Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 8, § 2950 - Application

(a) This article shall apply to all line clearance tree trimming operations performed in the vicinity of exposed energized overhead conductors and equipment where any part of the employee's body, tools or equipment being used, or parts of trees being worked upon, is likely to come within the distances specified in Table 1 of this section.

(b) Minimum approach distances to energized conductors for persons other than qualified line clearance tree trimmers and trainees shall be maintained in accordance with Table 1.

EXCEPTION NO . 1: A qualified tree worker as defined in the General Industry Safety Orders (GISO), Section 3420(b) may perform tree trimming activities within 10 feet, but no closer than 1 foot, of energized low voltage (600 volts or less) power lines and conductors, provided the provisions in GISO Section 3423 related to such work are met.

EXCEPTION NO . 2: A qualified telecommunication worker as defined in Section 8601 of the Telecommunication Safety Orders when performing restoration work or other emergency work, provided the employee is trained and experienced in the special techniques and work procedures required to avoid the hazards of line clearance tree trimming operations.

EXCEPTION NO . 3: A qualified electrical worker as defined in Section 2700 of the High Voltage Electrical Safety Orders when performing restoration work or other emergency work, provided the employee is trained and experienced in the special techniques and work procedures required to avoid the hazards of line clearance tree trimming operations.

Table 1.

Minimum approach distances to energized conductors for persons other than qualified line-clearance tree trimmers and trainees

Nominal voltage in kilovolts
(kV)	Distance
phase to phase*	ft-in		Meters
0.0 to 1.0	10-00		3.05
1.1 to 15.0	10-00		3.05
15.1 to 36.0	10-00		3.05
36.1 to 50.0	10-00		3.05
50.1 to 72.5	10-09		3.28
72.6 to 121.0	12-04		3.76
138.0 to 145.0	13-02		4
161.0 to 169.0	14-00		4.24
230.0 to 242.0	16-05		4.97
345.0 to 362.0	20-05		6.17
500.0 to 550.0	26-08		8.05
785.0 to 800.0	35-00		10.55

* Exceeds phase to ground minimum approach distances per the federal standard, 29 CFR 1910.333.

NOTE 1: Minimum approach distances to energized conductors for qualified line clearance tree trimmers and trainees as defined in Section 2700 are provided in the provisions and references of Section 2951 of these Orders.

NOTE 2: Additional requirements for Tree Work, Maintenance or Removal, are contained in Article 12 of the General Industry Safety Orders, Title 8, California Code of Regulations.

Notes

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 8, § 2950

1. New Article 87 ( §§ 2950-2959, not consecutive) filed 10-14-75 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 75, No. 42).
2. Certificate of Compliance as to Article 87, except for Sections 2950(c)(2)(A), 2954(f), and 2955(a)(5)(A) filed 1-9-76 (Register 76, No. 2).
3. Amendment of subsection (c)(2)(A) filed 1-9-76 (Register 76, No. 2).
4. Repealer of Article 87 (Sections 2950-2959, not consecutive) and new Article 87 (Sections 2950-2951) filed 8-9-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 32).
5. Amendment filed 4-16-80 as procedural and organizational; effective upon filing (Register 80, No. 16).
6. Editorial correction renumbering former Article 87 to Article 38 filed 11-2-83 (Register 83, No. 45).
7. Amendment filed 12-10-87; operative 1-9-88 (Register 88, No. 1).
8. Amendment designating first paragraph as subsection (a) and adopting new subsection (b) filed 9-25-2012; operative 10-25-2012 (Register 2012, No. 39).

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

1. New Article 87 (§§ 2950-2959, not consecutive) filed 10-14-75 as an emergency; effective upon filing (Register 75, No. 42).
2. Certificate of Compliance as to Article 87, except for Sections 2950(c)(2)(A), 2954(f), and 2955(a)(5)(A) filed 1-9-76 (Register 76, No. 2).
3. Amendment of subsection (c)(2)(A) filed 1-9-76 (Register 76, No. 2).
4. Repealer of Article 87 (Sections 2950-2959, not consecutive) and new Article 87 (Sections 2950-2951) filed 8-9-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 32).
5. Amendment filed 4-16-80 as procedural and organizational; effective upon filing (Register 80, No. 16).
6. Editorial correction renumbering former Article 87 to Article 38 filed 11-2-83 (Register 83, No. 45).
7. Amendment filed 12-10-87; operative 1-9-88 (Register 88, No. 1).
8. Amendment designating first paragraph as subsection (a) and adopting new subsection (b) filed 9-25-2012; operative 10-25-2012 (Register 2012, No. 39).