Stiring Adjacent to Energized Lines

DOE-HDBK-1092-98

17. Reliable means of communication between the reel tender and pulling rig operator should be

provided.

18. Each pull should be snubbed or dead-ended at both ends before subsequent pulls.

7.6.3 STRINGING ADJACENT TO ENERGIZED LINES

Employees stringing adjacent to energized lines should follow certain safe work practices. (See 29

CFR 1910.269(q), 1926.955(d), and IEEE 516-1987, "IEEE Guide for Maintenance Methods on

Energized Powerlines.") Consideration should be given to the following:

1. When performing work from structures, clipping crews and all others working on conductors,

subconductors, or overhead grounding conductors should be protected by individual grounds

installed at every work location.

2. When workers are stringing adjacent to energized lines, the tension-stringing method or other

methods that prevent unintentional contact between the lines being pulled and any worker

should be used.

3. All pulling and tensioning equipment should be effectively grounded.

4. A ground should be installed between the tensioning reel setup and the first structure to ground

each bare conductor, subconductor, and overhead grounding conductor during stringing

across or adjacent to energized lines.

5. During stringing operations, each bare conductor, subconductor, and overhead grounding

conductor should be grounded at the first tower adjacent to both the tensioning and pulling

setup and at appropriate intervals. The grounds should be left in place until conductor

installation is completed. Except for moving-type grounds, the grounds should be placed and

removed with a hot stick.

6. Conductors, subconductors, and overhead grounding conductors should be grounded at all

dead-end or catch-off points.

7. A ground should be located at each side and within 10 ft. of working areas where conductors,

subconductors, or overhead grounding conductors are being spliced at ground level. The two

ends to be spliced should be bonded to each other. It is recommended that splicing be carried

out on either an insulated platform or on a conductive metallic grounding mat bonded to both

grounds. When a grounding mat is used, it should be roped off and an insulated walkway

provided for access to the mat.

7.7 SPECIAL TOOLS

Lineworkers shall be familiar with special tools that are used for climbing, such as climber gaffs,

climber straps, and body belts shall properly store and maintain such equipment. (See Figure 7-3 and

ANSI/ASTM F 887-91a.)

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