Sec3 COSPs 28 - Electrical Minimum Safe Approach Distances (MSAD)
Employees may be electrocuted when working near power lines or other energized electrical equipment!
The following actions are required to protect employees working near overhead power lines and other energized electrical equipment, particularly when using scaffolding, forklifts or aerial lifts:
1. Be aware and ensure your coworkers are aware of all energized electrical equipment, especially overhead power lines which are usually not insulated. Conduct initial and daily visual surveys of the worksite and implement control measures, such as warning signs and training to address hazards at the site.
2. A minimum safe approach distance (MSAD) of 10 feet must be maintained between any portion of a scaffold system, forklift or aerial lift and any energized, uninsulated electrical component.
3. The actual voltage in the electrical equipment / power line should be determined by the production. The following MSAD must be maintained from all energized, uninsulated electrical components:
| Minimum Required Clearance (Feet) | |
| 0 to 50,000 |
10 |
| over 50,000 to 75,000 |
11 |
| over 75,000 to 125,000 |
13 |
| over 125,000 to 175,000 |
15 |
| over 175,000 to 250,000 |
17 |
| over 250,000 to 370,000 |
21 |
| over 370,000 to 550,000 |
27 |
| over 550,000 to 1,000,000 |
42 |
4. If conditions are such that MSAD cannot be maintained, stop work and notify the Production Safety Consultant. The power utility company will need to either de-energize, remove / relocate or adequately insulate the power lines before any work is resumed.
5. Also ensure that electrically conductive devices, tools, materials (camera cranes, diffusion frames, speed rail, etc.), will not enter the MSAD zone or contact power lines. All equipment should be configured so that no human or mechanical failure will result in the equipment entering the MSAD zone.
6. If scaffolds or aerial lifts must be erected or moved in the area of overhead power lines, a competent employee must be appointed to observe the clearance between the power lines and the scaffold to ensure that the MSAD is maintained.
7. Aerial lifts or scaffolds must never be erected / positioned above live electrical power lines.
8. If electric welding operations are performed on a scaffold or aerial lift, no part of the scaffold or lift should be used as an electrical ground.