5.50     TEMPORARY INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL POWER LINES

Traffic control signals and roadway lighting are oftentimes required to be installed on construction projects as components of the traffic control plan. Because the installation of the devices are typically for a short time period, installation of the power lines using overhead or burial methods or placement in conduit may not be feasible for lengthy installations.

Common industry practice for installation of the power cable to these temporary devices includes placement of the proper type wire on the ground surface. The contractor should place the power cable in locations that will not interfere with construction operations or create a safety hazard. The location of the cable should be marked and identified. For example, one method for marking cable locations is with wooden lathe driven in the ground at an established interval along the path of the cable. Red survey ribbon should be attached to the lathe to further identify the electrical cable.

It is important that contractors, inspection staff, maintenance crews and others that may be present on the project site be made aware of the presence of power cables and that they understand the method used for marking the cables. On major projects with numerous power cables, an effective tool for communicating the cable locations is to indicate the cable locations on project plan sheets and furnish copies to the affected parties.

OSHA regulations regarding safety-related work practices for electrical work is included in 29 CFR 1926.416.