| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work site and identify utilities | Hidden energized lines in trees or structures, downed wires, overhead line proximity | Perform 360 degree visual inspection; identify primary, secondary, and service lines; stop work near any downed wire until utility responds |
| Determine Minimum Approach Distance | Tools or equipment entering restricted zone, indirect electrical contact | Reference voltage tables; mark distance boundary; maintain clear buffer; do not use conductive tools near lines |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Conductive pole saws, damaged insulation, metal handled tools | Use only non conductive tools rated for proximity work; ensure bucket trucks or lifts have insulated components if required |
| Don required PPE | Electrical exposure, falling debris | Wear hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and high visibility vest; ensure no metal jewelry or loose conductive items are worn |
| Establish exclusion zone | Crew or public entering hazardous area | Set cones, barricades, and signage; mark swing radius of equipment; assign a dedicated lookout to monitor crew and pedestrian movement |
| Communicate with utility provider | Inaccurate voltage information, unclear ownership of lines | Contact utility if unsure about line type or distance; request de energizing or line clearance crews when needed |
| Position equipment safely | Crane booms, bucket trucks, ladders, or long tools contacting lines | Keep booms and poles well outside approach distance; use spotter for all overhead movements; never work directly under energized lines |
| Begin ground work (digging, trimming, repairs) | Hand tools contacting buried or overhead utilities | Confirm underground utility locations; use insulated handles where appropriate; watch overhead clearance when carrying tools |
| Manage overhead tree work | Falling limbs contacting energized lines, limb swing into wires | Use pole saws to remove small branches; avoid felling or cutting large limbs near lines; use professional line clearance arborists when needed |
| Monitor equipment movement | Unintentional boom drift, swinging materials into lines | Operate equipment slowly; maintain constant visual awareness; stop work if visibility is compromised |
| Plan escape routes | Electrical arc or wire down events | Identify at least two escape paths; instruct crew to never approach a vehicle contacting a line unless instructed by utility |
| Shut down and secure equipment | Boom drift, inadvertent contact during shutdown | Lower booms carefully; secure non conductive tools; ensure equipment is parked well clear of energized lines |
| Final site inspection | Missed hazards, lines under tension, debris touching wires | Perform final 360 degree check; verify there are no limbs or tools near lines; report any potential hazards to utility |
| Remove traffic and work zone control | Workers exposed to traffic or energized lines during takedown | Remove devices in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep workers well outside minimum approach distance at all times |
Hard hat (non conductive recommended)
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest
Dielectric gloves if required and only with proper training
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Public works crews are not permitted to work within Minimum Approach Distances of energized electrical lines. Only qualified electrical workers or line clearance arborists may operate inside those distances. This JSA covers work performed near, but not within, restricted zones.
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Work Zone & Traffic Control Safety
* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.
Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.
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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work site and identify utilities | Hidden energized lines in trees or structures, downed wires, overhead line proximity | Perform 360 degree visual inspection; identify primary, secondary, and service lines; stop work near any downed wire until utility responds |
| Determine Minimum Approach Distance | Tools or equipment entering restricted zone, indirect electrical contact | Reference voltage tables; mark distance boundary; maintain clear buffer; do not use conductive tools near lines |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Conductive pole saws, damaged insulation, metal handled tools | Use only non conductive tools rated for proximity work; ensure bucket trucks or lifts have insulated components if required |
| Don required PPE | Electrical exposure, falling debris | Wear hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and high visibility vest; ensure no metal jewelry or loose conductive items are worn |
| Establish exclusion zone | Crew or public entering hazardous area | Set cones, barricades, and signage; mark swing radius of equipment; assign a dedicated lookout to monitor crew and pedestrian movement |
| Communicate with utility provider | Inaccurate voltage information, unclear ownership of lines | Contact utility if unsure about line type or distance; request de energizing or line clearance crews when needed |
| Position equipment safely | Crane booms, bucket trucks, ladders, or long tools contacting lines | Keep booms and poles well outside approach distance; use spotter for all overhead movements; never work directly under energized lines |
| Begin ground work (digging, trimming, repairs) | Hand tools contacting buried or overhead utilities | Confirm underground utility locations; use insulated handles where appropriate; watch overhead clearance when carrying tools |
| Manage overhead tree work | Falling limbs contacting energized lines, limb swing into wires | Use pole saws to remove small branches; avoid felling or cutting large limbs near lines; use professional line clearance arborists when needed |
| Monitor equipment movement | Unintentional boom drift, swinging materials into lines | Operate equipment slowly; maintain constant visual awareness; stop work if visibility is compromised |
| Plan escape routes | Electrical arc or wire down events | Identify at least two escape paths; instruct crew to never approach a vehicle contacting a line unless instructed by utility |
| Shut down and secure equipment | Boom drift, inadvertent contact during shutdown | Lower booms carefully; secure non conductive tools; ensure equipment is parked well clear of energized lines |
| Final site inspection | Missed hazards, lines under tension, debris touching wires | Perform final 360 degree check; verify there are no limbs or tools near lines; report any potential hazards to utility |
| Remove traffic and work zone control | Workers exposed to traffic or energized lines during takedown | Remove devices in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep workers well outside minimum approach distance at all times |
Hard hat (non conductive recommended)
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest
Dielectric gloves if required and only with proper training
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Public works crews are not permitted to work within Minimum Approach Distances of energized electrical lines. Only qualified electrical workers or line clearance arborists may operate inside those distances. This JSA covers work performed near, but not within, restricted zones.