For crane operators, signal persons, spotters and crew: identifying the work zone, the 20-foot and Table A clearance options, encroachment prevention measures, work below or close to power lines, what to do if contact happens and traveling near lines with no load.
Based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1407 through 1926.1411 · about 7 min read
Need proof of training? The full course (35 min) adds practice questions, a job scenario, the final quiz and a certificate your employer can verify.
Before beginning equipment operations, the employer must identify the work zone by either:
demarcating boundaries (such as flags, or a range limit or range control warning device) and prohibiting the operator from operating past them, or
defining the work zone as the area 360 degrees around the equipment, up to its maximum working radius.
Then the employer determines whether any part of the equipment, load line or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), operated up to the maximum working radius in the work zone, could get closer than 20 feet to a power line. If so, one of three options must be used. A similar check is required before assembly or disassembly.
Power lines are presumed energized unless the utility owner/operator confirms that the line has been and continues to be deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite.
Option 1: Deenergize and ground. Confirm from the utility owner/operator that the line has been deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite.
Option 2: 20-foot clearance. Make sure no part of the equipment, load line or load gets closer than 20 feet to the line, using the encroachment prevention measures.
Option 3: Table A clearance. Determine the line voltage and the Table A minimum approach distance, then use the encroachment prevention measures to stay outside it. The utility must provide requested voltage information within two working days of the request.
Voltage (nominal kV, AC)
Minimum clearance (feet)
up to 50
10
over 50 to 200
15
over 200 to 350
20
For lines over 350 kV and at or below 1000 kV, the 20-foot distance becomes 50 feet, and Table A continues with larger distances for higher voltages.
When Option 2 or Option 3 is used, all of these are required:
Planning meeting with the operator and other workers who will be in the area of the equipment or load, to review where the lines are and the steps that will prevent encroachment/electrocution.
Non-conductive tag lines, if tag lines are used.
Elevated warning line, barricade or line of signs in view of the operator, with flags or similar high-visibility markings, at 20 feet (Option 2) or the Table A distance (Option 3). If the operator cannot see it, a dedicated spotter must be used in addition to one of the other measures.
At least one additional measure from the list on the next page.
A proximity alarm set to give the operator sufficient warning.
A dedicated spotter in continuous contact with the operator. The spotter must have a visual aid (such as a line painted on the ground or a line of stanchions), be positioned to gauge the clearance distance, use communication equipment where necessary, and give the operator timely information.
A range control warning device or similar device that automatically warns the operator when to stop movement.
A device that automatically limits range of movement, set to prevent encroachment.
An insulating link/device installed between the end of the load line (or below) and the load.
This at-least-one-measure requirement does not apply to work covered by subpart V of Part 1926. Dedicated spotters must be trained to enable them to effectively perform their task.
No part of the equipment, load line or load is allowed below a power line unless the employer has confirmed that the utility has deenergized and visibly grounded the line at the worksite, except where an exception applies. Exceptions include: work covered by subpart V; equipment that, with the boom at true vertical (fully extended for extensible or articulating booms), would stay more than 20 feet, or more than the Table A distance, below the plane of the line; and cases where the employer demonstrates compliance is infeasible and meets the requirements of 1926.1410.
During assembly and disassembly, no part of the crane, load line or load is allowed below a power line unless the employer has confirmed that the utility has deenergized and (at the worksite) visibly grounded it.
Operating closer than the Table A distance to an energized line is prohibited, except where the employer demonstrates that all of the requirements are met. They include:
It is infeasible to do the work without breaching Table A, and, after consulting the utility, infeasible to deenergize and ground or relocate the line.
The utility or a registered professional engineer who is a qualified person in power transmission and distribution sets the minimum clearance distance for on-site conditions.
A planning meeting with the employer and the utility (or a registered professional engineer) sets the procedures. At a minimum they must include every item listed in 1926.1410(d), among them: making the automatic reclosing feature inoperative if the device design permits; a dedicated spotter; an insulating link/device; nonconductive rigging if the rigging may be within the Table A distance; a nonconductive tag line if one is used; barricades at least 10 feet from the equipment (or as far as feasible where obstacles prevent that); only essential personnel in the area; and properly grounded equipment.
One person directs the procedures and has the authority to stop work at any time.
If a problem occurs or the procedures prove inadequate, the employer must safely stop operations.
The employer must train each operator and crew member assigned to work with the equipment on the procedures to follow if the equipment contacts a power line, including:
The danger of electrocution from touching the equipment and the ground at the same time.
The importance of staying inside the cab, except where an imminent danger of fire, explosion or other emergency makes leaving necessary.
The safest means of evacuating from equipment that may be energized.
The danger of the potentially energized zone around the equipment (step potential).
The need for crew to avoid approaching or touching the equipment and the load.
Safe clearance distance from power lines.
Training also covers that lines are presumed energized and presumed uninsulated unless confirmed otherwise, the limits of insulating links, proximity alarms and range control devices, and how to ground equipment and the limits of grounding. Electrocution hazard warnings must be posted in the cab and (except for overhead gantry and tower cranes) at least two on the outside.
Fact-checked against the regulation text on October 09, 2026. This certificate records completion of awareness training based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1407, 1926.1408, 1926.1409, 1926.1410 and 1926.1411. It is not an OSHA card or license, and it is not crane operator certification or qualification. It does not make anyone a qualified person, qualified rigger or registered professional engineer, and it does not by itself meet the training requirements of 29 CFR 1926.1408(g). Your employer must still train each operator and crew member assigned to work with the equipment on all of the topics listed in 1926.1408(g)(1), and must train employees working as dedicated spotters to enable them to effectively perform their task, including training on the applicable requirements of 1926.1408. That training must be administered in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.1430(g).
This guide explains the rule in plain words. Always read the regulation itself and your employer's site-specific procedures.