During a crane operation near power lines, what should be done with non-essential personnel?

During crane operations near power lines, ensuring the safety of all personnel is paramount. The correct course of action is to remove non-essential personnel from the work area. This is vital because those who are not involved in the crane operation may not be aware of the specific hazards presented by overhead power lines. Maintaining a safe distance not only minimizes the risk of accidents but also reduces the number of individuals who could be distracted or influenced by the operation, thereby maintaining focus and preventing potential injuries.

By removing non-essential personnel, the team can concentrate on their tasks without unnecessary distractions or potential hazards from individuals who are not trained or do not need to be present during the operation. It's also worth noting that when personnel are clearly instructed to stay away, it eliminates the possibility of accidents that could result from untrained individuals wandering into the work area, especially under the dangerous conditions presented by overhead power lines.

In contrast, simply warning non-essential personnel but allowing them to stay, monitoring them closely, or suggesting they should be kept at a safe distance do not provide the same level of safety and control as their complete removal from the vicinity of the crane operation.