Overhead Assistance
In March of 2016, MIOSHA amended STD-1307. This affected Part 10 for cranes and derricks and Part 15 for excavators, hoists, helicopters, and conveyors. The minimum clearance distance from overhead lines has changed.
If you cannot maintain a minimum clearance distance from any overhead electric lines with the equipment you will be using on the job, please visit esuite.missdig811.org.
MISS DIG 811 will notify any member facility owners who participate in the program of the request for an overhead assistance appointment between the excavators with the electric company. Please be aware that appointments must be scheduled during the work week between 9 AM and 3 PM.
Please refer to the tables below to see what the minimum clearance distance is. You may also refer to the MIOSHA Fact Sheet Highlights for Cranes and Derricks Standard. As well as the Contractor’s Directory to Overhead Power Line Safety Information.
Table A - MINIMUM CLEARANCE DISTANCES
| Voltage (nominal, kV, alternating current) | Minimum clearance distance (feet) |
|---|---|
| up to 50 | 10 |
| over 50 to 200 | 15 |
| over 200 to 350 | 20 |
| over 350 to 500 | 25 |
| over 500 to 750 | 35 |
| over 750 to 1,000 | 45 |
| over 1,000 | (as established by the utility owner or operator or registered professional engineer who is a qualified person with respect to electrical power transmission and distribution) |
| Note: The value that follows "to" is up to and includes that value. For example, over 50 to 200 means up to and including 200kV | |
Table B - MINIMUM CLEARANCE DISTANCES WHILE TRAVELING WITH NO LOAD
| Voltage (nominal, kV, alternating current) | Minimum clearance distance (feet) while traveling |
|---|---|
| up to 0.75 | 4 |
| over .07 to 50 | 6 |
| over 50 to 345 | 10 |
| over 345 to 750 | 16 |
| over 750 to 1,000 | 20 |
| over 1,000 | (as established by the utility owner or operator or registered professional engineer who is a qualified person with respect to electrical power transission and distribution) |
Overhead Line Assistance via MISS DIG 811
MISS DIG 811 offers an overhead electric line assistance program, known as e-OHA (Overhead Assistance). Any individual who feels that they cannot maintain a safe clearance from overhead power lines on their job site, and would like to communicate their concern with the local utility provider, are encouraged to submit an e-OHA ‘ticket’ free of charge.
e-OHA will create a meeting request with local Electric Company personnel for single addresses only. The meeting times available are Monday-Friday, 9:00am-3:00pm.
After submission, users will be contacted by a MISS DIG 811 representative to schedule a meeting date and time that is at least 72 hours, but not more than 14 days in advance.
E-OHA is available at esuite.missdig811.org
Overhead Electrical Lines Handbook
This publication has been prepared for Michigan’s excavators as a reference tool when interacting with MISS DIG 811. We recommend that you share the information in this manual with all employees involved in excavating in the field, as well as office staff responsible for creating MISS DIG 811 notices.
Important information is included about working near overhead electric lines. We suggest that you keep this manual on hand for future reference when questions or problems arise.
(NOTE: The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.)