See: 1910.269(e) on Overhead Lines

Overhead line work requirements are contained in 1910.269(q). Key provisions include:

• Poles and towers must be structurally capable of withstanding the stresses that may be imposed when installing and removing equipment. If necessary, structures may be braced to ensure that they can withstand the anticipated load.

• Before anyone climbs a pole, it must be checked to ensure that it is safe to climb. One common method is to "sound" the pole by striking it with a heavy hammer to check it for insect damage or decay. This method is described in 1910.269, Appendix D.

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  When distribution poles are being installed or removed, they must be protected from contacting any bare energized parts, and personnel handling the butt end of the pole must be insulated from the pole by wearing insulating gloves or using insulating tools. Additionally, if an open pole hole is left unattended, it must be covered or barricaded to avoid anyone tripping or falling.

• When installing or removing overhead conductors, conductors sagging into energized lines must be avoided by using tensioning equipment, barriers, or other means. If the energized lines have reclosing devices, they must be turned off during the pulling operation.

• Workers must be protected from contact with energized lines or equipment that could occur because of failure of the pulling or tensioning equipment, failure of the wire or cable being pulled, or failure of previously installed equipment. One way to comply with the standard is to individually ground and bond conductors and equipment together to maintain an equipotential zone in the work area. [See 1910.269(q)(2)(ii) and (p)(4)(iii)].

• When new conductors are installed in such a way that a known or assumed hazard of induced voltage from energized parallel lines could occur, grounds must be installed on the new conductors so that every point is within 2 miles of a ground. These grounds must remain in place until all other installation work is done. Additional working grounds must be installed on the conductors at all terminating ends and at locations where workers are tying in the new conductors.

• During a pulling operation, reliable communication must be maintained between workers at both ends of the job so that pulling can stop immediately if a problem arises. No workers are allowed to be underneath any pulling operation or on a cross arm during pulling except to guide a conductor through a sheave.

• Pulling and tensioning equipment must be kept in a safe operating condition and used within its rated limits. Pulling may be done only when it is safe to do so. Examples of unsafe pulling rig operations include employees working under overhead pulling operations, and working when conductors or pulling lines hang p or the conductor grip slips.

Use of Aerial Lifts
Live Line Bare Hand Work
Fall Protection Equipment
Line-Clearance Tree Trimming
Minimum Approach Distances
Hazard Assessments and Job Briefings
Pole Top and Manhole Requir