Operating an Elevated Work Platform near overhead power lines comes with electrocution and equipment damage risks—and here’s how to stay safe

Power Lines and Elevated Work Platforms: The Two Big Hazards You Must Respect

On any job site, overhead power lines aren’t just a backdrop. They’re a real, unpredictable danger zone that can turn a routine lift into a life-threatening incident in seconds. When you’re operating an Elevated Work Platform (EWP), the lines above you demand your full attention. So, what goes wrong if you don’t keep your distance? The short answer: electrocution and equipment damage. Let me explain what that means in practical terms and how you can stay safe every day on the job.

Why this risk is serious, fast

Even if you’re not touching a live line, electricity doesn’t need a direct connection to shock you. Electrical energy can arc—jump across a gap—especially if you’re close enough. That arc can travel through metal parts of the EWP, the platform’s rails, control cables, or even your clothing if it’s conductive. The result isn’t just a buzz or a spark. It can be a fatal shock for the operator and bystanders and a blow to the machine that may take it out of service for good.

There are two big hazards to keep in mind:

• Electrocution of the operator or nearby workers. Electricity seeks the path of least resistance, and metal parts on the platform can become conductors. A momentary misjudgment—moving a boom a few inches too close, or reaching with a tool—can bridge the gap to a live line.

• Equipment damage. A surge can fry hydraulic controllers, sensors, wiring, and even the battery or power train. Replacing or repairing that damage isn’t just expensive; it can put the whole crew behind schedule and create a lingering risk if the machine isn’t functioning correctly.

A quick mental model: think of the work area as a magnetic field. You can’t see it, but the closer you get to the source, the greater the chance that something will go wrong. The result isn’t “extra visibility” or a cool new way to work faster — it’s risk, plain and simple.

Two big hazards you can prevent (with the right habits)

• Electrocution risk: This isn’t a problem you solve with luck. It’s about maintaining distance, following rules, and staying in a controlled work zone. Electricity can arc over surprisingly short distances, so even lines that aren’t directly touching the equipment can still pose a threat.

• Equipment damage: An electric surge can zap the delicate electronics, hydraulics, and control systems that keep the EWP reliable. A damaged machine isn’t just a repair bill; it’s a potential work stoppage and a safety liability.

Staying safe: practical steps you can take

Let’s connect the dots between risk and daily practice. Here are steps you can weave into every job that involves near-line work.

• Do a pre-job check with your team

• Confirm the exact location of all overhead lines on site maps or by sight.

• Note the voltage level if it’s posted, and understand the minimum safe distance (the MSAD—Minimum Safe Approach Distance) for that voltage.

• Decide on a plan for keep-out zones and place barriers so no one inadvertently approaches the lines.

• Plan your lift with a hard rule: stay away from lines

• If a line intersects your work area, you must not swing the boom toward it or bring the platform closer to it.

• Choose routes and lifts that avoid overhead lines altogether. If you can’t avoid them, use alternative equipment or relocate the task to a location that’s clear of lines.

• Use a dedicated spotter and clear signals

• A trained spotter helps you keep the recommended distance, spot hazards, and halt operations if the line becomes unsafe.

• Establish clear, simple hand signals or radio calls so everyone on the crew understands when to pause.

• Maintain machine readiness and proper equipment use

• Never rely on the platform’s insulation to protect you. EWP components are not designed to be a safe barrier against electricity, especially in real-world conditions where wear and damage can occur.

• Keep tools and materials at a safe distance from the lines. Long-handled tools can extend the risk area; secure or retract them when not in use.

• Check the boom, controls, and hydraulic lines for any damage or wear that could increase risk when near energised lines.

• Follow the rules that apply to your location

• National standards and local regulations set the minimum safe distances and procedures. In the United States, for example, OSHA guidelines cover safe operation near electrical hazards; other regions have their own versions. Your site safety plan should reference these, and you should follow the stricter requirement if there’s any doubt.

• If the power supply can be isolated or the lines de-energised for a task, ensure a formal lockout/tagout procedure is in place and verified before starting work.

• Use appropriate awareness tools and signage

• Mark the danger zones with visible barriers and warning signs.

• Keep everyone on the crew aware of the line locations—someone who’s not paying attention is the one who ends up too close.

What to do if something goes wrong

Even with the best planning, situations can change. If you’re ever in or near a line and something doesn’t feel right, act calmly but decisively:

• Stop the operation. Keep the platform in a fixed, safe position and alert others nearby.

• Do not try to fix it yourself while near the lines. If there’s a fault, address it from a safe location and call in the right people to assess.

• If the EWP contacts a live line or you suspect arcing, treat it as a live electrical hazard. Do not touch the metal parts or the ground. If there’s a controlled way to power down the machine from a safe distance, do so. Otherwise, call emergency services.

• If someone is shocked, don’t touch them directly. If you can safely do so without stepping into the hazard zone, move others away and call for help. Only trained responders should attempt any treatment.

A few real-world touches

You’ll often see teams plan around overhead lines with a mix of caution and pragmatism. Some operators use non-conductive props or undertake tasks with platforms designed for electrical work, but they still treat lines as a hard stop. A good crew won’t press their luck: they’ll adjust their schedules to foil the risk, order a different type of lift, or bring in a colleague with line clearance expertise when needed.

The culture of safety matters as much as the gear you’re using. It’s one thing to carry a clipboard of rules; it’s another to live by them when the sun is high and the job’s deadline pressure is real. When teams talk openly about the hazards and rehearse emergency steps, they’re not just following a rulebook. They’re building a habit that keeps people safe.

A simple pre-operation checklist (quick reference)

• Identify all overhead lines in the work area and note their distance from vehicle paths.

• Confirm the MSAD according to local regulations and voltage.

• Establish a no-go zone around lines with physical barriers and signage.

• Assign a competent spotter for all near-line work.

• Review the de-energisation options and lockout procedures, if applicable.

• Inspect the EWP for any wear or damage that could worsen electrical risk.

• Communicate a clear emergency plan with the crew.

Common misconceptions, cleared up

• “If the lines look far away, I’m fine.” Distance is the key, not perception. Even lines that seem distant can arc, especially if wind, ground moisture, or other conditions alter the ease with which electricity travels.

• “The platform is insulated, so we’re protected.” Insulation isn’t a safety shield you should rely on. While some parts may have insulation, the EWP is not designed to withstand sustained electrical shocks. Treat it as conductive equipment first and foremost.

• “We’ll work fast and worry later.” Rushing near power lines raises the risk of a misjudgment. Slow, deliberate planning and execution are safer and often more productive in the long run.

Why this matters for real-world work

Safety around overhead power lines isn’t a trivia question or a checkbox. It’s a practical, everyday discipline that protects people and machines. When you’re up in a basket or on a platform, you’re elevated—literally and figuratively—and the margin for error narrows. Good habits around line proximity translate into fewer injuries, fewer equipment repairs, and a smoother workflow overall.

If you’re part of a team that uses EWPs regularly, you’ll notice the best crews embed electrical awareness into their daily routine. They talk through the hazards before the first lift, check the surroundings with a practiced eye, and keep a culture of looking out for one another. It’s not about fear; it’s about respect for a powerful, invisible force and the simple, clear steps you can take to stay safe.

Final thoughts

Overhead power lines don’t just loom over a job site; they define how you plan your work. The risks of operating an EWP near lines—electrocution and equipment damage—are real, specific, and avoidable with the right mindset and habits. By mapping out routes that avoid lines, maintaining proper distances, using spotters, and following local safety rules, you’re doing more than checking boxes. You’re protecting yourselves, your teammates, and the gear that makes the whole operation possible.

If you’re on a crew that often works around electricity, consider looping in a safety refresher focused on electrical hazards. A quick discussion about line locations, MSADs, barriers, and emergency steps can renew everyone’s commitment to safe, steady work. And when you see a line that seems a bit too close, choose caution over bravado. Because in the end, it’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about getting it done safely, with everyone coming home intact.