Final answer:
Minimum clearance distances for working near powerlines are found in safety regulations by organizations like OSHA. These distances are to ensure the safety of workers operating near high-voltage power lines, which have been shown not to pose significant health hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum clearance distances for working near powerlines can typically be found in guidelines provided by government health and safety organizations, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States or similar entities in other countries. These organizations set forth regulations that specify the required safe distances for both workers and equipment when operating in close proximity to powerlines.
It is also important for engineers and workers to be aware of high-voltage power lines and their effects; however, it is a misconception that living near high-voltage power lines is significantly hazardous to one's health. The American Physical Society, for instance, has reported that transient field effects produced by these lines are insufficient to cause biological damage and there is no consistent, significant link between cancer and power-line fields.
In order to find the minimum clearance distances for working near powerlines, you can refer to safety regulations and guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC). OSHA provides guidelines for worker safety, including clearance distances, which can be found in the OSHA Construction Standards (29 CFR 1926). NESC, on the other hand, focuses on electrical utility and communication infrastructures, and provides guidelines for minimum clearance distances for powerlines. These regulations and codes ensure that workers maintain a safe distance from powerlines to prevent electrical hazards.