Chapter 1: Working on Lines and Equipment - Working on the Line - Possible Test Questions - Week 7 Flashcards
Categories of linework:
- Construction
- Maintenance
- Repair
The two methods for working on a power delivery system:
- Energized
- De-energized
List a few specialized live-line tools:
- Hot Sticking
- Rubber Gloving (Including use of rubber sleeves)
- Barehanding
OSHA Linework is governed by:
- Construction or general industry regulations
De-Energized work involved protection against both:
-Normal and abnormal sources of energy
Proper steps to de-energize:
- Disconnect
- Test
- Properly Ground
The two grounding procedures:
- Equipotential Zone (EPZ)
- Bracket Grounding
Equipotential Zone (EPZ) Grounding:
- Grounding is the preferred method for protecting the lineworker
Bracket Grounding:
- Is used to trip out the circuit as quickly as possible
The terms “voltage” and “potential” will be:
- used interchangeable throughout this course
Current will divide and take:
- every available path to objects of different potential
Insulate and Isolate:
- The only way to completely prevent current flow through the lineworker
Protective grounding and bonding are effective if they meet the following two objectives:
- Minimize the time it takes to trip the circuit
- Limit the current flow and voltage drop across the lineworker’s body.
When performing energized work, lineworkers follow three principals to manage current:
- 1) Insulate-use hot sticks, rubber gloves/sleeves, and rubber/plastic cover-up equipment to shield against current flow.
2) Isolate-create physical separation from any object of different potential. For example, an insulated aerial lift or insulated platform helps to isolate the worker’s feet from differences of potential. - 3) Protect against second point of contact-arrange the insulation and isolate the workers and tools so that anything that has a different potential than the item to be worked cannot be reached from the work position.
The second point of contact is defined as:
- “the point at which current leaves
the body during simultaneous contact between two or more objects of
different potential.”
The Pain Scale:
- DETECTABLE: (1-5 milliamps (mA) OR .1%-.5% of 1 amp) Feeling of warmth or a slight tingle; little or no body reaction.
- PAINFUL: (9-15 mA OR .9%-1.5% of 1 amp) Feeling of clear discomfort; minor body movement.
- LET GO: (16-100 mA OR 1.6%-10% of 1 amp) Instant pain; immediate letting go or moving away from the contact.
- VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION OF THE HEART (V-FIB): (100-700 mA OR 10%-70% of 1 amp): Disabled; heart is unable to function properly.
- BURNING OF THE SKIN AND ORGANS: (1 amp and higher) Significant damage
All Employees exposed to electrical hazards must use approved:
- protective equipment
- OSHA
Clearance:
- Disconnecting a line, line section, or equipment that is being worked on
A clearance typically involves three roles:
- The Clearance Holder
- The System Operator
- The Field Operator
The clearance holder:
- is responsible for accomplishing the work in the field (normally a crew leader). A clearance is issued to the clearance holder, and cannot end until the clearance holder releases the clearance.
The system operator:
- works at the utility’s operations center and has a system-wide perspective and control of the system in real time. This person gives permission for the clearance to occur, can operate devices remotely, and releases the line or apparatus to the clearance holder so that the work can be performed.
A field operator:
- is any employee in the field who is physically operating the apparatus or devices used to disconnect the lines or equipment. This is done at the direction of the system operator. This employee could be a troubleman, switchman, roving operator, station operator, or other position.
The clearance holder may perform the duties of the:
- field operator
Three major objectives when clearing lines and equipment:
- Ensure the safety of all employees and the public
- Minimize the negative impact on the electrical system
- Minimize the number of customers who will be out of service