Electrical Lineworker how-to
How to Set Up a Safe Work Zone at a Pole Site
Protecting the public and the crew starts before anyone leaves the ground.
Protecting the public and the crew starts before anyone leaves the ground. In short: position; ground; place, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Position trucks to protect the work area and set outriggers on stable ground with pads.
Ground the truck as required by your procedures.
Place advance warning signs and cones according to traffic-control rules.
Establish a drop zone below overhead work and keep the public out.
Wear hard hats, high-visibility clothing and required PPE.
Keep ground personnel clear of the boom and load paths.
Safety reminders for electrical lineworkers
- Maintain minimum approach distances and use properly rated rubber goods
- Treat all lines as energized until tested and grounded
- Use fall protection when climbing and working aloft
- Follow switching, clearance and lockout procedures exactly
Key terms
Distribution line · Transmission line · Primary and secondary · Transformer · Insulator · Crossarm: see the full electrical lineworker glossary.