Which practice is recommended when overhead lines are within the work area and cannot be de-energized?

• A. Increase speed to complete lift quickly
• B. Use personal protective equipment only
• C. Ignore the lines if they are insulated
• D. De-energize and ground lines if feasible and use a dedicated spotter to enforce clearance

Answer: (D)

When overhead power lines are in the work area and cannot be de-energized, the safest approach is to remove the electrical hazard if possible and have a dedicated spotter enforce the safe clearance. De-energizing and then grounding the lines eliminates the risk of electric shock or arcing for the duration of the lift, which is the most dependable protection. At the same time, a trained spotter monitors crane movements, maintains a clear line of sight, and communicates authoritative signals to keep the crane well outside the established clearance zone. Relying on insulation or PPE alone does not guarantee safety, and rushing or ignoring the lines increases the risk of serious injury. If de-energizing isn’t feasible, you still must maintain the required clearance and rely on a dedicated spotter to enforce it, but the preferred sequence is to de-energize and ground whenever possible.