Electrical Safety
Overhead
Power Lines
Power Lines
OSHA 1926.1408 · ConEd Clearance Requirements · 811 Before You Dig
New York City has the most complex overhead and underground utility network in North America. On a typical NYC block, active utility lines — some carrying 13,000 volts or more — pass directly over and adjacent to construction sites. Contact with an energized overhead line is nearly always fatal.
Minimum Approach Distances — OSHA 1926.1408
- Up to 50kV: 10 feet minimum clearance from any equipment or personnel
- Over 50kV: add 4 inches for every 10kV above 50kV
- On NYC streets: ConEd distribution lines are typically 13kV (13,200V) — 10-foot clearance applies
- These distances apply to the boom, load, wire rope, and ALL rigging — not just the machine body
Cranes and Hoisting Near Power Lines
- A qualified spotter must be designated for all crane operations near overhead lines — dedicated solely to watching the line clearance
- Pre-lift safety meeting required — document clearances, boom angle limits, and spotter position in the crane daily log (PL-004)
- Proximity alarm or boom-angle indicator required for crane operations within two times the minimum clearance distance
- If any doubt about clearance: STOP. Contact ConEd 800-752-6633 to de-energize or install temporary insulation
If a Line Is Struck or Downed
- DO NOT exit the machine — stay in the cab and call 911. The ground around a downed line is energized
- If you must exit (fire), jump clear — do not step and hold — shuffle/hop away with feet together until at least 30 feet from the machine
- Keep bystanders away — establish a 100-foot exclusion zone until ConEd confirms de-energization
- Report to SSM and GC immediately — full incident report required
Call 811 — NYC Underground Utilities
- Call 811 a minimum of 2 business days before ANY excavation — NYC law requires it
- 811 coordinates marking of all underground utilities: ConEd, National Grid, Verizon, cable, water, sewer
- Marks are valid for 10 days in NYC — re-call if excavation extends beyond this period
- NYC also has a complex network of steam lines (Con Edison Steam) — check with your GC for specific requirements
Discussion Questions
- What is the minimum clearance required from a ConEd 13kV distribution line for a crane boom?
- Who must be designated during crane operations near power lines, and what is their only job?
- A crane operator accidentally makes contact with an overhead line. The operator is in the cab uninjured. What should they do first?
- How many business days before excavation must you call 811, and how long are the utility marks valid?
Sign-Off
Project Address
Date
Time
Foreman / Supervisor
SSM / SSC Name & License No.
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