What should be done when working closer than 10 feet on a 12 KV line?

When working closer than 10 feet on a 12 KV line, the safest and most effective action to take is to de-energize and ground the circuit. This procedure eliminates the risk of electrical shock or arc flash by ensuring that the power is completely turned off, and grounding the circuit provides an additional layer of safety by directing any accidental surge of electrical energy to the ground.

De-energizing the line not only protects the workers involved but also prevents any potential accidents or injuries that could arise from inadvertent contact with the live line. It is critical in high voltage scenarios to adhere to established safety protocols, including this step, to maintain a safe working environment.

While limiting the number of workers, wearing special protective gear, and using insulators may provide some level of safety, they do not address the core issue of live electrical hazards as effectively as de-energizing and grounding the circuit does. Hence, de-energizing and grounding is the most appropriate and recommended action for working near high voltage lines.