Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 36-27-6 - Working Around High-Voltage Powerlines6.1. Location of high-voltage powerlines. High-voltage powerlines located above surface work areas, driveways, haulageways, and railroad tracks shall be installed no less than fifteen (15) feet above ground.6.2. Operation of equipment, minimum distance from high voltage lines. 6.2.a. Equipment or machinery operated on the surface of any coal mine shall not be operated within ten (10) feet of an overhead powerline unless the line is deenergized and visibly grounded at the point of work, or unless insulating barriers not part of or an attachment to, the equipment have been erected to prevent physical contact with the lines. Where the voltage of overhead powerlines is sixty-nine thousand (69,000) volts or more, the minimum clearance between the lines and part of the equipment or load shall be: (Please see Table 36-27a).6.2.b. A person shall be designated to observe clearance of the equipment and give timely warning for all operations where it is difficult for the operator to maintain the desired clearance by visual means.6.3. Movement of equipment; minimum distance for high voltage lines. When any part of any equipment operated on the surface of any coal mine is required to pass under or by any energized high-voltage powerline and the clearance between such equipment and powerline is less than that specified above, such powerlines shall be deenergized or other precautions shall be taken to prevent contact with the powerlines.6.4. Deenergization of powerlines. Any overhead wire shall be considered to be an energized line unless and until the person owning such line or electrical utility authorities verifies that it is not an energized line and it has been visibly grounded.