Labor & Industries (L&I), Washington State

Safety Standards for Window Cleaning Chapter 296-878, WAC

Effective Date: 01/01/03

Power line clearances WAC 296-878-170

For printing

WAC 296-878-17005

Maintain clearance between window cleaners and power lines.

You must

• Maintain clearances between window cleaners and power lines as indicated in Tables 2 and 3.

Table 2
Minimum Clearances from Power Lines - Insulated Lines

 

Voltage Minimum distance Alternatives Less than 300 volts 3 feet (0.9 m) -- 300 volts to 50 kv 10 feet (3.1 m) -- More than 50 kv 10 feet (3.1 m) plus 0.4 inches (1.0 cm) for each 1 kv over 50 kv 2 times the length of the line insulator, but never less than 10 feet (3.1 m)

Table 3
Minimum Clearances from Power Lines - Uninsulated Lines

 

Voltage Minimum distance Alternatives Less than 50 kv 10 feet (3.1 m) -- More than 50 kv 10 feet (3.1 m) plus 0.4 inches (1.0 cm) for each 1 kv over 50 kv 2 times the length of the line insulator, but never less than 10 feet (3.1 m)

You must

• Follow these procedures when window cleaners need to get closer to power lines than allowed in Tables 2 and 3:
  • - Notify the utility company or electrical system operator of the need to work closer than the minimum clearances to power lines before starting the work
  • - Begin the work only when the utility company or electrical system operator has deenergized or relocated the lines, or installed protective coverings to prevent accidental contact with the lines.