Chapter 3 Flashcards
Energized Work
What are the two methods for working on a power delivery system?
Energized and De-Energized
What are the 3 principles that energized work is governed by?
- ) Insulate
- ) Isolate
3) Protect Against Second Point of Contact
What does Insulate mean when working on energized lines?
The worker is separated by a dielectric substance. Insulation shields workers against current flow.
What are some examples of insulating equipment?
- Rubber Gloves and Sleeves
- Hot Sticks
- Rubber or Plastic Cover-Up Equipment
What does Isolate mean when working on energized lines?
Employing tested and certified equipment to create physical separation between the worker and any object under the worker’s feet. Isolation separates the worker from the Earth.
What are some examples of isolating equipment?
- Insulated Aerial Lift
- Insulated Platform
What does Protect Against Second Point of Contact mean when working on energized lines?
Defined as “the point at which current leaves the body during simultaneous contact between two or more items of different potential.” Most electrical accidents involve Second Point of Contact.
What are some examples of a possible Second Point of Contact?
- Guy-Wires
- Ground Wires
- Crossarms
- Poles
- Other Phases or Neutral
What mus employers ensure about their employees?
That they’re qualified to perform the tasks assigned to them, including the use of specific equipment.
What does OSHA define a Qualified Person as?
“One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive training and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.”
With energized work, what must a Qualified Employee be trained and competent at?
- Distinguishing exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment.
- Determining the nominal voltage of exposed live parts.
- Maintaining MAD from exposed live parts
- Using PPE and live-line tools properly when working on or near exposed live parts.
- Recognizing and avoiding electrical hazards
What does OSHA define a Competent Person as?
“One who is capable of identifying existing predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.”
What does/can a Competent Person do?
This is the person authorized by the employer to keep the job site safe - so they know what needs to be done and have the authority to lead a crew at doing it. Also has the authorization to change a situation in order to enhance work-site safety.
What is a Competent Person?
A Qualified Person who is authorized to make decisions that can enhance safety.
What do you do during the grounding process until the line has effectively been grounded?
Maintain MAD
How is MAD best defined?
The closest distance that a qualified employee can approach an exposed object of different potential without the use of approved and rated protective equipment.
How are the distances mandated by OSHA calculated?
- ) Inadvertent factor, meaning that a worker will maintain the MAD even if they reach beyond, slip, or fall from their intended position.
- ) Altitude Correction Factor (Min. Dist. changes at 3,000’)
- ) The electrical component of the MAD (Not less than 2’ for Primary Dist Voltages.)
When should MAD distances be identified?
During the job briefing.
What is a common industry best practice for Rubber Glove Work?
Stay 5’ away from energized parts
What do some employers require for Rubber Glove Work?
They require gloves and sleeves to remain on from the time the employee leaves the ground until they return.
What are the methods for maintaining MAD based on the type of work?
- Rubber Glove Work
- Hot Sticking
- Barehand
How does maintaining the MAD and Rubber Gloving work?
Workers use rated and tested gloves and sleeves to apply cover-up equipment until any second point of contact is well out of reach of the work location.
How does maintaining the MAD and Hot Sticking work?
Workers use insulated live-line tools that are long enough to maintain the MAD between the worker’s hands and the exposed energized object.
How does maintaining the MAD and Barhand work?
Because they are energized at the same potential as the phase, workers must maintain the MAD from any other object of different potential, such as the structure or other phases.
What are the 3 factors involving Encroachment?
- You are insulated from the energized part
- The energized part is insulated
- You are isolated from any object at a different potential
What should you do each day before working hot?
- By thoroughly inspecting rubber gloves, rubber sleeves, and hot sticks.
- Identify MAD distances
- Conduct a worksite inspection
- Request Hot-Line Tag
What is the most important element of any Live-Line Tool?
Insulation
What should you protect on your live-line tools?
The integrity of your equipment’s insulation.
What are almost all hot sticks made of?
Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) with a Foam Core.
What does the Fiberglass provide?
Stiffness and Strength, while special plastics provide electrical resistance.
What do the Foam Cells contain?
An inert gas that resists moisture absorption.
Why is the core bonded to the inner wall of the fiberglass?
For mechanical and electrical strength.
Why are sticks brightly colored?
For visibility
Why are they tested routinely?
To confirm their electrical insulating strength.
What are modern tool heads and attachments made of?
Heat-Treated Aluminum or engineered plastics for lightweight toughness
What are the basic categories of Hot Sticks?
- Universal Sticks
- Tie Stick
- Shotgun Stick
- Link Stick
- Auxiliary Support Arm
- Cutter
- Telescoping Stick
Why are Tie Sticks used?
To manipulate tie wires, and also install and remove Preformed Ties and Armor Rods.
What is another name for a Shotgun?
Grip-All
What is a Shotgun?
Easy to control gripping finger on the hot end of the stick. Used for a variety of tasks including EPZ Grounds
What is a Link Stick?
Typically short, provide insulation when using ropes, blocks, and strap hoists.
Why use an Auxiliary Support Arm?
To reposition and secure conductors out of the immediate work area. Work well for conductor, crossarm, pole, and insulator replacements, switch installation, and other projects.
What is a Cutter?
Used to Cut Conductors of all sizes. Some make a round cut to allow installation of a splicing sleeve or dead-end. Those made for larger conductors are typically hydraulic or ratchet assisted.
Why use a Telescoping Stick?
Replace fuses, operate disconnects, take conductor height measurements, and operate reclosers.
What are the basic Hot Stick Attachments used for?
- Tying Conductors to Insulators
- Replacing Insulators
- Disconnecting Switches
What are two other tools used for Energized Work?
- Conductor Pulling Grips
- Fiber Hoist/Strap Hoist
How do Conductor Pulling Grips work?
Not Spring Loaded, have a ring or bracket, once secured to the conductor, the gripping jaws can be opened freely by releasing the pulling mechanism.
What is a Fiber Hoist/Strap Hoist used for?
Support sagging conductors, adjust tension, replace strain insulators, and other tasks.