General Precautions
1.1 Before any work is undertaken on energized equipment, workers should be qualified by training and experience to perform work by the prescribed method for the voltage involved and shall be familiar with minimum working clearances stated in this section.
1.2 Maintenance, repair and construction work on electric circuits or apparatus shall not be done until proper authorization has been obtained for performing work. A Tailboard meeting shall be conducted for all crew members prior to the start of each day discussing the following:
*Elements of the Job
*Safety Hazards
*PPE requirements
*Discuss Specific Job Duties
1.3 All circuits and equipment shall be considered energized at full voltage until de-energized and grounded. System Operator’s Clearance shall be obtained when required by rule.
1.4 No worker shall begin work on any equipment unless instructed by his/her supervisor to do so. Where instructions must be given by telephone or radio, each speaker shall satisfy him/herself of the identity and authority of the other person.
1.5 On all jobs, a sufficient number of qualified workers must be present to do the work safely. The number of workers required shall be determined by the foreman in charge of the work.
1.6 Whenever it becomes necessary to replace a worker or supervisor during a job, such replacement should be made only after the replacing worker or supervisor has been fully informed of existing conditions.
1.7 On any job which, in the opinion of the foreman, requires any observer, the foreman, or worker appointed by him, shall act as observer. The observer shall not engage in any activity that the foreman considers will interfere with the duty of an observer.
1.8 If, when performing trouble work, a worker finds a condition which is beyond his/her ability to handle safely, he/she shall call for assistance.
1.9 Emergency hazards, such as fallen wires, may be removed by one worker using approved tools and protective equipment.
1.10 Before any line truck or digger truck is moved or driven, its boom or derrick shall always be placed in its stowed position. Any exception to the above rule shall be approved by the person in charge, and only if circumstances deem it necessary for the purpose of maneuvering into areas of limited space.
Working On or Near Live Lines and Equipment
Workers performing live line work shall devote their undivided attention to the work at hand. Unnecessary conversation shall be avoided. Apprentices shall not work on or above circuits, energized at 600 volts or more, until they are 4th step. Two qualified electrical workers shall be required to work together on the same pole or in an insulated aerial device when performing work on lines and equipment carrying voltages in excess of 600 volts. Except, one worker may support, untie or tie-in a primary distribution conductor from an insulated aerial device with a qualified observer on the ground at the job site. When working on voltages of 12,000 volts phase-to-ground and above, an additional qualified worker or supervisor may be used, if needed. In no case, when working in pairs, they shall not work simultaneously on wires or parts of different phases or polarities. All Aerial Equipment and other related equipment shall be grounded or barricaded when said equipment is working on or in the proximity of energized lines. Only fiberglass ladders and/or wood ladders may be used for working on equipment energized.
Methods of Working on Energized Equipment
When working on energized equipment, work shall be performed with rubber protective equipment or with live line tools. Specific rules covering the above methods follow. With the exception of gang operated switches or breakers, before paralleling any conductors by the use of rubber gloves or hot sticks, the conductors SHALL be tested to verify proper phasing. Non current carrying metal parts of equipment or devices, such as transformer cases, sectionalizing cabinets, circuit breaker housings, shall be treated as energized at the highest voltage to which they are exposed, until such time as the worker can assure that the parts are grounded.