Maintenance of Power Distribution Systems

physical condition of the pole has been surveyed. Plan your route to the victim now. To be on the safe side assume the pole is energized; unless confirmed de- energized. Leap onto the pole. No part of your body should touch the pole and the earth at the same time. This prevents your body from providing an alternate path for the electricity. Remember, don't take chances and become a victim also. CLIMB TO RESCUE POSITION. Lay out the rescue rope and attach one end to a loop of your body belt. While climbing to the rescue position, be sure to climb carefully and belt in at a safe position. Clear the victim from energized conductors using rubber goods or hot sticks, then reposition yourself and determine the victim's condition. Slightly above and to one side is normally best for checking and working with the victim. A safe and easy method used to lower the victim to the ground is shown in figure 4-81 and requires a pulley line or a handline attached to a crossarm and tied off around the victim's chest. The knot should be in front of the victim, close to one armpit. lie three half-hitches, and snug the knot so that the rope rides high on the victim's chest Take up the slack, cut the victim's safety strap, and slowly lower him or her to the ground. MAINTENANCE OF POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS The elements, accidents, and willful vandalism are the causes of most damage to power distribution Figure 4-81.—Pole-top rescue. equipment. To repair these damages, the lineman requires experience, a total commitment to safety, and the knowledge to accomplish repairs to the system as quickly and economically as possible. MAINTENANCE OF POLES, TIMBERS, AND CROSSARMS The maintenance required on the poles, timbers, and crossarms in a power distribution system is minimal. Normally, this equipment lasts for a period of 20 years or more. The following problems may occur, however, and create a need for maintenance action: A pole can settle and require straightening. Wood can shrink and cause all hardware to become loose and require tightening. WOOD POLE MAINTENANCE Wood poles are treated with preservatives to prevent decay, but small organisms, insects, and fungi all contribute to the breakdown of the wood preservatives. The life of a pole can be extended by inspections and treatment, when necessary, to stop pole decay. The inspection would normally include sounding the pole by hitting it with a hammer from belowground level to approximately 6 feet above ground to determine obvious defects. Also the pole is bored to determine the presence of internal voids. Poles with internal decay can be treated with insecticides. External decay is removed, and the area is treated with preservatives and wrapped with a moisture-proof barrier. Poles weakened excessively by internal or external decay must be reinforced or replaced. MAINTENANCE OF HARDWARE, CONDUCTORS, ACCESSORIES, AND GUYS Other items that may require maintenance are the hardware, conductors, accessories, and guys. Over time, guys stretch and require re- tensioning. Insulators get dirty and require cleaning, especially around the sea where there is salt in the air. Connections become loose with age and must be re-torqued to prevent hot spots. 4-44