Definitions Applicable to 29 CFR 1910.269 cont'd

DOE-HDBK-1092-2004

under the direct supervision of a line-clearance tree trimmer is considered to be a line-

clearance tree trimmer for the performance of those duties.

NOTE 2: A line-clearance tree trimmer is not considered to be a "qualified employee" under this

section unless he or she has the training required for a qualified employee under paragraph

(a)(2)(ii) of this section. However, under the electrical safety-related work practices standard

in Subpart S of this Part, a line-clearance tree trimmer is considered to be a "qualified

employee". Tree trimming performed by such "qualified employees" is not subject to the

electrical safety-related work practice requirements contained in 1910.331 through

1910.335 of this Part. (See also the note following 1910.332(b)(3) of this Part for

information regarding the training an employee must have to be considered a qualified

employee under 1910.331 through 1910.335 of this part.)

Line-clearance tree trimming--The pruning, trimming, repairing, maintaining, removing, or

clearing of trees or the cutting of brush that is within 10 feet (305 cm) of electric supply lines and

equipment.

Lines.

Communication lines--The conductors and their supporting or containing structures which are

used for public or private signal or communication service, and which operate at potentials

not exceeding 400 volts to ground or 750 volts between any two points of the circuit, and

the transmitted power of which does not exceed 150 watts. If the lines are operating at

less than 150 volts, no limit is placed on the transmitted power of the system. Under

certain conditions, communication cables may include communication circuits exceeding

these limitations where such circuits are also used to supply power solely to

communication equipment.

NOTE: Telephone, telegraph, railroad signal, data, clock, fire, police alarm, cable television,

and other systems conforming to this definition are included. Lines used for signaling

purposes, but not included under this definition, are considered as electric supply lines of

the same voltage.

Electric supply lines--Conductors used to transmit electric energy and their necessary

supporting or containing structures. Signal lines of more than 400 volts are always supply

lines within this section, and those of less than 400 volts are considered as supply lines, if

so run and operated throughout.

Manhole--A subsurface enclosure which personnel may enter and which is used for the

purpose of installing, operating, and maintaining submersible equipment or cable.

Manhole steps--A series of steps individually attached to or set into the walls of a manhole

structure.

Minimum approach distance--The closest distance an employee is permitted to approach an

energized or a grounded object.

Qualified employee (qualified person)--One knowledgeable in the construction and operation

of the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution equipment involved, along with

the associated hazards.

B-21