During site planning, why is it essential to locate power lines?

• A. To estimate crew size
• B. To determine color of paint
• C. To plan the crane's swinging path so it does not hit any live lines
• D. To calculate slab thickness

Answer: (C)

Locating power lines during site planning centers on safety for crane operations. Overhead lines pose a serious electrocution and arc-flash risk if a crane, its boom, or a rigged load comes into contact with them. Knowing where the lines run allows you to design the crane’s swing path and travel routes to keep equipment and personnel clear, establish safe exclusion zones, and plan lifts around the lines (or coordinate with the utility to de-energize them if needed). The other options do not address electrical hazards or the safety of moving equipment, so they’re not relevant to this planning step.