How to construct scaffolding near power lines?

Workers who assemble scaffolding must have the appropriate qualifications. This is due to the many rules that must be followed when scaffolding is erected, worked on and dismantled.

Features of safe scaffolding assembly

The regulations that set the rules for assembly/dismantling and work on scaffolding are based on the statement that every temporary structure for work at height must be safe for construction crews moving on it, as well as for the population located below. Scaffolding must be stable regardless of the terrain features. In one place the ground may be very uneven or dirty, while in another there may be obstacles in the form of poles, trees, neighboring buildings or power lines. The latter example is, of course, the most problematic due to the possibility of electric shock and cables being moved by the wind. That is why in such cases the scaffolding is erected in the so-called danger zone. The danger zone is the minimum distance from the outermost, swinging wires to the scaffolding and the farthest end of the moving elements during installation and dismantling.

Construction work under power lines

Construction work using technical equipment directly under a high-voltage line requires coordination of safe working conditions with energy services before the start of work. This is necessary to establish protective measures, time limits for disconnecting the line from voltage and checking compliance with safety measures. It is not allowed to place workplaces, storage areas for products and materials, machines and mechanisms directly under overhead power lines or at a distance less than the minimum permissible from the outermost wires.

Minimum distances

The minimum distance from scaffolding to electrical wires cannot be less than:

• 3 m for lines with a rated voltage of < 1 kV;
• 5 m for lines with a rated voltage of 1 - 15 kV;
• 10 m for lines with a rated voltage of 15 - 30 kV;
• 15 m for lines with a nominal voltage of 30 - 110 kV;
• 30 m for lines with a nominal voltage > 110 kV.

In addition, the distance from an ungrounded 1 kV wire to each accessible part of the scaffolding must be at least 2 m horizontally and vertically. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a tragedy. The reasons for a line break may be different: falling under construction equipment, breaking due to strong wind, or falling into conductive elements.

If scaffolding cannot be installed away from power lines, then a minimum distance from the scaffolding to the wires must be maintained.

Safety when working on scaffolding is the main thing for preserving the health and lives of people.

Our blog has an article “3 Ways to Get Ahead of the New Rules for Scaffolding”, which we also recommend reading.

To buy scaffolding, order ready-made scaffolding kits or call us so that we can select the set of scaffolding elements you need.