Crane Power Line Clearance Chart

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1408, if any part of the crane, load line, or load could get within 20 feet of a power line (up to 350 kV), the employer must either have the line deenergized and grounded (Option 1), keep everything 20 feet away (Option 2), or determine the voltage and keep the Table A minimum clearance (Option 3). Table A allows 10 feet for lines up to 50 kV, 15 feet over 50 to 200 kV, and 20 feet over 200 to 350 kV.

Before operations, 1926.1408(a)(2) requires you to determine whether any part of the equipment, load line, or load could come closer than 20 feet to a power line when operated up to its maximum working radius. If it could, you must use Option 1 (deenergize and ground), Option 2 (maintain 20 feet with encroachment precautions), or Option 3 (maintain the Table A distance for the confirmed voltage). For lines over 350 kV up to 1,000 kV, 1926.1409 substitutes 50 feet for 20 feet.

Then you cannot use Table A (Option 3). Either keep 20 feet of clearance (Option 2), which covers lines up to 350 kV, or have the utility deenergize and visibly ground the line (Option 1). When you use Option 3, the utility owner/operator must provide the requested voltage information within two working days of your request (1926.1408(c)).

Per 1926.1408(b): hold a planning meeting with the operator and crew; use only non-conductive tag lines; erect an elevated warning line, barricade, or line of signs at the 20-foot or Table A distance (with a dedicated spotter if the operator cannot see it); and implement at least one additional measure — a proximity alarm, a dedicated spotter, a range control warning device, a range-limiting device, or an insulating link between the load line and the load.

OSHA 1926.1409 applies 1926.1408 to lines over 350 kV, except that for lines at or below 1,000 kV, wherever "20 feet" appears you substitute "50 feet". Table A still gives 25 ft (over 350 to 500 kV), 35 ft (over 500 to 750 kV), and 45 ft (over 750 to 1,000 kV). Over 1,000 kV, the clearance must be set by the utility owner/operator or a registered professional engineer qualified in power transmission and distribution.