An articulated wheel loader is operating on a municipal road construction site. A 13.8 kV overhead powerline, clearly marked with high-visibility sleeves, crosses the work area at a height of 7.0 metres. The wheel loader has a maximum operating height to the top of its ROPS/FOPS cab of 4.5 metres, and a maximum bucketdump height of 4.0 metres. According to Ontario's Electrical Safety Code (O. Reg. 22/04 made under the Electricity Act, 1998, incorporated by reference in O. Reg. 213/91 for Construction Projects), what is the minimum safe approach distance for any part of the wheel loader to this powerline?

Question: An articulated wheel loader is operating on a municipal road construction site. A 13.8 kV overhead powerline, clearly marked with high-visibility sleeves, crosses the work area at a height of 7.0 metres. The wheel loader has a maximum operating height to the top of its ROPS/FOPS cab of 4.5 metres, and a maximum bucketdump height of 4.0 metres. According to Ontario's Electrical Safety Code (O. Reg. 22/04 made under the Electricity Act, 1998, incorporated by reference in O. Reg. 213/91 for Construction Projects), what is the minimum safe approach distance for any part of the wheel loader to this powerline?

Answer options:

• 1.0 metre ✅ 3.0 metres
• 4.5 metres
• 6.0 metres

Correct answer: 3.0 metres

Explanation: For lines rated 750 V to 49.9 kV, Subsection 186(1)(a)(i) of O. Reg. 213/91 'Construction Projects' references O. Reg 22/04, Table A-1, specifying a minimum safe limit of approach distance of 3.0 metres for workers and equipment.