Though cranes are probably the only type of equipment that can be used in high-voltage areas, you need to take the necessary steps to keep your operators and spotters safe. Cranes are versatile, high-performance, and sturdy. This equipment is engineered to withstand rough work conditions. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to safety optimization.
Crane Warning Systems Atlanta is an unmatched crane safety products distributor in the US. We’re a strong advocate of continuous crane safety improvement and recommend you invest in quality warning devices such as ATB, LMI, and RCI systems.
On our website blog, you will find multiple guides to operating cranes in tough conditions. And today, we are going to talk about crane operations in high-voltage areas. Yes, we know cranes are made of metal that is an electrical conductor, but that doesn’t make them unusable.
Let’s learn all about ensuring safety while operating cranes in high voltage worksites.
Electrocution—A Significant Risk
If you Google crane accidents, the search engine will reveal that most of the crane operators are injured due to electrocution during crane operations. This is primarily because crane owners and managers do not take proper safety measures.
Stringent and strong safety protocols are the only way to minimize electricity risks during crane operations. This issue should always be on your project safety plan’s proverbial section.
How Does a Crane in High Voltage Areas Increase Process Risks?
Cranes are made of metal and, upon contact with electrical lines or any other electrical source, can conduct electricity and get charged. As a result, the charged equipment may put crane operators at a risk of electrocution.
OSHA and ASME stipulate highly delicate yet critical safety measures to prevent electrocution during crane operations. They emphasize crane operators and spotters to maintain adequate distance from energized grounds and equipment. A crane operator inside a cabin should have a dedicated employee assigned to monitor any unforeseen situation.
For example, the assigned safety employee should rush toward the equipment to rescue operators even if there’s a slight indication or possibility of energization.
OSHA Regulations for Operating Cranes in High Voltage Areas
You need to abide by OSHA regulations to ensure worker and equipment safety. According to the OSHA 1408 statement:
Operators and cranes must be at least 10 feet away from an electricity source of 50 kV or more.
Between 50kV to 200kV, the equipment and operator should maintain at least 15 feet of distance.
The distance should be 15 feet and 20 feet if the voltage is >200kV and >350kV, respectively.
Project managers must assign an electrical engineer and seek appropriate clearance from the local councils if the worksite has a voltage of 750kV to 1,000kV.
Crane Warning Systems Atlanta—Your Ultimate Crane Safety Partner in the US
Based in Atlanta, Crane Warning Systems Atlanta is a highly renowned and established crane safety products distributor in the US. Our company has been offering top-of-the-line crane safety products to businesses nationwide.
Some of our best-selling crane warning devices are manufactured by RaycoWylie. We’ve partnered with the world-famous crane safety products manufacturer as their authorized distributor in the US. Our RaycoWylie product range includes but isn’t limited to Rated Capacity Indicators, crane wind speed indicators, crane alarm, Load Moment Indicators, and load indicators.
Check out our free-access crane safety products manuals, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting guides, or call us now for more details.