10
Safety
Overhead Power Lines
Assembling, towing or transporting irrigation machine components such as but not limited to the pivot point,
linear cart, span/drive unit assemblies, overhangs and/or corner assemblies underneath or near power lines is
extremely dangerous because of the risk of electrocution.
Operating equipment that elevates irrigation machine components, such as but not limited to an aerial lift or
crane, near power lines is extremely dangerous because of the risk of electrocution. Only qualified personnel
should operate this type of equipment. Before operating the equipment, qualified personnel must read the
equipment manufacturers’ operating and safety instructions.
Refer to U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR) Cranes
and derricks. - 1926.550, or any other applicable national, state or local regulations for additional information.
• Always presume that any overhead power line is an energized line unless and until the person(s) owning
the line and/or the electrical utility authorities indicate that it is not an energized line and it has been visibly
grounded.
• Before operating any equipment near any power line make sure the line has been de-energized and visibly
grounded at the point of work.
• Electrocution can occur without touching an electrical power line. Electricity, depending on the magnitude,
can jump or become induced into equipment or conductive materials that come in close proximity to, but do
not touch a power line. High wind, lightning, wet ground and other environmental conditions will increase the
possibility of electrocution and require additional consideration.
• Transmitter towers can induce the equipment or materials being handled with an electrical charge. Before
working or operating equipment near transmitter towers make sure the transmitter is de-energized.
• Select the location where the span/drive unit will be assembled to ensure that neither the irrigation machine,
or the equipment used during the assembly process, will violate the minimum clearance guidelines.
• Never operate equipment or allow the load, ropes or tag lines within 10 ft (3.05 m) of any power line rated 50
kV or lower whether it is energized or not. For lines rated over 50 kV, the minimum clearance shall be 10 ft
(3.05 m) plus 0.4 in (1.1 cm) for each kV over 50 kVs.
• Never assemble, tow, transport or allow irrigation machine components underneath or within 10 ft (3.05 m)
of any power line rated 50 kV or lower whether it is energized or not. For lines rated over 50 kV, the minimum
clearance shall be 10 ft (3.05 m) plus 0.4 in (1.1 cm) for each kV over 50 kVs. Overhang support angles,
cables and spinner drive components regularly extend 10 ft to 12 ft (3.1 m to 3.7 m) above the irrigation
pipeline (span).
• Use barricades to identify areas where interference with overhead power lines could occur. Keep the assem-
bly, towing or transporting of irrigation machine components and the operation of equipment including load,
ropes or tag lines away from any power line, in the distances described above, whether the line is energized
or not.
• Always designate a person to observe clearance between the power line and all equipment being operated
or moved in order to give timely warning for all operations to STOP if the minimum clearance is violated.
