ICSA Guidance for Crane Work Near Power Lines
Operating mobile cranes near overhead or underground power lines presents one of the highest-risk scenarios in lifting operations. Cranes for You includes the ICSA guidance on this subject because strict controls, safe distances and competent planning are essential to achieving Goal Zero in lifting, hoisting and specialised transport activities.
Summary of the Power Line Safety Guidance
- Minimum approach distances — Clear rules for required clearance between cranes, loads, rigging and energized lines at various voltage levels.
- Planning and assessment — Identifying line locations, voltage classification, environmental conditions and safe access routes before the lift.
- Isolation and protection measures — Options for de-energizing lines, installing physical barriers, using spotters, or applying proximity alarms.
- Crane configuration and limits — Safe boom angles, radius limits, operating zones and permitted slewing movements near conductors.
- Emergency response procedures — Actions in case of accidental contact, including operator procedures, site evacuation and notification protocols.
Practical Relevance for Crane Operations
This guidance helps teams:
- prevent electrocution incidents — still a leading cause of crane-related fatalities;
- plan lifts safely in congested or utility-heavy environments;
- integrate power-line hazard controls into lift plans and method statements;
- establish clear communication between crane operators, spotters and supervisors;
- reduce delays by coordinating early with utility owners and site management.
Official Source
This guideline is published by the International Crane & Specialized Transport Association (ICSA) and supported by ESTA Europe, the European authority for crane and heavy transport safety.
More information:
ICSA: https://icsa-crane.org
ESTA: https://estaeurope.eu/
Related Knowledge Articles
- Appointed Person’s Role
- Working Load Limit vs Safe Working Load
- CPA – ALLMI Best Practice Guide for the Safe use of Lorry Loaders
Ready to Reduce Power Line Risks?
You can download the complete ICSA guidance from this page and integrate its recommendations into your lift planning and site procedures.
Cranes for You can support you with risk assessment, lift supervision and safe-work controls for crane operations near electrical hazards.
