What is the term for the exposure that could risk injury to a person near a ground attached to a crane that has touched a power line?

The term that describes the exposure risking injury to a person near the ground when a crane touches a power line is known as step potential. Step potential refers to the voltage difference between the points on the ground that a person may encounter while standing or walking away from the point of contact. When a conductive object, like a crane, makes contact with a power line, it can create a voltage gradient in the ground. If a person is standing on this ground, they may experience a difference in voltage between their feet, leading to electrical shock or injury.

This concept is especially critical in crane operations since the machine can extend and operate in areas close to high-voltage lines. Understanding step potential helps in ensuring safety measures are in place to protect workers around machinery that interacts with electrical sources. The other terms, while related to electrical concepts, do not specifically encapsulate the risk associated with the scenario described involving a person and the ground surrounding an electrified crane.