What should you do if you encounter an electrical fault or power line during a lift?

• A. Stop all movement, maintain distance from the line, notify supervision, and follow utility and site safety procedures.
• B. Continue movement slowly to clear the line.
• C. Move the load toward the opposite direction without stopping.
• D. Ignore and continue operation.

Answer: (A)

When a lift encounters an electrical fault or a power line, the immediate priority is electrical safety to prevent electrocution or an arc. Stop all crane movement and keep clear of the line. Notify supervision right away and follow the utility and site safety procedures so trained personnel can de-energize, isolate, or otherwise manage the hazard. Keeping distance and contacting the proper authorities minimizes the risk of energizing the crane or load and prevents dangerous contact. Trying to maneuver away or continue operating around the line can bring the crane into contact with live conductors or cause an arc, leading to severe injury or worse. Ignoring the hazard is not an option.