ANSI Standard - Crane Electrocution Prevention

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has published a standard for mobile and locomotive cranes that includes operation near overhead power lines [ANSI 1994]. This consensus standard (B30.5-1994) contains guidelines for preventing contact between cranes and electrical energy. The standard addresses the following issues:

* Considering any overhead wire to be energized unless and until the person owning the line or the utility authorities verify that the line is not energized
* De-energizing power lines before work begins, erecting insulated barriers to prevent physical contact with the energized lines, or maintaining safe clearance between the energized lines and boomed equipment
* Limitations of cage-type boom guards, insulating links, and proximity warning devices
* Notifying line owners before work is performed near power lines
* Posting warnings on cranes cautioning the operators to maintain safe clearance between energized power lines and their equipment