A crane operator completes a lift and is swinging the boom to stow it when a minor powerline brush occurs. There are no sparks, no visible damage, and the operator feels no electrical shock. What immediate action should the operator take?

Question: A crane operator completes a lift and is swinging the boom to stow it when a minor powerline brush occurs. There are no sparks, no visible damage, and the operator feels no electrical shock. What immediate action should the operator take?

Answer options:

• Continue stowing the boom as there is no apparent danger. ✅ Stop all operations, attempt to move clear only if safe, and report the contact immediately.
• Exit the cab and visually inspect the powerline and crane for damage.
• Assume the powerline is dead and proceed with normal operations.

Correct answer: Stop all operations, attempt to move clear only if safe, and report the contact immediately.

Explanation: Any contact with a powerline, even minor and without visual effects, must be treated as serious. The operator must stop all operations, attempt to move clear if it can be done safely, and immediately report the incident. Powerlines can be energized without visible signs, making it unsafe to continue or inspect without confirmation from the utility.