Electrical Hazards & Power Line Safety Flashcards
7 cards from real OSHA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Electrical Hazards & Power Line Safety flashcards as text
Under OSHA 1926.1408, who is responsible for notifying the utility company before crane work begins near overhead power lines?
Answer: The employer or controlling entity
OSHA places the responsibility for contacting the utility owner/operator on the employer or controlling entity before crane operations begin near power lines.
What is the purpose of an 'encroachment prevention plan' during crane operations near power lines?
Answer: To establish procedures that prevent the crane from entering the power line danger zone
An encroachment prevention plan defines the methods, equipment, and procedures that will keep any part of the crane or load from entering the power line's minimum approach distance.
Under what condition may a crane operate closer than standard OSHA minimum approach distances to overhead power lines?
Answer: When the utility owner deenergizes and visibly grounds the lines
OSHA 1926.1408(d) permits reduced clearance only when the utility owner/operator has deenergized the power lines and visibly grounded them.
What does 'equipotential zone' mean in the context of crane electrical safety?
Answer: A protected area where all objects are at the same electrical potential, reducing shock risk
An equipotential zone is created by bonding and grounding all conductive objects so they share the same electrical potential, preventing current flow through workers.
Which of the following is NOT an acceptable primary safeguard against power line hazards during crane operations?
Answer: Relying solely on a proximity warning device
A proximity warning device alone is insufficient; OSHA requires it to be used in combination with other controls such as insulating barriers or deenergized lines.
What should a signal person do immediately if a crane load begins to drift toward an overhead power line during a pick?
Answer: Immediately give the emergency stop signal
At any sign of imminent encroachment on a power line, the signal person must immediately give the stop signal so all crane movement ceases.
When a crane must operate within a power line's danger zone, OSHA requires that a dedicated spotter be assigned to watch for what?
Answer: The crane's proximity to the energized power lines at all times
OSHA requires a dedicated spotter whose sole responsibility is monitoring the distance between the crane and energized power lines during all movements in the danger zone.