The minimum clearance between a backhoe and a 50kV powerline shall be _________ feet, plus .4 inches for each additional 1kV.

The minimum clearance required between a backhoe and a 50kV power line is crucial for ensuring safety during excavation and grading operations. For a 50kV power line, the established safety standard dictates that there should be a clearance of 10 feet. This clearance is vital to prevent accidental contact with the power line, which could result in serious electrical hazards, including electrocution.

Additionally, the requirement specifies an increase in clearance of 0.4 inches for each additional 1kV over the baseline. This means that as the voltage of the power line increases, the necessary clearance also increases to maintain safety measures.

Understanding these standards helps operators to conduct their work safely and prevents potential accidents that could arise from working too close to high-voltage power lines. This knowledge is key in the operations of excavating and grading, reflecting the importance of adhering to safety regulations.