What is required for safety when working with overhead power lines?

Maintaining a safe distance as specified in regulations is crucial when working with overhead power lines due to the risks of electric shock and arc flash. Regulations are established to ensure safe practices that minimize the potential for accidental contact with live wires, which can carry high voltages. These safe distances vary depending on the voltage of the lines and the type of work being performed. Adhering to these regulations helps protect workers and bystanders from serious injuries or fatalities related to electrical hazards.

While wearing reflective clothing, using ladders with insulating material, and having an emergency plan in place are important safety measures for general worksite safety, they do not specifically address the critical danger posed by overhead power lines. Reflective clothing enhances visibility, insulating materials can help reduce electric shock risks in certain situations, and emergency plans prepare workers for various accidents; however, without maintaining the proper distance as mandated by safety regulations, these measures cannot effectively prevent electric shock incidents near power lines.