Or. Admin. Code § 437-007-0230

Current through Register Vol. 64, No. 1, January 1, 2025

Section 437-007-0230 - Power Line Safeguards

(1) Forest activities operations near overhead electric lines must be done in accordance with the requirements of OAR 437, Division 2/S, Electrical, ¦1910.333(c)(3), Selection and Use of Work Practices.

(2) When any machinery is being moved or operated in the vicinity of an overhead power line, a minimum clearance of 15 feet must be maintained between the overhead power lines and all elements of the machine, including logs, trees, or other material being handled by the machine.

NOTE: Any overhead power line must be considered to be an energized line until the person owning the line or the electrical utility authorities indicate that it is not energized.

(3) While falling trees, the minimum distance required by this section applies when a tree could fall within 15 feet of an overhead power line.

(4) The minimum distance required when cable yarding must not be reduced by line whip or breakage.

(5) A person must be designated to observe clearance and give timely warning for all operations where it is difficult for the operator to maintain the required distance by visual means.

(6) If work activities could encroach upon the minimum clearance required by this section, the employer or person responsible for the work to be done must promptly notify the power company in accordance with ORS 757.805, Oregon's Overhead Line Safety Act. The responsible party and the power company must complete mutually satisfactory safety measures as required before proceeding with any work which would impair the aforesaid clearance.

(7) If contact is made with a power line by a tree, rigging, machinery, or the structure supporting the overhead powerline is damaged by forest activities, the power company must be notified immediately and all employees must remain clear of the area until power company personnel advise that conditions are safe.

Or. Admin. Code § 437-007-0230

OSHA 5-2003, f. 6-2-03, cert. ef. 12-1-03; OSHA 2-2005, f. 5-27-05, cert. ef. 6-1-05

Stat. Auth.: ORS 654.025(2) & 656.726(4)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 654.001 - 654.295