California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 5 - Electrical Safety Orders
Group 2 - High-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders
Article 38 - Line Clearance Tree Trimming Operations
Section 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

* 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.