An excavator operator is working near overhead power lines. What minimum safe approach distance (SAD) must be maintained when the line voltage is unknown but suspected to be greater than 750V and less than 250 kV?

Question: An excavator operator is working near overhead power lines. What minimum safe approach distance (SAD) must be maintained when the line voltage is unknown but suspected to be greater than 750V and less than 250 kV?

Answer options:

• 1.0 metre (3 feet)
• 3.0 metres (10 feet) ✅ 5.0 metres (16 feet)
• 6.0 metres (20 feet)

Correct answer: 5.0 metres (16 feet)

Explanation: According to CSA Z150-16 and provincial OHS regulations, for unknown voltages above 750V and below 250 kV, a minimum safe approach distance of 5.0 metres (16 feet) must be maintained. For voltages 250 kV and above, this distance increases to 6.0 metres (20 feet).