Safety

Qualified work only

Climbing & bucket work around power lines

How qualified line-clearance arborists climb and run a bucket truck near energized lines: setup, approach distances, insulated tools, and safe work habits.

Who may do this work

  • Only qualified line-clearance arborists, or trainees under direct supervision, may work inside the minimum approach distance (MAD).
  • Everyone else keeps themselves, tools and the tree at least 10 ft from lines up to 50 kV.
  • A second qualified worker must be in voice range when working near lines over 750 V.
  • Have current First Aid/CPR and aerial rescue training on the crew.

Climbing near power lines

  • Walk around the tree and plan your path before you leave the ground. Name the voltage and MAD in the job briefing.
  • Pick a tie-in point that keeps your rope, body and saw away from conductors if you swing or slip.
  • Climb on the side of the tree away from the lines whenever possible.
  • Use a dry, clean rope. A wet or dirty rope can conduct electricity.
  • Don't climb a tree with branches touching a line. Call the utility to clear or de-energize it first.
  • Remove limbs in small pieces. Cut so pieces fall away from the line, and use a rope to control any that might swing toward it.
  • Use insulated pole saws and pruners, dielectric-tested and clean, for limbs near conductors.
  • Never use metal ladders, throw weights or steel-core ropes near lines.
  • Watch for line sag in heat and sway in wind. The gap changes during the day.
  • Stop work in rain, storms or high wind.
If a limb is touching a line, treat the whole tree as energized.

Bucket truck setup near lines

  • Park so the boom reaches the work without crossing over or under any conductor.
  • Set the parking brake, chock wheels, and set outriggers on firm ground with pads.
  • Ground or barricade the truck as the utility requires, and cone off a zone around it.
  • Check the insulated boom section is clean, dry and inside its dielectric test date.
  • Test the upper and lower controls before every shift.
  • Wear a full-body harness with a short lanyard attached to the boom or bucket anchor.
  • Wear rubber insulating gloves and sleeves rated for the voltage when the utility's rules call for them.

Operating the bucket around lines

  • Move the boom slowly and keep watching both the bucket and the lower boom. The lower boom can contact lines too.
  • Keep the bucket below or beside the work. Avoid working directly over a conductor.
  • Use a dedicated spotter on the ground whenever any part of the boom gets close to a line.
  • Only the insulated section of the boom may come near energized conductors.
  • Ground workers stay off the truck and don't touch it while the boom is near lines.
  • Don't hang tools or ropes off the bucket where they could swing toward a conductor.
  • If the boom touches a line: don't move. Tell the ground crew to stay away. The operator in the bucket should not touch anything grounded. Call the utility.

Emergency plan

  • Know the utility emergency number and the 911 address before going up.
  • Have an aerial rescue plan for both the climber and the bucket.
  • Ground crew must know how to use the lower controls — but only once they're sure the truck isn't energized.
  • See the First aid, CPR & electrical contact rescue guide for what to do if someone gets hurt.

Cautions

  • Training and awareness only. OSHA 1910.269, ANSI Z133 and the utility's own rules are the final word.
  • Never work inside the minimum approach distance unless you are qualified and authorized by the utility.
  • Rubber gloves, sleeves, tools and booms must be rated for the voltage and tested on schedule.