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Helicopters in de-energized power-line maintenance

Summary An electrical workers' union asked whether helicopters could be used to maintain a de-energized transmission line. OSHA said its construction rules did not specifically prohibit helicopters for that work. The company still had to meet all applicable helicopter and power-line rules, including clearance from nearby energized lines.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1987-01-09
Date issued
January 9, 1987
Status
Active
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Helicopters Electrical Safety
Source
View the official document

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About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

January 9, 1987

Mr. Robert V. Citrolo
President
Local 503 I.B.E.W
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Citrolo:

This is in response to your letter of December 1, 1986 requesting a clarification of 29 CFR 1926.551 for line maintenance on a de-energized transmission line.

The use of helicopters is not specifically prohibited by 29 CFR 1926.551 or by 29 CFR part 1926, subpart V. However, the company must comply with all of the applicable requirements in 29 CFR 1926.551 and 29 CFR part 1926, subpart V, including 29 CFR 1926.950(c) for clearance from any nearby power lines that are not de-energized.

If we can be of further assistance, please let is know.

Sincerely,
John B. Miles, Jr., Director
Directorate of Field Operations

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