Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/301674
THE ACCIDENT: A 35-year-old landscape maintenance crewmember is working by himself at a residential home in California. While trim- ming a palm tree, one of the fronds he is cutting falls and comes in contact with a 16,000-volt electric line located 6 feet away from the tree. The crewmember is electrocuted and pro- nounced dead at the scene. THE BOTTOM LINE: If crewmembers are working within 10 feet of an energized power line, they must follow OSHA's line-clearance tree trimming requirements. This includes receiving specialized training, having a second employee within normal voice communication range and maintaining the proper minimum-approach distance. Here are safe practices every worker should use when trimming trees near power lines. s Determine the voltage(s) of any lines that may pose a hazard before work begins. All lines must be considered as operating at the voltage of the highest-voltage line. s Contact the utility company to discuss de- energizing, grounding or shielding power lines. s Perform a hazard assessment of the work area before starting. s Do not trim trees in dangerous weather condi- tions, such as high winds, icing, thunder and lighting. s Only use insulated tools and equipment to remove branches and limbs. s Wear approved personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, hard hats, hearing pro- tection, non-conductive clothing and harnesses as needed. s Use extreme caution when moving ladders and equipment around downed branches and power lines. s Inspect trees and limbs for structural weakness before climbing or cutting. To read and download more Safety Watch articles, visit totallandscapecare.com/ safetywatch. M AY 2 014 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m 17 Falling Fronds BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE What to do when trimming around power lines ILLUSTRATION BY DON LOMAX