Stay safe around overhead lines with the 10-foot rule for aerial operations.

Outline for this article

• Opening hook: why the 10-foot rule matters in aerial work

• Quick answer and plain-language rationale

• Why staying 10 feet away protects people and equipment

• How to maintain the distance in real work

• Common scenarios that test the rule (wind, terrain, lighting)

• Safety culture and training for DoD vehicle operators

• What to do if you can’t keep 10 feet

• Quick, practical checklist you can use on site

• Closing thought: safety as a habit, not a rule to forget

A practical shield: the 10-foot rule you’ll hear about a lot

Let me set the scene. You’re up in the cab, steering toward a site with overhead lines shimmering in the sun. The boom glides up, you reach for a task, and then—pause. The line is there somewhere, just above or beside your path. In that moment, the simplest, most important rule is the one you should memorize and respect: stay 10 feet away. That distance, about 3 meters, isn’t arbitrary. It’s a safety margin designed to protect you, your crew, and the equipment from dangers that aren’t immediately obvious when you’re focused on the job.

The essence of the rule is straightforward, but the consequences of ignoring it can be severe. The correct answer you’ll hear echoed in training is: 10 feet (3 meters). Why? Because even without touching the line, the electricity in those wires can arc or create strong electric fields. Those forces can reach out and affect metal, water, or conductive materials nearby. It’s a rare moment when “just a little closer” isn’t just a misstep; it’s a potentially fatal misjudgment.

Why 10 feet matters: the safety math behind the rule

Arcing is the big reason for the distance. When electrical voltage is high, electricity can jump across an air gap. The closer you are, the more likely you are to encounter a dangerous arc if the equipment brushes the line or if metal parts come close. It isn’t just about the potential shock to a hand or arm—the metal components of the aerial apparatus, the bucket, or the platform can become conductors, creating a path for electricity that wasn’t part of the plan.

Another factor is the electric field around the lines. Even without a direct spark, those fields can affect nearby objects, leading to unpredictable behavior in the equipment or gear. The rule isn’t about a single number to memorize; it’s about maintaining a generous, consistent buffer so human error doesn’t become a catastrophe.

How to keep 10 feet in real life: practical habits that stick

Now, let’s talk shop. How do you actually maintain that distance when the job demands precision, not hand-waving?

• Plan your route with margins. Before you move the vehicle or extend the boom, survey the workspace. Mark the highest overhead wires you might approach, and plan a path that stays well clear. If you’re unsure about the line’s height or location, don’t guess—pause and re-check.

• Use fixed reference points. Ground markers, a portable distance gauge, or even a simple buddy check can remind you of the 10-foot line. If terrain or construction accents your route, rely on clear cues to keep you in the safe zone.

• Communicate with the crew. Aerial work isn’t a solo sport. Use clear, concise signals with spotters. A second pair of eyes can help you spot encroaching lines, changing terrain, or unexpected obstacles.

• Move slowly when near lines. Haste compounds risk. A controlled, deliberate pace reduces chances of an accidental brush or a sudden swing that could bring the boom or its metal components closer than intended.

• Keep the equipment itself clear. Never tie or brace lines in ways that could pull or pull toward overhead conductors. Ensure tools and harnesses don’t drape or extend toward lines.

• Check weather and lighting. Wind gusts can push booms off their intended path, and glare can obscure the line’s location. If conditions feel off, defer the work or adjust the plan so the distance can be maintained safely.

• Use physical barriers or signage. Where possible, set up barriers that visually reinforce the 10-foot rule for everyone in the area. Bright markers or tape can cue drivers and crew to the safe zone quickly.

What safety culture looks like in DoD operator roles

The DoD environment adds a layer of discipline and standardization to safety. Beyond the obvious “don’t get shocked” stakes, drivers and aerial operators carry the responsibility of protecting teammates, equipment, and mission-critical assets. Training emphasizes hazard recognition, communication protocols, and a mindset that safety is non-negotiable.

In practice, that means:

• Pre-task briefings that spotlight electrical hazards and the 10-foot rule as a core topic.

• Regular spotter participation by a trained team member who can observe from a safe vantage point and call out deviations.

• Clear procedures for escalating concern. If lines are too close or visibility is compromised, operators stop the task, reassess, and adjust the plan.

• A culture that values questions and double-checks. If anyone doubts the distance, they should speak up—no heroics, just safe, reliable work.

A few real-world twists worth anticipating

No two jobs are exactly alike. Here are a few scenarios where the 10-foot rule plays out in ways you’ll recognize on real shifts:

• Uneven ground or unstable platforms. If the ground bounces or the vehicle shifts, your clearance can change in a heartbeat. Constant awareness and re-checks matter.

• Daylight vs. evening work. At dusk, lines can become harder to see. Use additional lighting and rely on spotters more closely. Don’t let fatigue dull your judgment.

• Proximity to other energized devices. Sometimes you’re near primary lines, transformers, or enclosures. Keep the same margin, and treat every line as potentially dangerous until you’re certain it isn’t.

• Weather-induced changes. Rain or ice can alter how metal surfaces conduct electricity or how the boom moves. Less grip, more caution—always.

• Equipment wear and adjustments. Worn or damaged insulators and joints can behave differently under load. Regular inspections aren’t just paperwork; they’re a shield against surprises.

If a line seems too close

Here’s the thing: never attempt to reposition a line yourself or try to squeeze past a perceived obstacle. If you’re within or near the 10-foot buffer and something changes—line sag, wind, or a new obstacle—stop, secure the boom in a safe position, inform your supervisor, and reassess the plan. In some cases, the line team may de-energize or adjust the line’s height in coordination with the duty supervisor. The point is to keep people safe and prevent a risky moment from turning into a crisis.

A quick checklist you can carry with you

• Confirm the 10-foot distance before extending the boom near overhead lines.

• Use a signal or spotter to monitor clearance as you maneuver.

• Keep a clear line of sight to the line at all times; if visibility is compromised, pause.

• Check for weather and ground stability that could reduce margin.

• Ensure PPE and fall protection are in good condition and accessible.

• Talk through the plan with the crew, and document any hazards or changes.

The right habit beats last-minute improvisation

Safety isn’t a box to check off; it’s a habit you carry from one job to the next. The 10-foot standard isn’t a rigid shield; it’s a practical line that keeps you, your teammates, and your equipment out of harm’s way. When you approach overhead lines with a deliberate plan, a clear margin, and a calm, communicative team, you’re not just following a rule—you’re preserving lives and mission capability.

A few more thoughts on doing this well

• Curiosity pays off. If you ever question whether a line is higher or lower than expected, take the extra moment to confirm. It’s worth it.

• Simpler is safer. If a route seems overly complex to maintain 10 feet, slow down or reroute. Complexity is the enemy of caution.

• Share the lessons. After each job, a quick debrief about what worked and what didn’t helps everyone improve. It might save a life later on.

In the end, the 10-foot rule is a straightforward shield—one you can wield with confidence on every shift. It’s a reminder that even on a busy day, with radios crackling and engines humming, safety still comes first. And that’s not just good practice; it’s the backbone of responsible, effective DoD aerial operations.

If you’re in the field, near a line, and you’re unsure about the distance, pause, verify, and err on the side of caution. The right distance is there to protect you and everyone who depends on your work. Stay vigilant, stay steady, and keep those lines well out of reach.