Power Lines

Miners, particularly surface miners, must be aware of the dangers of working around power lines. Both overhead and downed power lines present a safety hazard.

Overhead Power Lines

When working near overhead power lines, workers can follow certain guidelines to prevent serious accidents and fatalities. These include de-energizing lines, maintaining appropriate distances from energized lines, installing guarding, and using an observer on the ground to prevent contact with obstructions.

Downed Power Lines

Downed electrical power lines can present the risk of electric shock for workers at a mining operation. MSHA recommends that miners adhere to the following guidelines for safety around downed power lines:

• Never go near a downed or fallen electrical power line. Always assume it is energized.
• If you see someone touching a downed power line, do not try to rescue the person yourself.
• If the downed power line comes into contact with a rail or fence, keep away. The power line could energize the object and create a hazard along the object's entire surface.
• Never drive over downed power lines. Although they may not be energized, they can become entangled by the equipment or vehicle.
• If contact is made with an energized power line while you are on or in a piece of equipment or vehicle, remain calm. Do not get out of the equipment or vehicle unless a fire breaks out; instead, call for help.
• If you must exit the equipment because of fire or other safety reasons, do your best to jump completely clear, making sure you do not touch the equipment and the ground at the same time. Land with both feet together and shuffle away in small steps to minimize the path of the electrical current and avoid electric shock. If one part of your body touches a high-voltage zone while another part of your body touches a low-voltage zone, you will become a conductor for electricity.

To learn more about MSHA Part 48 training requirements visit our MSHA Part 48 Subpart B Surface Mining Online Training web page.