Working close to power

fireman33

fireman33

Location
Canada
I looked at a job today and one of the tree " spruce" is close the the power line. Not the house feed but the triplex. There are long branches under the lines that can be dropped with no problem and the power company has trimmed the tree before where it would have touched the lines...above the lines there are only smaller branches that would be no problem to drop them without them even coming close to the line. My issue is when I'm in the tree and climbing pass the lines, at that point the stem is 10 feet away from the lines and I'm wondering if I should be fine or if I should stay away from that tree all together...
 
Yeah, planning on aubviously climb on the opposite side of the tree and using my non-steeled core lanyard. Just hate the idea of having my Spurs into the wood.
 
If it's triplex only, it's secondary cable. Two insulated 120 volt legs and a bare neutral. No sweat on that. Not sure if Canadian secondary is the same voltage but as long as there's no primary above it you'll be fine.
 
Dragonslayer said:
If it's triplex only, it's secondary cable. Two insulated 120 volt legs and a bare neutral. No sweat on that. Not sure if Canadian secondary is the same voltage but as long as there's no primary above it you'll be fine.
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Sorry it's not triplex, my bad...it is the primary lines without insulation. 3 lines side by side about a foot apart... the one that would fry me if I would become a path to ground.
 
So your next to a 3 Phase. That is high voltage. 10 feet away is what the standard is unless your a line clearance arborist. All that means is that you have the proper training to be a little over an arms reach away.
If you don't feel comfortable I wouldn't attempt it. I have done some pretty sketchy things, and still do upon occasion. I don't mess around with electricity. Very often you don't get a second chance. Do you have a picture?
 
IMG_0754.webp Didn't take a picture but just stole this one off google earth, not the best but gives you an idea...like I said the stem would be close to 10 feet away. I don't have the line clearence course but I would like to get the certification sooner than later so I get a better understanding of power lines and such, just passed the arborist exam a few months back.
 
fireman33 said:
View attachment 42807 Didn't take a picture but just stole this one off google earth, not the best but gives you an idea...like I said the stem would be close to 10 feet away. I don't have the line clearence course but I would like to get the certification sooner than later so I get a better understanding of power lines and such, just passed the arborist exam a few months back.
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I would do that tree based on the pictures. I know my skill set and I would be cautious but not overly worried. The limbs are small and easy to control. But, I would suggest that if you can not stay 10 feet away, which includes you and any limbs you cut..etc. You should think about passing on it.
 
Yeah like you said the limbs are small especially at the level of the lines and above, easily managed. Pretty sure I'll be alright just wanted to get a few opinions. Thanks.
 
ROYCE said:
So your next to a 3 Phase. That is high voltage. 10 feet away is what the standard is unless your a line clearance arborist. All that means is that you have the proper training to be a little over an arms reach away.
If you don't feel comfortable I wouldn't attempt it. I have done some pretty sketchy things, and still do upon occasion. I don't mess around with electricity. Very often you don't get a second chance. Do you have a picture?
Click to expand...
OSHA changed the industrial construction crane minimums last year to 20'.

I am not sure how there is a minimum when Arborist are removing a hazard tree.
 
No at that voltage you are still good for 10'. Steel conductors(cranes) are 20. I'd do that tree all day long. No sweat. Let the power company do the cutback and as long as the wind isn't blowing your branches into the line that should be a knockout job. Nice and fast with easy clean up. You could be in and out in 1.5 to 2 hours on that one. I love those. Make the most money on trees like that. Nose the chip truck into the driveway and you can almost toss the branches into the feed chute. LOL
 
Steve Connally said:
No at that voltage you are still good for 10'. Steel conductors(cranes) are 20. I'd do that tree all day long. No sweat. Let the power company do the cutback and as long as the wind isn't blowing your branches into the line that should be a knockout job. Nice and fast with easy clean up. You could be in and out in 1.5 to 2 hours on that one. I love those. Make the most money on trees like that. Nose the chip truck into the driveway and you can almost toss the branches into the feed chute. LOL
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I agree it is an easy tree, other than the lines beside it. Also 4 cedars around the house that are coming down. So much for a 2h job :( lol
 
I'm out Saint John way. Thanks for the offer but I'll handle this one, feeling good about it. Ya never know in the futur if I get something I need an extra hand with I see you live in Fredericton, pretty handy
 
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