Working Near Overhead Power Lines with a Crane

Short answer: treat every overhead line as live, keep the crane, load, and rigging outside the safe clearance distance at all times, and contact the electricity utility before the lift if the work could come close. Widely used standards such as US OSHA's set at least 3 metres (10 feet) for lines up to 50 kV, with more for higher voltages. The local utility's requirement applies, and it may be stricter.

Plan the Lift Away from the Lines

• ✓Mark lines on the lift plan with their height and route
• ✓Set up the crane so that no boom position can reach the clearance zone
• ✓Use range limiters or a slew limit where the crane has them
• ✓Account for load swing and line sway in wind
• ✓Assign a dedicated spotter with radio contact to the operator

Ask the Utility Early

In Abu Dhabi, the electricity distribution company can confirm a line's voltage and advise on clearances, isolation, or temporary insulation. Requests take time, so raise them at the planning stage, not on the day of the lift. Underground cables matter too: check before setting outriggers on unknown ground.

If Contact Happens

• ✓The operator stays in the cab unless there is fire
• ✓Everyone else keeps well clear of the crane, load, and rigging
• ✓Try to move the boom away from the line only if it is safe to do so
• ✓If the operator must leave, jump clear with feet together and shuffle away without touching the machine and ground at once
• ✓Call the utility and emergency services before anyone approaches

We include overhead hazards in every crane lift plan. Ask about mobile crane rental in the UAE with a site survey.