POWER SYSTEM 

SAFETY MANUAL

PRINTED ON

RECYCLED PAPER

WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION

2004

4Table of Contents

POWER SYSTEM

SAFETY MANUAL

UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Western Area Power Administration

Lakewood, Colorado

January 2004

SAFETY

everyday, lasts

 a lifetime

INTRODUCTION

To All Employees

Nothing is more important in our day-to-day activities, whether on 

the job or at home, than making a concerted effort to incorporate a 

safety ethic into everything we do. Safety is an obligation, a personal 

commitment, an individual responsibility. Safety begins and ends with 

each of us. 

Western will provide you with the knowledge to work safely, the tools to 

accomplish your job safely, and will eliminate, where possible, potential 

hazards in the work environment. I ask each of you to accept your 

role in the safety arena. Despite what Western provides in the way of 

education, tools, and safety procedures, ultimately you decide whether 

your work is accomplished safely for not only you, but for your fellow 

employees.

Together we can, and must, be committed to a safe work environment. 

Our success will be measured by the silence associated with no 

accidents, no injuries, no personal pain or tragedy. I know I can count 

on your commitment to making our safety program the best ever. 

Michael S. Hacskaylo

Administrator

January 2004

SAFETY

everyday, lasts

 a lifetime

4CONTENTS
This document will be updated and reprinted each year. Please submit 

all revisions and proposed changes on WAPA Form 5400.17 to Corporate 

Services Office, Attention A7700.

The contents of this publication are subject to continuous review and 

revision. To ascertain the current status of any individual copy and/or 

obtain insert copies of revised pages, please write to:

SAFETY AND SECURITY MANAGER A7700

Western Area Power Administration

P.O. Box 281213

Lakewood, Colorado 80228-8213

(720) 962-7292
WAPA 5400.17

(1/02)

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION

PROPOSED REVISION

POWER SYSTEM SAFETY MANUAL

Thank you for submitting this suggestion. We will consider it and let you know, as soon as possible, of 

its resolution.

Date Western safety Manager

Type of suggested revision, addition, deletion, rewording, other revision.

(Circle appropriate description)

Section Number _____________Paragraph Number ____________ Subparagraph _________

OLD WORDING OF AFFECTED PART

SUGGESTED NEW WORDING

JUSTIFICATION FOR NEW WORDING

Revision recommended by

Name

Mail Code Date

(If additional space is needed, attach necessary pages)

Please return to regional Safety Manager with copy to:

Safety Manager A7700

Western Area Power administration

P.O. Box 281213

Lakewood, Colorado 80228-8213

4CONTENTS

WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION

POWER SYSTEM SAFETY MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V

Proposed Revision Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VII

SECTION

1 Purpose and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2 Basic Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3 Office, Building and Warehouse Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

5 Equipment and Motor Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

6 Material Handling and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

7 Field and Shop Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

8 Personal Protective Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

9 Switching and Operational Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

10 Personal Protective Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

11 Substation and Communication Facility Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

12 De-energized Line Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

13 Live-line Hotstick Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

14 Live-line Barehand Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

15 Rigging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

16 Fall Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

17 Written Work Procedures, Job Hazard Analysis 

and Special Work Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

18 Lockout/Tagout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Appendices

A Minimum Approach Distances to Live Parts 

for Electrical Workers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

B Minimum Approach Distances to Live Parts 

for Non-Electrical Workers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

C Recommended Crane Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 

D Helicopter Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 

E Metric Conversion Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

F Special Work Permit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

G Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

H Acronyms and Initialisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Purpose

and

Scope

SECTION1

1.1 Purpose

1.2 Scope

1.3 Format

1.4 Variances

4CONTENTS
2 

SECTION 1

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

1.1 PURPOSE.

The purpose of this Power System Safety Manual (PSSM) is to provide 

direction and guidance necessary for you as a Western Area Power 

Administration (Western) employee to perform your work without injury 

or occupational illness to yourself or to others, and to prevent accidents 

which result in personal injury, illness, property damage, or work 

interruption.

1.2 SCOPE.

a. This PSSM establishes rules and assigns responsibilities 

for official operations and activities performed by Western 

employees, and contract employees except as adopted by 

reference in their contract. The Safety Programs described 

in this PSSM are found in WAPA O 440 (latest revision). The 

requirements found in the PSSM take precedence over rules, 

procedures or guidance found in other Western documents.

b. Accident prevention is to be an integral part of the planning, 

training, and performing of all Western activities. If confronted 

with a situation not covered in this manual, seek your 

supervisor’s help, consider all the potential hazards, and take 

appropriate corrective action.

c. Compliance with the requirements of this manual and other 

accident prevention measures shall take precedence over 

immediate job production.

1.3 FORMAT.

a. Herein are rules, which under normal conditions must not be 

violated. 

b. The following interpretations shall also apply:

(1) “May” - Permissive choice

(2) “Shall” or “Must” - Mandatory under normal conditions.

(3) “Will” - Mandatory, but allowing the responsible employee or 

party some discretion as to when, where, and how.
3

(4) “Should” - Advisory. These statements represent the best 

advice available at the time of printing.

(5) Male pronouns and related terms are used to reference both 

males and females.

1.4 VARIANCES.

a. Variances from the requirements of the PSSM which are not 

required by DOE or OSHA shall be handled as follows:

Under emergency conditions the supervisor may alter PSSM 

rules; however, before he alters a rule he must complete a careful 

analysis and discuss the alternatives with his crew to ensure that 

protection will be provided.

Under normal conditions, he must secure the concurrence of the 

Safety Manager and approval of higher management (see page 

4) before the work is started, and in all cases after the work is 

done he must submit to his supervisor a written statement which 

includes:

(1) Why the variation was necessary;

(2) What alternative method was used;

(3) How protection was provided; and

(4) The time frame in which this variance is valid.

b. Requests for variances from DOE or OSHA requirements must be 

documented and submitted to the Western Safety Manager for 

DOE processing.

c. A Region may establish more stringent rules which shall prevail.
4

Variance Request

Submitted by ___________________________________________ Date ________________

A variance to Western requirement ____________is requested.

(1) The quoted requirement needs to be varied because _______________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

(2) The following work method will be used.

(use extra space to explain fully) (include JHA)

(3) How is protection provided (describe).

(4) This variance will remain effective from from_________________ to__________________

Concurrence by:

Regional Safety Manager _________________________________Date: _________________

Approval by:

Regional Manager ______________________________________ Date: _________________

Copy to:

Corporate Services Office of Safety, A7700
Basic

Responsibilities

SECTION 2

2.1 Employees

2.2 Supervisors/Foreman

4CONTENTS
6 

SECTION 2

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 EMPLOYEES.

You are responsible and accountable for your actions as they affect your 

own safety, the safety of your fellow workers and the public, and for 

preventing accidents that can result in property damage and/or work 

interruption. Some of your basic responsibilities are as follows:

a. Comply with all Western safety rules contained herein.

b. Promptly correct and report unsafe/unhealthful working 

conditions to your supervisor.

c. Promptly report Near Miss events to your supervisor.

d. Immediately report all on-the-job accidents, injuries, and 

illnesses to your supervisor.

e. Do not use intoxicants or drugs, including prescription and 

over the counter medications, that adversely influence normal 

decisions or actions while on duty.

f. Use the specified personal protective equipment and visually 

inspect it prior to use. If defective, have it repaired or replaced 

prior to use.

g Visually inspect tools and protective devices prior to use and 

have defective items repaired or replaced prior to use. Keep the 

guards and other safety features in place when using tools and 

equipment.

h. Leave the job site in a safe condition. Before leaving a job, 

correct or give appropriate warning of any hazardous condition 

to others unfamiliar with existing conditions.

i. Wear clothing and use barriers appropriate for the job and 

environment (See Subsection 8.7).

j. No scuffling, horseplay, or fighting is permitted.

k. Request a material safety data sheet (MSDS) from the 

manufacturer, warehouse or Safety Office for any chemical you 

use and follow the precautions included therein. Also read and 

adhere to the instructions on the label.
7

2.2 SUPERVISORS/FOREMAN.

The person directly in charge of the work is considered the 

supervisor for the purposes of these requirements. Except in cases of 

insubordination or events beyond his control, the supervisor shall be 

responsible and accountable for unsafe acts and conditions that occur 

on work under his direction. Some of his basic responsibilities include 

the following:

a. Observe all personnel to determine whether their work is being 

performed in a proper, safe, and healthful manner; and provide 

additional instruction and training if needed.

b. Ensure employees inspect their tools, protective devices, and 

equipment and have defective items immediately removed from 

service, and repaired or replaced prior to use.

c. Permit only the use of safe equipment, tools, or devices.

d. Ensure that employees are trained and familiar with safe work 

practices, procedures for the tasks being performed.

e. Permit only employees trained in the safe operation of 

equipment or apparatus to operate it except during training or 

instruction periods carried out under direct supervision.

f. Prohibit employees from working when their ability or alertness 

is impaired.

g. Outline specific methods and procedures for safely performing 

the work and verify that instructions are understood. 

h. Conduct onsite “tailgate” job planning meetings daily for crewtype work to ensure employees understand: 

(1) What is to be done and in what sequence.

(2) How it is to be done and by whom.

(3) Possible hazards and how they are to be addressed.

(4) Status of energy sources.

(5) Personal protective equipment

(6) Changes in procedure and scope of the work

i. When applicable conduct and document weekly safety meetings 

where past and future jobs are reviewed to identify safe and 

efficient procedures. Review appropriate paragraphs of the 

PSSM as part of these meetings.
8

j. Conduct and document a job hazard analysis (JHA) on 

potentially hazardous work (see Section 17). 

k. Ensure good housekeeping in the work area.

l. Regulate the work so the public is isolated or protected from 

injury or accident. Use adequate danger signs or barriers so 

placed that they effectively warn or prevent the public from 

entering dangerous areas.

m. Enforce the safety rules and work practices herein provided.

n. Ensure, bloodborne pathogen kits, first aid, medical care, rescue 

procedures and emergency telephone numbers are available and 

ensure injured employees and public receive immediate medical 

attention when needed.

o. Notify your supervisor immediately of any accidents or near 

misses.

p. In event of an accident, complete initial report, secure the 

accident scene, and preserve evidence.
Office,

Building

and

Warehouse

Safety

SECTION 3

4CONTENTS
10 

SECTION 3

OFFICE, BUILDING, and 

WAREHOUSE SAFETY

3.1 GENERAL.

Employees shall:

a. Use the handrail when walking up or down stairs. 

b. Exercise caution when approaching blind corners.

c. Keep desk and file drawers closed when not in use, and open 

only one at a time.

d. Load files with heavy material in bottom drawers to prevent 

tipping.

e. Use ladders or step stools for climbing.

f. Maintain good housekeeping — wipe up spills; pick up foreign 

objects from floor; dispose of trash in proper containers, keep 

desks and tables free of hazards.

g. Keep walkways clear of cords, boxes, and other tripping hazards.

h. Correct unsafe condition(s); if this is beyond the worker’s 

capability, report condition(s) to the supervisor.

i. Smoke only in designated areas and use ashtrays or other 

appropriate receptacles to dispose of butts and matches.

j. Request a material safety data sheet (MSDS) from the 

manufacturer, warehouse or Safety Office for any chemical you 

use and follow the precautions included therein. Also read and 

adhere to the instructions on the label.

k. Use Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved portable fans and 

heaters authorized by the facility manager for use at individual 

workstations.

l. Not overload electrical circuits.

m. Inspect electrical cords and receptacles annually and have 

defective items corrected.
11

n. Obtain help or use a cart when lifting or moving heavy or bulky 

objects.

o. Not lean too far back in a chair.

p. Get first aid or medical attention immediately for injuries. Notify 

supervisor of injury.

q. Remove staples from cartons and envelopes that have been 

opened.

r. Exercise caution when using cutting tools. Cut so the sharp point 

or edge is directed away from the body.

s. Review the facility “Emergency Evacuation Plan” annually.

t Turn off coffee pots and other appliances that are not being 

used.
12
Fire

Protection

SECTION 4

4.1 General

4.2 Fire Prevention

4.3 Emergency Evacuation

4CONTENTS
14 

SECTION 4

FIRE PROTECTION

This section includes some general precautions to be taken to prevent 

and extinguish accidental fires in the workplace.

4.1 GENERAL.

Fires are divided into classes according to the types of combustible 

materials involved. Each requires a different class of fire extinguisher, 

as follows: 

a. Class A fires are fires involving ordinary materials, such as 

wood, paper, excelsior, rags, and rubbish. To extinguish them, 

use water, dry chemical, or fire retardant gas extinguishers 

marked for Classes A, B, and C.

b. Class B fires are fires involving flammable liquids, such as 

gasoline, oil, and grease. Use CO2, dry chemical, or fire 

retardant gas extinguishers to extinguish these fires.

c. Class C fires are fires involving energized electrical circuits or 

equipment. The power must be shut off or non-conductive 

extinguishing agents, such as CO2, dry chemical, or fire 

retardant gas are to be used.

4.2 FIRE PREVENTION.

a. Smoke only in designated or unrestricted areas, away from 

flammable and explosive materials.

b. Store dirty rags and other combustible waste in closed metal 

containers, and dispose of it regularly to minimize its fire potential.

c. Do not start fires with gasoline or other highly volatile material.

d. Inspect and keep fire safety equipment (extinguishers, alarms, 

fire doors, etc.) in good operating order and accessible for 

emergency use.

NOTE: Inspect portable fire extinguishers monthly at manned 

facilities. Inspect fire extinguishers each time a remote facility 

(microwave, substation) is visited. All portable fire extinguishers 

must be subjected to an annual maintenance check.
15

e. Store and transport flammable liquids in approved containers. 

Containers that emit vapors shall not be stored or transported in 

the vehicle’s passenger compartment.

f. When transferring flammable liquids and gases, bond the nozzle 

and the receiving container.

4.3 EMERGENCY EVACUATION

a. Facilities occupied by 10 or more employees shall have a written 

evacuation plan.

b. A written evacuation plan shall include, at a minimum:

(1) emergency escape procedures and emergency escape route 

assignments including specific emergency evacuation 

procedures for each physically challenged employee located 

at the facility;

(2) procedures for designated “critical employees” who remain in 

the building;

(3) procedures to account for employees after the evacuation;

(4) rescue and medical responsibilities for designated employees;

(5) instructions on how to report a fire or an emergency; and

(6) identification of person(s), by name or job title, who can 

provide information or explanation of duties under the plan.

c. Evacuation drills will be conducted at least annually for facilities 

of 30 or more employees. 
16
Equipment

and

Motor

Vehicles

SECTION 5

5.1 General

5.2 Operation of Equipment Near 

High-Voltage Facilities

5.3 Cranes, Derricks, Line Trucks 

and Hoists

5.4 Forklifts

5.5 Trailers

5.6 Farm-Type Tractors and 

Earthmoving Vehicles

5.7 ATV and Snowmobiles

5.8 Vehicle Repair and Maintenance 

5.9 Vehicle and Equipment 

Fire Protection

4CONTENTS
18 

SECTION 5

EQUIPMENT AND MOTOR VEHICLES

This section includes precautions to be taken when operating and 

maintaining motorized equipment.

5.1 GENERAL.

a. In order to operate any over-the-road type motor vehicle for 

Western, you must:

(1) Have a current state driver’s license valid for the class(s) 

of vehicles you may operate. (Federal law prohibits an 

individual from having more than one state driver’s license.)

(2) Have an original or photographic copy of a medical 

examiners certificate on his/her person that he/she is 

physically qualified to drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle 

(CMV). 

(3) Have your supervisor’s approval.

b. Notify your supervisor by the next workday if your state license 

is revoked or suspended.

c. Obey all state and local traffic laws.

d. All vehicle occupants must wear the safety belts that are 

provided at all times when the vehicle is in motion.

e. Inspect the vehicle before use each day and have unsafe 

conditions corrected. Do not operate an unsafe vehicle. Refer to 

WAPA O440.1, Motor Vehicle Safety Chapter. Post trip inspection 

forms must be filled out and kept on file for 30 days on all 

commercial motor vehicles. 

f. When the vehicle is left in an unprotected area, lock all doors 

and cabinets.

g. To prevent backing accidents:

(1) Park so backing is unnecessary.

(2) When your view is obstructed; designate a person to guide 

you or walk completely around vehicle prior to backing.

(3) Avoid parking at corners.

(4) Back slowly.
19

h. The operator is to ensure the safe loading of the vehicle and the 

continual securement of the load during travel.

i. Report immediately to your supervisor all accidents and moving 

violations involving any vehicle (including personal or rental 

vehicles) being used for Western business.

5.2 OPERATION OF EQUIPMENT NEAR HIGH-VOLTAGE FACILITIES.

a. To maintain the distances specified in Appendix B the nonelectrical worker may:

(1) Install adequate guards or barriers, or

(2) Use a full-time signalman to warn the operator when 

approaching minimum distances.

b. Electrical workers may operate equipment within the distances 

specified in Appendix A Table A-2 if all of the following 

conditions are met:

EXAMPLE: With a Hot Line Order (HLO) at 115 kV, electrical 

workers may operate vehicles or equipment between 10’8” and 

3’2” (Appendix A, Table A-2).

(1) A job hazard analysis has been done.

(2) A hot line order has been obtained.

(3) The activity is being performed under the direct supervision 

of a designated person who is trained and competent in this 

type of work. This person shall remain at the worksite in a 

non-work status and shall be positioned to observe all work 

performed under the HLO.

(4) The distances between energized parts and the equipment 

or load is monitored while the equipment or load is being 

moved and/or repositioned.

(5) The equipment is grounded.

(6) No one, other than necessary workers, is within 10 feet of 

the equipment during its operation. Workers are to perform 

their work while on the equipment or on insulated or bonded 

conductive mats, not while operating from a position on the 

ground.

c. When vehicles or equipment are in transit with it’s boom stored 

or no means of expansion, the vehicle or equipment may be 

moved within the distances specified in Appendix A, Table A-3 

if all the following conditions are met:
20 

EXAMPLE: With a Hot Line Order (HLO) at 115 kV, electrical 

workers may drive vehicles or equipment between 4’8” and 3’2” 

(Appendix A, Table A-3).

(1) A job hazard analysis has been done.

(2) A hot line order has been obtained.

(3) The activity is being performed under the direct supervision 

of a designated person who is trained and competent in this 

type of work. This person shall remain at the worksite in 

non-work status and shall be positioned to observe all work 

performed under the HLO.

(4) The distances between energized parts and the equipment 

or load is monitored while the equipment or load is being 

moved and/or repositioned.

d. At least 2 employees must be present for work involving the use 

of mechanical equipment in close proximity to energized parts 

as listed Appendix A, Table A-2.

5.3 CRANES, DERRICKS, LINE TRUCKS, AND HOISTS.

a. Operate only if authorized.

b. Inspect the vehicle before use each day and have defects 

corrected. Also have the equipment tested and certified 

annually.

c. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and never overload 

the vehicle or side load the boom.

d. Alterations and modifications are to be made only by authorized 

persons.

e. Load line suspended work platforms are to be used to position 

employees only when built and used in accordance with 

applicable ANSI standards and OSHA regulations (1926.550). 

Never ride the load, block, or hook of a crane, derrick, or hoist.

f. A designated employee is to signal for each lift.

g. Tag lines are to be used to control loads when practical.

h. The operator may not leave his or her position at the controls 

while a load is suspended.

i. The accessible areas within the swing radius of the rear of the 

rotating superstructure of the crane shall be barricaded so as to 

prevent an employee from being struck or crushed by the crane.
21

j. Outriggers

(1) Vehicular equipment, if provided with outriggers, shall be 

operated with the outriggers extended and firmly set as 

necessary for the stability of the specific configuration of 

the equipment. Outriggers may not be extended or retracted 

outside of clear view of the operator unless all employees are 

outside the range of possible equipment motion.

(2) If the work area or the terrain precludes the use of outriggers, 

the equipment may be operated only within its maximum 

load ratings for the particular configuration of the equipment 

without outriggers.

k. Keep suspended loads clear of obstructions.

l. Keep people clear of suspended loads and loads about to be 

lifted.

m. Use the crane hand signals listed in Appendix C.

5.4 FORKLIFTS.

a. Operate only if authorized.

b. Factory installed safety belts shall be worn.

c. Inspect the vehicle before use each day and have hazardous 

conditions corrected prior to use.

d. When approved work platforms are used on forklifts, secure 

them firmly to the forks, use toe boards and guard-rails where 

required, and use fall protection equipment.

e. Ground the forklift, like any other vehicle, if it is to be used 

for work near energized circuits and maintain the required 

minimum approach distances.

5.5 TRAILERS.

a. All loads must be firmly immobilized or secured on or within 

a vehicle by structures of adequate strength dunnage, chocks, 

wedges, or tie downs, or a combination of these and check as 

required.

b. Mark oversized loads with red flags by day and lights by night 

as well as signs required by State law.
22 

c. All trailers rated at 3000 GVW and larger shall be equipped with 

a DOT approved breakaway brake system. All other trailers shall 

be secured with a DOT approved safety chain (rated for capacity 

of the trailer). Safety chains should be crossed to provide 

stability in case the hitch fails.

d. Comply with State requirements for movement of oversized 

loads; i.e., routing, permits, escorts, etc.

5.6 FARM-TYPE TRACTORS AND EARTHMOVING VEHICLES.

a. Operate only if authorized.

b. Inspect the vehicle before use each day and have hazardous 

conditions corrected.

c. Where roll-over protective structures are provided, safety belts 

shall be worn.

5.7 ATV and SNOWMOBILES.

a. Operate only if authorized

b. Follow manufactures guidelines for safe operation and 

equipment limitation.

c. DOT approved helmets shall be utilized for the operation of 

ATV’s during periods of prolonged usage such as line patrol or 

traveling over relatively long distances of rough and uneven 

terrain. ATV’s with rollover protection and seatbelts would not 

require helmet use but the operator would be required to have 

their seatbelts fastened during operation of the unit and wear 

suitable eye protection (i.e. safety glasses).

5.8 VEHICLE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE.

a. Shut down the vehicle during repairs unless operation is 

required. 

b. Keep all guards in place during vehicle operation.

c. During fueling operations:

(1) Shut off the engine.

(2) Do not smoke or use open flames within 50 feet.

d. Tire Pressure and Load Limits. Tire information placards and 

vehicle certification labels contain information on tires and 

load limits. These labels indicate the vehicle manufacturer’s 

information including:
23

■ Recommended tire size

■ Recommended tire inflation pressure

■ Vehicle capacity weight (VCW)

■ Front and rear gross axle weight ratings (GAWR)

Both placards and certification labels are permanently attached 

to the vehicle door edge, door post, glove-box door, or inside of 

the trunk lid. Recommended tire pressure and load limits for each 

vehicle can also be found in the vehicle owner’s manual. 

(1) Use tire pressure gauges that will ensure accurate tire 

pressure readings are obtained.

(2) Ensure overweight axle conditions do not exist.

(3) Use a safety tire rack, tire inflation cage, or other protection 

when inflating unmounted tires on wheels with locking 

rings. Lock the ring in place before removing the wheel from 

the cage. If a tire on a vehicle is underinflated but has more 

than 80% of recommended pressure the tire may be inflated 

while the rim wheel is on the vehicle provided remote control 

inflation equipment is used, and no employee remain in 

trajectory during inflation. When split rim tire has been 

driven underinflated at 80% or less of the recommended 

pressure the tire and rim shall be deflated and removed from 

the axle for repair.

e. Vent vehicle exhaust(s) directly to the outside whenever engines 

have to be run inside an enclosed garage.

f. Before walking or working under suspended vehicles or parts 

thereof, block them from falling with suitable safety stands or 

equivalent material, if appropriate.

g. Ensure that heavy equipment and vehicles have anti-skid 

(abrasive) walking surfaces and that they are maintained as 

such.

5.9 VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT FIRE PROTECTION

a. All designated motorized vehicles used for maintenance 

activities shall be equipped with a portable fire extinguisher.

b. Inspect fire extinguishers (pressure, secure pin, etc.) at least 

monthly. All portable fire extinguishers must be subjected to an 

annual maintenance check.
24
Material

Handling

and

Storage

SECTION 6

6.1 Manual Material Handling

6.2 Hand Trucks

6.3 Material Storage

6.4 Hazardous Materials

4CONTENTS
26 

SECTION 6

MATERIAL HANDLING and STORAGE

See Section 5 for rules related to cranes, forklifts, and other motorized 

material handling equipment.

6.1 MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING.

When manually lifting and handling materials, you should:

a. Consider the probable weight of an object before attempting to 

lift it, and get help if needed to ensure a safe lift and/or carry.

b. Inspect objects for slivers, jagged edges, burrs, slippery surfaces, 

etc., and wear gloves when needed to protect your hands.

c. Keep hands and gloves free of oil, grease, etc., and get a firm 

grip on the object before lifting it.

d. Use recommended lifting procedures to prevent back injuries.

e. Avoid carrying a load that you cannot see over or around.

6.2 HAND TRUCKS.

When using hand trucks, you should observe the following:

a. Keep the center of gravity of the load as low as possible.

b. Place the load so the weight is over the axle and not the 

handles, and so it will not slip, shift, or fall off.

c. Keep the truck downhill from you when going up or down an 

incline.

d. Move the truck at a safe speed which allows you to keep it 

under control.

6.3 MATERIAL STORAGE.

a. Stack materials so they can be safely accessed and removed.

b. Place materials so they are clear of walkways and traffic lanes. If 

this is not practical, place warning devices or barricades to alert 

others.

c. Determine and mark the safe load limit of floors, balconies, and 

shelves and do not overload them.
27

d. Materials which require the use of cranes, etc., should not be 

stored under powerlines.

e. Nails should be removed from used lumber before stacking.

f. Stack poles and pipe on racks or sills and block them to prevent 

them from spreading or rolling. Tag lines should be used to 

control poles while handling them with a crane or hoist. Work 

from the ground, and keep everyone clear while poles are being 

lifted from the pile or trailer, whenever possible.

g. Stack structural steel and poles so they will not slide, roll, or tip 

over. Approach and work on them from the uphill side.

h. Do not stack material within 6-feet of perimeter fence.

i. Materials shall not be stored or moved within the distances to 

energized equipment specified in Appendix B.

6.4 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

a. Refer to the material safety data sheet (MSDS) on each chemical 

you use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, 

storage, labeling, disposal, and for dealing with emergencies 

arising from its use.

b. Use solvents, cleaners, and degreasers only in well-ventilated 

areas, and keep smoking and other ignition sources away from 

flammable materials.

c. Material Safety Data Sheet(s) (MSDS) must be readily available 

to every employee.
28
Field and

Shop Safety

SECTION 7

7.1 Good Housekeeping

7.2 Sanitation

7.3 Tools - General

7.4 Grinding Tools

7.5 Hydraulic and Pneumatic Tools

7.6 Powder-Actuated Tools

7.7 Cleaning Operations

7.8 Portable Ladders

7.9 Welding and Cutting

7.10 Painting

7.11 Chain Saws

7.12 Brush Chippers

7.13 Portable and Vehicle-Mounted 

Generators

7.14 Backpack Power Units for use in 

Pruning and Clearing

7.15 Test Procedures and Facilities

4CONTENTS
30 

SECTION 7

FIELD AND SHOP SAFETY

7.1 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING.

Keep rooms, storage areas and passageways free from accumulation of 

materials that constitute hazards from tripping, fire, explosion or pest 

harborage. Vegetation control shall be performed as necessary.

7.2 SANITATION

a. Potable water

(1) An adequate supply of potable water shall be provided in all 

places of employment.

(2) Any containers used to dispense drinking water shall be 

capable of being tightly closed, and equipped with a tap. 

Water shall not be dipped from container.

(3) Any container used to distribute drinking water shall be 

clearly marked as to the nature of its contents and not used 

for any other purpose.

(4) The common drinking cup is prohibited.

(5) Where single service cups (to be used but once) are supplied, 

both a sanitary container for the unused cups and a 

receptacle for disposing of the used cups shall be provided.

b. Toilets

(1) The requirements of this paragraph for sanitation facilities 

shall not apply to mobile crews having transportation readily 

available to nearby toilet facilities.

(2) Toilets shall be provided for employees

(3) Under temporary field conditions, provision shall be made to 

assure not less than one toilet facility is available.

(4) Job sites, not provided with sanitary sewer, shall be provided 

with one of the following toilet facilities unless prohibited by 

local codes;

(a) Privies (where their use will not contaminate ground or 

surface water)

(b) Chemical toilets
31

(c) Recirculating toilets

(d) Combustion toilets

7.3 TOOLS - GENERAL.

a. Keep tools in good repair and use only for the purpose for which 

designed. Inspect them before use each day.

b. Tag defective tools and remove them from use. Note defect on 

the tag.

c. Do not place tools on scaffolds, ladders, or overhead working 

spaces where they can fall on someone. Use containers to hold 

tools to prevent them from falling.

d. Keep unguarded sharp-edged or pointed tools out of pockets.

e. Use containers and hand lines for transporting tools (except 

those carried in tool belts) from one level to another. Tools and 

materials shall not be thrown to or from workers on structures, 

elevated surfaces or aerial devices.

f. Follow the safe practices outlined by the manufacturer.

g. Use electric-powered tools that are either battery-operated, 

double-insulated, or effectively grounded.

h. In conductive areas, use hand, air, hydraulic, or double 

insulated, battery-powered tools; or use tools that are protected 

by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

EXCEPTION: Special designed electrical test equipment which 

prevents the use of a GFCI protected circuit.

i. Keep tool guards in place when tool is in use. Remove the power 

source before removing the guard.

7.4 GRINDING TOOLS.

a. Keep the work rests on grinding machines adjusted to a 

maximum opening of 1/8-inch from the wheel, and tongue 

guards adjusted to within 1/4-inch of the wheel.

b. Pedestal and bench grinders are to be firmly secured.

c. Visually inspect and ring test the grinding wheel before 

mounting it. Also check the label to be sure it’s the right speed 

rating for the machine.

d. Use grinding wheels for material(s) as recommended by the 

manufacturer.
32 

e. Prior to operation of a grinder, stand to the side and let it get up 

to full speed before starting to grind.

f. Store spare grinding wheels vertically, unless otherwise indicated 

by the manufacturer, and in an area where they will not be 

damaged.

7.5 HYDRAULIC AND PNEUMATIC TOOLS.

a. Securely install and maintain safety clips and retainers on 

pneumatic impact tools to prevent attachments from being 

accidentally ejected.

b. If the compressor uses a hose exceeding 1/2-inch ID, be sure it 

has a safety device that will reduce the airflow if the hose fails.

c. Safe operating pressures for hydraulic and pneumatic tools, 

hoses, valves, pipes, filters, and fittings shall not be exceeded.

NOTE: If any hazardous defects are present, no operating 

pressure would be safe, and the hydraulic or pneumatic 

equipment involved may not be used. In the absence of defects, 

the maximum rated operating pressure is the maximum safe 

pressure.

d. A hydraulic or pneumatic tool used where it may contact 

exposed live parts shall be designed and maintained for such 

use.

e. The hydraulic system supplying a hydraulic tool used where it 

may contact exposed live parts shall provide protection against 

loss of insulating value for the voltage involved due to the 

formation of a partial vacuum in the hydraulic line.

NOTE: Hydraulic lines without check valves having a separation 

of more than 35 feet between the oil reservoir and the upper 

end of the hydraulic system promote the formation of a partial 

vacuum.

f. A pneumatic tool used on energized electrical lines or equipment 

or used where it may contact exposed live parts shall provide 

protection against the accumulation of moisture in the air 

supply.

g. Pressure shall be released before connections are broken, unless 

quick acting, self-closing connectors are used. Hoses shall not be 

kinked.

h. Employees shall not use any part of their bodies to locate or 

attempt to stop a hydraulic leak.
33

7.6 POWDER-ACTUATED TOOLS.

a. Use powder-actuated fastening tools or devices only if certified.

b. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

7.7 CLEANING OPERATIONS.

a. Use only approved cleaning solvents for which material safety 

data sheets (MSDS) are available. Follow the precautions listed 

on the MSDS.

b. Wear suitable clothing to protect all skin areas when 

sandblasting. Also, use supplied air respirators.

c. Compressed air used for blowing and/or cleaning parts is to 

be reduced down to a pressure of no more than 30 pounds per 

square inch (psi). It is not to be directed on the skin which could 

result in air being injected into the blood stream.

7.8 PORTABLE LADDERS.

a. Place straight ladders on a firm foundation and have ladders 

held, when possible, while being climbed unless they are tied off.

b. Place straight ladders at a slope of 4:1, if possible. Also have the 

ladder extend at least 3 feet above the landing for dismounting, 

unless handholds or grabs are available.

c. Use fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) portable ladders in 

substation yards.

d. Protect ladders from being struck by swinging doors, traffic, etc.

7.9 WELDING AND CUTTING.

a. Use welding equipment only if authorized.

b. Have a portable fire extinguisher of the appropriate rating 

available.

c. Use adequate local exhaust ventilation and/or respiratory 

protection plus other personal protective equipment as needed. 

Proper respiratory protection shall be used when cutting or 

welding on galvanized steel.

d. Remove the electrode from the holder or otherwise protect it 

before leaving it unattended.
34 

e. Protect combustibles and flammables in the work area and on 

the other side of the item being worked on from sparks, slag, and 

heat produced by the operation. Also take precautions to protect 

other persons from the sparks and slag. Make a fire check of the 

area about 1/2 hour after work is stopped.

f. Protect electrical cables and gas hoses from physical damage, 

and from being a tripping hazard.

g. Use gas cylinders whose contents are clearly labeled on them 

and protect them from excessive heat and accumulations of 

snow and ice.

h. Keep valve protection caps on cylinders except when the 

cylinders are secured in place on a welding cart or connected to 

a manifold.

i. Store oxygen cylinders at least 20 feet away from fuel gas 

cylinders and flammable materials. Store cylinders in an upright 

position and secure them to prevent them from falling over.

j. Keep grease and oil away from oxygen system valves, fittings, 

regulators, and gauges.

k. Use only properly marked hoses for oxyacetylene service and 

equip them with backflow protective valves at the nozzle end of 

the hoses.

l. Use friction lighters or stationary pilot flames, not matches or 

cigarette lighters, to light the torch. Remove matches and butane 

cigarette lighters from your pockets and keep them away from 

welding and cutting operations.

m. Use a cradle or suitable platform to lift cylinders by a crane or 

hoist. Do not lift them by the cylinder valve cap or neck.

n. When cylinders, containing gases used for welding and cutting, 

are transported by powered vehicles, they must be securely 

restrained in a vertical position.

o. When cylinders, containing nonfuel gases, are transported by 

powered vehicles, they must be securely lashed in an upright 

position, loaded into racks securely attached to the vehicle, 

packed in boxes or crates of such dimensions to prevent their 

overturning, or securely loaded in a horizontal position.
35

7.10 PAINTING.

a. Review the MSDS for the material being used and follow the 

precautions.

b. Mix and apply paint in adequately ventilated areas or use 

appropriate respiratory protection.

c. Keep flammable paint away from heat, open flames, smoking, 

and other ignition sources.

d. When using airless paint spraying equipment:

(1) Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

(2) Keep the spray gun pointed away from yourself and others.

(3) Electrically bond the spray gun, supply pump, power supply, 

object to be painted, and all conductive objects within 10 feet 

of the spray gun when using electrostatic equipment.

7.11 CHAIN SAWS.

a. Operate only if authorized.

b. The following personal protective equipment is required: chaps, 

leather or ballistic gloves, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing 

protection, and protective-toed safety boots. Cut resistant foot 

protection meeting ASTM standard F1818 shall be used during 

tree felling operations (tree felling, limbing, and bucking) while 

on the ground (i.e. not from inside a bucket truck). The use of 

cut-resistant foot protection during chain saw operations outside 

the scope of tree cutting should be handled on a case by case 

basis through the JHA process.

c. Keep both hands on the saw when cutting.

d. The chain saw shall not be used to cut directly overhead.

e. When felling trees, clear a path of retreat.

f. When felling, limbing, or bucking trees, follow the safe practices 

provided by the industry experts and Western’s PSMM Chapter 

11, “Trimming and Felling of Trees and Brush Near Power Lines” 

(latest revision) and have another person in a safe position at 

the worksite.
36 

7.12 BRUSH CHIPPERS.

a. Operate only if authorized.

b. Wear personal protective equipment: Hearing protection, eye 

protection, gloves, hard hat, shirt with full length sleeves, 

full leg length pants, and protective-toed safety boots. Wear 

appropriate full face protection meeting ANSI Z87.1 whenever 

exposed to eye and face hazards.

c. You should stand to the side of the chipper chute while feeding 

brush.

d. Feed the butt end of brush into the chipper first.

e. Use the automatic shut-off/stop control at the operator’s station 

in times of an emergency.

f. Access panels for maintenance and adjustment of the chipper 

blades and associated drive train shall be in place and secure 

during operation of the equipment.

g. Trailer chippers detached from trucks shall be chocked or 

otherwise secured.

7.13 PORTABLE AND VEHICLE-MOUNTED GENERATORS.

Portable and vehicle-mounted generators and inverters used to 

supply cord- and plug-connected equipment shall meet the following 

requirements:

a. The generator may only supply equipment located on the 

generator or the vehicle and cord- and plug-connected 

equipment through receptacles mounted on the generator or the 

vehicle.

b. The non-current-carrying metal parts of equipment and the 

equipment grounding conductor terminals of the receptacles 

shall be bonded to the generator frame.

c. In the case of vehicle-mounted generators, the frame of the 

generator shall be bonded to the vehicle frame.

d. Any neutral conductor shall be bonded to the generator frame.

7.14 BACKPACK POWER UNITS FOR USE IN PRUNING 

AND CLEARING.

a. While a backpack power unit is running, no one other that the 

operator may be within 10 feet of the cutting head of a brush 

saw.
37

b. A backpack power unit shall be equipped with a quick shutoff 

switch readily accessible to the operator.

c. Backpack power unit engines shall be stopped for all cleaning, 

refueling, adjustments, and repairs to the saw or motor, except 

as the manufacturer’s servicing procedures require otherwise.

7.15 TEST PROCEDURES AND FACILITIES.

The following requirements apply to testing involving temporary 

measurements using high voltage, high power, or a combination of both 

types of test equipment. Testing involving continuous measurements 

such as routine metering, relaying, or normal linework is excluded from 

these requirements.

a. Only qualified personnel who have been trained in the safe 

testing practices are to operate the test equipment.

b. A minimum of two people shall be required to perform tests.

c. When testing equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, 

etc., under a Clearance, the person holding the Clearance shall be 

responsible for overseeing the safe testing activities.

NOTE: When working near adjacent energized equipment see 

section 11.1.2.

d. Where a Clearance is not required, the person performing the 

testing will be responsible for the safe testing activities.

e. When performing field testing one of the following means shall 

be used to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the test 

area:

(1) The test area shall be guarded by the use of distinctly colored 

safety tape that is supported approximately waist high and to 

which safety signs may be attached.

(2) The test area shall be guarded by a barrier or barricade that 

limits access to the test area to a degree equivalent to e(1) 

above.

(3) The test area shall be guarded by one or more test observers 

stationed so that the entire area can be monitored.

(4) The barriers required by e (1) and e (2) above shall be 

removed when the protection they provide is no longer 

needed.
38
Personal

Protective

Equipment

SECTION 8

8.1 General

8.2 Head Protection

8.3 Eye and Face Protection

8.4 Foot Protection

8.5 Respiratory Protection

8.6 Hearing Protection

8.7 Protective Clothing

8.8 Skin Protection

8.9 Fall Protection Equipment 

and Hardware

8.10 Inspection and Maintenance

8.11 Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)

4CONTENTS
40 

SECTION 8

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

This section includes personal protective equipment basic requirements 

(summarized in Table 8.1) for Western employees. More specific 

requirements are described in other sections of the PSSM, and may be 

further defined in Regional policy. PPE/Safety equipment must be ANSI 

or ASTM approved.

8.1 GENERAL. 

a. Personal protective equipment shall be worn as required.

b. Observers shall not enter the work area unless authorized by 

the work area supervisor and equipped with personal protective 

equipment dictated by the hazards present.

c. You shall remove rings, watches and other jewelry before 

working on batteries; engaging in other work where exposed 

energized parts are within reaching distance or where the 

possibility of being pinched, caught or hooked is a hazard.

8.2 HEAD PROTECTION.

DOT approved helmets shall be utilized for the operation of ATV’s 

during periods of prolonged usage such as line patrol or traveling 

over relatively long distances of rough and uneven terrain. ATV’s 

with rollover protection and seatbelts would not require helmet use 

but the operator would be required to have their seatbelts fastened 

during operation of the unit and wear suitable eye protection (i.e. safety 

glasses).

All substation yards and storage yards shall be designated “hard hat” 

areas and posted as such. In addition, wear an approved hard hat when 

there is a risk of a head injury and as follows:

a. While doing substation maintenance and inspections, except in 

vehicles or office and control buildings when overhead hazards 

do not exist. 

b. While doing transmission line work.

c. While on construction projects.

d. While working on communication towers.
41

8.3 EYE AND FACE PROTECTION.

a. Wear appropriate eye and face protection whenever exposed to 

eye or face hazards.

b. Contact lenses are not to be considered as eye protection, nor 

are they to be worn in industrial environments where toxic or 

irritant substances could be trapped by the lenses.

c. When working around caustic, toxic or irritant substances, an 

emergency-type water fountain for flushing the eyes must be 

available. Water purity is to be maintained.

8.4 FOOT PROTECTION.

a. When engaged in field, shop, or other industrial activities sturdy 

work footwear shall be worn.

b. Wear safety-toed footwear or toe guards when performing (or in 

proximity to) activities that present inherent danger to the toes, 

including but not limited to operating chain saws, jack hammers 

and tamps, powered post-hole diggers, and riding or walkbehind lawnmowers.

c. Conductive footwear is recommended when and where static 

discharges cause discomfort. Conductive boots shall not be 

worn as a conventional work boot.

d. Cut resistant foot protection meeting ASTM standard F1818 

shall be used during tree felling operations (tree felling, limbing, 

and bucking) while on the ground (i.e. not from inside a bucket 

truck). The use of cut resistant foot protection during chain saw 

operations outside the scope of tree cutting should be handled 

on a case by case basis through the JHA process.

8.5 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION.

a. Employees are not to enter locations with hazardous 

atmospheric conditions without adequate protection. The 

area should be brought within OSHA limits by ventilation or 

filtration rather than relying on use of respirators.

EXAMPLE: Oxygen below 19.5%, gas vapor, or mist above 10% of 

the LEL. See MSDS of material for LEL.

b. When entering or working in an confined or enclosed space 

(tank, pit, vault, etc.) refer to WAPA O 440.1(latest revision) for 

Confined or Enclosed Space.
42 

c. Before using a respirator, you must be medically qualified by 

a physician; trained annually or prior to use; and fitted for the 

type of respirator to be used.

d. If your work requires the use of a respirator, you must be able to 

pass the respirator fit test.

e. During cleanup operations where there is a potential exposure 

to the Hantavirus, a high efficiency air-purifying respirator, at a 

minimum, is required.

f. Proper respiratory protection shall be used when cutting or 

welding galvanized steel.

8.6 HEARING PROTECTION.

The following activities/exposures require the use of hearing protectors 

(ear muffs or ear plugs):

a. When exposed to noise levels that exceed the limits stated in 

table G-16 found in WAPA Order 440.1 latest revision, Hearing 

Conservation Program Chapter.

b. In posted areas or when operating noisy equipment (e.g. chain 

saws, brush chippers, jack hammers, powered post hole diggers, 

impact wrenches, etc.). 

c. By employees exposed to excessive noise levels who have 

experienced a standard threshold shift.

8.7 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING.

a. Wear clothing appropriate for the type of work being performed 

and the environment. As a minimum, when engaged in field 

or shop work or other industrial activities, wear full-length 

pants and short-sleeved-shirt or t-shirt. Cutoffs, tank tops, or 

modified shirts are not acceptable.

b. When working in the close proximity to energized equipment 

(Appendix A, Table A-2) you shall wear clothing that, when 

exposed to flames or electric arcs will not increase the extent 

of injury that could be sustained. In these situations wearing 

either alone or in blends is prohibited. When Engineering and 

Administrative Controls do not sufficiently minimize an arc 

flash exposure, personal protective equipment shall be worn. 

When employing PPE, there shall be no exposed body parts of 

the worker (including hands and face). All parts of the body 

must be protected to sufficiently withstand the arc exposure to a 

level below 1.2 calories/cm2. When choosing FR rated clothing 
43

use clothing that will protect the worker under the conditions 

that he/she could be exposed. For jobs requiring FR rated 

clothing, the exposure must be less than or equal to the APTV 

of the garment. If the worker uses clothing that is not flame 

resistant, the clothing that is worn must match the hazard ( ie., 

made from natural fabrics). Until Region’s conduct arc flash 

studies, interim procedures will be established. 

c. Wear welders gloves, chaps, and coat; or a combination of coat, 

sleeves, and pants which provide appropriate protection when 

doing overhead welding or cutting. When engaged in benchtype welding and cutting, wear welders gloves and apron as 

minimum protection.

d. Wear leather-palm gloves when performing tasks such as 

handling steel plates, steel cables, barbed wire, rough-hewn 

timber, or other material with sharp edges or abrasive surfaces.

e. If electrical rubber gloves, line hose, or blankets are used when 

performing work on energized circuits, they must have passed 

the ASTM electrical test within the last six months for the 

involved circuit voltage. Inspect them before each use.

f. When working on or near public thoroughfares or flagging 

vehicle movements, wear safety color fluorescent clothing with a 

reflective area of at least 500 square inches above the waist.

g. Wear industry approved protective chaps constructed of a 

minimum of four layers of Kevlar or ballistic material when 

operating chain saws.

h. When engaged in aerial line patrol, wear the protective clothing 

outlined in the Flight Operations Manual.

8.8 SKIN PROTECTION.

a. Where caustic, toxic, or irritant substances may come in contact 

with the skin, use one or more of the following to prevent 

injury:

(1) Protective gloves, clothing, overshoes, and other necessary 

apparel appropriate for the substance.

(2) Appropriate protective ointment (barrier creams) for exposed 

skin areas.

(3) Appropriate solvents or soap and water for the removal of 

accumulated material and protective ointments.
44 

b. To lessen the injury from accidental contact with caustic, toxic, 

or irritant substances, use one or more of the following:

(1) Appropriate first-aid remedies.

(2) An emergency-type deluge shower.

c. Use appropriate sunscreen to provide protection against harmful 

exposure to sun.

8.9 FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT AND HARDWARE.

See Section 16.

8.10 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE.

a. Inspect personal protective equipment each day before it is used 

and remove defective items from service until they are repaired 

by a competent person or replaced.

b. Fall arrest equipment receiving an impact from a fall shall be 

removed from service. The equipment shall be returned to the 

manufacturer for repair, shall be repaired by a competent person 

using a qualified facility, or shall be destroyed.

c. If applicable, test personal protective equipment to ensure it is 

safe to use.
45

Table 8.1

Table of Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment

(Western provides equipment as needed)

Type of Equipment Condition/Use

1. Protective headgear

(hard hats and helmets)

Designated hard hat areas

- Do not substitute bump caps

- Do not alter by drilling holes, trimming brims, etc.

Work in energized facilities; riding 

snowmobiles and ATV; or flying aerial patrol

2. Protective eyeware/facewear

- Industrial safety glasses, plain or 

prescription; flexible fitting plastic 

goggels

- Face shield, plastic face shield, 

metal face shield

Duties requiring use of safety glasses in designated 

“eye hazard” area or operation in varying light 

conditions (i.e., indoors, outdoors, night, etc.)

Designated eye/face hazard

Duties requiring full-face protection

Face shields to be used with goggles/protective 

glasses

3. Safety belts, body belts, and life 

lines

Use when job or procedures require PSSM, Section 

16

4. Vehicle occupant restraint system

- Lap belts/shoulder straps, or 

shoulder harnesses

Aircraft, motor vehicles, and other special equipment

5. Protective footwear (toeguards, 

instep metatarsal guards, rubber 

boots, or safety shoes)

- Conductive footwear

- Cut Resistant footwear

- Rubber footwear

Use when foot hazard identified

Use where occupation involves barehand (i.e., live-line 

maintenance

Use when performing tree cutting operations (felling, 

limbing, and bucking) on the ground

Use where wet conditions cause hazards(s)

6. Hearing Protection Noise hazard areas – working or entering

7. Conductive clothing/boots All employees working barehand, liveline 

maintenance; static electric potential

8. Special protective clothing Use for following types of situations; aviation; 

chain saw use; welding; handling toxic substances; 

cryogenics

9. Respiratory protection As required by manufacturers of chemicals as noted 

on the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS); e.g., 

pesticides, herbicides, insulating materials, (SF6) oils, 

solvents, etc., or where the Permissible Exposure 

Limit (PEL)

10. Other Personal Protective 

Equipment

- Protective skin creams

- Face shields

- Protective gloves

- Personal flotation devices

As determined
46

8.11 PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFD).

Wear a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) of 

Type III or Type V at all times when on rafts, in skiffs or small boats, or 

working over or near water where the danger of drowning exists. PFDs 

are not required when fall arresting devices or adequate guardrails are 

used.
Switching

and

Operational

Requirements

SECTION 9

9.1 General

9.2 Protection

9.3 Six Basic Steps of Switching

4CONTENTS
48

SECTION 9

SWITCHING AND OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

9.1 GENERAL

Work performed on or near transmission lines or high voltage substation 

equipment shall be done in compliance with the applicable requirements 

set forth in the Chapter 1 “Power System Switching Procedure,” Power 

System Operations Manual (PSOM).

9.2 PROTECTION

Only qualified employees may work on exposed energized lines, parts 

or equipment. Electrical lines and equipment over 600V fall under the 

requirements of the PSOM, Chapter 1. Lines and equipment between 50V 

and 600V which cannot be de-energized and isolated through LockoutTagout procedures will be insulated from employee contact through the 

use of rated insulated tools.

9.3 THE SIX BASIC STEPS OF SWITCHING

Follow the steps below

1. Carry the switching program with you while switching

2. Touch or point to the device identification name plate to verify 

its/your location.

3. Recheck the switching program for right location and right 

sequence.

4. Verify anticipated device position.

5. Perform requested action on the device.

6. Verify desired device position.
Personal

Protective

Grounding

SECTION 10

10.1 General

10.2 Application of Grounds

10.3 Personal Protective Grounding on 

Metal Structures

10.4 Personal Protective Grounding on 

Wood Pole Structures

10.5 Ground Rod Installations

10.6 Approach Distance from Grounds

10.7 Grounding in Substations and 

Switchyards

10.8 Bonding of Equipment during Oil 

and SF Handling

10.9 Grounding Vehicles

10.10 Opening or Splicing Deenergized 

Conductors or Overhead Ground 

Wires

10.11 Use of Terminal Ground Switches

10.12 Grounding of Circuits Energized by 

Induction from Parallel Circuits

10.13 Grounding for Stringing and 

Removing Conductors

10.14 Care, Inspection, and Testing of 

Grounding Equipment

4CONTENTS
50 

SECTION 10

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDING

This section includes precautions to be taken when grounding vehicles 

and using personal protective grounds to protect employees should 

the circuit be energized from any source. More specific procedures on 

how grounds are to be maintained and tested are set forth in Chapter 

1, “Personal Protective Grounding,” of the Power System Maintenance 

Manual (PSMM).

10.1 GENERAL.

a. Treat electrical circuits and equipment, normally energized at 

600 volts or more, as energized unless they are de-energized, 

isolated, a clearance is secured, they are properly grounded, 

and a worksite grounding system has been established and 

maintained for the duration of the de-energized work procedure.

b. Before selecting grounds, determine the following:

(1) Maximum anticipated fault current for the circuit. (See 

Regional/District Fault Current charts)

(2) Proper size and number of grounds to be used.

(3) Where grounds are to be placed.

c. Grounding cables are to be:

(1) Of adequate size (minimum 1/0 AWG copper) to withstand 

maximum fault current for the facility at 15 cycles relay 

for substation and 30 cycles relay for transmission line. The 

cables shall be sized in accordance with Table 10.1.

(2) Of adequate length. However, excessive lengths should be 

avoided since additional length increases the resistance, and 

thus increases the voltage drop across the grounding cable.

NOTE: Ground cable splices equal to or greater than the cable 

rating may be used to obtain minimum cable lengths.

d. If multiple ground cables are paralleled in order to carry the 

fault current, the cables shall be the same size and length, 

installed at the same location and each cable must be derated by 

a factor of 10%.
51

e. If ground cables are placed at the worksite on both sides of the 

employee, the cable(s) on each side shall be capable of handling 

the maximum fault current.

f. When physically checking ground clamps for tightness, use a 

hotstick.

10.2 APPLICATION OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDS

a. Secure a clearance on the circuit or equipment before work is 

started. The line or equipment shall be tested and found absent 

of nominal voltage before any personal protective grounds 

are installed. The required method of testing circuits to be sure 

they are de-energized before protective grounds are installed is 

using a high-voltage detector. This method of testing the circuit 

shall be performed before starting work each day and each time 

during the day when changed conditions indicate a need for 

additional tests, such as changing lines or circuits.

b. Install proper size three phase personal protective grounds as 

close as practical to the work site. EXCEPTION: See Paragraphs 

10.2.c and 10.2.d.

c. When working on one phase only, single phase personal 

protective grounding may be used in lieu of three phase personal 

protective grounding on transmission lines 115kV and greater 

and 500kV single pole substation equipment. The Minimum livework approach distances (phase-to-phase and phase-to ground) 

listed in Appendix A, shall be maintained for the ungrounded 

phases.

d. When another crew is working on the same circuit, (except 

between bracket grounds; ie., storm damage, and construction 

stringing activities) each supervisor is to secure a clearance, 

have personal protective grounds placed at his worksite, and 

let the other supervisor know what work is to be done. If the 

grounded circuit parallels an energized circuit, high circulating 

ground currents may exist between remote grounds, therefore 

necessary precautions shall be taken. (See section 10.12.)

e. The person holding the clearance is responsible for ensuring that 

grounds are properly placed and maintained during the job; and 

for their proper removal prior to releasing the clearance.

f. Clean the surfaces where ground clamps are to be placed to 

ensure a low resistance connection.
52 

g. Install the ground-end clamp of a grounding cable first and 

remove it last. On metal structures, tighten the clamp and 

then, if provided, the set screw until it penetrates the surface. 

EXCEPTION: See Paragraph 10.8.a, 10.9.c.

h. Install and remove the conductor-end clamps of grounding 

cables with hot sticks of adequate length and capacity. Do not 

hold onto grounding cables.

i. After attaching the ground end, apply grounds, in turn, to the 

nearest conductor or bus first, proceeding outward and upward 

until all phases and overhead ground wires (OGW) that are to be 

grounded have been bonded. Reverse this order when removing 

grounding cables.

j. After making the ground-end connection, bond all phases and 

structure ground wires in a multiphase short at the worksite on 

wood pole structures. EXCEPTION: See Paragraph 10.2.c.

k. When the hardware connecting a subconductor is separated 

from the bundle or when the bonding of the subconductors is 

suspect, the subconductors shall be bonded together.

l. Maintain at least 2 feet and 2 inches clearance from insulated 

OGW unless they are grounded.

10.3 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDING 

ON METAL STRUCTURES.

Connect personal protective grounds to any convenient metal structure 

member. See Figures 10.1 - 10.2 for the preferred methods.

10.4 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDING 

ON WOOD POLE STRUCTURES.

a. Inspect and clean pole ground wires to determine that they have 

not been cut, damaged, or removed prior to attachment.

b. Mount grounding cluster bars on the grounded-structure pole(s) 

no higher than conductor level and below the worker’s feet as 

shown in Figures 10.3, 10.4 and 10.6, as the preferred methods.

c. Bond grounding cluster bars to the pole ground wire(s). Cluster 

bars may also be bonded to the OGW and/or to ground rod(s).

d. On structures without OGW, pole ground wires or with defective 

pole ground wire(s), bond the grounding cluster bars to ground 

rods, as shown in Figures 10.3 and 10.4, as the preferred method.
53

e. A driven ground rod may be used in lieu of clusters bars 

PROVIDED that the pole grounds are tied to the ground rod prior 

to attaching to the conductors, as shown in figure 10.7.

f. When the OGWs are used in place of cluster bars, as shown in 

Figure 10.5, a personal ground cable must be placed between the 

OGW and the structure ground IF the OGW connecting hardware 

is to be removed.

g. When grounding to the pole grounds, wood structure grounds 

shall be visibly electrically bonded.

10.5 GROUND ROD INSTALLATIONS.

a. When a ground rod is required, install it to a depth of at least 5 

feet to ensure good soil contact. If a rod cannot be installed to a 

depth of 5 feet, install additional rods such that a total of at least 

5 feet of rod is buried. Bond these rods together with grounding 

cables of adequate size based on the maximum anticipated fault 

current. Also, bond the installed ground rod(s) to any existing 

grounding system to establish an effective worksite grounding 

system.

b. If ground rods cannot be installed at all, such as in a concrete 

parking lot or frozen ground, the structure ground or OGW shall 

be used.

10.6 APPROACH DISTANCE FROM GROUNDS.

Persons on the ground should stay clear (at least 10 feet where feasible) 

of down guys, ground rods, vehicles that are bonded to the conductor 

grounding system and its grounds, structure ground wires while 

personal protective grounds are in place to reduce the hazard of step, 

touch, and transferred touch voltages. When it is necessary to work on 

or near these features, protective measures, such as insulated platforms, 

should be used to minimize the hazard.

10.7 GROUNDING IN SUBSTATIONS AND SWITCHYARDS.

a. The noncurrent-carrying conductive parts of electrical 

equipment, such as transformer cases, circuit breaker tanks, 

oil storage tanks, rails, piping, screens, metal fences, and 

guards shall be permanently grounded by copper conductor(s) 

to the station ground mat. Physically inspect these grounds 

periodically to ensure that a good bond exists. These grounds 

are not to be removed while the equipment is in service.
54 

b. Request and receive a clearance and ground current-carrying 

components of substation equipment before approaching them 

within the minimum approach distances specified in Appendix 

A, Table A-1. Personal protective grounds should be placed as 

close to the equipment as practical to minimize the inductive 

voltage loop formed by the ground cable and the employee. (See 

Figure 10.9).

c. Request and receive a clearance and ground transformer and 

circuit breaker bushings before oil or gas is drained from their 

tanks. This does not apply to oil or gas sampling.

d. Bond personal protective grounds to a grounded metal structure 

member, or to a common copper equipment or structure 

grounding lead, and then to each bushing lead of the equipment.

e. In performing certain tests which require the circuit breaker 

terminals to be ungrounded, such as power factor or 

oscillographic contact (motion analyzer) tests, the bushing leads 

may be temporarily ungrounded (using a hotstick) as long as the 

ground is reestablished (using a hotstick) as soon as the test is 

completed.

f. After capacitor banks (series and shunt) have been de-energized 

and isolated, wait at least 5 minutes to permit the capacitors to 

drain through their internal discharge resistor. Close the bank 

grounding switch, if available, and apply personal protective 

grounds. Then short the capacitors to be contacted from 

terminal-to-terminal and from terminal-to case by approved 

means. (Caution. If possible, allow several hours after the failure 

of a capacitor before the shunting, grounding, and handling of 

bulged units to allow cooling and relieving of internal pressure.)

g. When working in an area of a substation under a clearance 

where there are one or more physical breaks in the electrical 

circuit, install personal protective grounds on each section of the 

circuit if a hazard exists.

h. Grounding through a device shall not be permitted as part of the 

personal protective grounding system.

i. Where a substation, switchyard, or transmission line tap is 

under a clearance, is not influenced by induction from nearby 

facilities, and has all line terminals and back feeds such as 

station service transformers grounded, it may not be necessary 

to provide additional protective grounds within that station, 

yard, or tap.
55

NOTE: Energy storage devices shall be discharged in accordance 

with this section, PSMM Chapter 1, Personal Protective 

Grounding, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

j. When working on an insulated high-voltage cable, install 

personal protective grounds on the terminal end of the cable. 

The cable shall be spiked before it is opened, if there is any 

possibility of opening the wrong cable. Use insulated tools to cut 

the cable.

k. Do not attach personal protective grounds to the transformer 

neutral grounds. Use other nearby ground mat risers.

10.8 BONDING OF EQUIPMENT DURING OIL AND SF6 HANDLING.

a. During oil handling operations on oil-filled equipment, observe 

the following precautions to prevent the buildup of a hazardous 

electrical charge.

(1) Bond apparatus tanks, conductive hoses, pumping or filtering 

equipment, drums, tank cars, trucks, and portable storage 

tanks to the station ground mat. Connect the vehicle end 

first and disconnect it last to prevent possible arcs near the 

vehicle. Conductive hoses should be tested for continuity 

before use.

(2) Bond exposed conductors, such as transformer or circuit 

breaker bushings, or coil ends of transformers where 

bushings have been physically removed, to the same 

grounding point.

b. Bond SF6 equipment in accordance with manufacture 

recommendations and Western work procedures.

10.9 GROUNDING VEHICLES.

a. Vehicles, whether with an insulated or uninsulated boom used 

to bring workers into contact with a grounded system, shall 

be grounded with a ground cable rated for the maximum 

anticipated fault current. The vehicle shall be grounded to the 

structure ground system where practicable. Platforms and metallined buckets on insulated booms shall be bonded with the liveline barehand-type bonding lead to the ground system before 

hand or body contact. When grounding to the structure is not 

practicable, such as during in-span repair work, the vehicle shall 

be bonded to a ground rod driven near midpoint of vehicle.
56 

b. Ground parked vehicles that are involved in substation 

maintenance activities to the station ground mat, using a 

grounding cable(s) of adequate size, if the vehicle is in close 

proximity to energized parts as defined in Appendix A, 

Table A-2. Vehicles in transit shall comply with section 5.2.c.

c. When grounding trucks with permanently mounted reel-type 

ground cables, it is permissible to bond the ground cable to 

the structure ground or ground rod. If there is a potential for 

hazardous induced voltages to be present on the vehicle, such 

as in substations, a hotstick should be used to attach the ground 

cable.

d. No part of a vehicle may be used as a means to complete or 

lengthen a personal protective grounding circuit unless the 

vehicle has been designed, tested, and rated, for carrying the 

maximum available fault current at the worksite.

10.10 OPENING OR SPLICING DE-ENERGIZED CONDUCTORS 

OR OVERHEAD GROUND WIRES.

a. Before separating and/or splicing a conductor or OGW 

(while under a clearance), at ground level take the following 

precautions:

(1) Bond all conductors together, including OGWs when 

applicable, and bond them to ground as near to the worksite 

as practicable.

(2) Install a ground on the damaged conductor or OGW at 

each structure from which it is to be lowered. Continuous 

grounding must be in place until the conductor or OGW is 

reinstalled.

(3) Install a ground rod and bond it to the metallic work 

platform if one is used. Also install ground cables from 

the ground rod (using a hotstick) to each side of where the 

conductor or OGW is to be cut or spliced. (See Figure 10.10.) 

NOTE: If an insulated work platform is used, it must be kept 

clean and dry.

(4) Bond any other conductive objects in the work area to the 

same ground rod if a worker could bridge between them and 

the conductor or OGW being worked.
57

(5) The use of insulated or bonded conductive work platforms 

should be considered and they should be accessed quickly 

to minimize the possibility of hazardous step, touch, and 

transferred touch voltages.

(6) Bond equipment used to pull and hold tension on the 

conductor or OGW to a structure ground or a temporary 

ground rod. 

NOTE: All workers should stay on the equipment or at least 10 

feet away from it. When necessary to access or get off the 

equipment, it should be done quickly.

b. Before separating and/or splicing a conductor or OGW at an 

in-span location above ground level from an insulated or 

uninsulated aerial device, take the following precautions:

(1) Bond all conductors together, including OGW when 

applicable, and bond them to a ground as near the worksite 

as practical.

(2) Ground the vehicle as specified in Subsection 10.9.

(3) Persons on the ground should stay at least 10 feet away 

from the vehicle, ground rods, down guys, etc., during this 

operation to reduce exposure to hazardous step, touch, and 

transferred touch voltages.

(4) Install a jumper or bond (and/or section of conductor) 

rated for the maximum continuous current to maintain the 

continuity of the conductor or OGW before cutting. Use a 

hotstick when installing a jumper to restore continuity to a 

severed conductor or OGW.

c. Before separating and/or splicing an optical ground wire (OPGW) 

at ground level for wood structures, whether under a clearance 

or while the line is energized, take the following precautions:

(1) Install a ground rod near the work location and bond the 

structure ground to the ground rod.

(2) If splicing operations are performed outdoors, install a 

conductive ground mat at the work location and bond the 

mat to the ground rod.

(3) If the splicing operations are performed from inside a vehicle, 

bond the vehicle to the ground rod.
58 

(4) Before removing the splicing box from the structure, bond 

together both sections of the OPGW above the splice box and 

attach a personal protective ground from the OPGW to the 

ground rod.

(5) All splicing operations shall be performed from the 

conductive mat or from inside the vehicle.

d. Before separating and/or splicing an optical ground wire 

(OPGW) at ground level for metal structures, whether under 

clearance or while the line is energized, take the following 

precautions:

(1) If splicing operations are performed outdoors, install a 

conductive ground mat at the work location and bond the 

mat to the structure.

(2) If the splicing operations are performed from inside a vehicle, 

bond the vehicle to the structure.

(3) Before removing the splice box from the structure, bond 

together both sections of the OPGW above the splice box and 

attach a personal protective ground from the OPGW to the 

structure.

(4) All splicing operations shall be performed from the 

conductive mat or from inside the vehicle.

10.11 USE OF TERMINAL GROUND SWITCHES.

Ground switches may be used in conjunction with personal protective 

grounds. They must not be used as or in place of personal protective 

grounds.

10.12 GROUNDING OF CIRCUITS ENERGIZED BY INDUCTION 

FROM PARALLEL CIRCUITS.

When the arc drawn between the circuit and the ground cable being 

installed is too great to allow installation of the ground cable, a Job 

Hazard Analysis shall be performed to determine which one of the 

following methods shall be used:

a. Close terminal ground switches until application of the 

grounding cables is completed. Transmission line terminal 

ground switches may be opened to reduce circulating ground 

current at the worksite.

b. Use ground cables with in-line interrupters.
59

c. Live-line hotstick methods in accordance with Section 13

d. Remove the energized line from service and use normal 

grounding methods.

10.13 GROUNDING FOR STRINGING AND 

REMOVING CONDUCTORS.

See Section 12.5 of this manual.

10.14 CARE, INSPECTION & TESTING OF GROUNDING EQUIPMENT.

Maintain grounding equipment in good electrical and mechanical 

condition by:

a. Visually inspecting grounding equipment before each use for 

tight connections, cleanliness, and physical damage.

b. Electrically testing grounding cables every two years, after 

modification, or after sustaining an electric fault. An electrical 

acceptance test shall be performed on new grounding cables 

prior to use.

c. Identifying each grounding cable (or grounding cable set) when 

it has passed the test, and destroying those which fail the test 

unless they can be repaired.

d. Maintaining records of the electrical tests.

NOTE: (See Table 10.1 next page) If the continuous current 

anticipated at the jobsite exceeds the continuous current rating 

of the grounding cable, an aluminum conductor of equal or 

greater capacity shall be used as a jumper, including properly 

rated clamps. Ground cables shall be capable of handling the 

continuous current available. In areas where induced voltages 

may be a hazard, calculations shall be made to determine the 

magnitude and time characteristics of continuous current for 

cables to be left in place for more than one day. If multiple 

ground cables are paralleled in order to carry the fault current, 

the cables shall be the same size and length, and each cable 

must be derated by a factor of 10%.
60 

TABLE 10.1

MAXIMUM FAULT CURRENT CAPABILITY AND

CONTINUOUS CURRENT RATING FOR

GROUNDING CABLES

Cable Size

(AWG)

Continuous

Current (RMS)

Fault Time

(cycles)

Fault Cureent

Capability RMS

1/0 250

15 21,000

30 15,000

2/0 300

15 27,000

30 20,000

3/0 350

15 34,000

30 25,000

4/0 400

15 43,000

30 30,000

FIGURE 10.1

PREFERRED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDING

INSTALLATION FOR SUSPENSION, DEAD-END,

OR ANGLE TOWER
61

FIGURE 10.2

PREFERRED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDING

INSTALLATION FOR DOUBLE-CIRCUIT

TOWER
62 

FIGURE 10.3

PREFERRED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDING

INSTALLATION FOR TWO-POLE

GROUNDED STRUCTURE

*Add ground rod & cable for structures without OGW.

*
63

FIGURE 10.4

PREFERRED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDING

INSTALLATION FOR THREE-POLE

GROUNDED STRUCTURE

*Add ground rod & cable for structures without OGW

*
64 

FIGURE 10.5

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDING

WITH BUCKET TRUCK (ALTERNATE)

NOTE: When the OGWs are used in place of cluster bars, a personal ground cable must be 

placed between the OGW and the structure ground IF the OGW connecting hardware is to 

be removed.

See

Note
65

FIGURE 10.6

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDING WITH SINGLE

CLUSTER BAR (POLE REMOVAL)

NOTE: To minimize step, touch, and transferred touch voltages around the pole to be 

removed, isolate the underground pole-to-pole tie and the OGW from the pole ground wire 

prior to placing the personal protective grounds on the conductors. Do not become a path 

to ground by letting your body bridge the gap between the pole grounding wire and the 

underground pole-to-pole tie on the OGW.

See

Note

See

Note
66 

FIGURE 10.7

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDING WITH

DRIVEN GROUND ROD (ALTERNATE)

NOTE: A driven ground rod may be used in lieu of clusters bars PROVIDED that the pole 

grounds are tied to the ground rod prior to attaching to the conductors.

See

Note
67

FIGURE 10.8

PREFERRED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE

SINGLE PHASE GROUNDING

INSTALLATION FOR TWO-POLE GROUNDED STRUCTURE

*Add ground rod & cable for structures without OGW.

Above Ground

Electrical Bond

REQUIRED

*
68

FIGURE 10.9

PREFERRED SUBSTATION

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GROUNDING

NOTE: D1 should be kept as small as reasonable.

FIGURE 10.10

PREFERRED PROCEDURE FOR SPLICING A

CONDUCTOR FROM A METALLIC GROUND MAT

LADDER

BUS

DO NOT

GROUND

HERE

DO

GROUND

HERE

PERSONAL

GROUND

CABLE

GROUND

FAULT

STATION GROUND MAT

D1

Vd

LADDER

BUS

DO NOT

GROUND

HERE

DO

GROUND

HERE

PERSONAL

GROUND

CABLE

GROUND

FAULT

STATION GROUND MAT

D1

Vd
Substation

and

Communication

Facility Work

SECTION 11

11.1 Substation

11.1.1 General

11.1.2 Work Near Energized Equipment 

by Electrical Workers

11.1.3 Work on Station Equipment by 

Electrical Workers

11.1.4 Insulating Oil-Handling Operations

11.1.5 Insulating Gas Handling 

Operations

11.2 Communication Facilities

4CONTENTS
70 

SECTION 11

SUBSTATION AND COMMUNICATION

FACILITY WORK

11.1 SUBSTATION.

This section addresses precautions to be taken when working on 

substation equipment and facilities.

11.1.1 GENERAL.

a. Before starting substation work, the supervisor shall conduct 

a tailgate briefing with the crew and develop a job hazard 

analysis (JHA) if needed.

b. Follow the local rules for substation entry and exit 

notification.

c. Maintain neatness, orderliness, and good housekeeping in and 

around the substation.

d. Trench and excavation work - refer to 29 CFR 1926 subpart P 

for safe work rules.

e. At least 2 employees must be present for work in proximity 

to energized parts (Appendix A, Table A-2) energized at more 

than 600 volts. The following types of work are excepted 

when they can be performed safely by one person:

(1) switching (routine) of circuits.

(2) work performed with live-line tools if the employee is 

positioned so that he or she is neither within reach of, nor 

otherwise exposed to contact with energized parts.

(3) emergency repairs to the extent necessary to safeguard the 

general public.

(4) normal routine maintenance that does not require a 

clearance or HLO.

f. Do not park vehicles under energized circuits except when 

essential for the work being performed.
71

11.1.2 WORK NEAR ENERGIZED EQUIPMENT 

BY ELECTRICAL WORKERS.

a. When working in a substation without a clearance, maintain 

at least the minimum approach distance shown in Appendix 

A, Table A-1 from exposed energized high-voltage (600 volts 

and above) components of substation equipment.

b. When working in a substation with a clearance on station 

equipment, the Clearance Supervisor is responsible for 

preventing encroaching the MAD (Appendix A, Table A-1) to 

adjacent energized equipment. The JHA shall address close 

proximity to energized equipment when work is performed 

in close proximity to energized equipment (distances in 

Appendix A, Table A-2), or there is potential encroachment 

by unauthorized personnel.

NOTE: When work is performed in close proximity to 

energized equipment (distances in appendix A, A2) or there is 

a potential encroachment by unauthorized personnel, one of 

the following methods shall be used:

(1) Use visible warning devices, such as cones, tape, rope, 

or portable fence sections with minimum ground-totop height of 42 inches. Warning signs shall be placed 

at intervals of not more than 20 feet. Barricades can 

be placed at any location that would sufficiently warn 

workers from encroaching the MAD.

(2) For work above ground on bus sections and associated 

equipment, use distinctive flags on hooks or similar 

warning devices placed near the energized circuits by 

hotsticks or other appropriate means to indicate the 

hazard.

(3) Using a designated person to be a “safety observer” 

while work is in progress. The “safety observer” shall not 

perform any other work.

Exception: The 3 precautionary methods above are not 

required when working in a substation with a clearance on 

substation equipment and no grounds are required, such 

as work only in the cabinet, and there is no possibility of 

unauthorized personnel encroachment.
72 

c. When performing field testing one of the following means 

shall be used to prevent unauthorized personnel from 

entering the test area: (Any person not directly involved with 

the high voltage testing is considered unauthorized for this 

paragraph.)

(1) The test area shall be guarded by the use of distinctly 

colored safety tape that is supported approximately waist 

high and to which safety signs may be attached.

(2) The test area shall be guarded by a barrier or barricade 

that limits access to the test area to a degree equivalent to 

(1) above.

NOTE: If you have a properly placed work barricade around 

the equipment it can serve double duty as the test area 

guard. In this case the barricade would not have to be 

removed after high-voltage testing is completed. If you 

are testing in an area such as a shop, etc., the barricade 

would need to be removed when the testing is completed.

(3) The test area shall be guarded by one or more test 

observers stationed so that the entire area can be 

monitored. The operator of the safety switch, while Doble 

Testing meets the intent of this requirement if they can 

monitor the entire area.

(4) The barriers required by c (1) and c (2) above shall be 

removed when the protection they provide is no longer 

needed.

11.1.3 WORK ON STATION EQUIPMENT BY ELECTRICAL WORKERS.

a. Ground circuits/equipment that are under a clearance at the 

worksite using the appropriate personal protective grounding 

cables prior to commencing work.

b. Short the secondary terminals of energized current 

transformers (CT) before opening their secondary circuits. 

Also verify that the CT tank is bonded to ground.

c. After de-energizing and isolating a capacitor bank (series 

or shunt), wait at least 5 minutes to permit the capacitors to 

drain through their internal discharge resistor. Close the bank 

grounding switch if available and apply personal protective 

grounds. Then short the capacitors to be contacted from 

terminal-to-terminal and from terminal-to-case by approved 

means. (Caution. If possible, allow several hours after the 

failure of a capacitor before the shunting, grounding, and 
73

handling of bulged units to allow cooling and relieving of 

internal pressure.)

d. Ground surge arresters before touching them.

e. Before working inside the base housing of a coupling 

capacitor, use a hotstick to close the unit’s grounding switch 

and visually inspect the ground switch and ground wire to 

ensure they are intact.

f. Use fuse tongs or other approved rated tools to install or 

remove fuses on energized circuits.

g. Use non-metallic measuring devices in substations and other 

locations where they are subject to contacting energized 

circuits.

h. Wear a face shield, rubber apron, and rubber gloves when 

testing or maintaining station batteries.

i. When it is necessary to enter transformers, tanks, or other 

confined/enclosed spaces, Refer to WAPA Order 3790.1, 

latest revision, for Confined or Enclosed Spaces. Also 

use hand, air, hydraulic, or battery powered tools; or use 

electrical tools that are supplied through a circuit that is 

protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Only 

specially guarded low temperature lights are to be used 

inside the confined/ enclosed space.

j. When switching, the switchman shall stand on the provided 

switch-operating platform to safeguard against any 

hazardous voltage gradients that may exist during fault 

conditions.

11.1.4 INSULATING OIL-HANDLING OPERATIONS.

Observe the following additional precautions during oil-filtering, oilreclaiming, and other oil-handling operations:

a. Secure a clearance and ground potential and current 

transformers before taking oil samples from them.

b. Have appropriate fire extinguisher(s) readily available.

c. If necessary to process oil in an energized transformer, 

conduct a job hazard analysis, prepare a written work 

procedure, and take appropriate precautions.
74 

11.1.5 INSULATING GAS HANDLING OPERATIONS.

Refer to Power System Maintenance Manual (PSMM) Chapter 4 

“Maintenance and Handling of Insulating Gas.”

11.2 COMMUNICATION FACILITIES.

a. MICROWAVE TRANSMISSION

(1) No employee shall look into an open waveguide or antenna 

that is connected to an energized microwave source.

(2) If the electromagnetic radiation level within an accessible 

area associated with microwave communication system 

exceeds the radiation protection guide given in §1910.97 

(a)(2) the area shall be posted with the warning symbol 

described in §1910.97 (a)(3). The lower half of the warning 

symbol shall include the following statements or ones that 

the employer can demonstrate are equivalent:

Radiation in this area may exceed hazard limitations 

and special precautions are required. Obtain specific 

instruction before entering.

(3) When an employee works in an area where the 

electromagnetic radiation could exceed the radiation 

protection guide, the employer shall institute measures that 

ensure that the employee’s exposure is not greater than 

that permitted by that guide. Such measures may include 

administrative and engineering controls and personal 

protective equipment.

b. POWER LINE CARRIER INCLUDING FIBER OPTICS.

Power line carrier work, including work on equipment used 

for coupling carrier current to power line conductors, shall be 

performed in accordance with the requirements pertaining to 

Sections 13 and 14.

11.2.1 RF EXPOSURE

This section addresses the worker safety issues for Radio Frequency 

Exposure (RF) from RF communication facilities utilizing antenna 

systems installed on Western towers. It provides guidelines regarding 

safe working distances from energized antennas and time limits 

for worker exposure. All affected employees shall have received RF 

occupational/controlled exposure training and follow this general 

criteria.
75

For Responsibilities and Background information refer to WAPA Order 

440.1, (latest revision),Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Chapter

(1) CRITERIA 1: For work activity that would result in personal 

exposure exceeding six (6) minutes, the minimum safe working 

distances (MSWD) for antennas is: 

Directional Panel Antennas (see Figure 11.1)

MSWD = 2 feet, unless marked otherwise by appropriate 

signage.

Omni-directional Whip Antennas (see Figure 11.1)

MSWD = 2 feet, unless marked otherwise by appropriate 

signage.

Microwave Antennas

MSWD = No MSWD is specified unless marked otherwise by 

appropriate signage.

NOTE: The MSWD based upon the technical parameters of 

each antenna will be determined. For towers with antennas 

where the MSWD is greater than 2 feet, warning signs will 

be posted so as to be visible to a climber or worker from the 

climbing leg and in the structure near the antenna.

(2) CRITERIA 2: Work activity that would normally violate the 

MSWD’s BUT would result in a time averaged personal 

exposure less than or equal to six (6) minutes times the 

maximum permissible exposure (MPE) in any 6-minute period 

is considered safe and de-denergization of the antennas is not 

required.

EXAMPLE: A worker climbing past an antenna may move within 

the MSWD of that antenna in order to get to a work site located 

outside the MSWD. The worker may return within the MSWD 

after remaining well beyond the MSWD, provided that the total 

time-averaged exposure does not exceed the equivalent of 6 

minutes of exposure at the MSWD rate in any 6-minute period.

(3) CRITERIA 3: In situations where a worker must remain within the 

specified MSWD resulting in a time-averaged exposure which 

exceeds six minutes times the MPE in any six minute period, 

arrangements must be made for the facility operator to deenergize the antenna during the period of the worker exposure

NOTE: A portable, hand-held personal RF radiation monitor 

should be used to verify that an antenna has been de-energized 

prior to entering the MSWD.
76 

(4) CRITERIA 4: General population/uncontrolled exposure limits 

will apply to any Western employee which may be exposed to RF 

radiation as a consequence of their employment but may not be 

fully aware of the potential for exposure or cannot exercise control 

over their exposure. Occupational/controlled exposure limits will 

only apply to those employees who have been trained, or have 

specific knowledge, such that they are fully aware of the exposure 

and can exercise control over their exposure. 

11.2.2 FIBER OPTIC/LASER SAFETY

Employees installing, modifying, and servicing LASER/LED optical fiber 

communication systems (OFCS) shall utilize the following:

(1) Only personnel trained in use of LASER/LED equipment shall 

perform the installation, modification, and maintenance of 

LASER/LED OFCS.

(2) Do not view the end of fibers without proper eye protection. 

Note: OFCS emissions are often not in the visible range, i.e. 

hazards are not easily detected.

(3) All fiber splicing, fiber modification, fiber installation and 

removal shall be done with the LASER/LED source deenergized.

(4) If viewing fiber ends is necessary for work while LASER/LED 

sources are energized, only indirect image converters or 

filtered optical instruments sufficient to reduce eye exposure 

to safe levels shall be used.

(5) All terminated fiber ends shall be covered by tape or end 

caps.

(6) Fiber splicing and cleaving shall be performed using PPE that 

prevents injury to eyes and skin from fiber particles.

Potential Risks Associated with LASER/LED OFCS

Service Group/Class Hazard to Eye Hazard with optical aids Warning Labels Required

I No No No

II Yes* Yes* Yes*

III Yes* Yes* Yes*

IIII Yes* Yes* Yes*
77

*Note: OFCS systems incorporate Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 lasers. Under normal 

operating conditions OFCS are shielded by enclosures, fiber sheaths and connectors. 

Under these conditions there are no accessible radiant energy emissions, and no 

subsequent safety or health hazards. For this reason end to end OFCS are inherently Class 

I systems. However, OFSC can be compromised deliberately or accidentally, requiring the 

use of the above work rules and precautions.

FIGURE 11.1

RF EXPOSURE ACCORDING TO

TYPE OF ANTENNA

Omnidirectional

or “Whip” antenna

Panel 

or “Sector”

antenna

Dish

antenna

Tower

Tower

Radiation from 

whip antenna is

same in all

directions, including

toward the tower.

Negligible below

the antenna

Radiation from 

directional or dish 

antennas is away

from the tower.

Negligible

below or behind

antenna.
78
Deenergized

Line Work

SECTION 12

12.1 General

12.2 Pole Holes

12.3 Erection and Removal of Poles

12.4 Adjacent Energized Conductors

12.5 Stringing Transmission Line 

Conductors and Overhead Ground 

Wires

12.5.1 General

12.5.2 Grounding for Stringing and 

Removing Conductors

12.5.3 Crossing Circuits, Highways, 

Railroads, and Telephone Lines

4CONTENTS
80 

SECTION 12

DE-ENERGIZED LINE WORK

This section includes precautions to be taken when working on 

transmission lines that are de-energized, isolated, a clearance is secured, 

and the lines are properly grounded.

12.1 GENERAL.

a. Treat all circuits normally energized at 600 volts or more as 

energized unless they are properly grounded.

b. Treat all overhead ground wires, static lines, and guy wires as 

energized unless they are bonded/grounded properly.

c. Keep yourself and conductive objects away from ungrounded 

circuits and parts by at least the minimum approach distances 

specified in Appendix A, Table A-1.

d. Use a nonconductive measuring device to verify the distance 

from adjacent energized circuits, if necessary.

e. Obtain a hot line order on adjacent energized circuits or 

equipment when the work may require being in proximity to 

energized parts specified in Appendix A, Table A-2. The JHA 

shall address close proximity to energized equipment. The 

person who obtains the HLO shall remain at the worksite while 

work is being performed. When the work may require being in 

proximity to energized parts, this person shall remain in a nonworking status and shall be positioned to observe all aspects of 

the work performed.

f. Before starting new work, conduct a job hazard analysis (JHA) 

as indicated in Section 17 and a tailgate briefing.

g. Use a tool bag to raise, carry and hold tools that are not carried 

in a tool belt while working from a structure.

h. Discontinue aerial work while there is any indication of 

lightning in the surrounding area.

12.2 POLE HOLES.

a. Cover or otherwise protect holes to prevent persons or animals 

from falling into them.
81

b. Personnel descending into augered holes are to be protected by 

removable-type casing from the top of the hole to within 24 

inches of the bottom when total depth exceeds 5 feet. Refer to 

WAPA Order 3790.1, latest revision, for Confined or Enclosed 

Spaces.

12.3 ERECTION AND REMOVAL OF POLES.

a. Inspect poles before climbing them to ensure they are safe to 

climb.

b. Assure the butt is free before raising a pole. A pole clamping 

device (pole-grabber), mounted on the hydraulic boom of 

a truck, may be used to control but not lift the pole during 

installation or removal.

c. Guy or tag lines are not to be wrapped around any part of the 

body.

d. Climbing a defective pole or one being plumbed is prohibited 

unless it is supported.

e. Support the pole while backfilling to keep it from falling.

12.4 ADJACENT ENERGIZED CONDUCTORS.

When poles or crossarms being installed or removed could contact an 

adjacent energized conductor, do the following:

a. Obtain a hot line order in accordance with PSOM chapter 1 

(latest revision).

b. Maintain at least the minimum approach distance specified in 

Appendix A, Table A-1, from the energized conductors.

c. Monitor the clear distance from the energized conductors using 

an insulated measuring device if necessary.

d. Use nonconductive rope and insulated cant hooks to control 

and orient the pole. Employee shall not contact the pole.

12.5 STRINGING TRANSMISSION LINE CONDUCTORS AND 

OVERHEAD GROUND WIRES.

12.5.1 GENERAL.

Throughout this Subsection, consider overhead ground wires (OGW) and 

conductive pulling lines the same as conductors in terms of required 

safety precautions during installation.
82 

a. Inspect reel trailers and stands to ensure they have ample 

capacity, operate smoothly, and are equipped with adjustable 

brakes to control the reels while pulling.

NOTE: The reel operator’s station shall provide approved 

protection for the operator in case of wire failure.

b. Secure reels to the reel stands and anchor the reel stands, and 

align and level them to prevent displacement or overturning 

in the event of a fouled reel or brake lockup while pulling.

c. Load ratings of stringing lines, pulling lines, conductor grips, 

load-bearing hardware and accessories, rigging, and hoists 

shall not be exceeded.

d. Inspect attachments between pulling lines and the conductor 

for adequate capacity and construction to allow the lines to 

flow freely through the stringing blocks. Conductor grips 

shall not be used. Clamp the conductor end of the sock to 

prevent slippage.

e. Make no attempt to free the conductor if it should catch 

under a firm object until the pulling has been stopped and the 

tension slacked off.

f. Discontinue stringing operations while there is any indication 

of lightning in the surrounding area.

g. Maintain reliable communications between both ends of a 

stringing operation.

h. While the conductor or pulling line is being pulled (in 

motion) with a power-driven device, employees are not 

permitted directly under overhead operations or on the cross 

arm, except as necessary to guide the stringing sock or board 

over or through the stringing sheave.

i. In lieu of the following requirements for grounded travelers 

at energized crossings and at first structures adjacent to both 

pullers, the conductor must be treated as energized until 

personal grounds are applied in their place.

12.5.2 GROUNDING FOR STRINGING AND REMOVING 

CONDUCTORS.

a. While stringing or removing conductors that are under a 

clearance place bonds and grounds as follows:

(1) Bond and ground the stringing equipment (reel stands, 

trailers, pullers or tensioners) at the worksite. Install a 
83

barricade or barrier around the equipment when stringing 

parallel to or crossing energized lines.

(2) Install a rolling ground between the tensioning reel setup 

and the first structure for each conductor being pulled.

(3) Install grounded stringing blocks at the first structure 

adjacent to both the tensioning and pulling setups and at 

least every four miles in between grounds.

(4) At all open dead-ends or catch-off points.

b. After the conductor has been pulled in, place bonds and 

grounds as follows:

(1) If employees are working on or near conductors, grounds 

shall be installed at each location where these employees are 

working.

(2) At all open dead-ends and catch-off points or at the 

adjacent structure.

c. Remove the grounds from the ends of the pulled-in conductor 

only after all work on or near the conductor has been 

completed.

12.5.3 CROSSING CIRCUITS, HIGHWAYS, WATERWAYS, 

RAILROADS, AND TELEPHONE LINES.

In addition to the items in Subsection 12.5.1, and 12.5.2 when stringing 

across circuits, highways, railroads, navigable waters, and telephone 

lines, do the following:

a. Except in an emergency, coordinate with the proper utility, 

highway department or railroad before crossing their 

facilities.

b. Install protective guard structures or other supporting 

elevated devices at all crossings to ensure that adequate 

distances are maintained between the pulling lines or 

conductors and the facility being crossed.

c. When the conductors are being pulled across (over or under) 

an energized circuit, install grounded stringing blocks at the 

structures on both sides of the crossing.
84

d. Obtain a clearance or hot line order on the powerline being 

crossed, in accordance with PSOM chapter 1 (latest version). 

The person who obtains the HLO shall remain at the worksite 

while work is being performed. When the work may require 

approaching the minimum approach distances, the person 

shall remain in a non-work status and shall be positioned to 

observe all aspects of work performed.

e. Use nonconductive ropes as lead lines at energized crossings.

f. Station a safety observer with verbal communication with 

the pulling machine operator within sight of each powerline, 

highway, railroad, and navigable water crossings when lines 

or conductors are being pulled.
Live-line

Hotstick

Work

SECTION 13

13.1 General

13.2 Inspecting, Testing, and 

Maintenance of Hotsticks

13.3 Other Tools

13.4 Hotstick Techniques

13.5 Erection and Removal of Poles

4CONTENTS
86 

SECTION 13

LIVE-LINE HOTSTICK WORK

This section includes precautions that are to be taken when performing 

maintenance or associated training using hotstick methods on energized 

transmission lines. Further guidelines are provided in Western’s 

Power System Maintenance Manual (PSMM), Chapter 3, “Live-line 

Maintenance” (latest revision). This section does not apply to general 

switching or fuse replacement.

13.1 GENERAL.

a. An agency certification must be obtained in order for workers 

to perform or supervise hotstick work, except during training 

sessions when working under constant supervision.

b. Hotstick work is to be personally supervised by a supervisor 

who is trained and certified to direct that specific type of 

liveline work.

c. Specific written job procedures are to be reviewed, updated as 

necessary, and discussed with the crew before work begins.

d. The supervisor shall receive a HLO on the involved circuit(s) 

and shall remain at the jobsite in non-work status while 

procedural live-line work is in progress. He shall be positioned 

to observe and direct all aspects of the live-line work. Maintain 

communication with the Operations Supervisor while work 

is performed under a Hot Line Order. The HLO Supervisor 

shall inform the Operations Supervisor ahead of time if 

communications cannot be maintained.

e. Use only equipment and tools that are rated for the voltage of 

the line/equipment.

f. Use electrically tested and visually inspected 

fiberglassreinforced plastic (FRP) hotsticks.

g. Discontinue hotstick work while there is any indication of 

lightning or other inclement weather in the surrounding area.

h. Do not park vehicles under conductors except when essential 

for the work being performed.

i. Vehicles, with an uninsulated or insulated boom, shall be 

grounded with a ground cable rated for the maximum 

anticipated fault current. The vehicle shall be grounded to the 
87

structure ground system where practicable. When grounding to 

the structure is not practicable, such as during in-span repair 

work, the vehicle shall be bonded to a ground rod installed 

near the center of the vehicle. If grounding during in-span 

repairs is not possible, the operator shall remain on the vehicle 

or on insulated or bonded conductive mat and no one shall 

approach within 10 feet of the vehicle or a clearance shall be 

taken and the vehicle shall be grounded in accordance with 

10.9.a..

13.2 INSPECTION, TESTING, & MAINTENANCE OF HOTSTICKS.

a. Visually inspect and clean hotsticks and associated equipment 

before use. Tag defective or damaged items and remove them 

from service. Look for the following types of defects:

(1) A loss or deterioration of the glossy surface on hotsticks.

(2) Deep cuts, scratches, nicks, gouges, dents, or delamination 

in the surface.

(3) Bent, worn, cracked components, or other damage.

(4) Dirt, paint, creosote, grease, or other foreign material.

(5) Known or suspected physical or electrical overloading, 

as evidenced by elongated or damaged rivets or electrical 

tracking respectively.

(6) Inspect the bronze trunnion assembly using a trunnion 

gauge. Visually inspect the internal acme thread for signs 

of wear. Make sure the ball thrust bearings are smooth and 

free running.

(7) Inspect the steel jackscrew for crookedness, rust, wear, 

nicks, or burns. Perform a thread wear gauge test if it is 

available from the manufacturer.

b. Clean hotsticks with manufacturer’s approved cleaning cloth 

and solution only.

WARNING: Do not use soap or liquid detergents such as 409, 

Fantastic, Ajax, etc., to clean hotsticks as they can leave a 

conductive coating.

c. Use the manufacturer’s gloss-restorer products on hotsticks 

after cleaning only as necessary to maintain their glossy 

surface.
88 

d. Dielectrically test fiberglass-reinforced plastic live-line tools at 

least every 2 years in accordance with PSMM, Chapter 3, LiveLine Maintenance (latest revision).

e. Transport and store hotsticks in weatherproof boxes or bags, or 

in tool trailers.

f. Mark hotsticks (work sticks) to identify the minimum phase-toground minimum approach distance listed in Appendix A for 

the circuit being worked.

13.3 OTHER TOOLS.

a. Use high-quality, properly maintained synthetic rope for 

handlines and taglines (not natural-fiber rope) for live-line 

work. Keep it stored in a clean, dry location and protected from 

damage and contamination.

b. Wear clean gloves when handling these lines to avoid 

contaminating them and remove wet, dirty, or damaged lines 

from service.

c. Maintain the minimum approach distances from energized 

parts listed in Appendix A when using handlines and taglines.

d. Use a tool bag to raise, carry and hold tools that are not carried 

in a tool belt while working from a structure or aerial device.

13.4 HOTSTICK TECHNIQUES.

a. Use metal wire or braid, as detailed in PSMM Chapter 3, “Liveline Maintenance” (latest revision), to jumper across ropes 

or nylon straps that are used as part of the hotstick support 

system of energized conductors, if the system is to be left in 

place overnight or longer.

b. Electrically test each porcelain or glass insulator in the 

insulator string(s) on tension structures (dead-ends and angles) 

prior to replacing insulators, wood poles, or crossarms . If 

any insulator string has less than the following number of 

good insulators listed in the following table, it is only to be 

replaced under de-energized conditions. Insulator units to be 

shunted with a static ground or that are effectively spanned by 

conductive parts of live-line tools are to be treated as defective.
89

TABLE 13.1

MINIMUM INSULATION

Phase-to-Phase

Voltage – kV

Minimum Required Number of Electrically Good

Insulators for Live-Line Replacement (see note 1)

Porcelain Glass

34.5 - 72.5 2 De-energize

72.6 - 121 3 5

138 - 145 4 6

161 - 169 6 8

230 - 242 7 9

345 - 362 8 10

500 - 550 12 (see note 2)

15 (see note 3)

—

—

NOTES:

(1) The values listed are the per string numbers. A vee string requires the given number in each 

string.

(2) This number can only be used when a 41 inch portable protective gap is in place.

(3) This number is based on known transient over-voltages for the COTP. (Applicable only to 

COTP).

(4) The minimum number of good insulator units is zero for de-energized and ungrounded 

circuits after a study has been performed to determine the voltage level on the line and 

that there is sufficient insulation to perform the work method safely. Minimum approach 

distances for the voltage of the circuit being worked shall be maintained.

c. Maintain the minimum approach distances listed in Appendix 

A, Table A-1 in addition to the above restrictions. Also, 

electrically test each porcelain or glass replacement insulator 

before it is installed and discard defective units.

d. Visually inspect polymer fiberglass insulator assemblies for 

carbon tracking on the skirts. If tracking is found, the circuit is 

to be de-energized before work is done. Assemblies with visible 

damage are to be worked de-energized.

13.5 ERECTION AND REMOVAL OF POLES.

Follow the precautions listed in Subsection 12.3 and 12.4, as 

appropriate, while erecting or removing a pole in an energized line. 

When setting new poles that could come in contact with an energized 

conductor, cut and peel back the pole ground.
90
Live-line

Barehand

Work

SECTION 14

14.1 General

14.2 Barehand Techniques

14.3 Insulated Aerial Devices 

(Vehicle-Mounted)

14.4 Insulated Hook Ladders

4CONTENTS
92 

SECTION 14

LIVE-LINE BAREHAND WORK

This section includes precautions to be taken when performing 

maintenance or associated training using the live-line barehand 

(barehand) methods on energized transmission lines and equipment 

rated at 69-kV or higher. Further guidelines are provided in Western’s 

Power System Maintenance Manual (PSMM), Chapter 3, “Live-line 

Maintenance” (latest version).

14.1 GENERAL.

a. An agency certification must be obtained in order for workers 

to perform or supervise barehand work, except during training 

sessions when under constant supervision.

NOTE: When it is necessary that an engineer or other specialist 

participate in a specific test or inspection program involving 

the use of insulated personnel-support equipment, the engineer 

or specialist need not be certified, but must have received 

sufficient instruction to perform the inspections and/or tests 

safely under supervision.

b. Barehand work is to be personally supervised by a supervisor 

who is trained and certified to direct that specific type of liveline work.

c. Specific written job procedures are to be reviewed, updated 

as necessary, and discussed with the crew prior to starting the 

work.

d. The supervisor shall receive a HLO on the involved circuit(s) 

and shall remain at the jobsite in non-work status while 

procedural live-line work is being done. He is to position 

himself so he can observe and direct all aspects of the live-line 

work.

e. Use only equipment and tools that are designed, tested, and/or 

approved for barehand work. Inspect them in accordance with 

manufacturers’ and/or Western’s instructions.

f. Before performing barehand work on energized electrical 

conductors or equipment:

(1) Check the voltage rating of the circuit on which the work is 

proposed,
93

(2) Measure the distances from energized parts to ground and to 

other energized phases using an insulated measuring stick or 

other approved device, and

(3) Check the voltage and load limitations of the tools and 

equipment intended to be used.

(4) Electrically test each porcelain or glass insulator in the 

insulator string(s) prior to replacing insulators. Broken or 

chipped insulators shall be considered electrically defective 

and may be tested. Those passing the test may be considered 

good. The number of good insulators shall not be less 

than that listed in the following table. Insulator units to be 

shunted with a static ground or that are effectively spanned 

by conducting parts of live-line tools are to be treated as 

defective. Multiple (parallel) strings of insulators (deadend) shall be considered as a single string for determining 

minimum insulation.

TABLE 14.1

MINIMUM INSULATION

Phase-to-Phase

Voltage – kV

Minimum Required Number of Electrically Good

Insulators for Live-Line Replacement (see note 1)

Porcelain Glass

34.5 - 72.5 2 De-energize

72.6 - 121 3 5

138 - 145 4 6

161 - 169 6 8

230 - 242 7 9

345 - 362 8 10

500 - 550 12 (see note 2)

15 (see note 3)

—

—

NOTES:

(1) The values listed are the per string numbers. A vee string requires the given number in each 

string.

(2) This number can only be used when a 41 inch portable protective gap is in place.

(3) This number is based on known transient over-voltages for the COTP. (Applicable only to 

COTP).

(5) Maintain the minimum approach distances listed in 

Appendix A, Table A-1, in addition to the above restrictions. 

Also, electrically test each non-polymer replacement 

insulator before it is installed and discard defective units.
94 

(6) Non-ceramic insulators (NCI) shall not be removed under 

energized conditions. Replacing glass or ceramic insulators 

with non-ceramic insulators (NCI) may be installed under 

energized conditions. (See PSMM Chapter 3 latest revision)

g. Discontinue aerial work while there is any indication of 

lightning or other inclement weather in the surrounding area.

h. Consider all wood members on wood pole lines to be at ground 

potential.

i. Wear approved conductive clothing as follows:

(1) Barehand procedures below 200 kV nominal phase-to-phase 

voltage from:

Aerial device/metal-lined bucket — Footwear

Aerial device/open metal platform — Footwear

Insulated ladder — Parka, pants, socks, and gloves

(footwear if mounting from steel structure)

(2) Barehand procedures above 200 kV nominal phase-to-phase 

voltage from:

Aerial device/metal-lined bucket — Footwear, parka, or jacket

Aerial device/open metal platform — Footwear, parka, pants, 

and socks

Insulated ladder, tower boom-supported platform, or 

conductor cart —parka, pants, socks, and gloves (footwear if 

mounting from steel structures).

j. Do not park vehicles under conductors except when essential 

for the work being performed.

k. Wear clean gloves when handling live-line ropes to avoid 

contaminating rope. Remove wet, dirty, or damaged ropes from 

service.

l. A minimum approach distance table reflecting the minimum 

approach distances listed in Appendix A, Table A-1 for 

the specific jobsite shall be printed on a plate of durable 

nonconductive material. This table shall be mounted so as to be 

visible to the operator of the boom.

m. A non-conductive measuring device shall be readily accessible 

to assist employees in maintaining the required minimum 

approach distance.
95

14.2 BAREHAND TECHNIQUES.

a. Prior to suspending a work platform from overhead ground 

wires or phase conductors, verify the physical integrity of the 

wire/conductor by visual inspection for apparent physical 

damage such as worn suspension fittings, gunfire damage, ice 

load damage, etc.

NOTE: Personnel work platforms which support the worker 

while actually performing barehand work, includes fiberglass 

bucket(s), or metal platform of vehicular-mounted insulated 

aerial-lift equipment; vertical or horizontal insulated 

ladder; “Baker board;” boatswain’s chair, basket, bucket, or 

treetrimmer’s saddle supported by an insulated tower boom 

or nonconductive rope; conductor cart; or such other worker 

support device as may be developed to safely and properly 

support the energized worker.

b. Maintain the phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground minimum 

approach distances specified in Appendix A, Table A-1. When 

approaching, bonded to, and leaving the energized part, the 

additional requirements of paragraph 14.3.i for aerial devices 

and paragraph 14.4.c for insulated ladders shall be applied.

c. The use of hand lines between personnel-support equipment 

and the ground is prohibited. Approved clean, dry, nonconductive hand lines may be used from phase to ground when 

not supported by the work platform.

d. Keep conductive materials over 3 feet long off the work 

platform, except for appropriate-length jumpers, armor rods, 

and approved tools; and do not allow metal objects to shunt 

insulators or lessen the distances listed in Appendix A, Table 

A-1.

e. Keep static grounds and bonding leads as short as possible, 

with excess leads taped or knotted, or otherwise restrained 

to prevent them from contacting a conductor or ground if 

accidentally dropped.

14.3 INSULATED AERIAL DEVICES (VEHICLE-MOUNTED).

a. Do not overstress the work platform and insulated section of 

the insulated aerial device equipment by attempting to lift or 

support weights in excess of the manufacturer’s rating.

Avoid using the fiberglass parts, the work platform, or the 

insulated section of the insulated aerial device equipment as a 
96 

fulcrum for prying or lifting. Where a short auxiliary insulated 

boom is provided, it may be used for lifting or supporting 

features within the manufacturer’s load rating.

b. Vehicles with an insulated boom used to bring workers into 

contact with energized parts shall be grounded with a ground 

cable rated for the maximum anticipated fault current. The 

vehicle shall be grounded to the structure ground system where 

practicable. Platforms and metal-lined buckets on insulated 

booms shall be bonded with the live-line barehand type 

bonding lead to the energized system before hand or body 

contact.

When grounding to the structure is not practicable, such as 

during in-span repair work, the vehicle shall be grounded to a 

ground rod installed near the center of the vehicle and as close 

to the center of the vehicle as practicable. If grounding during 

in-span repairs is not possible due to rock or soil conditions, 

the vehicle shall be grounded in accordance with 13.1i if the 

hotstick method is to be used or a clearance shall be taken and 

the vehicle shall be grounded in accordance with 10.9.a.

c. Before moving the insulated aerial device equipment into 

the work position (Only authorized persons are to operate or 

maintain aerial device equipment):

(1) All controls (ground level and bucket or platform) shall be 

checked. In addition, for insulated aerial device equipment 

with hydraulic lines, the support platform shall be raised 

to its maximum height and left in the raised position for 5 

minutes.

(2) Take the dielectric arm-current reading before starting work 

each day, each time during the day when a higher voltage is 

going to be worked, and when changed conditions indicate 

a need for additional tests.

NOTE: A fused and protected ammeter shall be placed at 

the meter receptacle on the boom. If the dielectric armcurrent, after 3 minutes, is less than 1 micro-ampere for 

each kilovolt of nominal phase-to-ground voltage (refer to 

table below), and relatively the same as previous dielectric 

arm-current readings from tests on the same voltage and 

under similar conditions, the work platform may be used 

for barehand live-line work. Written records of these tests 

shall be kept with the equipment and at the responsible 

maintenance facility.
97

TABLE 14.2

Voltage (kV)

Phase-to-Phase

Voltage (kV)

Phase-to-Ground

Acceptable Dielectric 

Current (Microampers) μ 

= 10-6

46.1 - 72.5 40 less than 40

72.6 - 121 67 less than 70

138 - 145 80 less than 80

161 - 169 93 less than 100

230 - 242 133 less than140

345 - 362 200 less than 200

500 - 550 318 less than 320

(3) Keep all but essential persons off the platform while 

making the initial contact of an energized circuit so that the 

dielectric arm-current may be measured.

(4) Keep everyone at least 10 feet away from the vehicle while 

dielectric arm-current tests are being made, except the 

person(s) on the vehicle conducting the test.

(5) Suspend work operations immediately upon indication of 

a malfunction in the equipment. Tag faulty equipment and 

prohibit its use until repaired and/or retested satisfactorily.

d. While in contact with the conductor or when barehand work 

is in progress, at no time is the vehicle engine to be shut off 

unless the engine can be started from the bucket or platform.

e. Clean the bottom of conductive footwear before entering the 

bucket or work platform. Inspect the floor of the bucket or 

work platform for dirt or other material, which might prevent 

good contact between the floor and conductive footwear, and 

remove foreign materials.

f. One worker, capable of operating all the controls, is to be 

stationed on the vehicle at the control panel or on the ground 

near the vehicle (not closer than 10 feet) when worker(s) are in 

the bucket or platform. The employee stationed on the ground 

is to keep other persons from walking under the work area and 

clear of the vehicle when the bucket or platform is elevated.

No one on the ground is to be in contact with the vehicle 

ground cable while the bucket or platform is in an energized 

condition unless they are standing on a bonded-conductive or 

insulated surface.
98 

NOTE: When worker(s) are in the bucket or work platform, all 

movements of the lift assembly are to be controlled by the 

worker(s) aloft, except under emergency conditions. Under such 

emergency conditions, the ground operator is to mount the 

vehicle by means of an insulated device or by means such that 

he does not simultaneously contact the vehicle and ground.

g. Make contact with the energized electrical conductor or 

equipment by the bonding strap(s) from the bucket or platform 

to the energized electrical conductor before making bodily 

contact.

Keep at least one bonding strap attached to the energized 

electrical conductor or equipment at all times while work 

is being performed. Inspect and maintain bonding straps, 

including anchors and clamps, in good condition and their 

length confined to that necessary to permit free working 

conditions. Restrain wand and bonding straps so as to prevent 

them from falling below the bottom of the bucket or platform 

or being blown near grounded objects.

h. Before an energized electrical conductor is opened, use an 

approved jumper cable(s) as a shunt.

i. When approaching, bonding to, or leaving an energized part:

(1) Follow requirements of PSMM Chapter 3, (latest version).

(2) For work at the energized terminal end of a bushing on a 

circuit with a phase-to-phase voltage of less than 200 kV, 

the work platform is to be positioned so that none of the 

bushing insulation is shunted by the work platform, with 

distances from grounded parts and other phases not less 

than specified in Appendix A, Table A-1. For work at the 

energized terminal of a bushing on a circuit with a phaseto-phase voltage of 200 kV or more, the bucket or platform 

is to be positioned so that no more than 10 percent of the 

bushing insulation is shunted by the bucket or platform 

with distances from grounded parts and other phases not 

less than Appendix A, Table A-1.

j. In addition to the preoperative tests required in paragraph 

14.3.c, periodically inspect and test insulated aerial device 

equipment in accordance with PSMM Chapter 3, Live-line 

Maintenance, Appendix B.
99

k. Hydraulic driven tools connected to dielectric oil systems shall 

be maintained as part of that system and are not to be used 

on non-dielectric oil systems. This is to prevent hydraulic oil 

cross-contamination.

14.4 INSULATED HOOK LADDERS.

a. Insulated hook ladders may be used as a work platform for 

barehand work on energized electrical conductors and with 

a phase-to-phase voltage rating exceeding 115 kV, provided 

minimum approach distances specified in Appendix A, Table 

A-1 are maintained.

b. Make sure that all rigging is complete and secure before 

moving a worker on a ladder into an energized position.

c. Before beginning work on an energized electrical conductor 

or equipment from an insulated ladder, bond the required 

conductive clothing to the energized electrical conductor or 

equipment by means of a spring-type breakaway bonding clip.

d. Items being passed or raised to a worker on an insulated ladder 

are to be passed or raised using non-conductive rope only after 

bonded to the energized electrical conductor or equipment. 

These items should be touched first to the energized electrical 

conductor or equipment to bring them to equipotential.

e. Secure the insulated ladder in a manner that stabilizes their 

movement.

f. Dielectric current tests shall be conducted on insulated ladders 

used in barehand live-line maintenance each day, when a 

higher voltage is going to be worked, and when conditions 

indicate a need for additional tests.

NOTE: A fused and protected ammeter shall be used for testing 

the dielectric current through the ladder legs with each 

leg bonded together at the metering point. If the measured 

dielectric ladder-current, after 1 minute, is less than 1/3 

microamperes for each kilovolt of nominal phase-to-ground 

voltage (refer to table below), the insulated ladder may be used 

for barehand live-line work. Written records of these tests shall 

be kept with the equipment and at the responsible maintenance 

facility.
100

TABLE 14.3

Voltage (kV)

Phase-to-Phase

Voltage (kV)

Phase-to-Ground

Acceptable Dielectric 

Current (Microampers) μ 

= 10-6

46.1 - 72.5 40 less than 10

72.6 - 121 67 less than 30

138 - 145 80 less than 30

161 - 169 93 less than 40

230 - 242 133 less than 50

345 - 362 200 less than 70

500 - 550 318 less than 110

g. Suspend barehand work immediately upon indication of a 

malfunction in the equipment.
Rigging

SECTION 15

15.1 General

15.2 Wire Rope

15.3 Fiber and Synthetic-Fiber Rope

15.4 Chains

15.5 Slings

15.6 Rigging Hardware

4CONTENTS
102 

SECTION 15

RIGGING

This section includes only a few basic requirements and precautions that 

are to be taken when rigging for lifts of material or equipment.

15.1 GENERAL.

a. The “Rigging Manual,” published by the Construction Safety 

Association of Ontario, Canada, the DOE “Hoisting and Rigging 

Manual” and others are used as guidance for Western.

b. Determine the capacity rating of wire rope, fiber rope, chains, 

rigging hardware, or combinations thereof before using them to 

lift loads.

NOTE: Where the manufacturer does not provide the capacity 

rating for wire rope, it may have to be calculated by applying 

the appropriate safety (overload capacity) factor(s) listed in 

Table 15.2 to the manufacturer’s specified ultimate (breaking) 

strength. For individual items used in combination, the safety 

(overload capacity) factors are not cumulative, and the overall capacity rating of the combination is the capacity of the 

weakest item. The particular application or service factors may 

further reduce the capacity rating.

c. Efficiency factors listed in Tables 15.1 - 15.2 are to be used to 

determine the safe workload rating of ropes, chains, rigging 

hardware, or combinations thereof.

NOTE: The safe workload rating differs from the capacity rating 

of equipment alone in that nonequipment associated efficiency 

factors which reduce the strength of the overall installation are 

considered.

d. Install, maintain, and/or repair ropes and chains, only if 

qualified by training. Commercial slings and rigging hardware 

are to be repaired only by the manufacturer, or repaired in 

accordance with manufacturer’s instructions; and tested and 

certified by an engineer competent in this field.

e. All slings (other than wire rope) shall be tagged identifying the 

type of sling and its capacity. Non-wire rope slings shall not 

be used without that identification tag. Wire rope slings shall 

not be used in loads in excess of the rated capacities shown in 

Figure 15.3.
103

15.2 WIRE ROPE.

a. Choose wire rope carefully to meet expected service conditions. 

Consider the strength, flexibility, abrasion resistance, and 

resistance to crushing. Seek the manufacturer’s guidance as 

needed.

b. Use only commercial wire rope fittings that are properly 

applied to develop maximum strength.

c. Spool wire rope in the proper direction to avoid rope twist, 

spreading of coils, and crossing or overlapping on wench 

drums.

d. Use sheaves and drums with grooves slightly larger than the 

wire rope to avoid pinching and binding the strands and to 

permit the rope to adjust itself to the curvature; but not so 

much larger that the rope will flatten.

e. Inspect drums, sheaves, and pulleys to ensure they are free 

from surface defects that might damage the rope.

f. Lubricate wire rope as needed and never remove the rope’s 

internal lubricant. Use a jet of air or steam, or wire brush the 

rope’s exterior prior to applying manufacturer’s approved 

lubricant.

g. Remove wire rope immediately from service if it has one or 

more of the following defects:

(1) Corrosion resulting from acids or alkalies. (Rust film which 

has not resulted in pitting or loss of more than one third 

of the original wire diameter can be removed, and the wire 

cleaned, relubricated, and reused.)

(2) One or more broken wires in the valley between two 

adjacent strands, or six randomly distributed broken wires 

in one rope lay.

3) Abrasion, scrubbing, flattening or peening causing loss of 

more than one-third of the original diameter of the outside 

wires.

(4) Severe kinking, crushing, birdcaging, or other damage 

resulting in distortion of the rope’s structure.

(5) Heat damage resulting from a torch or electrical contact.

(6) Reduction from nominal diameter of more than:
104 

3/64 inch for sizes up to 3/4 inch

1/16 inch for sizes 7/8 to 1-1/8 inches

3/32 inch for sizes 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches

NOTE: Any marked reduction may indicate deterioration of 

the core.

h. Discard defective hoisting and load-carrying cables.

i. Keep out of the bight of running lines.

15.3 FIBER AND SYNTHETIC-FIBER ROPE.

a. Use only synthetic-fiber rope, and only nonconductive ropes 

near energized conductors. “Hot” ropes currently used for liveline work are not to be used for other purposes.

b. Keep ropes clean and dry, and store them in loose coils.

c. Discard ropes that are contaminated with acids or alkalies.

d. Use sheaves when necessary to prevent chaffing ropes while 

lifting or lowering loads.

e. Knots and hitches as shown in Figures 15.2 reduce the safe 

working load of rope by a minimum of 50 percent. See the 

“Rigging Manual” for details.

f. Be aware of elongation at 20 percent of the rated breaking 

strength:

EXAMPLE: Nylon rope will elongate 23% when the load reaches 

20% of breaking strength. A 10 foot piece of Nylon rope rated 

at 5,000 pound breaking strength loaded with 1,000 pounds will 

become 12.3 feet long. Manila stretches 3 percent; Polyester, 9 

percent; and Polypropylene, 14 percent.

15.4 CHAINS.

a. Avoid subjecting chains to impact loads or jerking.

b. Chains are to be repaired by the manufacturer or in strict 

accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

c. Do not splice chain together by inserting a bolt between two 

links or by passing one link through another and inserting a 

bolt, nail, or other unapproved object to hold it.

d. Use only alloy steel chains for rigging that have been marked 

and maintained in conformance with the manufacturer’s 

guidelines. Do not use these chains for tying down equipment.
105

15.5 SLINGS.

This section applies to wire rope, synthetic rope, and synthetic webs.

a. Store slings so they will not be damaged.

b. Protect in-use slings from being damaged by sharp, rough, or 

square corners.

c. Remove damaged slings from use and destroy them.

d. To prevent sling-related accidents, do the following:

(1) Keep slings free of knots or other devices used to shorten 

them.

(2) Keep sling legs free of kinks.

(3) Keep load within the sling’s capacity.

NOTE: Table 15.2 identifies the effects of the sling angle on 

the sling’s capacity.

(4) Balance loads supported by basket hitches to prevent 

slippage.

(5) Securely attach the slings to the load.

(6) Keep hands and fingers from between the sling and load 

while the sling is being tightened around the load.

(7) Place blocks under the load so slings may be removed 

without damaging them.

e. All new synthetic slings must have a minimum safety (overload 

capacity) factor of 7:1. All existing synthetic slings rated at 5:1 

shall be re-rated and marked accordingly or discarded.

EXAMPLE: Sling rating is 1,000 pounds, multiply by 5, divide by 

7, and mark sling for 714 pounds.

15.6 RIGGING HARDWARE.

a. Use forged-alloy or stainless steel hoisting hooks (excluding 

sling and choker hooks) that are stamped with their safe 

working load and are equipped with safety keepers. They 

should also be equipped with swivels and headache balls.
106 

b. Use forged-alloy or stainless steel shackles of the locking or 

secured-pin type for hoisting. Shackles designed for having 

bolts, nuts, and self locking steel cotter keys (BNKs) shall only 

be used with the BNKs properly secured. Inspect them before 

use and discard any that are worn in the crown or pin by more 

than 10 percent of the original diameter. Do not replace shackle 

pins with bolts.

c. Follow the application data on eyebolts, turn-buckles, blocks, 

and other rigging hardware as presented in the referenced 

Rigging Manual.

d. Do not use job-fabricated rigging hardware unless it has been 

tested and certified by an engineer competent in this field.

EXCEPT: Use Figure 15.1 to determine the safe working load of 

wire rope eye splice or wire rope sling.
107

FIGURE 15.1

WIRE SPLICE TEST FORM

Date: _______________________

Field Location: ________________________

Test Personnel: _________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Type of Splice: __________________________________________________________________

Size and Type of Wire Rope: _______________________________________________________

Ultimate Breaking Strength of Wire Rope: ____________________________________________

Overload Capacity Factor: _________________ Working Load: ___________________________

Test Load: _____________________________________________________________________

(Tested at 110% minimum of Working Load for 5 minutes.)

Application Splice is Used For: _____________________________________________________

Vehicle License Plate Number: _____________________________________________________

Winch Type: _________________ Winch Ultimate Strength: ____________________________

Shear Pin: ______ Yes ______ No

NOTE: Splices made for the purpose of fabricating eyes for winch line shall be stamped with the 

working load of the wire rope. (straight line pull)

Formula: Rope strength divided by Overload Capacity Factor times factor for eye (if Molly and 

sleeve .9) = Working Load

Test Load: (110% of working load for 5 minutes)

Sign: ________________________________________________ Date: ___________________

EXAMPLE:

Breaking strength of wire rope: 20400 lb.

Overload Capacity Factor: 3.5 to 1

Loss for eye (Molly) .9 This could change on type of eye.

Tested: (5 minutes) 110%

Divide 3.5 into 20400 = 5828.57 lb.

5828.57 x .9 = 5245.7 or 5246 lb. (This is the working load)

5246 x 110% = 5771 lb. (This is the load used for dynamometer testing)
108 

FIGURE 15.2

KNOTS AND HITCHES

End Last round through

Start WHIPPING - STEP 1

(Rounds open to clarify)

Full Loop 

to Center WHIPPING - STEP 2

End Cut off

End of rope Start

WHIPPING

Square knot

Sheet bend

Bowline on the bight

A B C

Bowline

Running Bowline Clove Hitch Two Half Hitches

Timber Hitch

and Half Hitch

Round Turn and

Two Half Hitches Scaffold Hitch Rolling Hitch

This knot is used in emergency to lift an injured man off a building or out of a

hole, this is done by sitting in one loop, and putting the other loop around the

back and under the arms. Also to tie bowline in middle of line.
109

TABLE 15.1

EFFICIENCY OF WIRE ROPE AS COMPARED TO 

SAFE LOADS ON WIRE ROPES

Figure Type of connection Efficiency (percent)

1 Sockets - zinc type - properly attached 100

2 Wedge sockets 70

3 Plate Clamp - three-bolt type 80

4 Cable clips 80

5 Spliced eye and thimble:

1/4 inch and smaller diameter

5/16 to 7/16 inch

1/2 inch 

5/8 inch 

3/4 inch 

7/8 inch 

90

88

86

84

82

80

The spacing of clips should be six times the diameter of the wire rope. 

To assemble a satisfactory end-to-end connection, the number of clips 

indicated in rigging tables should be increased by two.

U-bolt of all clips on dead end of rope. Never stagger clips. Never put 

U-bolt of clip on live end of rope.

Figure 1 Figure 2

Wrong Right

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Right Wrong

D D

Thimble Thimble

D D
110 

INSTALLATION OF CABLE CLIPS ON WIRE ROPE

Number of clips and the proper torque necessary to assemble wire rope 

eye loop connections with a probable efficiency not more than 80 

percent

Rope 

diameter (in.)

Nominal size 

of clips

Number of 

clips

Torque to be applied 

to nuts of clips 

(ft.-lbs.)

Spacing of clips 

(in.)

5/16 3/8 3 25 1 7/8

3/8 3/8 3 25 2 1/4

7/16 1/2 4 40 2 5/8

1/2 1/2 4 40 3

5/8 5/8 4 65 3 3/4

3/4 3/4 4 100 4 1/2

7/8 1 5 165 5 1/4

1 1 5 165 6

1 1/4 1 1/4 5 250 7 1/2

13/8 1 1/2 6 375 8 1/4

1 1/2 1 1/2 6 375 9

1 3/4 1 3/4 6 560 10 1/2

TABLE 15.2

MINIMUM SAFETY (OVERLOAD CAPACITY) FACTORS FOR WIRE ROPE

Type of Service Safety Factor

Portal, tower and pillar, crawler locomotive, truck, and 

floating cranes; derricks; A-frames; and base-mounted 

hoisting drums:

Standing and guy lines

Running and hoisting lines

3.0

3.5

Overhead, gantry, and hammerhead 5.0 cranes; slings; 

small hoists (including chain falls); and truck mounted 

winch

5.0

Material hoists 7.0

Overhead hoists, manskips, and personnel hoists As specified by equipment 

manufacturer’s or ANSI standards.
111

How angle of sling affects the capacity of each leg:

Angle Efficiency (A) Angle (percent) Efficiency (A) (percent)

90 degrees 100 50 degrees 76

80 degrees 98 45 degrees 71

70 degrees 94 40 degrees 64

65 degrees 91 35 degrees 57

60 degrees 87 30 degrees 50

55 degrees 82 5 degrees 8.5

NOTE: To determine safe load for a single line, divide the breaking 

strength of the line by the applicable safety factor and multiply the 

result by the percentage factor indicated in the above table. Slings shall 

not be attached in such a manner as to provide an angle of less than 30 

degrees between the sling leg and the horizontal.

2000 #

60o 45o 30o

5o

2000 #

1000 # 2000 #

1000 #

1155 #

1414 #

2000 #

11470 # 11470 #

2000 #

1414 #

1155 #

1000 #

1000 #

2000 # 2000 # 2000 # 2000 # 2000 # 2000 #

LOAD

A
112

FIGURE 15.3

LOAD CAPACITY OF WIRE ROPE SLINGS

Construction (Class)

RATED CAPACITY — IN LBS.* Eye 

Dimensions

(approximate)

size 

(in.)

Vertical Choker Basket Hitch**

Vertical 30° 45°

Width 

(in.)

Length 

(in.)

6 X 19 IWRC

1/4 1,120 820 2,200 1,940 1,580 2 4

5/16 1,740 1,280 3,400 3,000 2,400 2 1/2 5

3/8 2,400 1,860 4,800 4,200 3,400 3 6

7/16 3.400 2,400 6,800 5,800 4,800 3 1/2 7

1/2 4,400 3,200 8,800 7,600 6,200 4 8

9/16 5,600 4,000 11,200 9,600 8,000 4 1/2 9

5/8 6,800 5,000 13,600 11,800 9,600 5 10

3/4 9,800 7,200 19,600 16,800 13,800 6 12

7/8 13,200 9,600 26,000 22,000 18,600 7 14

1 17,000 12,800 34,000 30,000 24,000 8 16

1 1/8 20,000 15,800 40,000 34,000 28,000 9 18

6 X 37 IWRC

1 1/4 26,000 19,400 52,000 46,000 36,000 10 20

1 3/8 30,000 24,000 60,000 52,000 42,000 11 22

1 1/2 36,000 28,000 72,000 62,000 50,000 12 24

1 5/8 42,000 32,000 84,000 72,000 60,000 13 26

1 3/4 50,000 38,000 100,000 86,000 70,000 14 28

2 64,000 48,000 128,000 110,000 90,000 16 32

2 1/4 78,000 60,000 156,000 136,000 110,000 18 36

2 1/2 94,000 74,000 188,000 162,000 132,000 20 40

* Rated capacities apply only when attachment of the eye is made over an object not wider 

than the natural width of the eye.

** For basket hitches, these values apply only when the ratio (D/d) of the diameter of the 

bend (where the sling contacts the load) to the diameter of the component rope is 20 or 

more. For angles greater than 45 degrees, contact the manufacturer.
Fall

Protection

SECTION 16

16.1 General

16.2 Hook Ladders

16.3 Equipment

4CONTENTS
114 

SECTION 16

FALL PROTECTION

This section includes precautions that are to be taken when performing 

maintenance or associated training using fall protection at elevated 

locations. Further guidelines are provided in Western’s Power System 

Maintenance Manual (PSMM), Chapter 2 “Fall Protection” (latest 

revision).

16.1 GENERAL.

Western’s fall protection program includes all of the elements required to 

prevent a climber from falling, or should a fall occur, to arrest the forces 

on the worker’s body to prescribed limits.

The following statements summarize the major elements of Western’s 

Fall Protection Policy.

a. Attachment is required to an appropriate anchorage:

(1) When working more than 4 feet above the ground while 

climbing, moving, and working on structures.

(2) While moving or working more than 4 feet above a lower 

level on fixed electrical substation equipment without an 

approved railing.

(a) For working, inspecting, testing, etc, on substation 

equipment:

(i) Perform all tasks using an aerial manlift, if possible, or

(ii) Perform all tasks using a portable ladder properly 

secured.

(b) If 2 (a) (i) or (ii) above cannot be accomplished, all 

attempts shall be made to use some type of temporary 

fall protection system. Examples of temporary fall 

protection systems are, but not limited to the following:

(i) A lifeline capable of arresting a fall shall be attached 

between two adjacent structures and crossing directly 

over the substation equipment to be worked. NOTE: 

Refer to the PSMM, Chapter 2, and the PSSM, Section 

15.
115

(ii) Attachment of a lanyard to an overhead boom or 

other approved anchorage point. (Crane hooks are not 

an approved anchorage point.)

(iii) Erect scaffolding under the supervision of a 

competent person.

(iv) Using bushings on substation equipment for 

anchorage is acceptable only if all other options 

are not feasible. Climbing or using SF-6 breaker 

bushings as an anchorage is not permitted.

NOTE: All attachment points shall be at waist level or 

above.

(c) If all attempts have been looked at to provide a positive 

fall protection system and one still cannot be used, a 

safety observer shall be positioned to observe and warn 

all workers of encroaching a potential fall hazard.

NOTE: In cases where a positive fall protection system can 

not be achieved, it shall be addressed in a written Job 

Hazard Analysis and approved by each member involved 

in the work. In developing the JHA, the entire work to be 

performed shall be reviewed to ensure additional hazards 

are not introduced because of the implementation of the fall 

protection system.

(3) In an aerial device.

(4) At all elevated work or rest locations.

(5) When transferring to or from suspended work ladders, work 

platforms, and traveling carts suspended from conductors.

(6) When moving on suspended ladders as presently defined in 

Section 16.2.

(7) When climbing or moving on structures where anchorages 

and fall arrest systems are effective to reduce fall risk.

(8) When climbing during adverse weather.

(9) When fixed climbing safety devices on communication 

towers are available and operative.

b. Attachment is optional for qualified climbers when adequate 

fall arrest systems or climbing safety devices are not available 

or operational and when:

(1) Using step bolts and fixed ladders.
116 

(2) Moving between work locations while on structures such 

as poles, communication towers, transmission towers, or 

similar structures.

(3) Moving on a double wood crossarm.

(4) Transitioning obstructions on wood poles.

(5) Appropriate anchorages are not available.

c. Employees, will use fall protection equipment and aerial 

devices to reduce exposure to falls and the possibility of serious 

injury should a fall occur. Western will continue to evaluate 

equipment and structure enhancements.

d. Training is required on fall prevention and arrest principles, 

rescue, and equipment usage. A climber must demonstrate 

proficiency of fall protection principles, climbing skills, and 

on the care and use of fall protection equipment prior to being 

considered a qualified climber. Rescue shall be practiced by 

qualified climbers and others involved in climbing activities on 

a regular basis (at least annually). The supervisor will “qualify” 

climbers based on established criteria.

e. Walking and climbing surfaces on heavy equipment, substation 

equipment, and ladder rungs shall have a nonskid surface and 

be free of clutter.

f. Gaffs shall not be worn while working from an aerial device, 

unless used as part of an access system incidental to work 

activity. If used for this type of activity gaffs shall be protected 

while in the aerial device.

g. A qualified climber may transfer between a single or multiple 

occupancy aerial device and a structure, conductor, aerial 

ladder, cablecart, or electrical equipment in accordance with 

the following:

(1) Buckets and platforms shall be positioned to remain stable 

during a transfer. The platform or bucket shall have a fixedpin or a locking mechanism to provide stability during 

transfer.

(2) The transfer shall be made from the aerial device by a door, 

step, or secured ladder designed solely for the purpose of assisting the worker over the rim of the bucket or platform. Portable ladders shall not extend beyond the rim of the bucket. 

Portable ladders shall be removed from the bucket after the 

worker returns to the bucket. Platform guardrail systems must 

meet the design requirements of ANSI/SIA A92.2.
117

(3) The aerial device shall be attended at all times when 

employees are transferring from or to the aerial device. The 

aerial device shall be considered to be attended as long as 

a qualified operator remains at the controls either in the 

bucket or at ground level. The climber and the operator 

shall remain in voice and/or visual contact at all times 

when a climber is aloft. While a climber is working aloft 

and not transferring, the operator may work on other jobs 

at the site provided the operator is available when needed at 

the controls.

(4) A climber transferring between an aerial device and a 

structure shall be attached to the structure with both feet 

on the floor of the bucket or platform prior to making the 

transfer. The employee shall not be connected to the aerial 

device while attaching to the structure. The unattached time 

shall be kept to a minimum.

(5) There shall be a second qualified climber present at the 

location at any time this procedure is performed. The second 

qualified climber requirement does not apply while working 

on substation equipment at heights of less than 4 feet.

h. The body belt and safety strap will continue to be standard 

equipment for all journeymen employees and apprentices. As 

vendors develop acceptable designs, the use of the full body 

harness will be evaluated. See PSMM chapter 2, Section 6.3 

(latest revision).

i. When working from an aerial device, bucket, or platform, a 

full body harness in conjunction with a shock absorbing or 

retractable lanyard must be used. A lineman’s body belt may be 

worn with a full body harness.

j. Using bushings on substation equipment for anchorages or 

climbing is not recommended. The use of SF6 breaker bushings 

as an anchorage is not permitted.

k. Unqualified climbers must remain 100 percent attached and 

shall climb under the direction and observation of a qualified 

climber.

l. Crossarms shall not be walked unless attached to an engineered 

anchorage system.

m. During climbing activities above 4 feet, at least two qualified 

climbers shall be present. Exception: employees working in 

substations may use a ladder to inspect equipment or read 

gauges as long as the employee does not encroach minimum 
118 

approach distances to live parts (Appendix A, Table A-1) or 

get off the ladder above the ground level.

16.2 HOOK LADDERS.

a. Equip hook ladders both insulated and non-insulated with 

nonconductive safety ropes along both outside rails.

b. Secure the safety chains on both hooks.

c. Place your safety strap around the ladder ensuring that it 

goes between at least one of the ropes and rail. Secure safety 

strap to a ladder rung when in a working position and when 

the ladder is being moved. Any alternate approved fall arrest 

system is acceptable as protection.

NOTE: Provide non-skid materials on suspended ladder rungs. 

Ladders without abrasive material on the rungs shall not be 

used.

16.3 EQUIPMENT.

a. Emergency rescue equipment shall be available prior to 

ascending structure/equipment.

b. Climbing equipment is to be properly stored and protected 

according to the manufacturer’s standards when not in use.

c. Synthetic materials and hardware of fall protection equipment 

shall be inspected prior to use. Defective equipment shall 

immediately be removed from service.

d. 100 percent leather positioning straps and line-worker’s body 

belt buckle straps (without wear indicators) shall not be used.

e. Lanyards shall not be knotted while in use.

f. Lanyards shall not be attached back onto themselves unless a 

carabiner or ladder hook is used.

g. Snaphooks or carabiners on all lanyards and positioning straps 

shall be of the double action locking type.

h. Pole climbers may not be used if the gaffs are less than 1-1/4 

inches in length as measured on the underside of the gaff. The 

gaffs of pole climbers shall be covered with gaff protectors 

when not being used.

i. Fall arrest equipment shall be attached at a location that limits 

the free fall distance to six feet or less with a shock absorbing 

lanyard.
119

j. Fall arrest equipment receiving an impact from a fall shall be 

removed from service. The equipment shall be returned to the 

manufacturer for repair, repaired by a competent person using 

a qualified facility, or shall be destroyed.

k. Full body harnesses shall be designed to distribute a majority 

of the load across the buttocks.

l. Only energy absorbers with shock force indicators shall be 

used.

m. Self retracting lifelines shall be permanently marked with 

the manufacturers name, model number, rating, and date of 

manufacture.

n. The connection between the slider and the attachment point 

on a body belt or full body harness on fixed ladder safety 

climbing systems shall not exceed 9 inches.

o. Boom straps used for fall protection shall be of sufficient 

design to withstand a static load of 5,000 pounds or twice 

the maximum anticipated impact load and meet ANSI Z359.1 

requirements.
120
Written Work

Procedures,

Job Hazard

Analysis and

Special Work

Permits

SECTION 17

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION

PROPOSED REVISION

POWER SYSTEM SAFETY MANUAL

Type of Suggested Revision Addition, Deletion, Rewarding, Other Revision.

 (Circle appropriate description)

Section Number ______________ Paragraph Number ________________ Subparagraph _____________

OLD WORDING OF AFFECTED PART ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

SUGGESTED NEW WORDING ____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

JUSTIFICATION FOR REVISION ___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Revision recommended by ________________________________________________________________

 Name

 ________________________________ ____________________________

 Mail Code Date

(If additional space is needed, attach necessary pages)

Please return to Area Safety Manager with copy to: Safety Manager A7400

 Western Area Power Administration

 P.O. Box 3402

 Golden, Colorado 80401

17.1 Written Work Procedures

17.2 Job Hazard Analysis

17.3 Special Work Permits

4CONTENTS
122 

SECTION 17

WRITTEN WORK PROCEDURES, JOB HAZARD 

ANALYSIS AND SPECIAL WORK PERMITS

17.1 WRITTEN WORK PROCEDURES

a. Written work procedures shall be prepared for unusual, unique, 

or complicated work activities where a step-by-step process 

is essential for the worker(s). These written work procedures 

may be prepared by the supervisor in consultation with the 

employees involved as a part of and included with a Job 

Hazard Analysis (JHA). Alternatively, they may be written as 

a separate document for repetitive type tasks or incorporated 

into the JHA. Second line or higher supervisors may participate 

in the preparation or review of the written work procedures as 

deemed necessary to help ensure safe performance of the task. 

While development of a written work procedure is encouraged 

wherever it will enhance safety or efficiency, written work 

procedures for the following tasks are mandatory:

(1) Live-line maintenance activities where energized parts are 

handled by barehand methods or supported by insulated 

tools, or aircraft.

(2) Use of materials classified by their material safety data sheet 

(MSDS) as highly toxic or extremely hazardous.

(3) Work in confined or enclosed spaces requiring use of 

breathing apparatus, testing for toxic atmospheres, or 

continuous monitoring of oxygen supply.

(4) Work in excavations more than four feet deep in which a 

collapsing wall may trap employees within or cause vehicles 

or buildings to collapse into the excavation.

(5) For high voltage and high power testing performed in 

shops, substations, and field on electrical transmission and 

distribution equipment. Does not apply to hot sticks and 

personal grounds.

(6) Other activities as required by the Region.

b. Written work procedures prepared as a separate document shall 

contain as a minimum the following information:
123

(1) Title to identify the specific activity to be performed. Clearly 

state the intended objective.

(2) Date prepared or date of last revision.

(3) A complete list of the separate tasks listed in the specific 

order of their accomplishment.

(4) A list of special equipment and tools required.

(5) Signature of preparer.

(6) Signature of reviewer, if applicable.

17.2 JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

These are the basic JHA requirements. Further guidelines are provided in 

Western’s PSMM Chapter 12 (latest version).

a. A JHA is a study of a job or activity to (1) identify hazards 

or potential accidents associated with each step or task and 

(2) develop solutions that will eliminate, modify, or prevent 

such hazards or accidents. For simple tasks, the JHA may 

be a thought process for a single employee task; it may be 

an oral discussion as part of a tailgate safety meeting; (see 

Section 2.2) or it may be an oral discussion among a supervisor 

and employees when work is assigned at the shop prior to 

departure.

While an oral JHA may suffice for simple tasks, a written 

document is strongly encouraged for all crew type work. 

The written JHA should be prepared by the Supervisor in 

consultation with the employees. It also may involve second 

level or higher supervision as in the case of a separate written 

work procedure. In all cases the analysis shall include those 

participating in the task. A written JHA shall be prepared for 

the following tasks.

(1) Tasks which require a written work procedure.

(2) Tasks which involve safety rule modifications as allowed 

under paragraph 1.4.a.

(3) Other activities as required by the Region.

(4) Tasks which a positive fall protection system can not be 

achieved.

b. The written JHA shall be documented on a suitable form and 

shall contain as a minimum the following information.

(1) Date.
124 

(2) Identification of Employee Group(s).

(3) Identification of work site.

(4) Narrative description of work to be accomplished.

(5) List of identified hazards and how to minimize or eliminate, 

including specific personal protective equipment.

(6) Special instructions or limitations.

(7) List of all special equipment and tools.

(8) Sequence of steps or, when required, a detailed step-by-step 

work procedure.

(9) Signature or initials of all participants.

17.3 SPECIAL WORK PERMITS

Special Work permits provide a means of communication and tracking 

conditions affecting contractor and/or non-Western forces working on 

or near Western’s facilities and equipment. The permit identifies the 

limits and conditions of the safe working area by documenting points of 

protection and using sketches and/or single-line diagrams as necessary. 

The permit identifies and documents potential hazards that could affect 

the working area.

Special Work Permits are required any time a contractor or non-Western 

organization performs construction or maintenance activities on or 

near Western equipment, where contact with equipment or violation 

of established minimum approach distances (See Appendix B) could 

occur. Western’s Authorized Representative will determine if switching 

procedures are required, based on the needs of the Contractor’s 

Authorized Representative. When switching procedures are necessary, 

Western’s Authorized Representative will request and hold the Clearance 

or HLO.

Work shall not proceed until Western’s Authorized Representative has 

issued a Special Work Permit. Nor shall any work be conducted in any 

area not specifically covered by the Special Work Permit.

17.3.1 The Contractor’s Authorized Representative Shall:

(a) Know and understand the procedures of this section (Special 

Work Permits) of PSSM Chapter 17 or Western’s Guide 

Specifications/Western Standard Paragraph.

(b) Communicate his needs to Western’s Authorized 

Representative, including a detailed plan for accomplishing 

work.
125

(c) Initiate the request for Western’s Authorized Representative 

to arrange necessary switching.

(d) Obtain appropriate Clearances or Hot Line Orders from 

non-Western entities when working in proximity to those 

Non-Western facilities and equipment. In some cases 

Non-Western Entities may require Western to obtain the 

Clearance or Hot Line Order.

(e) Remain on the job site while work is being performed under 

Special Work Permit.

(f) Report any unusual conditions to Western’s Authorized 

Representative and record them on the Special Work Permit.

(g) Ensure that all contractor personnel abide by the boundaries 

and conditions of the Special Work Permit

17.3.2 Western’s Authorize Representative Shall:

(a) Obtain Clearance and Hot Line Orders as appropriate, 

in coordination with the Contractor’s Authorized 

Representative.

(b) Prepare the Special Work Permit for inspection and signature 

by Western’s and Contractor’s Authorized Representative.

17.3.3 Procedures For Establishing A Special Work Permit

(a) The Contractor’s Authorized Representative shall 

communicate a plan for accomplishing work to Western’s 

Authorized Representative.

(b) Western’s Authorized Representative shall determine the 

need for and obtain the Clearance or Hot Line Order in 

accordance with PSOM Chapter 1.

(c) Western’s Authorized Representative shall prepare a Special 

Work Permit in duplicate. (Appendix F)

(d) Western’s Authorized Representative shall review the 

Special Work Permit, including the limits of the switching 

procedure, any proposed location and placement of personal 

protective grounds, and any unusual conditions, with the 

Contractor’s Authorized Representative.

(e) Western’s and the Contractor’s Authorized Representative 

shall inspect the work site together, to verify the adequacy of 

the information on the Special Work Permit and associated 

switching procedures.
126

(f) Western’s and the Contractor’s Authorized Representative 

shall sign both copies of the Special Work Permit at the work 

site, thereby authorizing the Contractor to proceed with 

work. Both parties shall retain a copy of the Special Work 

Permit.

NOTE: If Western’s Authorized Representative observes that 

the contractor is not sufficiently knowledgeable or equipped 

to apply grounds properly, he may request that competent 

Western Personnel install the required grounding.

17.3.4 Release Of A Special Work Permit And Switching 

Procedures

(a) Contractors Authorized Representative shall sign all copies 

of the Special Work Permit, certifying that all personnel 

have been informed of the intent to release and are in 

the clear, that all protective grounds, if applicable, and 

barricades have been removed.

(b) Western’s Authorized Representative shall ensure that the 

equipment installed or modified is satisfactory for service 

or energization or is in safe condition for the action to be 

released.

(c) Western’s Authorized Representative shall report the 

condition of the equipment to the Operations Supervisor and 

inform him that the Special Work Permit has been released.

(d) Western’s Authorized Representative shall release the 

switching order in accordance with PSOM Chapter 1.

17.3.5 Transfer Of Responsibility For Work Performed Under 

A Special Work Permit

Should it be necessary to transfer the responsibility for the work under a 

Special Work Permit from one Western’s or the Contractor’s Authorized 

Representative to another, a new Special Work Permit shall be issued 

to the new representative before the existing permit is released. If the 

previous representative is not available to release the previous permit, 

the new Authorized Representative shall sign the release of the previous 

Special Work Permit.
Lockout/

Tagout

SECTION 18

18.1 General

18.2 Covered Equipment

18.3 Sequence of LOTO

4CONTENTS
128 

SECTION 18

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT

18.1 GENERAL

This section establishes the minimum requirements for lockout and 

tagout (LOTO) of energy isolating devices whenever maintenance or 

servicing is done on machines, equipment, or systems operated at less 

than 600 volts.

It shall be used to ensure the machine, equipment, or systems are 

stopped; are isolated from all potentially hazardous energy sources; 

are locked/tagged-out before employees perform any servicing or 

maintenance where the unexpected energization or start-up of the 

machine, equipment, or systems or the release of stored energy 

could cause injury. Further guidance on LOTO procedures, training 

requirements and LOTO equipment can be found in Chapter XI of WAPA 

Order 3790.1, latest revision.

18.2 COVERED EQUIPMENT

a. This LOTO section DOES apply to the following:

(1) All equipment, electrical circuits, and machines (including 

hydraulics, pneumatics, and stored energy) located in 

manned facilities, shops, and garages, including equipment 

directly associated with the transmission or distribution of 

electrical power at 600 volts or less.

(2) All equipment and machines located in substations and 

switch yards which are supplied by the station service 

transformer or alternate power supplies, such as but 

not limited to lighting, HVAC systems and ventilation 

equipment.

(3) All construction and contractor activities at Western owned 

sites and facilities.

b. This LOTO section DOES NOT cover the following:

(1) Equipment and circuits with voltage levels below 50 volts to 

ground, if there is no increased exposure to electrical burns 

or explosions due to electrical arcs.
129

(2) Equipment (greater than 600 volts) directly associated 

with electrical power generation, transmission, distribution 

installations and metering equipment located in buildings 

or outdoors. For this equipment, refer to Chapter 1 of the 

PSOM.

18.3 SEQUENCE OF LOTO

a. The following requirements shall be met in the order given:

(1) Notify affected individuals that maintenance work is to be 

performed on a machine, equipment and/or system.

(2) Identify the type and magnitude of the energy, understand 

the hazards and know the methods to control the energy.

(3) Shutdown the machine, equipment and/or system.

(4) Switch-off or deactivate the energy isolating device(s) at the 

energy source.

(5) Dissipate and restrain stored or residual energy such as 

that in capacitors; inductors; spring-charged equipment; 

elevated machine members; rotating flywheels; or hydraulic, 

pneumatic, steam, or water pressure systems; by methods 

such as grounding, repositioning, blocking, bleeding-down, 

etc.

(6) Lock and tag the energy isolating device(s).

(7) Verify that the machine, equipment and /or system is at a 

zero-energy state.

b. The following verification steps shall be taken before work can 

begin:

(1) Check that other personnel are safely positioned and not 

exposed.

(2) Operate the control(s) to verify isolation of equipment.

(3) Return operating control(s) to a “neutral” or “off” position 

after verifying isolation of equipment.

(4) Test equipment shall be used to ensure that electrical parts 

and circuit elements are deenergized.

a. Test instruments and equipment shall be visually 

inspected for external defects or damage before being 

used to determine deenergization.
130 

b. Test equipment shall be checked for proper operation 

immediately before the test. Voltage testing equipment 

must be capable of reading “0” volts. (A “WIGGINS” 

TYPE VOLTAGE TESTER IS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR THIS 

VERIFICATION).

(5) The machine, equipment and /or system is now locked/

tagged out.

c. The following steps shall be taken to restore equipment to 

service even temporarily:

(1) The employee shall conduct tests and visual inspections, as 

necessary, to verify that all tools, electrical jumpers. shorts, 

grounds, and other devices, such as blocks, wedges, etc., 

have been removed so the circuits, equipment, or machine 

can be safely energized or placed in service.

(2) The removal of some forms of blocking may require 

reenergizing of the machine before safe removal

(3) Check work area to ensure that all employees have been 

safely positioned or removed from the area.

(4) Potentially exposed employees shall be warned to stay clear 

of circuits and equipment prior to reenergizing.

(5) Verify, at the equipment, that controls are in the “NEUTRAL” 

or “OFF” position.

(6) Remove the lock and tag at the energy source(s) and proceed 

to energize the circuit, electrical equipment, or machine at 

the energy source. (main breakers, branch breaker, etc.)

(7) Ensure that equipment or machine is functioning 

satisfactorily.

(8) Notify affected individuals that the servicing or 

maintenance is completed and the machine or equipment is 

ready for use or in service.
131

APPENDIX A

Table A-1, Minimum Approach Distance to Live Parts for Electrical Workers

Columns (a) = Phase-to-ground (ft - in) Columns (b) = Phase-to-phase (ft - in)

Altitude Voltage in kilovolts phase-to-phase Altitude adjustment 

negligible for 

voltages below 

72.6 kV

(ft) (m) .301 to.750 .751 to 15.0 15.1 to 36.0 36.1 to 46.0 46.1 to 72.5

(a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b)

All 1’0” 1’0” 2’2” 2’3” 2’7” 2’10” 2’9” 3’2” 3’3” 3’11”

72.6 to 121 138 to 145 161 to 169 230 to 242 345 to 362 500 to 550

3,000 900 3’2” 4’3” 3’7” 4’11” 4’0” 5’8” 5’3” 7’6” 8’6” 12’6” 11’3” 18’1”4,000 1,200 3’3” 4’4” 3’8” 5’0” 4’1” 5’10’ 5’4” 7’8” 8’8” 12’9” 11’6” 18’5”5,000 1,500 3’3” 4’5” 3’9” 5’2” 4’2” 5’11” 5’6” 7’10” 8’11” 13’1” 11’10” 19’0”6,000 1,800 3’4” 4’7” 3’10” 5’3” 4’3” 6’1” 5’7” 8’1” 9’2” 13’5” 12’1’ 19’6”7,000 2,100 3’5” 4’8” 3’11” 5’5” 4’4” 6’2” 5’9” 8’3” 9’4” 13’10” 12’5” 20’0”8,000 2,400 3’6” 4’9” 4’0” 5’6” 4’5” 6’4” 5’11” 8’5” 9’7” 14’2” 12’9” 20’6”9,000 2,700 3’7” 4’10” 4’1” 5’7” 4’7” 6’6” 6’0” 8’8” 9’10” 14’6” 13’0” 21’0”

10,000 3,000 3’8” 4’11” 4’2” 5’9” 4’8” 6’8” 6’2” 8’10’ 10’0” 14’10” 13’4” 21’6”12,000 3,600 3’9” 5’1” 4’3” 5’11” 4’9” 6’10” 6’4” 9’2” 10’5” 15’5” 13’10” 22’5”14,000 4,200 3’10” 5’3” 4’5” 6’1” 4’11” 7’1” 6’7” 9’6” 10’9” 16’0” 14’4” 23’3”

*7’6” *11’6”

NOTE: If there is a need for reduced minimum approach distances (values less than those stated above), an engineering study shall be conducted and 

documented stating the maximum transient overvoltage, the reduced minimum approach distance, and the required operating conditions of the line, for the line being worked on. Maintain at least 2’2” from insulated OGW unless they are grounded.

* These values are specific to the COTP transmission line with portable protection gaps properly installed. Altitude correction is not required with 

portable protective gaps in 

4CONTENTS
132 

APPENDIX A

Table A-2

Close Proximity Distances to Live Parts for Electrical Workers

Voltage in kV 

Phase to Phase

Distance (Phase to Ground) to Energized Equipment

Closer than this Distance Up to this Distance*

.751 to 15 10’ 2’2”

15.1 to 36 10’ 2’7”

36.1 to 46 10’ 2’9”

46.1 to 72.5 10’ 3’3”

72.6 to 121 10’8” 3’2”

138 to 145 11’4” 3’7”

161 to 169 11’8” 4’

230 to 242 13’ 5’3”

345 to 362 15’4” 8’6”

500 to 550 19’ 11’3”

* Distances in this column are subject to altitude adjustment corrections. For altitude 

correction, refer to Table A-1

Table A-3

Minimum Approach Distance to Live Parts for Vehicles and Mechanical 

Equipment in Transit for Electrical Workers

Voltage in kV 

Phase to Phase

Distance (Phase to Ground) to Energized Equipment

Closer than this Distance Up to this Distance*

.751 to 15 4’ 2’2”

15.1 to 36 4’ 2’7”

36.1 to 46 4’ 2’9”

46.1 to 72.5 4’ 3’3”

72.6 to 121 4’8” 3’2”

138 to 145 5’4” 3’7”

161 to 169 5’8” 4’

230 to 242 7’ 5’3”

345 to 362 9’4” 8’6”

500 to 550 13’ 11’3”

NOTE: The use of this table is only allowed under section 5.2.c.

* Distances in this column are subject to altitude adjustment corrections. For altitude 

correction, refer to Table A-1. Where distances in this column are greater than those 

in the first column (due to altitude correction), the distance in this column cannot be 

violated.
133

APPENDIX B

MINIMUM APPROACH DISTANCES TO LIVE PARTS 

FOR NON-ELECTRICAL WORKERS

TABLE B-1

MINIMUM APPROACH DISTANCE TO LIVE PARTS 

FOR NON-ELECTRICAL WORKERS

Voltage in kilovolts Phase-to-Phase Electrical Distance Phase-to-Ground (ft-in)

0 to 90 10 - 0

91 to 121 10 – 8

138 to 145 11 – 4

161 to 169 11 – 8

230 to 242 13 – 0

345 to 362 15 – 4

500 to 550 19 - 0

TABLE B-2

MINIMUM APPROACH DISTANCE TO LIVE PARTS FOR VEHICLES AND 

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT IN TRANSIT

Voltage in kilovolts Phase-to-Phase Electrical Distance Phase-to-Ground (ft-in)

0 to 90 4 - 0

91 to 121 4 – 8

138 to 145 5 – 4

161 to 169 5 – 8

230 to 242 7 – 0

345 to 362 9 – 4

500 to 550 13 - 0

NOTE: Table B-2 is derived from OSHA standard 1910.333 (C) (3) (iii) and is only to be 

used for a vehicle in transit with its structure lowered.

4CONTENTS
134 

RAISE BOOM. Arm extended, fingers 

closed, thumb pointing upward.

HOIST. With forearm vertical, forefinger 

pointing up, move hand in small 

horizontal circle.

RAISE THE BOOM AND LOWER THE 

LOAD. With arm extended, thumb 

pointing up, flex fingers in and out as 

long as load movement is desired.

LOWER BOOM. Arm extended, fingers 

closed, thumb pointing downward.

LOWER. With arm extended downward, 

forefinger pointing down, move hand in 

small horizontal circles.

LOWER THE BOOM AND RAISE THE LOAD. 

With arm extended, thumb pointing down, 

flex fingers in and out as long as load 

movement is desired.

APPENDIX C

RECOMMENDED CRANE HAND SIGNALS

4CONTENTS
135

TRAVEL. (One Track) Lock the track on side 

indicated by raised fist. Travel opposite track 

in direction indicated by circular motion of 

other fist, rotated vertically in front of body. 

(For crawler cranes only)

TRAVEL. (Both Tracks) Use both fists, 

in front of body, making a circular motion, 

about each other, indicating direction 

of travel; forward or backward. 

(For crawler cranes only)

TRAVEL. Arm extended forward, hand 

open and slightly raised, make pushing 

motion in direction of travel.

MOVE SLOWLY. Use one hand to give 

any motion signal and place other hand 

motionless in front of hand giving the 

motion signal. (Hoist slowly shown 

as example)

DOG EVERYTHING. Clasp hands in 

front of body.

EMERGENCY STOP. Arm extended, palm 

down, move hand rapidly right and left.
136 

USE WHIP LINE. (Auxilliary Hoist)

Tap elbow with one hand; then use 

regular signals.

USE MAIN HOIST. Tap fist on head; 

then use regular signals.

SWING. Arm extended point with finger

in direction of swing of boom.

ONE HAND SIGNALS

STOP all

movement

EXTEND 

BOOM

RETRACT 

BOOM

RETRACT 

BOOM

EXTEND 

BOOM

STOP all

movement

TWO HAND SIGNALS
137

APPENDIX D

HELICOPTER HAND SIGNALS

LAND. Arms crossed in front of body 

and pointing downward with back to 

prevailing wind.

SHUT OFF MACHINE. Slash across 

throat.

CLEAR TO START ENGINE. Left hand 

behind belt line in back. Right hand 

circles clockwise with forearm vertical.

MOVE DOWNWARD. Arms extended, 

palms down, arms sweeping down.

MOVE LEFT. Right arm horizontal, 

left arm sweeps upward to position 

over head.

MOVE FORWARD. Combination of arm 

and hand movement in a collecting 

motion pulling toward body.

4CONTENTS
138 

MOVE RIGHT. Left arm horizontal. 

Right arm sweeps upward to position 

over head.

HOLD - HOVER. Place arms over head 

with clenched fists.

MOVE REARWARD. Hands above arm, 

palms out using a shoving motion.

TAKE OFF. Right hand behind back, 

Left hand pointing up.

MOVE UPWARD. Palms up; 

arms sweeping up palms.

RELEASE SLING LOAD. Left arm down 

away from body. Right arm cuts across 

left arm in a slashing movement from 

above.
139

APPENDIX E

METRIC CONVERSION FACTORS

The following metric conversion factors are presented in International 

System of Units (SI) to facilitate conversion of the United States 

customary (inch-pound) units of measure.1,2

Length:

1 inch = 25.4 millimeters

1 foot = 304.8 millimeters

1 yard = 0.9144 meter

Area:

1 square inch = 6.45 square centimeters

1 square foot = 0.093 square meters

Volume/Capacity:

1 cubic inch = 16.39 cubic centimeters

1 quart = 0.946 liter

1 gallon = 3.785 liters

Velocity:

1 mile per hour = 1.61 kilometers per hour

1 foot per minute = 0.3048 meters per minute

Mass:

1 pound = 0.454 kilogram

Force:

1 pound = 4.45 newtons

1 Nominal conversions: For noncritical dimensions, nominal conversion 

factors may be used. Examples of this are:

1 inch = 25 millimeters

1 foot = 300 millimeters

1 yard = 1 meter

1 pound/inch2 = 7 kPa

4CONTENTS
140 

2 Converting maximum/minimum dimensions: To ensure exact 

compliance with slated maximum or minimum dimensions, dimensions 

converted to metric units shall be rounded in the conservative direction 

(i.e., maximum values should be rounded downward and minimum 

values should be rounded upward).

Light Intensity:

1 footcandle = 10.76 lux

Flow:

1 gallon per minute = 3.785 liters per minute

Power:

1 horsepower = 746 watts

Temperature:

Temp °F = 1.8 (Temp °C) + 32

Temp °C = (Temp °F - 32)/1.8

Pressure:

1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kilopascals

1 pound per square foot = 48 pascals

Loadings, mass:

lb/ft2 = 4.88 kilograms per square meter
141

APPENDIX F SPECIAL WORK PERMIT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION

SPECIAL WORK PERMIT

NUMBER_______________

_______________

SOLICITATION NO. _______________

A POWER SYSTEM (CLEARANCE) (HOT LINE ORDER) HAS BEEN ISSUED 

ON THE FOLLOWING FACILITY. (CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX)

TO PERMIT WORK BY CONTRACTOR FORCES. THE UNDERSIGNED HAVE DISCUSSED THE 

WORK TO BE DONE, REVIEWED THE DETAILS OF THE ABOVE LISTED PROTECTIVE ACTION FOR 

ADEQUACY, AND DEFINED THE LIMITS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SAFE WORKING AREA. THE 

LIMITS OF THE SAFE WORKING AREA ARE AS FOLLOWS:

NOTE: Draw sketches and/or single line diagrams on reverse side showing safe working limits and 

hazards if applicable.

 CLEARANCE NO. ____________________________________________

(Signature)

 HOT LINE ORDER DATE _________ TIME _________ AGENCY EMPLOYEE HOLDING ACTION

This Work Permit issued at the worksite Date ______________ Time ______________ and the 

contractor is authorized to proceed with the work in the area designated above.

(Signature) (Signature)

CONTRACTOR’S AUTHORIZED AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE

REPRESENTATIVE AT THE WORKSITE IN CHARGE AT THE WORKSITE

RELEASE OF SPECIAL WORK PERMIT

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT ALL PROTECTIVE GROUNDS AND BARRIERS HAVE BEEN

REMOVED AND THAT ALL PERSONNEL ARE CLEAR OF THE AREA COVERED 

BY THIS WORK PERMIT.

CONTRACTOR’S AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE (SIGNATURE)

DATE TIME

O&M COPY

CONSTRUCTION COPY

CONTRACTOR COPY

OTHER

4CONTENTS
142 

APPENDIX G

DEFINITIONS

Accident - An unplanned but not necessarily injurious or damaging event 

which interrupts the completion of an activity and is invariably preceded by 

an unsafe act and/or unsafe or unhealthful condition.

Aerial Device - Any piece of equipment utilizing a bucket or platform to 

place the worker(s) at an elevated worksite.

Anchorage - A secure means of attachment to which the fall protection 

system is connected.

Approved - A method, equipment, procedure, practice, tool, etc., which is 

sanctioned, consented to, confirmed, or accepted as good or satisfactory for 

a particular purpose or use by a person or organization authorized to make 

such a judgment.

Authorized Individual - A selected person who has been properly trained, 

tested, and certified to perform, and is currently involved in, the action 

being accomplished.

Barricade - A physical obstruction such as tapes, cones, or A-frame type 

wood or metal structures intended to provide a warning about and to limit 

access to a hazardous area.

Barrier - A physical obstruction which is intended to prevent contact with 

energized lines or equipment or to prevent unauthorized access to a work 

area.

Bond - The electrical interconnection of conductive parts designed to 

maintain a common electrical potential.

Bracket Grounds - Two sets of personal protective grounds placed apart 

from each other on a transmission line that allows a crew(s) to work a 

line section while it is physically on the ground without having personal 

protective grounds in place at the work site.

Carabiner - A connector component generally comprised of a trapezoidal or 

oval shaped body with a normally closed gate or similar arrangement which 

may be opened to permit the body to receive an object, and when released, 

automatically closes to retain the object.

Certified - A person who possesses a valid certificate, issued by a recognized 

authority, attesting that he has satisfactorily completed tests as to his 

knowledge and skill to safely perform in a specific field of endeavor.

4CONTENTS
143

Clearance - A statement with documentation from the Operations 

Supervisor to the Clearance Supervisor declaring that the equipment to be 

worked on has been deenergized and isolated from all sources of primary 

system energy.

Clearance Supervisor - An authorized individual who receives and releases 

a switching procedure and who is responsible for meeting the requirements 

of Chapter 1, PSOM, during the clearance. The Clearance Supervisor is 

responsible to ensure that the Clearance protection provided is adequate. 

The Clearance Supervisor is not required to be the supervisor in charge of 

the job.

Close Proximity - The distance as defined in Table A-2.

Codes - Rules and standards which have been adopted by a governmental 

agency as mandatory regulations having the force and effect of law. Also 

used to describe a body of standards.

Commercial Motor Vehicle - A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating 

(GVWR) or gross combination weight rating, (vehicle plus trailer), or gross 

vehicle weight or gross combination weight, (vehicle plus trailer) of 10,001 

pounds or more whichever is greater: or is used in transporting hazardous 

material as defined under 49USC 5103 and transported in a quantity 

requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of 

Transportation under 49 CFR, subtitle B, chapter 1, subchapter C. 

Competent Person - One who, because of training, experience, and authority 

is capable of identifying and correcting hazardous or dangerous conditions.

Conductive Hose - Fuel or oil handling hose with continuous metal braid 

from attachment to attachment.

Contractor – A non-Western construction or maintenance organization 

responsible to Western for the work.

Contractor’s Authorized Representative – An employee of the contractor 

who is designated and authorized responsibility by the contractor to 

coordinate, receive and release Special Work Permits. The Contractor’s 

Authorized Representative is responsible for the work covered by the Special 

Work Permit.

Damage - Loss in value, usefulness, etc., to property or things. Harm causing 

any material loss.

Danger - A general term denoting liability or potential of injury, illness, 

damage, loss or pain.

Deenergized - Removed from its primary electrical source of energy by 

opening load current interrupting devices.
144 

NOTE: The circuit may have a static or induced charge and shall be 

considered energized until isolated and grounded.

Defect - An unsafe or unwanted physical condition of material or an 

inherent or created weakness.

Electrical Worker - A worker who has received, as part of a training 

program, formal instruction and training in the electrical systems and the 

associated hazards.

Energy (shock) Absorber - A component whose primary function is to 

dissipate energy and limit deceleration forces on the body during fall arrest.

Engineer - One who, by possession of a recognized degree or current 

engineering registration certificate, and who by knowledge, training, and 

expertise has successfully demonstrated the ability to design or analyze 

electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or structural equipment and systems and 

their proper applications.

Equipment - Any machine, device, or apparatus (either electrical, 

mechanical, or hydraulic) including electrical circuits, transmission lines, 

piping systems, and waterways.

Fall Arrest System - The assemblage of equipment such as a full body 

harness in conjunction with a shock absorbing lanyard to limit the forces a 

worker experiences during a fall from one elevation to another.

Fall Prevention System - A system intended to prevent a worker from 

falling from one elevation to another. Fall Protection System - A fall 

prevention or arrest system consisting of three integral parts: an anchorage, 

a body attachment device, and a means of connecting a body attachment 

device to the anchorage.

General Switching - Switching performed for line sectionalization or 

system (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, etc.) rearrangement for testing 

and/or changes in operating conditions. Such operations are not normally 

associated with clearances, HLOs or special conditions.

Ground - A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, 

between an electric circuit or equipment and the earth, or to some 

conducting body that serves in place of the earth.

Grounded - Connected to earth or to some conducting body that serves in 

place of the earth.

Grounded System - Includes the deenergized and grounded conductor and 

all conductive items bonded to it, i.e. guy wires, structure and overhead 

ground wires, metal structure members, ground rods, vehicles, etc.

Groundman - A person working at ground level in support of a lineman or 

electrician working aloft.
145

Guarded - Covered, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected, by means 

of suitable covers or casings, barrier rails or screens, mats, or platforms, 

designed to minimize the possibility, under normal conditions, of dangerous 

approach or accidental contact by persons or objects.

NOTE: Wires which are insulated, but not otherwise protected, are not 

considered as guarded.

Hazard - That dangerous condition, potential or inherent, which can bring 

about an interruption or interference with the expected orderly progress of 

an activity.

Hazard Analysis - A study of a job or activity to (1) identify hazards or 

potential accidents associated with each step or task, and (2) develop 

solutions that will eliminate, nullify, or prevent such hazards or accidents. 

The job hazard analysis should be an integral part of the written procedures 

for specific work activities. May be an oral discussion when tasks allows.

Hazardous Condition - The physical condition or circumstance which is or 

could be casually related to an accident occurrence.

Hazardous Materials - Materials possessing a relatively high potential for 

harmful effects upon persons.

High-power - Tests in which fault currents, load currents, magnetizing 

currents, and line-dropping currents are used to test equipment, either at the 

equipment’s rated voltage or at lower voltages.

High-voltage - Tests in which voltages of approximately 1000 volts are 

used as a practical minimum and in which the voltage source has sufficient 

energy to cause injury.

Hot Line Order - A statement with documentation from the Operations 

Supervisor to the HLO Supervisor that the automatic reclosing is turned 

off and that the equipment covered by the hot line order will not be 

intentionally reenergized until contact has been made with the HLO 

Supervisor.

HLO Supervisor - An authorized individual who receives and releases a 

switching procedure and who is responsible for meeting the requirements 

of Chapter 1, PSOM, during the HLO. The HLO Supervisor is responsible 

to ensure that the Hot Line Order perimeter provided is adequate. Injury 

(occupational) - Any hurt, harm, or impairment to the body which arises out 

of, or in the course of, employment.

Isolated - The circuit is isolated when all switches, disconnectors, jumpers, 

taps, or other means through which known sources of electrical energy may 

be supplied to the particular lines and equipment have been opened on a 

deenergized electrical circuit or equipment.
146 

NOTE: the circuit may have a static or induced charge and shall be 

considered as energized until grounded.

Job Hazard Analysis - See section 17 or Hazard Analysis definition.

Jobsite - The assembly point at the structure or equipment where the 

workers, tools, and vehicles are assembled to perform the work activity.

Jumper - A conductive tool used to maintain electric continuity across 

equipment, or a conductor that shall be opened mechanically to enable 

various operations of live work to be performed.

Lineman - A payroll classification or title given a craftsperson whose duties 

include climbing wood poles or steel structures to perform work on electric 

power transmission and/or distribution circuits.

Management - Refers collectively to the operating office head and his staff 

and/or the Regional Manager and his staff. 

Minimum Approach Distance -Minimum Approach Distance – The closest 

distance an employee is permitted to approach an energized or ungrounded 

object.

Near Miss - An incident that could have caused injury or damage but did 

not.

Nominal Voltage - The voltage that a line or equipment is designated to be 

energized at. The actual operating voltage can vary from the nominal within 

a range that permits satisfactory operation of equipment.

Non-electrical Worker - A worker that does not meet the requirements of an 

electrical worker.

Personal Protective Equipment - Any apparel or device worn or used to 

protect the worker from exposure to, or contact with, any harmful material, 

force, or environment.

Personal Protective Ground - A portable cable designed to connect a 

deenergized conductor, piece of equipment, or both to an electrical ground 

at the worksite.

Personal Protective Grounding - The installation of personal protective 

grounds (normally in a three phase short) at the worksite.

Primary System Energy - Electrical energy above 600 volts. Operating 

energy (pneumatic, hydraulic, spring or other stored energy), and control 

or annunciator power sources, are not considered primary system energy 

but are the responsibility of the supervisor to be aware of and provide 

protection against, if required, for the work to be accomplished.
147

Procedure - A course of action by which work is initiated, performed, 

controlled and completed. A procedure establishes what action is required, 

who is required to act, and when the action is to take place.

Procedural Live-line Work - Crew type maintenance activities for which 

formal hotstick and/or barehand written procedures have been established.

Qualified Climber - A worker who, by reason of training and experience, 

understands the methods and has routinely demonstrated proficiency in 

climbing and in knowledge of the hazards and equipment associated with 

climbing with respect to his profession based on supervisor’s assessment in 

concurrence with the next higher level supervisor.

Qualified Employee - One knowledgeable in the construction and operation 

of the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution equipment 

involved, along with the associated hazards.

NOTE 1: An employee must have the training required by DOL/OSHA 

1910.269 (a)(2)(ii) in order to be considered a qualified employee.

NOTE 2: Except under DOL/OSHA 1910.269 (g)(2)(v), an employee 

who is undergoing on-the-job training and who, in the course of 

such training, has demonstrated an ability to perform duties safely 

at his or her level of training and who is under the direct supervision 

of a qualified person is considered to be a qualified person for the 

performance of those duties.

Regulation - A rule, ordinance, law, or device by which conduct or 

performance is controlled.

Safe - Relatively free from danger, injury, or damage or from the risk of 

danger, etc.

Safety - The art of performing any activity in the most accident-free 

manner. Relatively free from hazard.

Safety Observer - A qualified electrical worker who knows and understands 

the safe rules, practices and procedures and the electrical hazards associated 

with the work being performed.

Snaphook - A connector comprised of a hook-shaped member with a 

normally closed keeper or similar arrangement, which may be opened to 

permit the hook to receive an object and, when released, automatically 

closes to retain the object.

Spiking Cables - The process of driving a grounded pin into an insulated 

electrical cable to assure it is deenergized before the insulation is opened.
148 

Step Voltage - The potential difference between two points on the earth’s 

surface separated by a distance of one pace (assumed to be one meter). This 

potential difference could be hazardous when current flows through the 

earth or material upon which a person is standing, particularly under fault 

conditions.

Supervisor - The person directly in charge of personnel at the worksite, 

regardless of payroll or operating title.

System Ground - May be the grounded structure, driven ground rod(s) 

or overhead ground wire(s) to which the de-energized circuit and other 

deenergized conductive items are bonded. (See Grounded System)

Tailgate Meeting - An on-the-job briefing, usually not documented, about 

the job to be done.

Task - A definite portion of a job assigned to or required of a person.

TLV’s (threshold limit values) - The quantity below which the effects of 

airborne substances cease to be perceptible and dangerous to nearly all 

workers who may be repeatedly exposed, day after day.

Touch Voltage - The potential difference between a grounded metallic 

structure and a point on the earth’s surface separated by a distance equal 

to the normal maximum horizontal reach (approximately one meter). This 

potential difference could be hazardous and could result from induction of 

fault conditions, or both.

Transferred Voltage - The potential difference between points on a surface 

connected by a conductive element which will greatly increase step and 

touch potentials as the distance from the source increases.

Toxic - Of, pertaining to, or caused by poison. Poisonous, harmful. 

Unauthorized Personnel - Anyone not directly involved in the work or task 

being performed

Unsafe Condition - Any physical state which deviates from that which is 

acceptable or correct in terms of its past production or potential future 

production of personal injury and/or damage to property or things. Any 

physical state which results in a reduction in the degree of safety normally 

present.

Weekly Job-Safety Planning Meeting - A documented meeting that the 

supervisor holds with his employees to discuss safety and health issues. Also 

referred to as “Tool Box Meeting.”
149

Western’s Authorized Representative – A properly qualified Operations, 

Maintenance, or Construction person, employed or contracted by Western, 

who is knowledgeable of PSOM Chapter 1 and this document’s procedures 

and certified by Western to switch, request, and receive Clearance and Hot 

line Orders and issue a Special Work Permit.

Worksite - The location on the structure or equipment where the worker is 

in position to perform the assigned work or task.

Worksite Grounding System - A worksite grounding system is one where 

all conductive objects that may be touched simultaneously, either by a 

person or conductive tool, shall be grounded and bonded together. This 

includes—but is not limited to—conductors, overhead ground wires, vehicles, 

equipment, structure grounds, guys (where isolated insulators are used, both 

sections shall be bonded to the system), and fences.
150 

APPENDIX H

ACRONYMS AND INITIALISMS

ACSR — Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced

ANSI — American National Standards Institute

ATPV — Arc Thermal Performance Value

AWG — American Wire Gauge

ASTM — American Society for Testing and Materials

COTP — California-Oregon Transmission Project

CT — Current Transformer

dBA — Weighted Noise Power in Decibels

DOE — Department of Energy

DOL — Department of Labor

DOT — Department of Transportation

FRP — Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic

GFCI — Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

GVW — Gross Vehicle Weight

HLO — Hot Line Order

ID — Inside Diameter

JHA — Job Hazard Analysis

LED — Light Emitting Diode

LEL — Lower Explosive Limit

LOTO — Lock Out Tag Out

MAD — Minimum Approach Distance

MSDS — Material Safety Data Sheet

NFPA — National Fire Protection Association

OFCS — Optical Fiber Communications System

OGW — Overhead Ground Wire

OSHA — Occupational Safety and Health Administration

PFD — Personal Floatation Device

psi — pounds per square inch

PSMM — Power System Maintenance Manual

PSOM — Power System Operations Manual

PSSM — Power System Safety Manual

SF6 — Sulfur Hexaflouride

SI — International System of Units 

(Le Systéme International d’Unites)

TLV — Threshold Limit Value

TWA — Time Weighted Average

UL — Underwriters Laboratory

4CONTENTS
151

INDEX

Item Subsection/Paragraph

A

Accident reporting 2.1d, 2.1o, 2.2o, 2.2p

Vehicles 5.1i

Acids, caustics

Fiber and synthetic rope 15.3c

Wire rope 15.2g

Aerial devices 13.3d, 14.1i, 14.2o, 14.3, 

16.1,c,f,g,i Appendix B, Table B-2

Airhoses 7.4b,g

Airless spray painting 7.9d

Arc welding 7.8, 8.5f, 8.7c

Atmospheres hazardous to life 7.9b, 8.5a,b, 17.1a(3)

A.T.V.’s 5.7, 8.2

Augered pole holes 12.2b

B

Barriers and barricades 2.2L, 5.2a(2), 5.3i, 6.3b, 7.14e(2) 

& (4), 11.1.2b(1), 11.1.2c(2&4), 

12.5a(1)

Batteries 8.1c, 11.1.3h

Blocking

Loads 15.5d(7)

Under Vehicles 5.8f

Bloodborne pathogen kits 2.2n

Body belts 1 6.1h, 16.1i, 16.3d, 16.3h

Bonding

Aerial lift 14.3b,g,i

Barehand techniques 14.2b,e, 14.3b,f,g,i, 14.4c,d

Flammable liquid containers 4.2f

Insulated ladder 14.4c,d,f

Stringing equipment 12.5.2a,b

Brush chippers 7.11

Bundled conductor 10.2k

Oil & SF6 Handling 10.8

Vehicles 10.9a, 13.1i

C

Cable (see Wire rope or Grounding cable)

Cable clips Table 15.1

Cable spiking 10.7j

Capacitor banks, grounding 10.7f, 11.13b, 18.3a(5)

Certification

Personal 7.6a, 13.1a, 14.1a

Equipment 5.3b, 15.1d

Chain saws 7.11, 8.4b&d, 8.6b, 8.7g

4CONTENTS
152 

Item Subsection/Paragraph

Chains 5.5c, 15.1b,c&d, 15.4, 16.2b

Chaps, protective 7.11b, 8.7c&g

Circuit breakers

Grounding 10.7

Entering tanks 11.1.3i

Oil filtering 10.8

Cleaners and degreasers 6.4b, 7.6a, 13.2b

Clearance distance

Equipment operation 5.2

Live-line barehand 14.2b

Personnel 10.2k

Tools 13.3c

Vehicles 13.1h,i

Live-line hotstick work 13.2f

Clearance tables Appendix A

Hot line orders 5.2b

Climbing poles 12.3a

Clothing 8.7

Clean gloves 13.3b

Contaminated

Flammable/toxic liquids 4.2c,f

CO2 systems 4.1b,c.

Combustible solvents 6.4b

Communications

More than one crew 10.2c

Wire stringing 12.5.1g

Compressed air 7.6c

Conductive footwear 8.4c, 14.3(e)

Conductive objects 13.lh, 14.2d

Conductor carts 14.2a

Contact lenses 8.3b

Conversion factors Appendix E

Coordination, crew 10.2c, 12.5.1(g)

Cranes, derricks, and hoists 5.3

Hand signals Appendix C

Crossing 12.5.3

existing circuits, highways, waterways, 

railroads, telephone lines

Current transformers 11.1.3b,4a

Cutting and welding 7.8

Cylinders, Compressed Gas 7.8g,h,i,m

D

Dangerous conditions, emergency 1.4a

Deenergized line work 12, Appendix A, Tables A-1 and A-2

Degreasers 6.4b

Derricks 5.3

Driver’s license 5.1a(1)
153

Item Subsection/Paragraph

Drowning hazard 8.11

Drugs 2.1e

Duties

Supervisors 2.2

E

Earthmoving equipment 5.6

Electric storms 14.1g

Emergency procedures 1.4a,3.0s,7.11e,14.3f, 4.3

Brush chippers 7.11e

Employee orientation 13.1a, 14.1a

Employee responsibility 2.1

Enclosed space entry 8.5b, 12.2b

Energized equipment Appendix A, Tables A-1 and A-2

Hot line tools 13.1e,f; 13.3

Pole erection and removal 13.5, Appendix A, Tables A-1

Rubber gloves 8.7e

Stringing lines 12.5

Enforcement 2.2m

Equipment

Aerial devices 14.3

Bonding/grounding 10.8, 4.2f

Defective 15.2h, 14.1f.4

Earthmoving 5.6

Farm-type tractors 5.6

Forklifts 5.4

Live-line barehand 14.1e

Cranes, derricks, hoists 5.3

Repair and maintenance 5.7

Shop tools 7.2,3,4,5

Erection and removal of poles 12.3, 13.5

Flammable liquids 7.9c, 4.1b, 4.2f

Fueling equipment 5.7c

Nonsparking tools 7.2g

Powder-actuated tools 7.5

Eye and face protection 8.3

Brush chippers 7.11

Chain saws 7.10

Eye wash fountains 8.3c

Welding 7.8

Evacuation, Emergency 4.3

F

Fall prevention 16

Falling objects 5.8f, 7.3c, 7.9i

Fire protection 4.0, Appendix A, Table A-1

Fire extinguishers 4.1, 5.9, 7.9b

Fire prevention/protection 4.0

Hand tools 7.3g
154 

Item Subsection/Paragraph

Oil filtering 10.8a.1

Paint and varnish 7.10c

Vehicles 5.9a

Welding 7.9

First aid 2.2n, 3.1p

Flagging 8.7f, 5.5b

Flammable liquids 4.2e, 6.4b, 7.9c

Paints, varnishes, thinners 7.10b

Storage and use 6.4a

Welding cylinders 7.9

Flotation device (PFD) 8.11

Fluorescent clothing 8.7f

Footwear 8.4

Forklift trucks 5.4

Fueling equipment 5.8c

Fuse tongs 11.1.3f

G

Gas cylinders 7.9

Gas welding and cutting 7.9

Gasoline 4.2.c

Gloves 6.1b, 8.7d, 8.8a(1)

Rubber gloves 8.7e, 13.3b

Welders 8.7c

Grinding tools 7.4

Ground-fault circuit interrupter 7.3h

Grounding &/or bonding (electrical) 10.0

Application 10.2

Approach Distances 10.6

Bushings 10.7c, 10.8a.2

Cables 10.1c

Capacitor banks 10.7f

Circuit breakers 10.7e

Cluster bars 10.4b

Electric tools 7.3g

Electrostatic paint spraying equipment 7.10d.3

Equipment near high voltage 5.2b(5)

Forklifts 5.4e

Ground rods 10.5

High-voltage cables 10.7j

Insulated aerial devices, testing 14.3b

Inspection 10.14

Lead specifications (grounding cables) 10.1c

Metal structure 10.3

Mobile equipment 10.9

More than one crew 10.2d

Multiphase grounding 10.2j

Oil filtering/handling 10.8
155

Item Subsection/Paragraph

Overhead ground wires 10.2l

Parallel method (multiple cables) 10.1d

Portable tools 7.3,h

Splicing conductors 10.10

Step and touch potentials 10.6

Stringing and removing conductors 12.5.2

Stringing equipment 10.13

Substations and switchyards 10.7, Appendix A, Table A-1

Terminal ground switches 10.11

Testing 10.14

Transformers 10.7c,i;10.8a.(2)

Vehicles 10.9a, Appendix A, Table A-2

Wooden structures 10.4

Ground switches 10.11

Guard structures 12.5.3b,

Guy lines 10.6

H

Handlines

Liveline barehand 14.1k

Nonconductive 14.2c

Hand protection 6.1c, 8.7d,e

Hand signals Appendix C

Hand trucks 6.2

Hazard analysis 13.1c, 17.2

Hazardous materials 6.4

Hazardous working conditions, Introduction 2.1h,2.2j,5.4c,5.6b

Head protection 5.7c, 8.2

Hearing protection 8.6

Helicopter hand signals Appendix D

High voltage lines (working near) 9.0, Appendix’s A & B

Hitches 15.3e, 15.5d(4), Figure 15.2

Hoisting equipment 5.3

Horseplay 2.1j

Hoses 7.9k, 10.8.a1

Hotline orders 5.2b(2), 12.1e, 13.1d, 14.1d, 

Appendix A, Table A-3

Live-line barehand 14.1d

Live-line hotstick 13.1d

Hotline tools

Inspection, testing and maintenance 13.1f, 13.2

Transmission lines 13.3, 14.1e

Hotstick techniques 13.4

Housekeeping 2.2k, 7.1, 11.1.1c

Materials storage 6.3

I

Impact tools (pneumatic) 7.54

Inclement weather 14.1g
156 

Item Subsection/Paragraph

Injury

Public 2.2n

Inspection required

 Cranes 5.3b

Fall protection equipment 8.10, 16

Forklifts 5.4c

Grinding tools 7.4c

Grounds 10.14

Hotline tools 13.2

Live-line barehand tools 14.1e

Motor vehicles 5.1e

Personal protective equipment 2.1f,2.2b,8.10

Tools 2.2b, 7.3a

Tractors 5.6b

Vehicle 5.1e

Wire rope (care of) 15.2f,e

Instruction, prework 13.1c, 14.1c

Instruction and certification 14.1a, 13.1a

Insulated aerial-lift devices 14.3, Appendix A, Table A-1

footwear (electrical) 8.4c

ladders 14.4

measuring sticks 14.1f(2)

Insulators 13.4b,c; 14.1f(4), Appendix A, 

Table A-1

Interpretation 1.3b

Intoxicants and drugs 2.1e

J

Jack hammers and tamps 8.4b,8.6b

Job hazard analysis 2.2j, 5.2b(1), 11.1.1a,12.1f, 

13.1c,14.1c

K

Knots and hitches 15.3e; Figure 15.2

L

Ladders

Aerial 16.2

General 3.0e

Hook (insulated) 14.4, Appendix A, Table A-1

Liveline 14.4f

Portable 7.7, 16.1h

Suspended 16.1a(5)

Lanyards (retractable) 16.1j(1)(2)

Belts, hardware 16.1a(9), 16.1j(2)

 Ropes 12.5.3e, 14.1k, 15.1c, 15.3, 16.2a,c 

Tables 15.1,2; Figure 15.1

Lifting, manual 6.1

Lighters 7.8.l
157

Item Subsection/Paragraph

Lightning 12.1h, 12.5.1f, 13.1g, 14.1g

Lights, trailers 5.5b

Lights, guarded (low temperature) 11.1.3i

Linework

More than one crew 10.2d

Live-line barehand work 14

Live-line hotstick work 13, Appendix A, Table A-1

Load securement 5.1h

Lockout, Tagout 18

Lubrication, wire rope 15.2f

M

Manual material hauling 3.1n, 6.1

Material safety data sheet (MSDS) 6.4a, 7.6a, 7.9a

Material handling and storage 6.0

Measuring sticks, insulated 11.1.3g, 14.1f(2), 14.1.m

Mechanized methods, erection and removal of poles 12.3

Metallic items near energized equipment 8.1c, 14.2d

Metric Appendix E

Minimum distances 5.2a,b; 13.1i, 14.2b, Appendix A, 

Table A-1 and Appendix B

Motor vehicles 5.0

N

Noise levels 8.6

O

Office safety 3.1

Oil filtering/handling 10.8, 11.1.4

Operation, forklift 5.4

Overhead work 7.2c, 8.2a, 10.10, 12.5, 12.5.1h

Oxygen deficiency 8.5a

P

Paints, varnishes, and thinners 7.10, 4.2f

Parallel stringing 12.5.2a(1)

Parking, vehicles (under conductor) 13.1h

Prohibited under conductors 13.1h

Personal protective clothing 2.1i, 8.7

Liveline barehand 14.1i,k, Appendix A, Table A-2

Sandblasting 7.7b & c

Chain saws 7.10b

Personal protective grounding 10.0

Personal protective equipment 8.0

Body belts 16.1a(9), 16.1i

Clothing 8.7

Eye and face 8.3

Fall arresting devices 8.10b,16

Foot 8.4
158 

Item Subsection/Paragraph

Head 8.2

Hearing 8.6

Inspection and maintenance 8.10

Personal flotation devices 8.11

Respiratory 8.5

Pneumatic tools 7.6

Pole trailers 5.5

Poles

Erection and removal 12.3, 13.5

Handling and storage 6.3f

Powder-actuated tools 7.5

Preoperative tests (see Testing)

Pressure checking 5.8d, 7.5g, 11.1.3d

Procedures

Barehand 14.1c, Appendix A, Table A-1

Hotstick 13.1c

Protective equipment (see Personal protective equipment)

Public safety (employees) 2.1, 2.2L

Pole holes 12.2a

Q

Qualified employees (certification) 13.1a,b; 14.1a,b

R

Railroads 12.5.3

Repairing equipment

Chains 15.4b

Grounding cables 10.14a,b,c,d

Replacement (wire rope) 15.1

Reporting

Accidents 2.1d, 2.2o, 5.1i

Unsafe/unhealthful conditions 2.1b

Rescue 2.2n, 16.1d, 16.3a

Respiratory protection 7.9c, 7.10b, 8.5

RF Exposure 11.2.1

Riding loads 5.3e

Rigging 15

Rings and jewelry 8.1c

Roll over protective structures 5.6c

Rope, wire, fiber and synthetic fiber 11.1.2b(1), 12.4d, 12.5.3e, 13.3a, 

13.4a, 14.1k, 14.2a, 14.4d, 15.2, 

15.3f, 15.5, 16.2a, Tables 15.1, 

15.2; Figure 15.1, 15.2

S

Safe approach distances 5.2, 11.2.1, Appendix A,B

Safe electrical work practices 9.1

Safe load rating 6.3c, 15, Table 15.2 & 3

Safe working distances (live parts) Appendix A,B
159

Item Subsection/Paragraph

Safety belts and straps

Forklifts 5.4b

Seatbelts 5.1d, 5.4b, 5.6c

Tractors 5.6c

Vehicles 5.1d

Work platforms 5.4d

Safety factor

Rigging 15.1c

Safety hats 8.2

Safety meetings

Tailgate briefing/toolbox 2.2h, 13.1c, 14.1c

Weekly 2.2i

Safety coordination (supervisor) 13.1d, 14.1d

Safety shoes 8.4

Sandblasting 7.7b

Sanitation 7.2

Portable Water 7.2a

Toilets 7.2b

Seatbelts 5.1d, 5.4b, 5.6c

Secure loads 5.1h, 5.5a

Self-contained breathing apparatus 8.5b & c

Shackles 15.6b

Sheave groove tolerance 15.2d,e

Showers and eye wash 8.8b(2)(3)(4)

Signalmen 5.3f

Equipment 5.1g, 5.2a(2), 8.7f

Near livelines 5.2a(2)

Signs (public protection) 2.2L, 5.5b

Skin protection 8.8

Slings 15.5

Smoking 4.2a, 5.7c(2)

Flammable liquids 6.4b

Offices 3.1i

Solvents 6.4b, 7.7a, 8.8a(3)

Spray painting 7.9d

Special footwear 8.4, 8.8a(1)

Special Work Permit 17.3, Appendix F

Speed, vehicle 5.1c

State laws 5.1c, 5.5b,d

Storage 6.0

Hand trucks 6.2

Hazardous materials 6.4

Storage of materials 4.2e, 6.3, 7.9i

Stringing transmission lines,

conductors and overhead ground wires 12.5

Substations 11.1, Appendix A, Table A-2

Grounding 10.7

Supervisor 2.2
160 

Item Subsection/Paragraph

Enforcement 2.2m

Liveline 13.1b,d

Responsibilities 2.2, 13.1d,

Surveillance 13.1d, 14.1b,d

Surge arresters 11.1.3d

Suspended work platform 5.3e, 14.2a

Switching Steps 9.3

Switchyards (see Substations)

T

Tagging and/or locking 18.1, 13.2a

Tag lines

Cranes 5.3g

Liveline hot stick 13.3a

Wood poles 6.3f, 12.3c

Tailgate meeting 2.2h, 11.1.1a

Testing

Aerial devices 14.3c(1)(2), 14.3j

Enclosed spaces 8.5b

Insulated ladders 14.4f

Grounding equipment 10.14

Personal protective equipment 8.10c

Tire repair 5.8d

Toilets 7.2b

Tools Appendix A

Grinding 7.4

Ground fault circuit interrupter 7.3h

Hand tools and portable power tools 7.3, 11.1.3i

Hot-line tools 13.2, 13.3 14.1.e

Hydraulic and pneumatic 7.5

Powder-actuated 7.6

Insulated 7.3g, 9.2

Transporting 5.1h

Toxic gases and fumes control 8.5a,b

Tractors 5.6

Traffic laws 5.1c

Trailers 5.5

Training 2.2a,e

Brush chippers 7.12a

Chain saws 7.11a

Equipment and motor vehicles 2.2e, 5.1

Liveline barehand 14.1a,b

Liveline hotstick 13.1a,b

Welding and cutting 7.9a
161

Item Subsection/Paragraph

V

Vehicles 5.0

Inspections 5.1e

Operation near live-lines 5.52, Appendix A & B, Table A-3, 

B-2

Parking 14.1j

Repair and maintenance 5.8

Safety belts 5.1d, 5.4b, 5.6c

Variances 1.4

Ventilation 8.5a

Flammable liquids 6.4b, 7.10b

Welding 7.9e

W

Warning and control procedures, liveline 13.1c, 14.1c

Warning devices (barricades) 2.21, 5.31, 6.3b, 11.1.2b

Water, safety near 7.3a, 8.11

Welding and cutting 7.9

 Eye protection 8.3

 Protective clothing 8.7c

Wire rope 15.2

Work platforms 5.3e, 5.4d, 14.3, 14.4
162