Safe Work Practices to Follow When Operating Digger Derricks Near Energized Lines

The following are just a few tips to follow:   

Tips for Operators: 

• A digger derrick cannot protect you from phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground contact, which occurs above the insulating boom section when operating from the platform. When operating, remember to: 

• Only Digger Derrick with the platform capacity indicated on the ID plate are designed and tested for use with a platform. (See PA-666) 

• Digger Derricks must have upper controls at the platform to work on structures with energized components. 

• Extended the insulating boom section fully for full electrical insulation of the platform to ground. 

• Allow for sag, sway, or rocking. 

• If any part of boom-tip contacts an energized conductor, the entire boom-tip, including the control handle(s), must be considered energized. 

• If any part of the boom-tip contacts a grounded object, the entire boom-tip including the control handle(s) must be considered grounded. 

• Utilize proper insulation such as line covers, rubber blankets, and hot line tools to ensure the boom and you are properly insulated from any contact with electrical conductors. 

• Never place booms, platforms, or personnel between energized conductors or between an energized conductor and a grounded conductor without proper cover up. 

• The auger tool must be in the stored position when you are in the platform. 

• Never rely on the fiberglass platform for insulation. The platform may contain small unseen cracks that will allow an electrical path into the platform. Follow your employer’s policies for use of a platform liner. 

• Never touch the controls or boom tip area when in the platform without proper protection (insulating gloves), while contacting any conductors, neutrals, grounds, or other structures. 

• Never operate the digger derrick boom controls while standing on the ground, unless operating with radio remote controls. Even then - do not touch the vehicle(s) and the ground at the same time. 

• Do not hang metal objects from the lip of the platform. This includes extension cords, guy wires or conductors. 

• The load line must be considered conductive. 

Tips for Ground Crew: 

• Always use insulating tools and wear insulating gloves or footwear rated for the voltage if you may contact load line, load, pole, auger, or screw anchor attachments while boom is in area of electrical wires. 

• If any portion of the Digger Derrick boom below the insulating section comes into contact with an energized component, it will energize the entire vehicle. Anyone contacting the vehicle and the ground will be a path for electric current. 

• Use non-conductive hose on all lower tools to provide insulation from the truck.  

Importance of Maintenance: 

• Never operate the digger derrick in an electrical environment unless the unit has been properly maintained with frequent and periodic inspections and a current annual dielectric test.  

• When the fiberglass boom components are contaminated by moisture, dirt, or improperly maintained the dielectric protection will be compromised. 

In a Nutshell:  

• Always maintain proper clearance from energized power lines.  

• The fiberglass boom section should be fully extended when using a personnel platform. 

• Contain all tools, accessories and other objects within the platform. Do not attach any metal objects from outside the platform to the inside of the platform. 

• Neutral, ground, and static lines are current carrying conductors – remember to wear insulating gloves when handling or splicing. 

• Never allow ground personnel to come in contact with the Digger Derrick, vehicle or vehicle attachments while in operation near energized power lines at any time even if vehicle is grounded. 

• The vehicle must be grounded and/or barricaded according to your employer’s policies and considered energized.