NCCCO Hazard Identification and Power Line Safety 2

Question 1

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, what is the minimum required clearance distance between a crane and an energized power line of unknown voltage?

Accepted Answer

20 feet from any part of the crane or load

Answer

3 feet from any part of the crane or load

Answer

10 feet from any part of the crane or load

Answer

50 feet from any part of the crane or load

Question 2

What procedure should a crane operator follow if the crane makes contact with an energized power line?

Accepted Answer

Stay in the cab, warn bystanders not to touch the crane, and attempt to move the crane away from the power line

Answer

Exit the cab immediately using the step-off procedure to escape the energized crane

Answer

Shut down the crane immediately and wait for rescue personnel to arrive outside the cab

Answer

Use the crane controls to lower the load before attempting to move the crane away from the line

Question 3

What is an 'encroachment permit' in the context of crane operations near power lines?

Accepted Answer

A written authorization from the power line owner/operator to work within the established clearance distance

Answer

A permit from the crane manufacturer to exceed rated capacity for special lifts

Answer

A government permit required whenever a crane is used on a public road or right-of-way

Answer

A permit from OSHA to operate cranes in areas with overhead power lines

Question 4

During a pre-lift site assessment, an operator identifies underground utilities in the crane's planned setup area. What should the operator do?

Accepted Answer

Contact the utility locating service (such as 811 in the US) to have utilities marked before positioning the crane

Answer

Proceed with setup since underground utilities are below ground level and cannot be affected by crane operations

Answer

Proceed with setup and avoid operating any hydraulic functions directly over known utility lines

Answer

Underground utilities are the general contractor's responsibility and do not require operator action

Question 5

What is the purpose of an 'insulating link' (insulator) installed between the crane hook and the load during operations near power lines?

Accepted Answer

It breaks the electrical circuit path from the crane to the load, reducing the risk of shock to ground personnel if the crane contacts a power line

Answer

It increases the crane's rated capacity when operating near electrical equipment

Answer

It prevents static discharge from the load to the ground during precision placement on electrical equipment

Answer

It monitors voltage levels on the crane and triggers an alarm when approaching power lines

Question 6

What does 'assume all power lines are energized' mean in crane safety practice, and why is this principle important?

Accepted Answer

Every overhead power line must be treated as energized and dangerous at all times, regardless of appearance, unless confirmed de-energized and locked out by the utility company

Answer

Operators should assume electrical energy is present in any power line that has visible wiring, but may approach downed or old-looking lines without special precaution

Answer

Crane operators should assume all underground lines are energized but may approach overhead lines more closely if no current use is apparent

Answer

The principle applies only to lines within 10 feet of the crane; distant lines may be approached without special consideration