• Scaffolds must not be close enough to overhead power lines that they, or any conductive materials (e.g. building materials, paint roller extensions, scaffold components) that may be handled on them, come closer than 10 feet to the power line (Figures 2 & 3).
  
  
  • Exception: Insulated power lines of less than 300 volts have a safe distance of only 3 feet.

TIP: Because it may be difficult to determine if a power line is insulated, or what its exact voltage is, the 10 foot rule should always be applied.

• Scaffolds may be closer to overhead power lines than specified above if such proximity is necessary for the type of work being done, and if the power company or electrical system operator has been notified and has either:
  
  
  • De-energized the lines (Figure 1);
    
  
  
  • Relocated the lines;
    
  
  
  • Installed protective coverings to prevent accidental contact with the lines. [1926.451(f)(6)]

Figure 1. Example of powerlines that have been grounded.
Figures 2 and 3. Example of scaffold being built dangerously close to power lines.
See Additional Images.

• Because metal frame scaffolds are conductive, power tools, cords, etc., that suffer insulation failure can electrify the entire scaffold. This poses a risk of electrocution not just to the worker holding the tool, but to everyone who contacts the scaffold. Therefore, all portable electric equipment must be protected by:
  
  
  • GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupters), or
    
  
  
  • an AEGCP (assured equipment grounding conductor program, in accordance with 1926.404(b)(1)(i) (see Electrical Incidents: Lack of Ground-Fault Protection in the OSHA Construction eTool).

TIP: Often, a worker who is shocked survives the current, only to lose balance and be killed in a fall. This is one more reason for always using fall protection.