Call for equipment height revision

The Build Safe UAE (BSU) safety alert (56) recommended minimum height specifications for operating equipment near overhead power lines after an offsite fatality occurred when a hydraulic crane, attempting to set piers on a foundation, made contact with overhead power lines.

Of the two employees manoeuvring the pier into position, one person was electrocuted and died. And the second employee had his leg amputated due to the nature of his injuries sustained.

BSU recommended a flag person or banksman must be assigned to each crane and always be present when moving or operating cranes. Banksmen must never be involved in any other activity other than directing and observing crane movements.

It also asked workers to always assume a line is energised unless “one can verify it has been de-energised and locked out”. It also said special permits will be required when equipment is required to operate within 20 feet or less of overhead electrical service lines regardless of the voltage and the specified minimum required clearance guidelines (see table).

In a best practice alert, Alec  – an UAE-based contractor – said preventing falls from heights and falling objects is a serious concern on its sites. “To address this problem, we use edge protection mesh barriers. These mesh barriers are fitted with steel toe boards and have narrow openings that prevent small or large objects [especially nearby stacked materials] from falling and has the strength to withstand horizontal forces compared to the conventional tubular edge protection. In areas where we have used this protection, falling incidents have been eliminated,” it said.

In a different incident, while placing granular pipe surround, a mobile crane positioned parallel to the trench slewed outside a boundary fence causing a suspended skip to contact overhead power cables. Work was suspended while an investigation took place and the relevant authorities informed. The crane operator, on hire,  was new to the site and had not been correctly briefed.

BSU recommended crane operators on hire must be fully briefed before entering site to work.

Voltage (Phase to Phase) Minimum Required Clearance

Over 50,000 – 75,000  11ft or 3.3 metres

Over 75,000 – 125,000  13ft or 4 metres

Over 125,000 – 175,000 15ft or 4.5 metres

Over 175,000 – 250,000 17ft or 5.2 metres

Over 250,000 – 370,000 21ft or 6.4 metres

Over 370,000 – 550,000 27ft or 8.2 metres

 

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