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Safety in Pole Climbing | Up
Construction Electrician Basic - Electricity handbook for electricians | Next
Maintenance of Power Distribution Systems |
Some precautions to keep constantly in mind are as
follows:
NEVER carry tools or other objects in your hand
when climbing.
NEVER trust pins,crossarmbraces,orguywires
as supports.
If you are working with another person on the
same pole and he or she goes up first, wait until he or she
is strapped in the working position before you start up.
Do not depend on the snapping sound when you
snap the safety strap to a D-ring. Look down to ensure
that the snap is hooked on the ring.
If the top crossarm is near the top of the pole, do
not pass the strap around the short length of the pole
protruding above the crossarm.
Ensure that keepers on the snap hooks on the
safety strap are facing away from the body.
Figure 4-80.—Descending.
Protective Clothing and Equipment
A lineman should always wear gloves or gauntlets
when tending a reel for stringing conductors. Never
work with the gauntlets of the gloves turned down
Do not wear hobnailed shoes or shoes with metal
plates.
When trimming trees for pole lines, wear
rubbers or rubber-soled shoes for climbing. Always test
the safety strap and body belt before using them. Never
wear a strap with stitching across it or one mended with
tape. Make all the safety checks of climbing equipment
every time you prepare to go aloft.
POLE-TOP RESCUE
When a crew member working aloft is shocked into
unconsciousness, there are several ways of performing
pole-top resuscitation, depending on the prevailing
circumstances.
There are some basic steps that you must take when
accomplishing a pole-top rescue. First, you need to
evaluate the situation; second, you should provide for
YOUR safety; third, you have to climb to position
where you can attempt the rescue; and fourth, you need
to determine the seriousness of the victim's condition
and take the necessary action to accomplish the rescue.
EVALUATE THE SITUATION. Call out to the
victim, "Hey! Do You Need Any Help", "Are You
O.K.?" If there is no response or if the victim seems
stunned or dazed, prepare to do a rescue. At this point,
TIME IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! While calling
to the victim, look at the surroundings. Look for things
such as the pole or crossarm being split, cracked or on
fire. If the victim is in contact with an energized
conductor you will need to clear him or her using rubber
goods or hot stick. When evaluating the scene look at
the whole scene and not just the victim.
WARNING
To ensure your personal safety, you need to
wear rubber gloves or sleeves and take enough
other equipment to secure your position
PROVIDE FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION.
Consider turning off the electricity, but don't waste time
looking for a switch, the rescue is more important. Your
safety is very important to the rescue mission Without
you, there will be no rescue. This means personal
climbing equipment and rubber goods are in serviceable
condition. Hot line tools are ready in case needed and
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