What is the correct action when leaving the crane after contacting a live powerline?

• A. Jump from the lowest point and land with your feet together
• B. Shuffle away taking very small steps
• C. Remain in the landing area
• D. Return to the crane to assess it

Answer: (A)

When you're in contact with a live powerline, electricity will take the path of least resistance to ground, so the priority is to leave the crane quickly without creating a path for current through your body. If you must exit, jump away from the crane from the lowest point and land with your feet together. Keeping both feet together minimizes the difference in ground potential between your feet, reducing the chance that current travels up one leg and through your body as you move. Shuffling with small steps would keep you with a moving potential difference and increases the risk, while staying in the landing area or returning to the energized crane keeps you in contact with the live source.