Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: ELECTRIC

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that: (a) Employees were subject to the hazards of working near over- head electric power lines while trimming tree branches. The em- ployer had not taken adequate precautions to protect employees from these hazards. One feasible method of abatement includes, but is not limited to: (1) A written procedure covering the hazards involved in working near overhead electric power lines. (2) The use of wood or fiberglass ladders rather than metal ladders when working near overhead electric power lines: (ANSI Standard A.14.2-1972. Electrical Hazards: "Users are cautioned to take proper safety measures when metal ladders are used in areas containing electric circuits to prevent short circuits or electrical shock. Keep metal ladders away from power lines. The ordinary pre- cautions should be employed as would be used when using any other metal tool".) (3) Prior to starting work which would necessitate working near electric overhead power lines, a call should be made to Commonwealth Edison to temporarily disconnect the power or to place insulating blankets on the lines.