03.04.2014

OSHA revises powerline standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced that it is issuing a final rule to improve workplace safety and health for workers performing electric power generation, transmission and distribution work.

OSHA has revised the 40 year old construction standard for electric powerline work to include new or revised provisions for contract employers to share safety-related information with each other and with employees, as well as for improved fall protection for employees working from aerial lifts and overhead line structures. The standards will also adopt revised approach-distance requirements to ensure that unprotected workers remain at a correct distance from live lines and to protect workers from electric arcs.

General industry and construction standards for electrical protective equipment have also been revised under the final rule, replacing the existing construction standard which was based on out-of-date information. The new standards address the safe use and care of electrical protective equipment, including new requirements that equipment made of materials other than rubber provide adequate protection from electrical hazards.
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OSHA's final rule will raise standards on electric power generation, transmission work

OSHA assistant secretary David Michaels said: "This long-overdue update will save nearly 20 lives and prevent 118 serious injuries annually. Electric utilities, electrical contractors and labor organisations have persistently championed these much-needed measures to better protect the men and women who work on or near electrical power lines."

The final rule will become effective 90 days after publication in the Federal Register. To view the final rule click here. Or for more information on the final rule visit: www.osha.gov/dsg/power_generation/