Overhead Assistance

In March of 2016, MIOSHA amended STD-1307. This affected Part 10 for cranes and derricks and Part 15 for excavators, hoists, helicopters, and conveyors. The minimum clearance distance from overhead lines has changed.

If you cannot maintain a minimum clearance distance from any overhead electric lines with the equipment you will be using on the job, please contact the electric company listed on your ticket.

The potential hazards of working near energized electric lines on your project site come both from above the surface. It is imperative that contact with overhead lines be avoided. This can be done by ensuring a minimum 10 feet clearance from and overhead line with equipment used on the project. Ten feet clearance is the minimum safe distance, but that distance does increase as the voltage of the line increases. Excavators should reach out to the local power company if they will have difficulty maintaining that clearance.

Please refer to the tables below to see what the minimum clearance distance is. You may also refer to the MIOSHA Fact Sheet: Electrical Safety: Powerline Clearances. As well as the Contractor’s Directory to Overhead Power Line Safety Information.

Table A - MINIMUM CLEARANCE DISTANCES

Voltage (nominal, kV, alternating current)	Minimum clearance distance (feet)
up to 50	10
over 50 to 200	15
over 200 to 350	20
over 350 to 500	25
over 500 to 750	35
over 750 to 1,000	45
over 1,000	(as established by the utility owner or operator or registered professional engineer who is a qualified person with respect to electrical power transmission and distribution)
Note: The value that follows "to" is up to and includes that value. For example, over 50 to 200 means up to and including 200kV

Table B - MINIMUM CLEARANCE DISTANCES WHILE TRAVELING WITH NO LOAD

Voltage (nominal, kV, alternating current)	Minimum clearance distance (feet) while traveling
up to 0.75	4
over .07 to 50	6
over 50 to 345	10
over 345 to 750	16
over 750 to 1,000	20
over 1,000	(as established by the utility owner or operator or registered professional engineer who is a qualified person with respect to electrical power transission and distribution)