Operating Engineers Certification Program (OECP) Practice Exam

The main hazard is electrocution from overhead power lines. Electricity can arc or travel through any conductors or equipment that come too close, even without direct contact, making proximity a life‑threatening risk. The protective approach is to maintain a safe clearance between people and all parts of machinery and lines, and to use a spotter to guide movements and stop operations if the line is within unsafe distance. If possible, de-energize or relocate lines before work and treat any line as energized unless you have confirmed clearance. While other hazards like falling objects or trips can occur on a job, they are not as immediate or dangerous as the risk of electric shock when near power lines.