UFC 3-560-01
6 December 2006
Including change 1, 7 December 2006
5-4.4
Tool Cleaning Before Use. A live-line tool must be wiped clean before each
day's use and visually inspected for cleanliness and a glossy surface. Clean live-line
tools with a clean absorbent paper towel or cloth and then wipe with a clean, dry cloth (a
silicone-treated cloth is also permitted). Never use cloths that have been washed in
harsh solvents, soap or detergents. Residues could be left on the tool that may be
conductive. Abrasives could damage the surface gloss of the tool (thus permitting water
to "wet-out" or "sheet" on the surface of the tool if later exposed to rain or heavy fog). If
the surface of the tool is not glossy, or any contamination is present after wiping that
could adversely affect the insulating qualities of the tool, the tool must be removed from
service and tested before being returned to service.
5-4.5
Tool Inspection After Cleaning and Before Use. After each cleaning and
before use, a live-line tool must be visually inspected for defects. If any defect is
present that could adversely affect the insulating qualities of the tool, the tool must be
removed from service and tested before being returned to service. The following field
observations warrant removing a tool from service:
Evidence of an electrically overstressed tool, such as: electrical tracking;
burn marks; or blisters caused from heat.
Evidence of a mechanically overstressed tool, such as: damaged, bent,
warped, worn or cracked components; deep cuts, scratches, nicks,
gouges, dents or delamination in the tool surface; or deterioration of the
tool's glossy surface.
5-4.6
Other Conditions for Removal from Service. A live-line tool must be
removed from service if one or more of the following conditions are detected:
5-4.6.1
It fails to pass an electrical dry or wet test during laboratory, shop, or field-
testing.
5-4.6.2 If a tingling or fuzzy sensation is felt when the tool is in contact with energized
conductors or hardware.
5-4.6.3 If a tool has been dropped from a significant height (such as from an
overhead line or a structure) or subjected to impact such that internal structural damage
is suspected.
5-4.7
Returning a Tool to Service. A tool may not be returned to service until the
tool has been examined, cleaned, and repaired (if necessary), and electrically tested.
5-4.8
Waxing. Waxing is not necessary after every use but only as needed. Use
cleaning and waxing kits manufactured for live-line tools and follow directions for their
use. All live-line tools must be electrically tested under wet conditions before being
returned to service after any waxing.
5-6
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