Safety checklist — Overhead power lines
Approach distances and work near high-voltage lines. Based on Québec's Construction Safety Code (CSTC) and CNESST standards.
Before work
11 items- ✓
Overhead lines identified on site — voltage determined (HQ or utility)Critical
ℹ️ Contact with a line = instant fatal electrocution
- ✓
Minimum approach distance determined per voltage (CSTC 5.2.1)Critical
ℹ️ < 125 kV = 3 m; 125–250 kV = 5 m; 250–550 kV = 8 m; > 550 kV = 12 m. At 250 or 550 kV: use the larger. 5.1.2 excludes, among others, service drops < 750 V. Work within 30 m of a line > 250 kV: 5.2.3.
- ✓
De-energization or protection request submitted to Hydro-Québec if needed
- ✓
If closer work is needed: de-energize, written utility agreement, or limiting device (5.2.2)
ℹ️ A signal person is not a 5.2.2 method.
- ✓
Visual markers (flags, tape) installed to mark danger zone
- ✓
Work plan approved — equipment routes planned to avoid lines
- ✓
Approach distance respected AT ALL TIMES — includes tools and materialsCritical
ℹ️ Arc flash can occur BEFORE physical contact — respect distance
- ✓
Crane and elevated equipment: boom + load + sling within clearance zone
- ✓
Scaffold and ladder: top end at safe distance from line
- ✓
If accidental contact: stay in cab, do not exit
ℹ️ Exiting = creating a ground fault path — electrocution risk
- ✓
If evacuation needed: jump clear with feet together, away from machine, without touching both
After work
3 items- ✓
Markers and signage removed if work completed
- ✓
Hydro-Québec confirmation if de-energization was in place — re-energization authorized
- ✓
Incidents or near-contacts recorded per the procedure / LSST
ℹ️ The LSST covers certain notices to the CNESST. Not a CSTC “every near-contact mandatory” article.
14 verification items — use this checklist on-site with the app
Use on-site — freePDF reports, history and team management in the app
For information only — this is not legal advice. OK Sécurité is an independent company with no affiliation to the CNESST: we are not mandated, endorsed or certified by it. Completing a checklist here does not by itself establish your compliance — your exact obligations depend on your job site and your prevention program. Where there is any discrepancy, the official text published by Légis Québec or the CNESST prevails.
More checklists — Cross-cutting Situations
More safety checklists
Risks and prevention — Overhead power lines
Contact with overhead lines is a leading cause of fatal electrocution in construction. Where section V applies, CSTC 5.2.1 sets 3 m below 125 kV, then 5 / 8 / 12 m. 5.1.2 excludes, among others, a service drop under 750 V. “3 m up to 25 kV” is not a separate Code threshold.
All crane, lift, or boom-equipment operations must be planned considering line locations. The site supervisor must identify lines and communicate distances to all workers. Warning devices (proximity detectors, signage) may complement control measures but do not replace distance compliance.
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