What should be ensured when operating machinery near power lines?

Maintaining a clear distance from power lines when operating machinery is crucial for safety. Electrical hazards are significant when equipment is used in proximity to power lines because contact with live wires can lead to severe electrical shock or electrocution. Adhering to recommended safety distances—and ideally having a buffer zone—ensures that any machinery or its load can operate without inadvertently coming too close to these lines.

While factors like grounding machines, using protective barriers, and load limits are important safety considerations in their own right, they do not directly address the immediate physical distance that must be respected to prevent contact with overhead power lines. Therefore, ensuring a clear distance is the most effective means of reducing risk when operating near electrical hazards.