WAC 296-45-225 Underground residential distribution (URD).

(1) General.

(a) Each employee shall be knowledgeable of the equipment provided for their use and shall at all times use this equipment only for the purpose intended.

(b) U.R.D. cables which are properly insulated for the voltages to which they are energized shall be considered as an effective barrier to protect the employees and table one need not apply.

(i) Workers will take adequate precautions to avoid physical contact with energized U.R.D. cable by using approved procedures and/or protective devices.

(ii) When handling energized U.R.D. primary cables, the work shall be done with approved tools and/or procedures by two qualified employees. Switching is exempt from this rule.

(iii) When energized terminators or load-break elbows are handled by a hot stick, there shall be two qualified employees at the scene.

(c) When energized pad-mounted transformers or similar equipment are to be left unlocked and open, they shall be attended by a qualified employee.

(d) Approved tools and procedures shall be used to remove any debris, vines, weeds, etc., from an underground system.

(e) A primary and secondary system neutral on any energized circuit shall not be opened under any circumstances except for testing.

(f) Primary and secondary neutrals shall be firmly connected and grounded before the circuit or equipment is energized.

(g) Where different phases are in the same vault, enclosures, or parked in some manner that they could be looped, these phases shall be marked or identified.

(h) Bayonet fuses:

(i) Bayonet fuses shall not be closed into suspected faults or overloads.

(ii) Submersible U.G. transformer installations will require other methods of energizing or de-energizing and bayonet fuses shall not be used for this purpose.

(iii) Bayonet fuses shall only be operated after pad-mount transformers have been properly vented.

(iv) Bayonet fuses shall only be operated in accordance with manufacturing design and rating capabilities.

(2) Working on cables.

(a) Before any work is to be performed on underground cables and apparatus carrying high voltage, they shall be de-energized with the following exceptions:

(i) Replacing fuses, operating switches, closing or opening load-break elbows, when approved protective devices are used.

(ii) Work in the high-voltage compartment of pad-mounted transformers and similar equipment installed above ground, provided the work is done by approved methods.

(b) Only one energized conductor shall be worked on at any one time, and protective means shall be used to insulate or isolate it from all others.

(c) When work is to be performed in manholes containing any wires or appliances carrying electrical current, they shall be in a sanitary condition.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-225, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-255 Protective equipment.

(1) Rubber protective equipment must be in accordance with and tested as follows:

(2) No protective equipment or material other than rubber shall be used: Provided, That such other nonconductive equipment may be used if it provides equal or better (dielectric) electrical and mechanical protection than rubber protective equipment: Provided, That the employer obtain before placing in service, manufacturer's data or other data to demonstrate that such nonrubber protective equipment provided equal or better electrical and mechanical protection than approved rubber equipment.

(3) Protective equipment shall not be used at voltages in excess of that for which the manufacturer has supplied data to the employer demonstrating that it is fit for such voltages.

(4) No protective equipment shall be modified, altered, or used for purposes other than those for which it is designed unless and until the manufacturer has, in writing, agreed or suggested that there be such modification, alteration, or use.

(5) Each rubber glove before it is used shall be inspected for defects and an approved air test performed. If, upon inspection, rubber gloves are either defective or appear to be defective, they shall not be used.

(6) Before being placed in service, all rubber protective equipment shall be numbered and records kept for test purposes and assignment.

(7) Rubber protective equipment shall not be used unless it has been dielectrically tested within six months and bears marking or identification of the date of the test or the expiration date.

(8) Protector gloves must be worn over insulating gloves.

Exception: Protector gloves need not be used with Class 0 gloves, under limited-use conditions, where small equipment and parts manipulation necessitate unusually high finger dexterity.

Note: Extra care is needed in the visual examination of the glove and in the avoidance of handling sharp objects.

(9) Rubber gloves when not in use shall be carried in an approved bag provided and designed for that purpose. It shall be provided by the employer and made available to the employees.

(10) Approved rubber gloves and carrying bag shall be assigned to each employee who works with, or is exposed to energized parts.

(11) Rubber protective equipment shall not be vulcanized or patched.

(12) A compartment or box shall be provided on each electric line truck, which box or compartment shall be used for storing rubber protective equipment. No equipment shall be stored in said compartment or box which can or could cause damage to the rubber equipment or goods placed in the compartment or box. Additionally, a separate container or compartment shall be provided for rubber blankets.

(13) Line hose shall not be doubled on themselves at any time. All blankets before storage must be wiped clean and rolled, not folded, before being placed in the container or box.

(14) Protective line equipment of material other than rubber shall be kept clean and visually inspected before each use.

(15) If protective line equipment of material other than rubber is found to be substantially defective or unsuitable for the purpose for which it is designed and intended, said protective line equipment shall not be used for personal protection of employees as may be required in Table 1 of this chapter. Said protective line equipment shall be marked defective but may be otherwise used unless the defect or damage to said protective line equipment creates additional safety hazards.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 03-17-071 (Order 03-08), § 296-45-255, filed 08/19/03, effective 11/01/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-255, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-25505 Personal protective equipment.

(1) General. Personal protective equipment (PPE) shall meet the requirements of chapter 296-24 WAC, Part L and the PPE requirements chapter 296-800 WAC. PPE requuired by these chapters or a hazard assessment will be provided by the employer at no cost to the employees.

(2) All protective hats shall be in accordance with the specifications of ANSI Z89.2-1971 Edition Industrial Protective Helmets for Electrical Workers, Class B, and shall be worn at the jobsite by employees who are exposed to overhead or electrical hazards.

(3) Wearing apparel. Goggles, hearing protection, respirators, rubber gloves, and other such personal protective devices shall not be interchanged among employees unless they have been sanitized.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 09-05-071 (Order 08-35), §296-45-25505, filed 02/19/09, effective 04/01/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-45-25505, filed 05/09/01, effective 09/01/01. Statutory Authority: Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-25505, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-25510 Fall protection.

(1) Personal fall arrest equipment shall meet the requirements of WAC 296-155-245.

(2) Specific requirements for lineman's belts, safety straps and lanyards.

(a) All fabric used for safety straps must withstand an A.C. dielectric test of not less than 25,000 volts per foot "dry" for 3 minutes, without visible deterioration.

(b) All fabric and leather used must be tested for leakage current and must not exceed 1 milliampere when a potention of 3,000 volts is applied to the electrodes positioned 12 inches apart.

(c) Direct current tests may be permitted in lieu of alternating currrent tests.

(d) The cushion part of the body belt must:

(i) Contain no exposed rivets on the inside;

(ii) Be at least three (3) inches in width;

(iii) Be at least five thirty-seconds (5/32) inch thick, if made of leather; and

(iv) Have pocket tabs that extended at least 1-1/2 inches down and three (3) inches back of the inside of circle of each D ring for riveting on plier or tool pockets. On shifting D belts, this measurement for pocket tabs must be taken when the D ring section is centered.

(e) A maximum of four (4) tool loops must be so situated on the body belt that four (4) inches of the body belt in the center of the back, measuring from D ring to D ring, must be free of tool loops, and any other attachments.

(f) Suitable cooper, steel, or equivalent liners must be used around bar of D rings to prevent wear between these members and the leather or fabric enclosing them.

(g) All stitching must be of a minimum 42-pound weight nylon or equivalent thread and must be lock stitched. Stitching parallel to an edge must not be less than three-sixteenths (3/16) inch from edge of narrowest member caught by the thread. The use of cross stitching on leather is prohibited.

(h) The keeper of snaphooks must have a spring tension that will not allow the keeper to begin to open with a weight of 2-1/2 pounds or less, but the keeper of snaphooks must begin to open with a weight of four (4) pounds, when the weight is supported on the keeper against the end of the nose.

(i) Testing of the lineman's safety straps, body belts and lanyards must be in accordance with the following procedure:

(i) Attach one end of the safety strap or lanyard to a rigid support, the other end must be attached to a 250-pound canvas bag of sand;

(ii) All the 250-pound canvas bag of sand to free fall 4 feet for (safety strap test) and 6 feet for (lanyard test); in each case stopping the fall of the 250-pound bag;

(iii) Failure of the strap or lanyard must be indicated by any breakage, or slippage sufficient to permit the bag to fall free of the strap or lanyard. The entire "body belt assembly" must be tested using one D ring. A safety strap or lanyard must be used that is capable of passing the "impact loading test" and attached as required in (i)(i) of this subsection. The body belt must be secured to the 250-pound bag of sand at a point ti simulate the waist of a man and allowed to drop as stated in (i)(ii) of this subsection. Failure of the body belt must be indicated by any breakage, or slippage sufficient to permit the bag to fall free of the body belt.

(3) Body belts, safety straps, lanyards, lifelines, and body harnesses shall be inspected before use each day to determine that the equipment is in safe working condition. Defective equipment may not be used.

(4) Employees shall not wear climbers while doing work where they are not required. Employees shall not continue to wear their climbers while working on the ground; except for momentary or short periods of time on the ground.

(5) Employees, when working from a hook ladder, must either belt themselves securely to the ladder, attach themselves to the structures by means of a safety line, or belt themselves to ladder safety equipment, which shall consist of a safety rope or belting threaded through the rungs or secured to the ladder at intervals of not more than three feet.

(6) Before an employee throws his/her weight on a belt, the employee shall determine that the snap or fasteners are properly engaged.

(7) Safety straps shall not be placed around poles above the cross-arm except where it is not possible for the strap to slide or be slipped over the top of the pole by inadvertence of the employee. Neither end of the strap shall be allowed to hang loose or dangle while the employee is ascending or descending poles or other structures.

(8) Body belts and safety straps shall not be stored with sharp-edged tools or near sharp objects. When a body belt, safety strap and climbers are kept in the same container, they shall be stored in such a manner as to avoid cutting or puncturing the material of the body belt or safety strap with the gaffs or climbers.

(9) Employees shall not attach metal hooks or other metal devices to body belts. Leather straps or rawhide thongs shall have hardwood or fibre crossbars. Leather straps and rawhide thongs shall not have metal or other conductive crossbars on them.

(10) Climbing gaffs shall be kept properly sharpened and shall be at least 1-1/8 inches in length.

(11) Lifelines shall be protected against being cut or abraded.

(12) Fall arrest equipment, work positioning equipment, or travel restricting equipment shall be used by employees working at elevated locations more than 4 feet (1.2 m) above the ground on poles, towers, or similar structures if other fall protection has not been provided. Fall protection equipment is not required to be used by a qualified employee climbing or changing location on poles, towers, or similar structures, unless conditions, such as, but not limited to, ice, high winds, the design of the structure (for example, no provision for holding on with hands), or the presence of contaminants on the structure, could cause the employee to lose his or her grip or footing.

Note 1: This subsection applies to structures that support overhead electric power generation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment. It does not apply to portions of buildings, such as loading docks, to electric equipment, such as transformers and capacitors, nor to aerial lifts. Requirements for fall protection associated with walking and working surfaces are contained in WAC 296-155-245; requirements for fall protection associated with aerial lifts are contained in chapter 296-155 WAC, Part J-1.

Note 2: Employees undergoing training are not considered “qualified employees” for the purposes of this provision. Unqualified employees (including trainees) are required to use fall protection any time they are more than 4 feet (1.2 m) above the ground.

(13) The following requirements apply to personal fall arrest systems:

(a) When stopping or arresting a fall, personal fall arrest systems shall limit the maximum arresting force on an employee to 1800 pounds (8 kN) if used with a body harness.

(b) Personal fall arrest systems shall be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m) nor contact any lower level.

(14) If vertical lifelines or droplines are used, not more than one employee may be attached to any one lifeline.

(15) Snaphooks may not be connected to loops made in webbing-type lanyards.

(16) Snaphooks may not be connected to each other.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 05-17-038 (Order 04-55), § 296-45-25510, filed 08/09/05, effective 10/01/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-25510, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-275 Ladders, platforms, and manhole steps.

(1) General. Requirements for ladders contained in chapter 296-24 WAC, Part J-1, and WAC 296-800-290 apply, except as specifically noted in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) Special ladders and platforms. Portable ladders and platforms used on structures or conductors in conjunction with overhead line work need not meet chapter 296-24 WAC, Part J-1, chapter 296-155 WAC, Part J or WAC 296-800-290. However, these ladders and platforms shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Ladders and platforms shall be secured to prevent their becoming accidentally dislodged.

(b) Ladders and platforms may not be loaded in excess of the working loads for which they are designed.

(c) Ladders and platforms may be used only in applications for which they were designed.

(d) In the configurations in which they are used, ladders and platforms shall be capable of supporting without failure at least 2.5 times the maximum intended load.

(e) All ladders shall be handled and stored in such a manner as to prevent damage to the ladder.

(f) When ascending or descending a ladder, the employee shall face the ladder and have free use of both hands.

(g) All defective ladders shall be taken out of service and labeled as defective.

(h) When a ladder is being used which is not fixed or otherwise secured, there shall be an attendant to hold the ladder and watch traffic when the work is being done on streets, alleys, sidewalks, or in industrial plants or other places where there exists the possibility of accidental contact with the ladder by third persons or vehicles.

(i) When working on the ladder, employees shall, where possible, tie the top of the ladder to a substantial object to prevent falling unless the ladder is equipped with approved hooks which may be used for the same purpose.

(j) Portable ladders shall not be moved with employees on the ladder.

(k) No employee shall ascend or descend a rolling ladder while it is moving.

(l) No employee shall stand on the top two steps of a step ladder.

(m) No employee shall use a step ladder as a straight ladder.

(n) Ladders shall always be placed on a secure footing with both legs resting firmly on the lower surface.

(o) Ladders made by fastening cleats or similar devices across a single rail shall not be used.

(3) Conductive ladders. Portable metal ladders and other portable conductive ladders may not be used near exposed energized lines or equipment. However, in specialized high-voltage work, conductive ladders shall be used where the employer can demonstrate that nonconductive ladders would present a greater hazard than conductive ladders.

Note: A greater electrical hazard would be static electricity such as might be found in extra high voltage substations.

(4) All conductive or metal ladders shall be prominently marked and identified as being conductive and shall be grounded when used near energized lines or equipment.

Note: See chapter 296-24 WAC for additional ladder requirements.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-45-275, filed 05/09/01, effective 09/01/01. Statutory Authority: Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-275, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-285 Hand, and portable powered tools.

(1) General requirements.

(a) The employer shall assure that each hand and portable powered tool, including any tool provided by an employee, is maintained in serviceable condition.

(b) The employer shall assure that each tool, including any tool provided by an employee, is inspected before initial use during each workshift. At a minimum, the inspection shall include the following:

(i) Handles and guards, to assure that they are sound, tight-fitting, properly shaped, free of splinters and sharp edges, and in place;

(ii) Controls, to assure proper function;

(iii) Heads of shock, impact-driven and driving tools, to assure that there is no mushrooming;

(iv) Cutting edges, to assure that they are sharp and properly shaped; and

(v) All other safety devices, to assure that they are in place and function properly.

(c) The employer shall assure that each tool is used only for purposes for which it has been designed.

(d) When the head of any shock, impact-driven or driving tool begins to chip, it shall be repaired or removed from service.

(e) The cutting edge of each tool shall be sharpened in accordance with manufacturer's specifications whenever it becomes dull during the workshift.

(f) Each tool shall be stored in the provided location when not being used at a work site.

(g) Racks, boxes, holsters or other means shall be provided, arranged and used for the transportation of tools so that a hazard is not created for any vehicle operator or passenger.

(2) Electric equipment connected by cord and plug must meet the following requirements:

(a) Cord- and plug-connected equipment supplied by premises wiring is covered by chapter 296-24 WAC, Part L and WAC 296-800-280.

(b) Any cord- and plug-connected equipment supplied by other than premises wiring shall comply with one of the following instead of chapter 296-24 WAC, Part L and WAC 296-800-280.

(i) It shall be equipped with a cord containing an equipment grounding conductor connected to the tool frame and to a means for grounding the other end (however, this option may not be used where the introduction of the ground into the work environment increases the hazard to an employee); or

(ii) It shall be of the double-insulated type conforming to 296-24 WAC, Part L and WAC 296-800-280; or

(iii) It shall be connected to the power supply through an isolating transformer with an ungrounded secondary.

(3) Portable and vehicle-mounted generators. Portable and vehicle-mounted generators 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.

(4) Hydraulic and pneumatic tools must meet the following requirements:

(a) Safe operating pressures for hydraulic and pneumatic tools, hoses, valves, pipes, filters, and fittings may 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.

(b) A hydraulic or pneumatic tool used where it may contact exposed live parts shall (use non-conductive hoses and) be designed and maintained for such use.

(c) 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 (10.7 m) between the oil reservoir and the upper end of the hydraulic system promote the formation of a partial vacuum.

(d) A pneumatic tool used on energized electric lines or equipment or used where it may contact exposed live parts shall provide protection against the accumulation of moisture in the air supply.

(e) Pressure shall be released before connections are broken, unless quick acting, self-closing connectors are used. Hoses may not be kinked.

(f) Employees may not use any part of their bodies to locate or attempt to stop a hydraulic leak.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-45-285, filed 05/09/01, effective 09/01/01. Statutory Authority: Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-285, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-295 Gasoline engine power chain saws.

(1) Each chain saw placed into initial service after February 9, 1995, shall be equipped with a chain brake and shall otherwise meet the requirements of the ANSI B175.1-1991 “Safety Requirements for Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws.” Each chain saw placed into service before February 9, 1995, shall be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain saw kickback, i.e., reduced kickback bar, chains, bar tip guard or chain brake. No chain-saw kickback device shall be removed or otherwise disabled.

(2) Gasoline-engine power saw operations shall meet the requirements of WAC 296-54-515(10).

(3) The chain saw shall be operated and adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

(4) The employer must ensure that each chain saw, including any chain saw provided by an employee, is inspected before initial use during each workshift. At a minimum, the inspection shall include the following:

(a) Chain-saw chains, to assure proper adjustment;

(b) Chain-saw mufflers, to assure that they are operational and in place;

(c) Chain brakes and nose shielding devices, to assure that they are in place and function properly;

(5) The chain saw shall be fueled at least 10 feet (3 m) from any open flame or other source of ignition.

(6) The chain saw shall be started at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling area.

(7) The chain saw shall be started on the ground or where otherwise firmly supported. Drop-starting a chain saw is prohibited.

(8) The chain saw shall be started with the chain brake engaged.

(9) The chain saw shall be held with the thumbs and fingers of both hands encircling the handles during operation unless the employer demonstrates that a greater hazard is posed by keeping both hands on the chain saw in that particular situation.

(10) The chain-saw operator shall be certain of footing before starting to cut. The chain saw shall not be used in a position or at a distance that could cause the operator to become off-balance, to have insecure footing, or to relinquish a firm grip on the saw.

(11) Prior to felling any tree, the chain saw operator shall clear away brush or other potential obstacles which might interfere with cutting the tree or using the retreat path.

(12) The chain saw shall not be used to cut directly overhead.

(13) The chain saw shall be carried in a manner that will prevent operator contact with the cutting chain and muffler.

(14) The chain saw shall be shut off or at idle before the feller starts their retreat.

(15) The chain saw shall be shut down or the chain brake shall be engaged whenever a saw is carried further than 50 feet (15.2 m). The chain saw shall be shut down or the chain brake shall be engaged when a saw is carried less than 50 feet if conditions such as, but not limited to, the terrain, underbrush and slippery surfaces, may create a hazard for an employee.

(16) Each power saw weighing more than 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms, service weight) that is used in trees shall be supported by a separate line, except when work is performed from an aerial lift and except during topping or removing operations where no supporting limb will be available, and the following:

(a) Each power saw shall be equipped with a control that will return the saw to idling speed when released;

(b) Each power saw shall be equipped with a clutch and shall be so adjusted that the clutch will not engage the chain drive at idling speed;

(c) Drop starting of saws over 15 pounds (6.8 kg) is permitted outside of the bucket of an aerial lift only if the area below the lift is clear of personnel;

(d) A power saw engine may be started and operated only when all employees other than the operator are clear of the saw;

(e) A power saw may not be running when the saw is being carried up into a tree by an employee; and

(f) Power saw 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.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-295, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-305 Live-line tools.

(1) Design of tools. Live-line tool rods, tubes, and poles shall be designed and constructed to withstand the following minimum tests:

(a) 100,000 volts per foot (3281 volts per centimeter) of length for 5 minutes if the tool is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP); or

(b) 75,000 volts per foot (2461 volts per centimeter) of length for 3 minutes if the tool is made of wood; or

(c) Other tests that the employer can demonstrate are equivalent.

Note: Live-line tools using rod and tube that meet ASTM F711-89, Standard Specification for Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Rod and Tube Used in Live-Line Tools, conform to subsection (1)(a) of this section.

(2) Condition of tools.

(a) Each live-line tool shall be wiped clean and visually inspected for defects before use each day.

(b) If any defect or contamination that could adversely affect the insulating qualities or mechanical integrity of the live-line tool is present after wiping, the tool shall be removed from service and examined and tested according to this section before being returned to service.

(c) Live-line tools used for primary employee protection shall be removed from service every two years and whenever required under this subsection for examination, cleaning, repair, and testing as follows:

(i) Each tool shall be thoroughly examined for defects.

(ii) If a defect or contamination that could adversely affect the insulating qualities or mechanical integrity of the live-line tool is found, the tool shall be repaired and refinished or shall be permanently removed from service. If no such defect or contamination is found, the tool shall be cleaned and waxed.

(iii) The tool shall be tested in accordance with this section under the following conditions:

(A) After the tool has been repaired or refinished; and

(B) After the examination if repair or refinishing is not performed, unless the tool is made of FRP rod or foam-filled FRP tube and the employer can demonstrate that the tool has no defects that could cause it to fail in use.

(iv) The test method used shall be designed to verify the tool's integrity along its entire working length and, if the tool is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, its integrity under wet conditions.

(v) The voltage applied during the tests shall be as follows:

(A) 75,000 volts per foot (2461 volts per centimeter) of length for one minute if the tool is made of fiberglass; or

(B) 50,000 volts per foot (1640 volts per centimeter) of length for one minute if the tool is made of wood; or

(C) Other tests that the employer can demonstrate are equivalent.

Note: Guidelines for the examination, cleaning, repairing, and in-service testing of live-line tools are contained in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Guide for In-Service Maintenance and Electrical Testing of Live-Line Tools, IEEE Std. 978-1984.

(d) Live-line tools and rope shall be stored and maintained and used in such a manner as to prevent damage. Live-line tools and ropes shall not be used for purposes other than line work.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-305, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-315 Materials handling and storage.

(1) General. Material handling and storage shall conform to the requirements of chapter 296-24 WAC, Part D.

(2) Materials storage near energized lines or equipment. In areas not restricted to qualified persons only, materials or equipment may not be stored closer to energized lines or exposed energized parts of equipment than the following distances plus an amount providing for the maximum sag and side swing of all conductors and providing for the height and movement of material handling equipment:

(a) For lines and equipment energized at 50 kV or less, the distance is 10 feet (305 cm).

(b) For lines and equipment energized at more than 50 kV, the distance is 10 feet (305 cm) plus 4 inches (10 cm) for every 10 kV over 50 kV.

(c) In areas restricted to qualified employees, material may not be stored within the working space about energized lines or equipment.

Note: Requirements for the size of the working space are contained in WAC 296-45-475(1) and 296-45-48515.

(3) Prior to unloading steel, poles, crossarms and similar materials, the load shall be thoroughly examined to determine if the load has shifted, binders or stakes have broken or the load is otherwise hazardous to employees. The hoist rope shall not be wrapped around the load. This provision shall not apply to electric construction crews when setting or removing poles.

(4) Pole handling.

(a) During pole hauling operations, all loads shall be secured to prevent displacement, and a red flag shall be displayed at the trailing end of the longest pole.

(b) While loading and unloading materials, roadways shall not be blocked unless approved traffic control is used.

(c) When hauling poles during darkness, illuminated warning devices shall be attached to the trailing end of the longest pole in accordance with the state of Washington motor vehicle code.

(d) Framing. During framing operations, employees must not work under a pole or a structure suspended by a crane, A-frame or similar equipment unless the pole or structure is adequately supported.

(5) Tag lines. When necessary to control loads, tag lines or other approved devices shall be used.

(6) Oil filled equipment. During construction or repair of oil filled equipment, the oil may be stored in temporary containers other than those required by WAC 296-155-270, such as pillow tanks.

(7) Storage of tools and materials. All tools and materials shall be stored in a safe and orderly manner in yards for equipment and other areas.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 05-17-038 (Order 04-55), § 296-45-315, filed 08/09/05, effective 10/01/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-315, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-325 Working on or near exposed energized parts. 

This section applies to work on exposed live parts, or near enough to them, to expose the employee to any hazard they present.

(1) General. Only qualified employees may work on or with exposed energized lines or parts of equipment. Only qualified employees may work in areas containing unguarded, uninsulated energized lines or parts of equipment operating at 50 volts or more. Electric lines and equipment shall be considered and treated as energized unless the provisions of WAC 296-45-175 through 296-45-17565 or 296-45-335 have been followed.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, at least two qualified employees shall be present while the following types of work are being performed:

(a) Installation, removal, or repair of lines that are energized at more than 600 volts;

(b) Installation, removal, or repair of de-energized lines if an employee is exposed to contact with other parts energized at more than 600 volts;

(c) Installation, removal, or repair of equipment, such as transformers, capacitors, and regulators, if an employee is exposed to contact with parts energized at more than 600 volts;

(d) Work involving the use of mechanical equipment, other than insulated aerial lifts, near parts energized at more than 600 volts; and

(e) Other work that exposes an employee to electrical hazards greater than or equal to those posed by operations that are specifically listed in subsection (2)(a) through (d) of this section.

Note 1: One employee will serve principally as a standby person who must be so located that they may physically reach the other employee in the event of an accident either with their hand or with a hot stick twelve feet or less in length. The stand-by will be so positioned as to be able to observe the other employee, their bodily movements, and verbally warn of any impending dangers. In no case when working in pairs will employees work simultaneously on energized wires or parts of different phases or polarity;

Note 2: When installing or removing a hot line clamp connection on a multiphase system, it is permissible for the second employee to stand by at the lower controls of the aerial lift provided the connection or disconnection does not interrupt or pick up load. The hot line clamp and connecting jumper must be constructed so it cannot make contact with any other energized parts. The work must not be performed above lines or apparatus energized at more that 600 V.

Note 3: In cases of necessity the stand-by person may temporarily assist the other employee provided that they both work on wires or parts of the same phase or polarity. Both employees shall so position themselves so that the presence of the second person does not increase the hazard.

(3) The provisions of WAC 296-45-325(2) do not apply to (a) through (e) of this subsection. In addition to the requirements of subsection (4) of this section, a qualified employee working under this subsection (3), must position themselves so that he/she is neither within reach of nor otherwise exposed to contact with energized parts.

(a) When re-fusing circuits or equipment with a hot stick.

(b) When operating switches by means of operating handle or switch sticks.

(c) When installing or removing a hot line clamp connection with an approved hot stick on a single-phase line or apparatus, providing that the connection or disconnection does not interrupt or pick up a load.

Note 1: The hot line clamp and connecting jumper must be constructed so that it cannot make contact with any other energized parts.

Note 2: On a multiphase feed this applies only when one single-phase line or apparatus is present on the load side.

(d) When installing or removing by hotstick simple load metering devices provided the connection does not interrupt or pickup load.

(e) Emergency repairs to the extent necessary to safeguard the general public.

(4) “Minimum approach distances.” The employer shall ensure that no employee approaches or takes any conductive object closer to exposed energized parts than set forth in Table 1 through Table 4, unless:

The employee is insulated from the energized part (insulating gloves or insulating gloves and sleeves worn in accordance with subsection (6) of this section are considered insulation of the employee only with regard to the energized part upon which work is being performed); or

The energized part is insulated from the employee and from any other conductive object at a different potential.

Note 1: WAC 296-45-475 (5)(a) and 296-45-48525(1) contain requirements for the guarding and isolation of live parts. Parts of electric circuits that meet these two provisions are not considered as “exposed” unless a guard is removed or an employee enters the space intended to provide isolation from the live parts.

Note 2: When an employee is required to work on or within reach of any unprotected conductors that are or may become energized at more than 50 volts and less than 600 volts between phases, they shall take the following precautions:

1: They shall wear approved insulating gloves or insulating gloves and sleeves during the time they are working on such conductor, or

2: They shall cover, with approved devices, any adjacent unprotected conductor that could be touched by any part of their body, and use insulated tools.

3: Cables which are properly insulated for the voltages to which they are energized, shall be considered as an effective barrier to protect the employees and Table 1 need not apply.

(5) Initial determination.

(a) Before any work is performed, the location of energized lines and their condition, the location and condition of energized equipment, the condition of the poles, the location of circuits and equipment including power communication lines, CATV and fire alarm circuits, shall be determined as shall any other particular hazard of a particular work site.

(b) No work shall be performed on energized lines or parts until the voltage of such equipment and lines is determined.

(6) Type of insulation. If the employee is to be insulated from energized parts by the use of insulating gloves (under subsection (4) of this section), insulating sleeves shall also be used. However, insulating sleeves need not be used under the following conditions:

(a) If exposed energized parts on which work is not being performed are insulated from the employee; and

(b) If such insulation is placed from a position not exposing the employee's upper arm to contact with other energized parts.

(7) Working position. The employer shall ensure that each employee, to the extent that other safety-related conditions at the worksite permit, works in a position from which a slip or shock will not bring the employee's body into contact with exposed, uninsulated parts energized at a potential different from the employee.

(8) Making connections. The employer shall ensure that connections are made as follows:

(a) In connecting de-energized equipment or lines to an energized circuit by means of a conducting wire or device, an employee shall first attach the wire to the de-energized part;

(b) When disconnecting equipment or lines from an energized circuit by means of a conducting wire or device, an employee shall remove the source end first; and

(c) When lines or equipment are connected to or disconnected from energized circuits, loose conductors shall be kept away from exposed energized parts.

(9) Rubber gloves can only be used on 5,000 volts or less between phases.

(10) It shall not be permissible to consider one part of a high voltage switch or disconnect as de-energized for the purpose of doing work on it if the remainder of the switch or disconnect remains energized unless approved barriers are erected which will prevent employees who are doing the work on such equipment from coming in direct contact with the energized parts.

(11) Conductor support tools such as link sticks, strain carriers, and insulator cradles may be used: Provided, That the clear insulation is at least as long as the insulator string or the minimum distance specified in Table 1 for the operating voltage.

(12) Apparel.

(a) When work is performed within reaching distance of exposed energized parts of equipment, the employer shall ensure that each employee removes or renders nonconductive all exposed conductive articles, such as key or watch chains, rings, or wrist watches or bands, unless such articles do not increase the hazards associated with contact with the energized parts.

(b) The employer shall train each employee who is exposed to the hazards of flames or electric arcs in the hazards involved.

(c) The employer shall ensure that each employee who is exposed to the hazards of flames or electric arcs does not wear clothing that, when exposed to flames or electric arcs, could increase the extent of injury that would be sustained by the employee.

Note: Clothing made from the following types of fabrics, either alone or in blends, is prohibited by this subsection, unless the employer can demonstrate that the fabric has been treated to withstand the conditions that may be encountered or that the clothing is worn in such a manner as to eliminate the hazard involved: Acetate, nylon, polyester, rayon.

(d) Workers shall wear clothing appropriate to the season and the kind of work being performed. Shirts or jumpers must have full length sleeves that are rolled down. Protective hard hats and eye protection shall be worn when working on or near live parts or while climbing poles.

(13) Fuse handling. When fuses must be installed or removed with one or both terminals energized at more than 300 volts or with exposed parts energized at more than 50 volts, the employer shall ensure that tools or gloves rated for the voltage are used. When expulsion-type fuses are installed with one or both terminals energized at more than 300 volts, the employer shall ensure that each employee wears eye protection meeting the requirements of WAC 296-45-25505(1), uses a tool rated for the voltage, and is clear of the exhaust path of the fuse barrel.

(14) Covered (noninsulated) conductors. The requirements of this section which pertain to the hazards of exposed live parts also apply when work is performed in the proximity of covered (noninsulated) wires.

(15) Noncurrent-carrying metal parts. Noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equipment or devices, such as transformer cases and circuit breaker housings, shall be treated as energized at the highest voltage to which they are exposed, unless the employer inspects the installation and determines that these parts are grounded before work is performed.

(16) Opening circuits under load. Devices used to open circuits under load conditions shall be designed to interrupt the current involved.

Table 1: AC Live Work Minimum Approach Distance

*For single-phase systems, use the highest voltage available.

For single-phase lines off three phase systems, use the phase-to-phase voltage of the system.

**The 46.1 to 72.5 kV phase-to-ground 3-3 distance contains a 1-3 electrical component and a 2-0 inadvertent movement component while the 72.6 to 121 kV phase-to-ground 3-2 distance contains a 2-2 electrical component and a 1-0 inadvertent movement component.

Note 1: These distances take into consideration the highest switching surge an employee will be exposed to on any system with air as the insulating medium and the maximum voltages shown.

Note 2: The clear live-line tool distance shall equal or exceed the values for the indicated voltage ranges.

Note 3: See Appendix B to this section for information on how the minimum approach distances listed in the tables were derived.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 05-17-038) (Order 04-55), § 296-45-325, filed 08/09/05, effective 10/01/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 03-17-071 (Order 03-08), § 296-45-325, filed 08/19/03, effective 11/01/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 99-09-080 (Order 99-04), § 296-45-325, filed 04/20/99, effective 08/01/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-325, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-335 De-energizing lines and equipment for employee protection.

(1) Application. This section applies to the de-energizing of transmission and distribution lines and equipment for the purpose of protecting employees. Control of hazardous energy sources used in the generation of electric energy is covered in WAC 296-45-175. Conductors and parts of electric equipment that have been de-energized under procedures other than those required by WAC 296-45-175 or 296-45-335, as applicable, shall be treated as energized.

(2) “General.”

(a) If a system operator is in charge of the lines or equipment and their means of disconnection, all of the requirements of subsection (3) of this section shall be observed, in the order given.

(b) If no system operator is in charge of the lines or equipment and their means of disconnection, one employee in the crew shall be designated as being in charge of the clearance. All of the requirements of subsection (3) of this section apply, in the order given, except as provided in subsection (2)(c) of this section. The employee in charge of the clearance shall take the place of the system operator, as necessary.

(c) If only one crew will be working on the lines or equipment and if the means of disconnection is accessible and visible to and under the sole control of the employee in charge of the clearance, subsection (3)(a), (c), and (d) of this section do not apply. Additionally, tags required by the remaining provisions of subsection (3) of this section need not be used.

(d) Any disconnecting means that are accessible to persons outside the employer's control (for example, the general public) shall be rendered inoperable while they are open for the purpose of protecting employees.

(3) De-energizing lines and equipment.

(a) In all cases, switching orders must be given directly to the employees in charge of operating the switches by the system operator who has jurisdiction and such communications must be repeated back word for word to the speaker. When requesting clearance on lines under the control of the system operator, a person requesting the clearance shall obtain the name of the system operator to whom the request was made and the system operator shall obtain the name of the person requesting the clearance; and assure that the person is qualified to receive such a clearance. A designated employee shall make a request of the system operator to have the particular section of line or equipment de-energized. The designated employee becomes the employee in charge (as this term is used in subsection (2)(b) of this section) and is responsible for the clearance. In giving a clearance, the system operator shall make certain that the person to whom the clearance is given is fully aware of the extent or the limits of the clearance.

(b) All switches, disconnectors, jumpers, taps, and other means through which known sources of electric energy may be supplied to the particular lines and equipment to be de-energized shall be opened. Such means shall be rendered inoperable, unless its design does not so permit, and tagged to indicate that employees are at work.

(c) Automatically and remotely controlled switches that could cause the opened disconnecting means to close shall also be tagged at the point of control. The automatic or remote control feature shall be rendered inoperable, unless its design does not so permit.

(d) Tags shall prohibit operation of the disconnecting means and shall indicate that employees are at work.

(e) After the applicable requirements in subsection (3)(a) through (d) of this section have been followed and the employee in charge of the work has been given a clearance by the system operator, the lines and equipment to be worked shall be tested to ensure that they are de-energized.

(4) The system operator shall order clearance tags printed on red cardboard, or equivalent, not less than 2-1/4 inches by 4-1/2 inches, attached to all switches opened or checked open to provide clearance on any line or equipment for employees to work thereon.

(5) Clearance tags attached to substation control devices and to line switches beyond the switchyard of any substation; indicating the limits of the clearance involved; shall state the designation of the switch opened or checked open and tagged; the name of the person to whom the clearance is to be issued; the date and time the switch was opened or checked open; the name of the dispatcher ordering the switching and tagging; and the name of the person doing the switching and tagging.

(6) Protective grounds shall be installed as required by WAC 296-45-345.

(7) After the applicable requirements of subsection (3)(a) through (d) of this section have been followed, the lines and equipment involved may be worked as de-energized.

(8) If two or more independent crews will be working on the same lines or equipment, each crew shall independently comply with the requirements in subsection (3) of this section.

(9) To transfer the clearance, the employee in charge (or, if the employee in charge is forced to leave the worksite due to illness or other emergency, the employee's supervisor) shall inform the system operator; employees in the crew shall be informed of the transfer; and the new employee in charge shall be responsible for the clearance.

(10) To release a clearance, the employee in charge shall:

(a) Notify employees under his or her direction that the clearance is to be released;

(b) Determine that all employees in the crew are clear of the lines and equipment;

(c) Determine that all protective grounds installed by the crew have been removed; and

(d) Report this information to the system operator and release the clearance.

(11) The person releasing a clearance shall be the same person that requested the clearance, unless responsibility has been transferred under subsection (9) of this section.

(12) Tags may not be removed unless the associated clearance has been released under subsection (10) of this section.

(13) Only after all protective grounds have been removed, after all crews working on the lines or equipment have released their clearances, after all employees are clear of the lines and equipment, and after all protective tags have been removed from a given point of disconnection, may action be initiated to reenergize the lines or equipment at that point of disconnection.

(14) To meet unforeseen conditions, it will be permissible to tag isolated switches for the system operator and issue clearances against this tag. In tagging out inter-utility tie lines, the open switches on the foreign end of the line shall be tagged for the foreign system operator requesting the outage who will issue clearances to individuals of the organization against this tag.

(15) Metal-clad, draw-out switchgear of over 600 volts in which the physical separation of the disconnecting parts is not visible may be used to clear a line or equipment, provided the switchgear is equipped with:

(a) A positive positioning means to insure that the disconnecting contacts are separated;

(b) An isolating shutter which moves into place between the separated contact for circuit isolation; and

(c) A mechanically-connected indicating means to show that the shutter is in place.

(16) In all other cases, only a visible break of all phases shall be regarded as clearing a line or equipment.

(17) No person shall make contact with a circuit or equipment that has not been taken out of service to be worked on until he/she has the circuit or equipment cleared and tagged for themselves or is working directly under the supervision of one who has the circuit or equipment cleared and tagged for themselves.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-335, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-345 Grounding for the protection of employees.

(1) Application. This section applies to the grounding of transmission and distribution lines and equipment for the purpose of protecting employees. Subsection (4) of this section also applies to the protective grounding of other equipment as required elsewhere in this section.

(2) General. For the employee to work lines or equipment as de-energized, the lines or equipment shall be de-energized under the provisions of WAC 296-45-335 and shall be grounded as specified in subsections (3) through (9) of this section. However, if the employer can demonstrate that installation of a ground is impracticable or that the conditions resulting from the installation of a ground would present greater hazards than working without grounds, the lines and equipment may be treated as de-energized provided all of the following conditions are met:

(a) The lines and equipment have been de-energized under the provisions of WAC 296-45-335.

(b) There is no possibility of contact with another energized source.

(c) The hazard of induced voltage is not present.

(3) Equipotential zone. Temporary protective grounds shall be placed at such locations and arranged in such a manner as to prevent each employee from being exposed to hazardous differences in electrical potential.

(4) Protective grounding equipment.

(a) Protective grounding equipment shall be capable of conducting the maximum fault current that could flow at the point of grounding for the time necessary to clear the fault. This equipment shall have an ampacity greater than or equal to that of No. 2 AWG copper.

(b) Grounding jumpers shall have approved ferrules and grounding clamps that provide mechanical support for jumper cables independent of the electrical connection.

Note: Guidelines for protective grounding equipment are contained in American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Specifications for Temporary Grounding Systems to be Used on De-Energized Electric Power Lines and Equipment, ASTM F855-1990.

(c) Protective grounds shall have an impedance low enough to cause immediate operation of protective devices in case of accidental energizing of the lines or equipment.

(5) Testing. Before any ground is installed, lines and equipment shall be tested and found absent of nominal voltage, unless a previously installed ground is present.

(a) Inspection before use: Grounding equipment shall be given a visual inspection and all mechanical connections shall be checked for tightness before each use.

(b) Ground surface cleaning: The surface to which the ground is to be attached shall be clean before the grounding clamp is installed; otherwise, a self-cleaning clamp shall be used.

(6) Order of connection. When a ground is to be attached to a line or to equipment, the ground-end connection shall be attached first, and then the other end shall be attached by means of a live-line tool.

(7) “Order of removal.” When a ground is to be removed, the grounding device shall be removed from the line or equipment using a live-line tool before the ground-end connection is removed.

(8) “Additional precautions.” When work is performed on a cable at a location remote from the cable terminal, the cable may not be grounded at the cable terminal if there is a possibility of hazardous transfer of potential should a fault occur.

(9) Removal of grounds for test. Grounds may be removed temporarily during tests. During the test procedure, the employer shall ensure that each employee uses insulating equipment and is isolated from any hazards involved, and the employer shall institute any additional measures as may be necessary to protect each exposed employee in case the previously grounded lines and equipment become energized.

(10) Conductor separation: In cases where the conductor separation at any pole or structure is so great as to make it impractical to apply shorts on all conductors, and where only one conductor is to be worked on, only that conductor which is to be worked on needs to be grounded.

(11) Ground personnel: In cases where ground rods or pole grounds are utilized for personal protective grounding, personnel working on the ground should maintain sufficient distance from such equipment or utilize other approved procedures designed to prevent “touch-and step potential” hazards.

Note: See the Appendix for tables.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-345, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-355 Underground grounding.

(1) Grounding. A capacitance charge can remain in the high voltage cables after it has been disconnected from the circuit and a static-type arc can occur when grounds are applied to such cables.

(2) When work is to be done on cables or equipment of a high-voltage underground system, precautions to prevent back-feed shall be taken. This shall include either isolating or grounding of the secondary conductors.

(3) After grounding the cable, if the worker is to work on cable between terminations, he/she must first spike the cable or use other approved methods of testing. If the cable is to be cut, it shall be cut only with approved hot cutters.

(4) Additional precautions. When work is performed on a cable at a location remote from the cable terminal, the cable may not be grounded at the cable terminal if there is a possibility of hazardous transfer of potential should a fault occur.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-355, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-365 Testing and test facilities.

(1) Application. This section provides for safe work practices for high-voltage and high-power testing performed in laboratories, shops, and substations, and in the field and on electric transmission and distribution lines and equipment. It applies only to testing involving interim measurements utilizing high voltage, high power, or combinations of both, and not to testing involving continuous measurements as in routine metering, relaying, and normal line work.

Note: Routine inspection and maintenance measurements made by qualified employees are considered to be routine line work and are not included in the scope of this section, as long as the hazards related to the use of intrinsic high-voltage or high-power sources require only the normal precautions associated with routine operation and maintenance work required in the other subsections of this section. Two typical examples of such excluded test work procedures are “phasing-out” testing and testing for a “no-voltage” condition.

(2) General requirements.

(a) The employer shall establish and enforce work practices for the protection of each worker from the hazards of high-voltage or high-power testing at all test areas, temporary and permanent. Such work practices shall include, as a minimum, test area guarding, grounding, and the safe use of measuring and control circuits. A means providing for periodic safety checks of field test areas shall also be included.

(b) Employees shall be trained in safe work practices upon their initial assignment to the test area, with periodic reviews and updates provided as required by subsections of this section.

(3) Guarding of test areas.

(a) Permanent test areas shall be guarded by walls, fences, or barriers designed to keep employees out of the test areas.

(b) In field testing, or at a temporary test site where permanent fences and gates are not provided, one of the following means shall be used to prevent unauthorized employees from entering:

(i) The test area shall be guarded by the use of distinctively colored safety tape that is supported approximately waist high and to which safety signs are attached;

(ii) The test area shall be guarded by a barrier or barricade that limits access to the test area to a degree equivalent, physically and visually, to the barricade specified in this section; or

(iii) The test area shall be guarded by one or more test observers stationed so that the entire area can be monitored.

(c) The barriers required by this section shall be removed when the protection they provide is no longer needed.

(d) Guarding shall be provided within test areas to control access to test equipment or to apparatus under test that may become energized as part of the testing by either direct or inductive coupling, in order to prevent accidental employee contact with energized parts.

(4) Grounding practices.

(a) The employer shall establish and implement safe grounding practices for the test facility.

(i) All conductive parts accessible to the test operator during the time the equipment is operating at high voltage shall be maintained at ground potential except for portions of the equipment that are isolated from the test operator by guarding.

(ii) Wherever ungrounded terminals of test equipment or apparatus under test may be present, they shall be treated as energized until determined by tests to be de-energized.

(b) Visible grounds shall be applied, either automatically or manually with properly insulated tools, to the high-voltage circuits after they are de-energized and before work is performed on the circuit or item or apparatus under test. Common ground connections shall be solidly connected to the test equipment and the apparatus under test.

(c) In high-power testing, an isolated ground-return conductor system shall be provided so that no intentional passage of current, with its attendant voltage rise, can occur in the ground grid or in the earth. However, an isolated ground-return conductor need not be provided if the employer can demonstrate that both the following conditions are met:

(i) An isolated ground-return conductor cannot be provided due to the distance of the test site from the electric energy source; and

(ii) Employees are protected from any hazardous step and touch potentials that may develop during the test.

Note: See Appendix B for information on measures that can be taken to protect employees from hazardous step and touch potentials.

(d) In tests in which grounding of test equipment by means of the equipment grounding conductor located in the equipment power cord cannot be used due to increased hazards to test personnel or the prevention of satisfactory measurements, a ground that the employer can demonstrate affords equivalent safety shall be provided, and the safety ground shall be clearly indicated in the test set up.

(e) When the test area is entered after equipment is de-energized, a ground shall be placed on the high-voltage terminal and any other exposed terminals.

(i) High capacitance equipment or apparatus shall be discharged through a resistor rated for the available energy.

(ii) A direct ground shall be applied to the exposed terminals when the stored energy drops to a level at which it is safe to do so.

(f) If a test trailer or test vehicle is used in field testing, its chassis shall be grounded. Protection against hazardous touch potentials with respect to the vehicle, instrument panels, and other conductive parts accessible to employees shall be provided by bonding, insulation, or isolation.

(5) Control and measuring circuits.

(a) Control wiring, meter connections, test leads and cables may not be run from a test area unless they are contained in a grounded metallic sheath and terminated in a grounded metallic enclosure or unless other precautions are taken that the employer can demonstrate as ensuring equivalent safety.

(b) Meters and other instruments with accessible terminals or parts shall be isolated from test personnel to protect against hazards arising from such terminals and parts becoming energized during testing. If this isolation is provided by locating test equipment in metal compartments with viewing windows, interlocks shall be provided to interrupt the power supply if the compartment cover is opened.

(c) The routing and connections of temporary wiring shall be made secure against damage, accidental interruptions and other hazards. To the maximum extent possible, signal, control, ground, and power cables shall be kept separate.

(d) If employees will be present in the test area during testing, a test observer shall be present. The test observer shall be capable of implementing the immediate de-energizing of test circuits for safety purposes.

(6) Safety check.

(a) Safety practices governing employee work at temporary or field test areas shall provide for a routine check of such test areas for safety at the beginning of each series of tests.

(b) The test operator in charge shall conduct these routine safety checks before each series of tests and shall verify at least the following conditions:

(i) That barriers and guards are in workable condition and are properly placed to isolate hazardous areas;

(ii) That system test status signals, if used, are in operable condition;

(iii) That test power disconnects are clearly marked and readily available in an emergency;

(iv) That ground connections are clearly identifiable;

(v) That personal protective equipment is provided and used;

(vi) That signal, ground, and power cables are properly separated.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-365, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-375 Mechanical equipment, including aerial manlift equipment.

(1) General requirements.

(a) The critical safety components of mechanical elevating and rotating equipment shall receive a thorough visual inspection and operational test before use on each shift.

Note: Critical safety components of mechanical elevating and rotating equipment are components whose failure would result in a free fall or free rotation of the boom.

(b) No vehicular equipment having an obstructed view to the rear may be operated on off-highway jobsites where any employee is exposed to the hazards created by the moving vehicle, unless:

(i) The vehicle has a reverse signal alarm audible above the surrounding noise level; or

(ii) The vehicle is backed up only when a designated employee signals that it is safe to do so.

(c) The operator of an electric line truck may not leave his or her position at the controls while a load is suspended, unless the employer can demonstrate that no employee (including the operator) might be endangered.

(d) Rubber-tired, self-propelled scrapers, rubber-tired front-end loaders, rubber-tired dozers, wheel-type agricultural and industrial tractors, crawler-type tractors, crawler-type loaders, and motor graders, with or without attachments, shall have rollover protective structures that meet the requirements of chapter 296-155 WAC, Part V.

(2) Outriggers.

(a) 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.

(b) 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.

(3) Applied loads. Mechanical equipment used to lift or move lines or other material shall be used within its maximum load rating and other design limitations for the conditions under which the work is being performed.

(4) Hydraulic fluids. All hydraulic fluids used for the insulated section of derrick trucks, aerial lifts, and hydraulic tools which are used on or around energized lines or equipment shall be of the insulating type.

(5) Mechanical adjustment or repairs shall not be attempted or performed in the field except by a person qualified to perform such work.

(6) Malfunction or needed repairs of manlift equipment shall be reported to the employee responsible for such repairs as soon as is reasonably possible. Use of equipment which is known to be in need of repairs or is malfunctioning is prohibited when such deficiency creates an unsafe operating condition.

(7) When any aerial manlift equipment is parked for operation at the jobsite, the brakes shall be set. Wheel chocks shall be used to prevent accidental movement while parked on an incline.

(8) Employees shall not sit or stand on the basket edge, stand on materials placed in or across the basket, or work from a ladder set inside the basket.

(9) The basket shall not be rested on a fixed object(s) so that the weight of the boom is either totally or partially supported by the basket.

(10) Operations near energized lines or equipment.

(a) Mechanical equipment shall be operated so that the minimum approach distances of Table 1 through Table 4 are maintained from exposed energized lines and equipment. However, the insulated upper portion excluding the basket/bucket of an aerial lift operated by a qualified employee in the lift is exempt from this requirement.

(b) A designated employee other than the equipment operator shall observe the approach distance to exposed lines and equipment and give timely warnings before the minimum approach distance required by subsection (10)(a) of this section is reached, unless the employer can demonstrate that the operator can accurately determine that the minimum approach distance is being maintained.

(c) If, during operation of the mechanical equipment, the equipment could become energized, the operation shall also comply with at least one of the following:

(i) The energized lines exposed to contact shall be covered with insulating protective material that will withstand the type of contact that might be made during the operation.

(ii) The equipment shall be insulated for the voltage involved. The equipment shall be positioned so that its uninsulated portions cannot approach the lines or equipment any closer than the minimum approach distances specified in Table 1 through 4.

(iii) Each employee shall be protected from hazards that might arise from equipment contact with the energized lines. The measures used shall ensure that employees will not be exposed to hazardous differences in potential. Unless the employer can demonstrate that the methods in use protect each employee from the hazards that might arise if the equipment contacts the energized line, the measures used shall include all of the following techniques:

(A) Using the best available ground to minimize the time the lines remain energized;

(B) Bonding equipment together to minimize potential differences;

(C) Providing ground mats to extend areas of equipotential; and

(D) Employing insulating protective equipment or barricades to guard against any remaining hazardous potential differences.

Note: Appendix B contains information on hazardous step and touch potentials and on methods of protecting employees from hazards resulting from such potentials.

(11) While working in aerial equipment, employees shall wear a full body harness and a lanyard attached to the boom or basket, in a secure manner.

(12) No component of aerial devices shall be operated from the ground without permission from the employee in the basket except in case of emergency.

(13) Operating levers or controls shall be kept clear of tools, materials or obstructions.

(14) Employees shall not climb into or out of the basket or platform while it is elevated or change from one basket to another on dual basket equipment, except in case of emergency or when the employees involved agree that this is the safest way to perform the work. This exception shall not be used to circumvent safety rules.

(15) Existing safety rules governing the use of hot line tools, rubber and other protective equipment and safe work practices while performing work from poles or structures shall also apply to work done from aerial manlift equipment.

(16) The basket shall be kept clean and all tools not in use shall be secured or removed.

(17) Approved warning light shall be operating when the boom leaves the cradle. This light shall be visible to approaching traffic when the boom is in position over any traveled area.

(18) All aerial manlift equipment shall have both upper and lower controls (except ladder trucks need not have upper controls). The upper controls shall not be capable of rendering the lower controls inoperative. The lower controls should be located at or near the base of the aerial structure. If the lower controls are used, the operator shall have a view of the elevated employee(s) or there shall be communication between the operator and the employee in the elevated aerial structure: Provided, That no employee shall be raised, lowered, or moved into or from the elevated position in any aerial manlift equipment unless there is another employee, not in the elevated aerial structure, available at the site to operate the lower controls, except as follows:

(a) Where there is a fixed method permanently attached to or part of the equipment which will permit an employee to descend from the elevated position without lowering the elevated structure; or

(b) Where there is a system which will provide operation from the elevated position in the event of failure or malfunction of the primary system.

Note: This section shall not be interpreted as an exception to any other rule in this chapter.

(19) Controls in aerial manlift equipment shall be protected from accidental operation. Controls of the outriggers shall also be protected from accidental operation. Such protection may be by guarding or equivalent means.

(20) The manufacturer's recommended maximum load limit shall be posted at a conspicuous place near each set of controls and shall be kept in a legible condition.

(21) The manufacturer's operator's instructional manual shall be kept on the vehicle.

(22) Operating instructions, proper sequence and maintenance procedures prescribed by the manufacturer for operation of the equipment shall be followed.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-375, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45-385 Overhead lines. 

This section provides additional requirements for work performed on or near overhead lines and equipment.

(1) General.

(a) Before elevated structures and adjacent structures, such as poles or towers of the adjacent supporting poles, structures, and conductor supporting hardware, are subjected to such stresses as climbing or the installation or removal of equipment may impose, the employer shall ascertain that the structures are capable of sustaining the additional or unbalanced stresses. If the pole or other structure cannot withstand the loads which will be imposed, it shall be braced or otherwise supported so as to prevent failure.

Note: Appendix C contains test methods that can be used in ascertaining whether a wood pole is capable of sustaining the forces that would be imposed by an employee climbing the pole. This paragraph also requires the employer to ascertain that the pole can sustain all other forces that will be imposed by the work to be performed.

(b) When poles are set, moved, or removed near exposed energized overhead conductors, the pole may not contact the conductors.

(c) When a pole is set, moved, or removed near an exposed energized overhead conductor, the employer shall ensure that each employee wears electrical protective equipment or uses insulated devices when handling the pole and that no employee contacts the pole with uninsulated parts of his or her body.

(d) To protect employees from falling into holes into which poles are to be placed, the holes shall be attended by employees or physically guarded whenever anyone is working nearby.

(2) Installing and removing overhead lines. The following provisions apply to the installation and removal of overhead conductors or cable.

(a) The employer shall use the tension stringing method, barriers, or other equivalent measures to minimize the possibility that conductors and cables being installed or removed will contact energized power lines or equipment.

(b) When conductors are being strung in or removed, they shall be kept under positive control to prevent accidental contact with energized circuit.

(c) The protective measures required by WAC 296-45-375(10)(c) for mechanical equipment shall also be provided for conductors, cables, and pulling and tensioning equipment when the conductor or cable is being installed or removed close enough to energized conductors that any of the following failures could energize the pulling or tensioning equipment or the wire or cable being installed or removed:

(i) Failure of the pulling or tensioning equipment;

(ii) Failure of the wire or cable being pulled; or

(iii) Failure of the previously installed lines or equipment.

(d) When conductors being installed or removed cross over energized conductors in excess of 600 volts, rope nets or guard structures must be installed unless provision is made to isolate or insulate the worker or the energized conductor. Where the design of the circuit-interrupting devices protecting the lines so permits, the automatic-reclosing feature of these devices must be made inoperative. In addition, the line being strung must be grounded on either side of the crossover or considered and worked as energized.

(e) Before lines are installed parallel to existing energized lines, the employer shall make a determination of the approximate voltage to be induced in the new lines, or work shall proceed on the assumption that the induced voltage is hazardous. Unless the employer can demonstrate that the lines being installed are not subject to the induction of a hazardous voltage or unless the lines are treated as energized, the following requirements also apply:

(i) Each bare conductor shall be grounded in increments so that no point along the conductor is more than 2 miles (3.22 km) from a ground.

(ii) The grounds required in subsection (2)(e)(i) of this section shall be left in place until the conductor installation is completed between dead ends.

(iii) The grounds required in subsection (2)(e)(i) of this section shall be removed as the last phase of aerial cleanup.

(iv) If employees are working on bare conductors, grounds shall also be installed at each location where these employees are working, and grounds shall be installed at all open dead-end or catch-off points or the next adjacent structure.

(v) If two bare conductors are to be spliced, the conductors shall be bonded and grounded before being spliced.

(f) Reel handling equipment, including pulling and tensioning devices, shall be in safe operating condition and shall be leveled and aligned.

(g) Load ratings of stringing lines, pulling lines, conductor grips, load-bearing hardware and accessories, rigging, and hoists may not be exceeded.

(h) Each pull must be snubbed or dead ended at both ends before subsequent pulls.

(3) Pulling lines and accessories shall be inspected prior to each use and replaced or repaired when damaged or when there is a reasonable basis to doubt the dependability of such lines or accessories.

(4) Conductor grips may not be used on wire rope, unless the grip is specifically designed for this application.

(5) Reliable communications, through two-way radios or other equivalent means, shall be maintained between the reel tender and the pulling rig operator.

(6) The pulling rig may only be operated when it is safe to do so.

Note: Examples of unsafe conditions include employees in locations prohibited by subsection (7) of this section, conductor and pulling line hang-ups, and slipping of the conductor grip.

(7) 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.

(8) Live-line bare-hand work is prohibited.

(9) When winches, trucks, or tractors are being used to raise poles, materials, to pull in wires, to pull slack or in any other operation, there shall be an operator at the controls unless the machinery or process is stopped.

(10) Leadworkers shall designate an employee to give signals when required.

(11) Raising poles, towers or fixtures in the close proximity of high voltage conductors shall be done under the supervision of a qualified employee.

(12) Employees shall not crawl over insulator strings but shall use a platform or other approved device to work from when making dead ends or doing other work beyond strings of insulators, at such distance that they cannot reach the work from the pole or fixture. While working on the platform or other device, they shall be secured with safety straps or a rope to prevent falling. The provision of this subsection does not apply to extra high voltage bundle conductors when the use of such equipment may produce additional hazard. Climbing over dead end assemblies is permissible only after they have been completed and pinned in the final position.

(13) Towers and structures. The following requirements apply to work performed on towers or other structures which support overhead lines.

(a) The employer shall ensure that no employee is under a tower or structure while work is in progress, except where the employer can demonstrate that such a working position is necessary to assist employees working above.

(b) Tag lines or other similar devices shall be used to maintain control of tower sections being raised or positioned, unless the employer can demonstrate that the use of such devices would create a greater hazard.

(c) The loadline may not be detached from a member or section until the load is safely secured.

(d) No one must be permitted to remain in the footing while equipment is being spotted for placement.

(e) A designated employee must be utilized to determine that required clearance is maintained in moving equipment under or near energized lines.

(14) All conductors, subconductors, and overhead ground conductors must be bonded to the tower at any isolated tower where it may be necessary to complete work on the transmission line.

(15) A transmission clipping crew shall have a minimum of two structures clipped in between the crew and the conductor being sagged.

(16) While on patrol at night and operating a motor vehicle on public highways, there shall be two employees, at least one of whom shall be a journey level lineworker or otherwise qualified employee. If repair to line or equipment is found to be of such nature as to require two lineworkers, work shall not proceed until additional help has been obtained provided that in cases of emergency where delay would increase the danger to life, limb, or substantial property, one employee may clear the hazard without assistance.

(17) Except during emergency restoration procedures, work shall be discontinued when adverse weather conditions would make the work hazardous in spite of the work practices required by this section.

Note: Thunderstorms in the immediate vicinity, high winds, snow storms, and ice storms are examples of adverse weather conditions that are presumed to make this work too hazardous to perform, except under emergency conditions.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 05-17-038 (Order 04-55), § 296-45-385, filed 08/09/05, effective 10/01/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, .060. 98-07-009 (Order 97-17), §296-45-385, filed 03/06/98, effective 05/06/98.]

WAC 296-45 (Continued)