11 kV and above (Correct answer)
- 1 metre for all voltage levels
- The operator judges safe distance visually
- 2 metres from any overhead cable
Correct answer: As specified by the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for the specific line voltage — typically at least 6 metres for 11 kV and above
Safe distance from overhead power lines depends on voltage and must be confirmed with the DNO. For distribution-level voltages (11 kV and above), the minimum is typically 6 metres, but this must always be confirmed for the specific line.
Question 2: What physical controls should be in place when a MEWP operates near overhead power lines?
- Goal posts and height restrictors that physically prevent the MEWP from approaching the exclusion zone (Correct answer)
- Warning signs only
- A verbal briefing to the operator
- Yellow and black tape around the work area
Correct answer: Goal posts and height restrictors that physically prevent the MEWP from approaching the exclusion zone
Physical controls — goal posts and height restrictors — must be in place to prevent the MEWP from physically entering the exclusion zone around power lines. Signage and verbal briefing alone are insufficient.
Question 3: What is 'flashover' when a MEWP boom approaches an overhead power line?
- Electricity arcing from the line to the MEWP boom without direct contact, potentially killing the operator and persons on the ground (Correct answer)
- A warning light that activates near power lines
- The reflection of the power line in the MEWP's metallic surfaces
- Flashover only occurs if the boom actually touches the line
Correct answer: Electricity arcing from the line to the MEWP boom without direct contact, potentially killing the operator and persons on the ground
Flashover is the arcing of high-voltage electricity from a power line to the MEWP before direct contact, through the air gap. It can instantly kill the operator and any person touching the machine on the ground.
Question 4: What should an operator do if the MEWP inadvertently contacts an overhead power line?
- Stay in the platform, warn people not to touch the machine, and call the emergency services — do not attempt to climb down (Correct answer)
- Jump clear immediately to avoid electrocution
- Turn off the MEWP's engine to cut the circuit
- Move the MEWP away by driving it clear of the line
Correct answer: Stay in the platform, warn people not to touch the machine, and call the emergency services — do not attempt to climb down
If the MEWP contacts a power line, the operator is safer staying in the platform (the machine provides some insulation) than attempting to descend. Persons on the ground must not touch the machine. Emergency services must be called immediately.
Question 5: What pre-task planning is required before using a MEWP in an area with overhead hazards?
- Survey the work area for all overhead hazards, consult with relevant authorities, establish exclusion zones, and confirm the MEWP's maximum height does not create risk (Correct answer)
- Only a brief visual check before starting
- Overhead hazards are the responsibility of the site manager, not the MEWP operator
- No pre-task planning is needed if the MEWP is used during daylight
Correct answer: Survey the work area for all overhead hazards, consult with relevant authorities, establish exclusion zones, and confirm the MEWP's maximum height does not create risk
Pre-task planning for overhead hazards includes a full survey of the work area, consultation with DNOs or relevant authorities, establishing exclusion zones with physical controls, and confirming the machine's reach is safe.
Question 6: What hazard do suspended ceilings or fragile roofing materials present to MEWP operations indoors?
- Contact with the MEWP boom or platform can dislodge material, creating falling object risk and damaging structures that may be load-bearing (Correct answer)
- Suspended ceilings are a fire hazard only
- Indoor MEWPs cannot reach suspended ceilings
- Only relevant if the MEWP is over 10 metres platform height
Correct answer: Contact with the MEWP boom or platform can dislodge material, creating falling object risk and damaging structures that may be load-bearing
Contact with suspended ceilings or fragile roofing can dislodge material that falls on workers below. Some suspended ceiling structures may also be load-bearing or house services, making contact particularly hazardous.
IPAF Overhead Hazards & Site Risks
What is the minimum safe distance from overhead power lines when using a MEWP, and how is it determined?