What should be done to ensure the safety of a crane operator near power lines?

Increasing clearance and using spotters are vital steps to ensure the safety of a crane operator near power lines. The presence of electrical power lines poses significant hazards, including the risk of electrocution if the crane comes too close. By increasing the clearance, you physically reduce the risk of accidental contact with the lines. Spotters play a crucial role in monitoring the crane's movements and providing real-time guidance to help avoid any potential interference with nearby power lines. They can alert the operator about distances and the presence of obstructions that may not be visible from the operator’s perspective.

While wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring that the operator is trained, and operating only in low voltage areas are all important safety considerations, they do not directly address the immediate hazard posed by power lines in the same way that clearance and spotters do. PPE protects against various hazards, training ensures understanding of procedures, and limiting operations to low voltage areas may not always be practical or possible. Thus, increasing clearance and using spotters are the most direct and effective methods for mitigating risks associated with crane operations near power lines.