Safety Toolbox Talks – May 3, 2021
Avoiding Electrical Hazards on Scaffolding
Working on scaffolding presents many potential safety hazards. And none can have more severe consequences than making accidental contact with an energized electrical conductor. There are two primary ways this occurs; workers on scaffolding making inadvertent electrical contact with
overhead lines while holding conductive tools or materials, and workers who make accidental electrical contact while they erect or move scaffolding near overhead power lines.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind to help avoid electrocution by contacting overhead
electrical lines when working on scaffolds:
- Conduct an initial survey of the work area at the start of every work-shift to identify any
potential overhead electrical hazards such as power lines and cables. Also look before any
scaffolds are moved or rolled to a different location. Pay special attention to areas where
electrical lines may be sagging, as well as to slopes or other elevation changes in the floor
that can change clearance distances or make the scaffold tip or roll out of control.
- Scaffolds and other conductive items should not be used or moved within the following
minimum clearance distances from exposed, energized power lines:
▪ 2 feet for insulated power lines of less than 300 volts;
▪ 10 feet for insulated power lines of 300 volts or more and for all uninsulated
power lines.
- If it is absolutely necessary to work within these minimum safe clearance distances, notify
your supervisor or the Competent Person so they can notify the utility company to have
them de-energize the power lines or cover them with insulating sleeves or blankets
before any work is conducted.
- Clearance between the power lines and scaffold should be monitored. If a scaffold is to be
moved or erected in the general vicinity of overhead power lines, a competent worker
should be assigned to observe the clearance and warn others if the minimum distance is
not maintained.
- Electrically conductive tools or materials should not be used by employees working on
scaffolds where they may make inadvertent contact with nearby power lines.
▪ Non-conductive tools made of fiberglass or other non-conductive materials should
be utilized, where possible.
▪ Be aware that long pieces of materials, such as pipes, conduit, gutter, and similar
objects commonly handled on scaffolds are often made of conductive materials.
