MIL-HDBK-1025/10
Crossing Open Air Switches on Poles
7.9.1
WARNING
Never cross through an open air switch, one side of which is energized.
Energized portions of the structure should be blocked off with barriers
and, if advisable, another worker should be stationed to warn anyone
approaching about the danger zone.
7.9.2 Balancing Support on Pole Structures. Never hold onto air switch arcing
horns for support in walking timbers, as these horns break easily and a fall might result.
7.9.3 Climbing H-Frame Pole Structures. Never walk along an H-frame crossarm
with the line energized.
Stringing or Removing De-energized Conductors. Before stringing or
7.10
removing de-energized conductors a briefing should be held to discuss the plan of operation, the
type of equipment to be used, any adjacent energized lines, needed grounding devices and
procedures, use of crossover methods, and the authorization required. Overhead ground wires
require the same safety precautions.
7.10.1 Line Work Precautions. Observe the following work precautions for stringing
or removing lines and for all aerial line work.
7.10.1.1 Adjacent to Energized Lines. When pulling wire over or near energized
conductors, the worker attending the payout reel should wear rubber gloves and be positioned on
an insulated stand of a size equivalent to or larger than a standard rubber blanket. The payout reel
should be grounded. Any deviation on grounding payout reels requires special permission from
the supervisor.
a. A bull rope of dry polypropylene rope not smaller than 19 millimeters (3/4 inch)
diameter is used in stringing. Handlines are not strong enough. The bull rope should be placed in
position to pull the wire before attempting to string it. The bull rope should be of sufficient length
to reach the distance the wire is to be pulled. Fasten the wire to the end of the bull rope and pull
it into position.
b. A car or truck should be used to pull the wire so that the driver can see the signals of
the reel operator. Both in pulling in the wire and in sagging it, the pulling should be slow and
steady to prevent swinging the wires into the energized conductors. The wire should be watched
carefully to prevent its hanging up on tree limbs, weeds, and other obstructions. No workers
should be permitted to touch any conductors or wires on the ground without rubber gloves.
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