Limits of Approach

Overview

When working near exposed electrical equipment and conductors, all workers, tools, machines, materials, and equipment must maintain the limits of approach. The table below shows the minimum distances as specified by WorkSafeBC. For more information, refer to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR): Part 19: Electrical Safety.

Minimum Approach Distance for Work near Power Lines (Table 19-1A)

Assurance of Compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 19 (Form 30M33)

The Assurance of Compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 19 (Form 30M33) is provided to and used by all power system owners in BC. It is currently the only assurance in writing form that is acceptable to WorkSafeBC.

The following information is from OHSR Section 19.25 Assurance in Writing:

1. If the minimum distance in Table 19-1A cannot be maintained because of the circumstances of work or the inadvertent movement of persons or equipment, an assurance in writing on a form acceptable to the Board and signed by a representative of the owner of the power system, must be obtained.
2. The assurance must state that while the work is being done the electrical equipment and conductors will be displaced or rerouted from the work area, if practicable.
3. If compliance with subsection (2) is not practicable the assurance must state that the electrical equipment will be isolated and grounded, but if isolation and grounding is not practicable the assurance must state that the electrical equipment will be visually identified and guarded.
4. The safeguards specified in the assurance must be in place before work commences and effectively maintained while work is taking place.
5. If guarding is used,
   1. neither equipment nor unqualified persons may touch the guarding, and
   2. a safety watcher must be designated, or range limiting or field detection devices acceptable to the Board must be used.
6. The assurance must be available for inspection at the workplace, as close as practicable to the area of work, and must be known to all persons with access to the area.

3 Keys of Electrical Safety

If you work around power lines, you need to know BC Hydro’s 3 Keys of Electrical Safety:

1. Look up and down.
   • Plan your work so you can avoid contact with power lines.
   • Be aware of overhead and underground power lines.
2. Keep back – know your limits.
   • On foot, stay at least 10 metres (33 feet) away from power lines. Keep equipment at least 6 metres (20 feet) away from power lines.
   • Use a spotter to make sure you are maintaining the minimum distance.
3. Stay back and call 911.
   • Stay back at least 10 metres (33 feet) from an exposed underground power line, a fallen power line, or any object in contact with a power line, and call 911.

Once Contact is Made

Maintaining the limits of approach will ensure you stay safe when operating near electricity. However, accidents may still occur due to malfunctioning equipment or other circumstances beyond your control. Review the Safe Work Practice: Limits of Approach—Once Contact is Made for what to do if you contact a power line.

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