Working near overhead power lines

The limits of approach were designed to keep you working safely on the job site. In Alberta, the safe working distance is 7 metres from an overhead power line, unless confirmed otherwise by EPCOR. If you need to work within 7 metres of the power line, please contact Power Emergencies at 780-412-4500 and ask for a Safety Codes Consult or fill out our online form.

• Know the limits of approach for equipment and workers and follow the guidelines.
• Mark locations of all overhead power lines on you plans and drawings.
• Ensure there's enough clearance to keep workers and equipment safe from overhead lines. Check the provincial regulations.
• Call Power Emergencies at 780-412-4500 and ask for a Safety Codes Consult. Our Safety Codes Officer will provide you with the clearance requirements specific to your area and the job.
• Set up signs warning of overhead power lines.
• Once the safe distance has been determined, no work can be done within this distance
  

Download our PDF on working safely near overhead power lines.

The single job of a designated signaller is to keep large equipment away from power lines. The signaller should know the limits of approach and keep equipment operators working safely.

• A signaller helps equipment operators steer clear of overhead lines.
• The signaller should stand out from the other workers and use a clear set of signals easily understood by the equipment operator.

Make sure the signaller can signal the equipment operator quickly and easily if there is danger of contacting a power line.

Every year workers operating large equipment are injured or killed because of contacts with overhead lines. Follow these safe work practices:

• Keep vehicles clear of lines. Dump trucks, concrete rigs, cranes and other high-rise equipment can contact overhead power lines. Work with a designated signaler to keep safely away and don't forget to lower your buckets and booms before moving equipment under power lines.
• Plan your worksite to minimize travel under power lines. Ensure safe work distances are being followed.
• Employees should keep clear of all big equipment/machines working around power lines.
• Machines should display a sign stating "Keep clear: working near electrical lines."

To arrange for a high load escort within the City of Edmonton, please follow our power lines and high load guide.

• Excavations in the vicinity of power poles can be dangerous. Soil near the base of a pole should not be disturbed without consulting your local utility.
• A pole may need to be supported if the excavation is too close and too deep.
• Spoil piles should not be located under power lines; this reduces the clearances and could create a hazard.

If power lines are contacted or torn down, stay clear - at least 10 meters - and call for help.