Which entity must render power lines safe before crane operations in the prohibited zone?

• A. The electric company that owns the power lines.
• B. The crane operator
• C. The site safety officer
• D. The local utility inspector

Answer: (A)

The power lines must be rendered safe by the electric company that owns the lines. They control the electrical source and have the authority to de-energize and, if needed, ground the lines, then verify they remain safely de-energized before crane operations enter the prohibited zone. The crane operator cannot unilaterally shut off power, and while the site safety officer coordinates on-site safety, they don’t have the authority to de-energize the lines themselves. A local utility inspector may check compliance, but the actual action of making the lines safe is performed by the electric company.