New Power Line Guidance for Crane Operators

The International Crane Stakeholders Conference (ICSA) has released new guidance on the safe operation of cranes near overhead power lines.

Guidance - Safe Crane Operation near Power Lines is a 30-page document that provides guidance on crane operations near live overhead power lines. It also aims to assist regulators in "assessing requirements to prevent contact of power lines." It contains a section explaining electricity, including electromagnetic fields, induced voltages, arcing in the air, and other electrical hazards. Much of the guide focuses on risk assessment. Topics include hazard elimination, engineering controls related to crane designs, remote operations, power line proximity detectors and the use of non-conductive materials,

A large proportion of crane accidents occur when a crane boom or rope comes into contact with a live overhead power line. Some countries are increasingly concerned about the number of fatal accidents that can be avoided.

Detailed and appropriate site planning and operations are required to reduce risks. However, a clear warning in the guidelines states that the only way to completely eliminate the hazards associated with the operation of such cranes is to disconnect the power and ground the crane before it begins operating nearby.

The guideline states: "It is therefore necessary to implement a risk management system based on risk assessment to develop safe working systems for operations and/or worksites." Any change in operating or site conditions may require a review and modification of safe work systems."

Last year, with the new publication of the European Machinery Regulation, impossible designs came to the attention of the European Union. It requires moving machinery such as cranes to be designed in a way that prevents the risk of contact with live overhead power lines. Manufacturers have long said this is impossible.

In Europe, the debate continues, with arguments put forward by the European Crane and Transport Association This and crane manufacturers. They noted that the development of laws and national regulations governing how member States interpret the new provisions must reflect the actual situation.

In the ICSA guidance, it states that it is not intended to replace any documentation or guidance provided by crane manufacturers, nor any local or government regulations that must be followed. The publication does, however, add more weight to the argument.

The new ICSA document has been reviewed and jointly adopted by the following member associations:

Equipment manufacturers association

Canadian Crane Rental Association *

Australian Crane Industry Council

European Abnormal Road Transport and Mobile Crane Association

European Material Handling Federation

Japan crane association

Professional Carriers and Rigging Association [SC&RA].

*CCRA was formerly known as the Canadian Crane Rental Association (CRAoC). It was renamed in May 2023.