If the crane boom comes into contact with a high voltage line while the driver is inside the crane, the driver may be safer inside the cab than trying to get out of it.

 If the crane boom comes into contact with a high voltage line while the driver is inside the crane, the driver may be safer inside the cab than trying to get out of it. The reason is that the crane and the operator are part of the same electrical circuit, so the driver is not electrocuted as long as he remains inside the cab and does not try to touch the ground or any other object outside the crane. 

1. Contact effect: 

When the crane boom comes into contact with the power line, the electric current travels through the crane and reaches the ground. 

The current is distributed around the crane causing what is known as "Step Voltage" and "Touch Voltage", which poses a great danger to anyone outside the crane. 

 2. Driver inside the crane:

As long as the driver is inside the cabin and does not try to get out, he will most likely not be harmed, because the crane body may act as a "Faraday cage" that protects him from the effects of electric current.

The real danger occurs if the driver tries to get out, because once he touches the ground while remaining in contact with the crane, he completes the electrical circuit, which leads to a fatal electric shock.

3. Emergency steps for the driver inside the crane:

Never leave the crane:

He must remain inside the cabin until the electricity is disconnected by the electricity company.

Avoid touching any metal object inside the cabin:

Some metal parts inside the crane can transmit electricity if they touch the line.

Communicate with the emergency team:

The driver or a crew member must contact the electricity company and report the accident.

Remain calm:

The driver must remain calm and wait for instructions from the emergency team.

 4. If it is necessary to exit (fire or danger):

If there is a fire or imminent danger that makes remaining inside the crane impossible:

1. Jump away from the crane:

The driver should jump as far away from the crane as possible, making sure that he does not touch the crane and the ground at the same time.

2. Keep your feet together:

After jumping, the driver should move away from the crane in very short steps (Step Voltage Reduction) or by jumping, to reduce the risk of exposure to step voltage.

5. Additional safety steps according to OSHA:

Train drivers on emergency procedures when working on high voltage lines.

Install warning devices on the crane that alert when approaching power lines.

Conclusion:

If the crane boom touches the high voltage line, remaining inside the cab is the safest option until the power is disconnected. Attempting to exit without taking proper precautions could be fatal due to the formation of an electrical circuit through the driver’s body.