Or. Admin. R. 437-004-3050

Current through Register Vol. 63, No. 6, June 1, 2024

Section 437-004-3050 - Work Near Overhead Lines

Clearance or Safeguards Required

Note: High voltage is 750 v or higher.

(1) Isolate exposed overhead conductors from contact by persons or equipment.

(2) Do not store irrigation pipe within 100 feet of overhead high voltage conductors.

(3) Do not allow upending if irrigation pipe is within 100 feet of overhead conductors.

(4) Do not set up or operate any part of a water or irrigation system, or any other device that discharges a conductive liquid, so that the discharge is toward or may come within 10 feet of overhead high-voltage lines or any other exposed electric conductor.

(5) Do not require or permit an employee to pass or work near high-voltage lines, unless you effectively guard against danger from contact.

(6) No work activity may bring workers or equipment within 10 feet of high-voltage lines.

(7) Do not operate equipment or machines near power lines except:

(a) When electrical distribution and transmission lines are deenergized and visibly grounded at the point of work or where insulating barriers are in place to prevent physical contact with the lines;

(b) For lines rated 50 kV. or below, minimum clearance between the lines and any part of the object must be 10 feet;

(c) For lines rated more than 50 kV. minimum clearance between the lines and any part of the object must be 10 feet plus 0.4 inches for each 1 kV., more than 50 kV., or twice the length of the line insulator but never less than 10 feet.

(d) In transit, the clearance must be a minimum of 4 feet for voltages less than 50 kV., 10 feet for voltages more than 50 kV. up to and including 345 kV., and 16 feet for voltages up to and including 750 kV.

(e) A person must observe clearances and give timely warning for all work where it is difficult for the operator to maintain the desired clearance by sight.

(8)Warning Sign Required: The employer must post and keep in plain view of the operator on each derrick, power shovel, drilling rig, hay loader, hay stacker or similar apparatus, any part of which is capable of vertical, lateral or swinging motion, a warning sign legible at 12 feet reading "Unlawful to operate this equipment within 10 feet of high-voltage lines."

(9)Notification to Power Company and Responsibility for Safeguards: When any work may be within 10 feet of any high-voltage line, the person or persons responsible for the work must promptly notify the power company and is responsible for the completion of required safety measures before beginning the work.

Or. Admin. R. 437-004-3050

OSHA 4-1998, f. 8-28-98, cert. ef. 10-1-98

Stat. Auth.: ORS 654.025(2) & ORS 656.726(3)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 654.001 - ORS 654.295