INDUCTION, GROUNDING AND BONDING

OBJECTIVE

You will identify a variety of Induction Hazards and state how to eliminate or control them through the use of specific barriers.

You will learn on how install a set of cluster and/or jumper temporary grounds following approved grounding procedures and state when, where, and why temporary grounds are used on distribution lines.

INDUCTION HAZARD

Induction is the transfer of electric energy from an energized line to an isolated line through a magnetic or electric field.

In general, there are two kinds of induction: Magnetic Induction

(sometimes referred to as electromagnetic induction) and Electric

Induction (sometimes referred to as electrostatic induction).

Even though a distribution line may be disconnected or isolated from an electrical source, it is still not safe to work on until it is properly tested for potential voltages and grounded.

Before grounding, the line can still have hazardous changes on it because of induction. After grounding, a hazard can still exist if they are not spaced properly.

Factors that affect the strength of induced charges are:

a) The amount of current (amperage) and voltage on the neighboring energized line. The higher the amperage and/or voltage, the higher the (Induction) on the isolated line.

b) The distance between the isolated and energized line. The closer the lines, the greater the induced charge.

c) The distance the isolated and energized lines run parallel to
each other. Lines that run parallel for a long distance result
in a higher induced charge than for shorter runs.

d) The size of the conductor is also a contributing factor. The larger the surface, the greater the induced charge.

Many lines you work on are not greatly affected by induction and as a consequence it is easy to forget about the hazard it poses. The hazard of induction is very real, and generally presents itself when those working on the lines have in fact, forgotten about the hazard and have not taken proper precautions to guard against it. In order to eliminate this hazard, approved grounding, bonding and jumpering techniques must always be used when working on isolated lines.

The concept of induction is explained in every electrical book you will ever read, but words on printed page often don't convey the message as meaningfully as they should. If you ever work with grounds on one isolated circuit of a double circuit 230 kV line, you know induction is very real. The arcing that often takes place when a ground clamp is removed is enough to convince anyone that induction isn't to be fooled with.

TEMPORARY GROUNDS

In this part you will learn about installing temporary grounds, which are safety devices to protect you at the work site from the hazards of induction. You will find out what "grounds" are, why and when they are used, and how they are applied to an overhead distribution line, and for work-vehicle pounding.

The basic purpose of grounding in an electrical system is to ensure components that may be touched or worked on are at the same potential as the surrounding earth (approximately zero volts). This makes it generally safe to approach and touch the component.

You achieve grounding by metallically connecting whatever you wish to "ground", to a suitable ground electrode (i.e., system neutral, etc.). You may ground on a permanent basis, such as in a substation, where all non-current carrying components such as structures, metal parts of buildings etc., are solidly and permanently connected to bare cables buried in the earth. Alternatively, you may wish to ground conductors, equipment, or apparatus only for the period of time they are being worked on. In this case temporary grounds are used.

Pike Electric, Inc. Safety & Training Manual

Section 4 OHD Distribution & Transmission 410

DE-ENERGIZING LINES

A. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS MAY BE WORKED AS DEAD (DE-ENERGIZED) UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

1. The line must be de-energized in such a manner that a visible opening exists between the source and work location and then checked to assure that no power is on it.

i. The line may be opened, load permitting, with a loadbuster, a disconnect, a fused switch, or by removing a tap jumper.

ii. De-energizing a line by opening a recloser or a sectionalizer, will not suffice as a visible opening.

2. Primary, as well as secondary lines and equipment may not be worked as dead unless flagged, tagged and adequately grounded (See 410B). The de-energized line must be grounded to the system neutral, an appropriate flag installed on the same structure, and tags attached at all points where equipment or circuits can be energized.

B. PROCEDURE FOR GROUNDING OVERHEAD LINES

1. When attaching grounds, always fasten the ground connection first and the circuit connection(s) last. When removing grounds, always remove the circuit connection(s) first and the ground connections last.

2. A grounding lead (including attached clamps) shall be capable of conducting the anticipated fault current and shall have a minimum conductance of No. 2 AWG copper.

3. Every phase must be grounded. When the de-energized line consists of more than one phase conductor, the grounds shall be installed so that the

3-phase line is short circuited.

4. Grounds shall be installed and removed from current carrying conductors with approved live line tools.

5. When attaching grounds, do not allow your body to come in contact with the ground wire.

Note: When grounding de-energized transmission lines, the grounds should be placed outside the work area when possible, in addition to placing personal protective grounds at the point where the work is being done.

C. The foreman or other employee in charge shall inform the members of his crew when the line is de-energized and grounded. Before the line is energized again, the employee in charge must inspect the line and all the members of the crew shall be informed.

DISTRIBUTION CIRCUITS

There are two terms which you should be very familiar with and be able to distinguish between.

"Isolated" - the line has been physically disconnected from its

usual source of power. It does not mean it is safe to touch.

"De-energized" - a line is considered de-energized ("dead"), and safe to touch, only after it has been isolated and grounds have been applied.

Isolated distribution circuits may still carry a hazardous voltage.

This can be due to one or more of the following:

- The circuit could be energized accidentally if someone violated protection tags and improperly operated a switch; or by contact with a live conductor such as might occur if a vehicle collided with a pole.

- Induced voltage on the conductor due to the circuit paralleling an energized circuit.

- Lightning may strike the circuit. (All work on any circuit should be stopped when lightning storms are in the vicinity

(i.e., 15 miles).

- Natural phenomena such as electrically-charged storm clouds in the vicinity, or wind blowing across it can induce

electrostatic charges on the circuit.

- A backfeed may exist as from a customer's portable generator.

Since there is uncertainty as to the potential on an isolated circuit,

all circuits must be treated as energized until adequately grounded.

The main reasons for grounding isolated overhead circuits are:

- To make certain they are de-energized before starting work.

- To ensure fast clearing of the circuit should it become energized.

Always positively identify the neutral. It has occurred that a conductor, even when in the secondary/neutral position has actually been a live phase conductor. It is therefore necessary to positively identify the wire in the neutral position as being connected to ground. It may be necessary to travel a number of spans in either direction to a location, such as a transformer, to insure the neutral is connected to ground. If it is not possible to identify the neutral in this manner, then a ground must be applied at the work location.

The shotgun stick is probably the most frequently used live-line tool by the line crews. It is like a hand on the end of a live-line tool which enables the worker to grab, position, tighten, and remove energized pieces of equipment It is used to install and remove live-line clamps and ground clamps, and to operate switches and pull loadbreak elbows. You will use it to install temporary grounds to de-energize a three-phase distribution line using both jumper and cluster grounds.

Temporary grounds are applied to de-energize conductors and

equipment to protect personnel from the hazard of electrical shock.

GROUNDING EQUIPMENT

Grounding equipment for overhead lines must be of a satisfactory arrangement and be easy to apply. They must meet the requirement of all field application conductions, utilize minimum time and preparation for installation, and must accept a wide range of conductor sizes and configurations. The 4/0 copper tap should be chosen for its continuous current carrying capacity of 400 A as well as its mechanical strength and size to fit the conductor.

The clamp must have adequate electrical capacity to withstand e maximum fault current (30,000 A) available for the full time

duration over which that current may flow.

Two major considerations should be met in choosing the cables.

- The terminal capacity should be such that there is a good mechanical and electrical connection between clamp and

cable.

- The criteria in choosing the proper size cables are the maximum fault current which can be realized on the system and time duration of that current for general utility purposes, it is felt that 1/0 copper flexible cable should be the minimum size.

Due to varying configurations in construction and different applications, the trend in temporary grounding arrangements is for individual jumpers. The jumper sets comprise of three short pieces of cable, ranging from 6 to 12 feet in length, with the appropriate clamps connected to each end of the jumper. Depending upon the application, there may be a need for a longer piece of cable which could be connected from a ground probe to the system neutral or a grounding cluster support.

The cable used in the sets can have a neoprene rubber outer jacket or a polyvinylchloride clear covering. With the clear covering, the condition of the strand can be inspected, especially at the point of

connection of the clamp where there is considerable stress from constant use.

In the preparation for temporary grounding of overhead lines, it is fundamental that before considering any conductor or equipment as dead or de-energized, it must be properly grounded. A generic definition of work on de-energized lines is as follows:

Working on De-energized Lines

1. Temporary grounding devices of adequate current carrying

capacity shall be placed on conductors between the work location and all possible sources of electrical energy before said conductors may be considered de-energized.

2.         Temporary grounding devices shall be installed with a live-
            line tool, only after potential tests have been completed to
            ensure that said conductors are isolated.

3. Temporary grounding devices shall be placed so that one set is readily visible to at least one member of the crew at

all times.

4. Places where the de-energized line crosses, is crossed, or is adjacent to another circuit shall be considered a possible

source of energy.

5. Suitable temporary grounding devices shall be first connected to a low resistance ground before being brought in contact with any isolated conductor of the circuit to be grounded. They shall be removed from all circuit conductors before being disconnected from ground.

PICK A GOOD LOCATION: If at all possible temporary

grounding devices should be installed at the pole on which work is being performed. However, these should be placed well outside the immediate work area, the reason being that serious injury could result from the violent movement of the pounding cables under high fault current conditions. Likewise, to prevent accidental contact good judgment should be exercised with regard to the use of temporary pounds on poles where there is live equipment such as transformers, switches, reclosures, etc.

TESTING FOR POTENTIAL: After one has received confirmation that isolation of the circuit has been carried out, the worker should then perform an approved test for potential on the isolated circuit Isolation may not have been complete and contact may have been made between the isolate circuit and other energized circuits in the area. Failure to perform a test for potential in an approved manner could result in the worker attempting to install grounds on an energized circuit.

Teasing the isolated conductor with the metallic end of an approved live-line tool should not be used as a test for potential. On low voltage distribution circuits this charging current might not be seen or heard. On higher voltage distribution circuits, the charging current may only be induction from other live circuits and possibly mistaken for actual line potential.

CLEANING THE CONDUCTOR AND EQUIPMENT: Cleaning the conductor by approved methods before installing temporary grounding equipment is very important. The surfaces of conductors are usually contaminated or corroded. In some cases, equipment or metal structures are coated with paint. This high resistance surface contamination must be eliminated with an approved conductor cleaning wire brush or filing process to ensure positive contact with the surface to be grounded. Consideration might also be given to the use of clamps with serrated jaws; however, these clamps should not be used on aluminum conductors unless a "split sleeve" or "stirrup" has been installed prior to applying the grounding clamp.

MINIMIZE CABLE SLACK: Shorter grounding cables offer lower resistance. Tremendous forces are involved during fault currents which result in severe and dangerous cable movements if there is excessive clack in the grounding cable. Long leads should be lashed at some intermediate point to reduce the hazard to personnel and dislocation of grounding connections.

CHOICE OF GROUND ELECTRODE

When grounding a circuit, it is very important that the ground electrode with the lowest possible ground resistance be used, provided this can be done safely. A high ground resistance can create hazardous step and touch potentials near the ground electrode. A high ground resistance may also prevent protective equipment from automatically isolating the circuit if it is still energized or accidentally becomes energized.

Note: Permanent ground network (e.g., system neutral, station ground network),

To ensure a good connection is made, use a wire brush to clean a section of the temporary ground rod where the ground connection is to be made.

HANGING PORTABLE GROUNDS ON THE POLE

The lineperson will secure the handling approximately 1 m (3')

below the neutral (when the neutral is in the secondary position or below the crossarm brace irons when the neutral is on the crossarm). He may drive the shank of his screwdriver into the pole (blade is inserted against the grain of the wood) approximately 25 mm (1"), this will prevent the handline from sliding down the pole. A small rope sling is wrapped twice around the pole and tied approximately 150 mm (6") above the handline sling and may be used to support or hang the cluster of portable grounds. A snubbing bank may also be used to hold the grounds.

The grounding clamp shall be installed on the conductor by means of an approved insulated hot stick using rubber gloves. It shall first be poised above the conductor and then placed quickly and firmly on the conductor and tightened. In performing this operation, care shall be taken to avoid "teasing" the conductor with the clamp. If, due to some mistake, the circuit is energized, the clamp shall not be withdrawn once it has made electrical contact with the conductor as this will create an arc which would result in serious injury to the worker.

Pike Electric, Inc. Rules in Grounding

B. PROCEDURE FOR GROUNDING OVERHEAD LINES

2. A grounding lead (including attached clamps) shall be capable of conducting the anticipated fault current and shall have a minimum conductance of No. 2 AWG copper.

3. Every phase must be grounded. When the de-

energized line consists of more than one phase

conductor, the grounds shall be installed so that the

3-phase line is short circuited.

4. Grounds shall be installed and removed from current carrying conductors with approved live line tools.

5. When attaching grounds, do not allow your body to come in contact with the ground wire.

Note: When grounding de-energized transmission lines, the grounds should be placed outside the work area when possible, in addition to placing personal protective grounds at the point where the work is being done.

c. The foreman or other employee in charge shall inform the members of his crew when the line is de-energized and grounded. Before the line is energized again, the employee in charge must inspect the line and all the members of the crew shall be informed.

INSTALLATION SEQUENCE

For the installation of jumper grounds on armless framing, proceed as follows:

a) Ensure that for each jumper

one snap-on eye screw clamp

is seated securely on the

support stud of the other

snap-on eye screw clamp,

Figure 4.

Figure 4

b) Identify the neutral and

connect a jumper to it.

Remove the other end of the

jumper from the support stud

and connect it to the phase

conductor closest to the

lineperson, Figure 5.

Figure 5

c) On multi-phase circuits,

grounds are then applied from

a grounded phase to an

isolated adjacent phase,

Figures 6 and 7.

Figure 6

Figure 7

For the installation of jumper grounds on flat construction proceed as follows:

a) Ensure that for each jumper, one snap-on eye screw clamp is seated securely on the support stud of the other snap-on

eye screw clamp.

b) Identify the neutral and

connect a jumper to it,

Figure 8. Remove the other

end of the jumper from the

support stud and connect it to

the closest phase conductor,

Figure 9.

Figure 8

NOTE: If each clamp, equipped

with the stud, see Figure 3,

is placed on the conductor

directly above the lineperson,

they are much easier to remove.

On multi-phase circuits,

pounds are then applied

from a grounded phase to

an isolated adjacent phase,

Figures 10 and 11,

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

TEMPORARY GROUNDING OF VEHICLES

It is imperative that all digger derricks and aerial bucket devices (with lower metal booms) be grounded to the system neutral when used in close proximity to overhead conductors. Just as important is the fact that all personnel, plus the general public be kept clear of the line vehicles during these operations, with the exception of the worker who might be operating the controls of a digger derrick. No harm would come to them as long as they remain on the operator's platform or on a ground gradient control mat bonded to the truck frame.

Even though the truck ground has been connected to the multigrounded system neutral - a worker or someone from the general public at ground level while in contact with the truck body would create a parallel path to ground, should the boom make contact with overhead energized equipment. The person could be subjected to lethal currents (see Figure 12).

Figure 12

The duration of contact to the energized vehicle would be of a very short period and isolation would be almost instantaneous, that is assuming hold-off protection was in effect. Grounding to the multi-grounded system neutral ensures rapid isolation of that circuit by providing a low resistance path through which enough current can flow to operate circuit protection devices, thus releasing a victim from sustained contact, as well as returning the work area to a relatively safe condition.

However, the initial contact by the worker or member of the general public with the truck could prove fatal if the right conditions were present. Remember, even though a truck ground is used, keep the workers and the general public clear of the vehicle when the boom is in close proximity to overhead energized equipment.

The following illustrates the safe limits of approach when

operating boom-equipped vehicles.

Pike Electric, Inc Safety & Training Manual Section 12 Tables

TRUCK GROUND EQUIPMENT

All truck grounds should comprise of at least 1/0 flexible copper cable and is capable of being attached to the overhead system neutral. One end of the cable would have an appropriate current carrying capacity grounding clamp. It is preferred that the other end of the cable would be solidly and permanently connected to the truck frame, for example, a compression type lug fitting.

All components of the vehicle should be bonded together, such as

the chassis and frame, etc.

Figure 13 Figure 14

Pike Electric's method is to simply utilize hangers attached to the rear of the bin structure to store the grounding cable when it is not in use (Figute13). Some feel that the truck grounds should always be at the rear of the truck, especially with a digger derrick, as a constant reminder to the operator of the dire need of grounding the truck when the boom is used near live apparatus. Note: When truck ground is being used always pull truck ground completely off of rack.

>SKILLS CHECK REVIEW

1. Induction is the transfer of electric energy from an energized line to an isolated line through a ________or ____________.

2. What is defined as "Isolated"?

3. What is defined as "De-energized"?

4. According to Pike's Safety & Training Manual what are considered good ground sources and what order should be utilized for distribution?

a. _________________________________________.

b. _________________________________________.

c. _________________________________________.

5. A screw ground may only be used when a better ground source is not available and approval has been given by the immediate supervisor or employee in charge.

True or False

6. Temporary grounding devices shall be installed with a__________, only after potential tests have been completed to ensure that said conductors are isolated.

ANSWERS TO REVIEW

1. Magnetic or electric field.

2. "Isolated" - the line has been physically disconnected from its usual source of power. It does not mean it is safe to touch.

3. "De-energized" - a line is considered de-energized ("dead"), and safe to touch, only after it has been isolated and grounds have been applied.

4. The following are considered good ground sources and should be utilized in the order listed below:

a. The system (common) neutral located on the same level or above the energized conductor(s).

b. Pole grounds (if tapped to system neutral)

d. Guy wires (if tapped to system neutral)

5. True

6. live-line tool

RUBBER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

OBJECTIVE

You will identify and inspect a variety of rubber protective equipment and review their working voltage and job application.

Rubber gloves are the most important of all the protective devices you will use as a lineman. As a first line of defense, they protect you from energized apparatus. That is why it is extremely important you know what class of glove to use on what voltage, how to inspect them and how to care for them.

TYPE OF GLOVES

Rubber gloves are available in four classes. Use the glove suited to the voltage range you are working on:

VOLTAGE

Maximum Use

Voltage

Note: Rubber gloves shall be laboratory retested per OSHA standards of "in-service use". No test period shall exceed six months of combined in-service use and shelf life.

The test voltage for each class of glove is determined by the manufacturer to build a safety factor. Since this electrical test is done in a laboratory under controlled temperatures, filtered air and humidity conditions for only one minute, under no circumstances should test voltage be confused with actual working voltage.

Note: Rubber gloves shall never be used beyond the expiration date.

Class No. 3, 4 - Rubber Glove Work must be performed from an approved insulated work platform or aerial device. Class No. 2 –Rubber Glove work from pole is accepted with some customers.

The class of rubber glove is identified by the testing lab stamp which appears on the cuff of each glove. This stamp includes date of last test and test voltage and is the only certain way to be sure the gloves are, in fact, a specific class as other classes of gloves are very similar in construction and design.

Most rubber gloves are bi-colored with a black rubber surface and either a yellow or red inside surface and cuff. They may be five fingered or mitten type. The two-color fabrication of these gloves lets you readily identify points of wear or other defects in the outer black surface when the glove is inflated during the inspection and air tests.

Rubber gloves are always worn with protective covers. These covers consist of a leather glove combined with a cuff of synthetic or leather material. This cuff should not be relied on for electrical protection. The covers are sized to fit over the same size glove, i.e., size 10 cover for a size 10 glove. When the covers are on the gloves 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches of rubber glove should be visible above the rubber glove protector. This provides extra leakage protection.

Each time you go to use your rubber gloves, inspect and air test them, the following procedure. Stretch the glove to look for cracks and tears. Reverse the glove and do the same on the other side.

Look for punctures, hard spots, foreign material or breaks in the surface. With the two colors, these abnormalities are usually easy to see.

Minor cuts and abrasions to the outer black surface of the glove are permitted if the contrasting inner color does not show through.

The inner yellow or red part of the glove represents 80% of the glove thickness. it is not possible to determine in the field just how deep a cut or abrasion may be, therefore, any break in the inside surface of the rubber glove renders the glove defective. It must be returned to the work location for replacement.

If the gloves are all one color (black) inside and out, any break in the surface would render them suspect and they must be sent back for retesting.

Both the air test and the visual tests are needed. Air tests tell you if there is a puncture, visual tests tell you if there is excessive wear. You can then replace the gloves before a hole is apparent.

Twirl the glove to fill it with air and trap it by rolling the glove cuff. With your free hand, squeeze the glove in various places. This inflation of the glove will amplify any small damaged spots which might not be found by ordinary visual inspection. While the glove is inflated, hold it up to your face to feel or hear if any air is leaking through a puncture.

Rubber glove protectors should be inspected once a day before using. Look for any wood or metal splinters which could puncture the rubber gloves. If the covers are oil or penetrox soaked, or worn through in spots, they should be replaced. They must adequately protect the rubber glove, and in turn, you. A cut through the leather or synthetic part of a glove cover should be investigated to see if any damage has been transferred to the rubber glove inside the cover.

CARE OF RUBBER GLOVES

Take the following precautions:

(a) Do not wear projecting rings or watches under your rubber gloves. Electrical Research advises many gloves show indications of corona cutting where these items contact the gloves.

(b) Do not store or use rubber gloves turned inside out. The reversal from the original set of the rubber sets up a sufficient stress to induce severe checking under the influence of ultraviolet rays from sunlight and fluorescent lights, or ozone from live electrical apparatus.

(c) Do not store gloves in substations or other locations where there is a likelihood of corona or spark discharge. A very small concentration of ozone causes rapid oxidation.

(d) Do not store gloves in a compressed, creased, or folded position. Protect them from damage by storing them cuffs down, in the approved canvas bags, when not in actual use. Close dome fasteners to protect against dirt, sunlight, and fluorescent lights.

(e) Gloves may be cleaned in the field using only clean water. Do not use soap, detergents, or other cleaning agents. Cornstarch may be used to help put on the gloves.

(f) Gloves can be seriously damaged by grease or oil. Avoid contact with these substances. If the gloves inadvertently contact these substances, return them to the work location for replacement.

CORONA CUTTING

Air around energized electrical equipment becomes ionized or broken down into its basic components, one of which is ozone gas.

The higher the voltage at which the electrical equipment operates, the greater volume of air is ionized. Ozone destroys natural rubber, the main component of your rubber gloves. The rate at which rubber gloves deteriorate in the presence of ozone gas is proportional to the amount of stress placed on the rubber. The effects of ozone damage or corona cutting depends upon the concentration of ozone, the amount of mechanical stress, and the duration of exposure.

Each class of glove has a composition of rubber designed to withstand ozone levels present at the glove's maximum working voltage. This takes into consideration the duration of rubber glove jobs and mechanical stress caused by finger and hand flexing. If a rubber glove is used on a voltage higher than its voltage rating, excess ozone at the higher voltage level, combined with mechanical stress from your hands, causes rapid rubber deterioration.

You will be using your rubber gloves for such jobs as operating handlines, taking voltage checks, connecting secondary services and when working on any pole supporting a live conductor. The Ground-to-Ground Rule may apply to some of our customers.

3. * Approved rubber gloves:

a) are worn only with protectors (leather gloves over the rubber ones).

b) shall be worn when on any pole or other structure on which energized equipment is located or when equipment on the pole is being worked as energized or when equipment on the pole is being worked as energized or when the employee is within 6 feet of any such equipment.

c) shall be worn while climbing up or down poles if any energized equipment or equipment that could become energized is on that pole. The same holds true for any other type structure.

c1) shall be worn and used for primary employee protection when used in conjunction with live line tools.

d) shall always be worn when working in buckets within six feet of any energized equipment, or equipment that could become energized.

* Glove Classification shall correspond to the voltage being worked (See Table 2A Section 12)

e) must be used when painting poles when you are within 6 feet of energized equipment.

f) shall be stored in rubber glove bags when not in use.

NOTE: Some of our customers require that we wear rubber gloves all the time while aloft in buckets.

g) shall be air tested each day prior to use.

h) shall be exchanged each month and returned to Mount Airy, NC where they will be washed and thoroughly tested.

i) shall be worn when involved in such tasks as pulling guys, pulling wire, and setting poles when any part of the work is in close proximity to energized conductors or conductors that could become energized.

j) may be removed while near energized equipment, after the equipment ahs been fully covered with rubber goods, under the following circumstances:

(1) when changing internal transformer taps on de-energized transformers

(2) when removing particles from one's eye

(3) when removing small articles from nut bag

(4) when lighting a cigarette

(5) when having something to drink or eating a snack

*BEFORE the employee removes his gloves, he must place himself in a position beyond reaching distance from any energized conductor or equipment and then notify either and employee on the ground or another lineman on the same pole or structure of his intentions and receive a reply from the other person. While rubber gloves are removed, the employee shall not change his position. Before returning to work, he must inform the other employee that he has replaced his rubber gloves and is ready to return to work and must receive a reply from the other person.

NOTE: DO NOT USE ANY HAND CLEANER ON THE JOB THAT CONTAINS AMMONIA. THIS TYPE OF CLEANER DAMAGES RUBBER GLOVES.

F. Upper Arm & Shoulder Protection

Rubber sleeves:

1. shall be worn only in conjunction with rubber gloves with the cuff inside the gloves.

2. shall be worn anytime an employee is working on energized equipment that is energized at over six hundred (600) volts or within reaching distance of such equipment.

3. shall be worn by employees who are within reaching distance or above or must move past equipment energized at over 600 volts. On poles with energized primary conductors, the lineman or employee must put on sleeves when he climbs above the point where his safety belt attachment would be above any secondary conductor or the common neutral. (This same rule applies to work done from buckets)

NOTE: Some or our customers require us to wear sleeves all the time while aloft in buckets.

4. shall be examined prior to use for any obvious holes or any damages that may have occurred. Turn in any damaged sleeves to your supervisor immediately.

5. shall be inspected each day prior to use.

6. shall be exchanged every two months and returned to the Mt. Airy, NC Office where they are washed and thoroughly tested.

F1. Rubber sleeve straps shall be worn over shoulders of employee.

G. Leg Protection

Approved rubber climber guards shall be worn on all climbers. When rubber climber guards become worn you shall request a new pair from your supervisor.

H. Foot Protection

1. Pike overhead distribution line employees shall wear approved hard-toed work boots or an approved workshoe that offers protection to the feet and ankles.

2. Line workers shall wear approved, rubber overshoes or rubber boots when working in the vicinity of any energized lines or equipment, or when any conductor being worked on could contact the worker if it should fall. It is extremely important that employees working on the ground as well as in the air wear overshoes for protection from both direct and indirect acci-dental contacts. (Overshoes shall not be relied on as primary protection. The are incidental protection only.)

EXCEPTION

Employees are not required to wear overshoes when performing work from an insulated Aerial Bucket.

3. When rubber overshoes or boots become worn you shall request a new pair from your supervisor. To receive a new (company-furnished) pair of overshoes, turn in the worn pair to the supervisor.

4. Follow all rules listed under Section 119 G.

I. Clothing

Pike employees exposed to flames or arcs shall:

1. wear a flame retarded vest (provided by Pike) as protection for the upper portion of their body. The vest shall be worn as the outer garment.

2. wear flame retardant, or denim pants as protection for the lower portion of their body.

J. Jewelry

Loose, dangling watch chains, key chains or unnecessary metal of any kind shall not be worn when working on or near energized parts or parts that could become energized.

INSPECTION OF HOSE, HOODS, AND BLANKETS

Line hose is inspected on the inside as well as the outside. To examine the inside, spread the hose open and hold it between your hands. With a little practice, the hose can be rolled or peeled, from end to end. With the crown of the bend held close to the eyes, watch for soft spots, hard spots or cracking which indicates that the insulation value of the hose has deteriorated. If these faults are detected, do not use the hose. Punctures and cuts more than 114 the depth of hose renders it defective. File if necessary to check depth.

Insulator hoods are inspected both inside and out. To inspect the inside surface, the hood may be opened wide by bending across the knee. Watch for soft spots, hard spots, or cracking which indicates that the insulation value of the hood has deteriorated. If these faults are detected, do not use the hood. Punctures and cuts more than 1/4 depth of hood render it defective. File if necessary to check depth.

Blankets are inspected by rolling them on a flat surface. A careful examination cannot be made by glancing over the flat surface. Watch the top of the roll for cuts, snags, or other damage. To effectively check a blanket it must be rolled and inspected four times. Roll from one corner to the other. Turn blanket 90° and repeat Turn blanket over and repeat the two-roll procedure.

Any break in the surface, inside the button hole area, shall be
considered a defect and the blanket must be returned to the
Electrical Testing Department for electrical retest If the blanket
passes the retest, the minor surface break will be buffed away and
the blanket will be date-stamped and returned for regular use.

CARE OF HOSE, HOODS AND BLANKETS

Observe the following:

(a) Hose, hoods and blankets may be cleaned at your utility using the following approved method. Hose, hoods and blankets are soaked in a solution of hot water and an approved cleaning solution for 15 minutes at a temperature of 120⁰F to 140⁰F. Soil can then be wiped off with a rag. The inside of the hose can be cleaned with a two-inch bottlebrush. Drain. Immediately rinse off using running water inside and out for one minute. Allow to dry.

(b) Crease marks, caused by lasting folds, sharp bends or continued distortion, set up a stressed condition and invite corona damage wherever this rubber equipment is held under tension. Blankets shall always be laid flat while in storage or rolled and stored in approved containers. Line hose should not be stored in a bent condition or folded to fit in a truck compartment.

(d) Line hose or blankets should never be used to insulate one conductor from another. These articles are designed and intended for personal protection only. The combination of mechanical stress and voltage can damage the protective equipment to a point that would make them unsafe for further use.

(e) To reduce the friction and help the line hose slide more easily onto the conductor, the inside of the hose may be

powder with cornstarch or Manufacture's recommended powder.

406 LINE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

A. GENERAL

1. When work is to be done on or near energized lines or equipment all energized and grounded conductors or guy wires within reach of any part of the body shall be covered with rubber protective equipment, except that part of the conductor to be worked on.

2. In applying rubber protective equipment, an employee shall always cover the nearest and lowest wires first, protecting himself as he progresses. In removing rubber protective equipment, the reverse order shall be maintained.

3. To avoid corona and ozone damage, do not leave rubber protective equipment on energized lines or apparatus overnight of for more than one 10 hour period, unless approved by the supervisor in charge.

4. Rubber line hoses, blankets, and/or hoods, shall be used to cover all energized equipment within reaching distance of employees except for that being worked on.

5. Rubber line hoses, blankets, and/or hoods shall be examined prior to use for any obvious holes or any damages that may have been incurred. Damaged rubber protective equipment shall be turned over to your supervisor immediately.

B. APPROVED RUBBER LINE HOSES

1. Shall be exchanged every 12 months and returned to the Mt. Airy, NC office where they are thoroughly washed and tested. Each crew is supplied with line hoses. If the employee in charge sees the need for additional line hoses, he should request them from the area supervisor.

C. APPROVED RUBBER BLANKETS

1. Shall be exchanged every 12 months and returned to the Mt. Airy, NC office where they are thoroughly washed and tested.

2. Should be rolled, not folded for storage. Each crew is supplied with rubber blankets. If the employee in charge sees the need for additional rubber blankets, he should request them from the area supervisor.

SUMMARY

Working on energized lines using rubber gloves is a common activity in your job as a lineman. The gloves you wear and the cover-ups you use protect you from injury due to contact with a conductor. You must know how to use them well.

In using gloves make certain you use the right glove for the situation. Always check the cuff to ensure you in fact have the correct class. Wear a cover over your gloves and store them correctly to prevent accidental or accelerated deterioration. Be certain you do a safety check every day.

Note: Baby Powder should not be used in rubber gloves. The

perfume in the powder is conductive and some perfumes

have oil-base additives which deteriorates the rubber.