If an operator must leave a crane in contact with energized power lines, what precaution should be taken?

Avoiding simultaneous contact with the crane and the ground is essential when leaving a crane in contact with energized power lines because it helps prevent the risk of electrocution. When a crane makes contact with power lines, it can carry electrical current, and if the operator or other personnel simultaneously contacts the crane and the ground, they create a pathway for the current to flow through their bodies, significantly increasing the risk of severe injury or death.

This precaution is based on the principle of electrical safety, where creating a single point of contact with the electrical source helps to minimize the chance of current passing through a person. Therefore, being mindful to avoid contact with both the crane and the ground can serve as a critical safety measure for operators and workers nearby.

Other precautions, such as notifying the power line owner or wearing insulating gloves, are also important components of an overall safety strategy, but the primary focus in this scenario is on maintaining safety by preventing simultaneous contact with the energized crane and ground.