Equipment Operations

The wide variety of cover-up equipment currently available to the qualified electrical worker allows energized live-line work methods to be performed safety and productively. Cover-up equipment comes in several styles and voltage ratings for use in many different live-line applications. Flexible line hose, plastic guards and covers, rubber insulating blankets and sheathing allow the qualified electrical worker to install temporary insulation between themselves and energized conductors and devices.

The Accredited Standard Committee (ASC) A92.2 Subcommittee for Vehicle Mounted Rotating and Elevating Aerial Devices of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has issued the long-awaited 2009 edition of the American National Standard for Vehicle Mounted Rotating and Elevated Aerial Devices.

Design and construction requirements of the original 1969 edition of A92.2 and its appendix were made a part of OSHA in 1970. Since then, the standard has been reissued in four editions in 1979, 1990 and 2001, and most recently in 2009. The 2009 Draft of the Standard was balloted twice by the committee and by ANSI rules was opened for public comment prior to final approval.

A new offering for the utility industry that helps ensure worker safety cost effectively is now available from the new Fiberglass Restoration Division at Huskie Tools.

“Companies often store damaged fiberglass tools in a warehouse since they aren’t allowed to throw away assets,” said Fiberglass Division Manager Bob Welsch. “Those tools are just gathering dust, when in fact they can be repaired to like-new condition. Fiberglass restoration not only saves companies money but also keeps worn fiberglass tools out of landfills. Restoring your used fiberglass tools saves thousands of dollars versus buying new tools.”

New OSHA standard becomes effective November 8, 2010

OSHA’s new Crane and Derrick standard has a little something for everyone, including some unexpected compliance issues for the electric utility industry. Known as Subpart CC, the standard was years in development, pushed heavily to completion in the last years by serious and highly publicized crane accidents.

Whatever you call your boom-supported lift – an aerial lift, bucket truck, cherry picker or the like – the purpose of the device is the same: to get people to elevated work positions. Even though aerial lifts allow elevated work tasks to be performed with ease, comfort and safety, improper lift operation can quickly result in injury and death. The following is an overview of aerial lift safety.

If you’ve tuned into the news in the last two years, you have undoubtedly seen reports of crane accidents that have occurred across the country. There have been many injuries and in some cases fatalities due to the highly populated areas in which these events have taken place.

With the winter thaw occurring in many parts of the country, this TailGate Topic focuses on changing field conditions. Many times our tasks require us to work off the beaten path, placing us in muddy locations. Getting stuck becomes a reality when heavy vehicles are driven over muddy ground.

With winter upon us, one hazard frequently overlooked is machine safety—especially when the topic involves entanglement. With more clothing being worn to keep us warm, loose jackets and baggy clothing create opportunities for machinery and rotating equipment to grab a garment and pull an individual into the equipment.

When it comes to winter preparation, too many times our vehicles get overlooked until that first snowfall reminds us. Before the first snow catches you off guard, check your vehicle for proper and adequate winter accessories and equipment to ensure they are present and in good condition. Below is a list of items to assist vehicle operators with their inspections.

How the Interagency Snow Rescue Task Force was well positioned to meet the challenges of Colorado's recent snowstorms and save many lives.

Inspired by life altering events, Art Seely of Safety One, Inc., has formed a unique team. The Interagency Snow Rescue Task Force (ISRTF) was initially conceived when EMS rescue attempts failed to reach a Denver victim stranded in less than one foot of snow. This was Seely's nightmare while he was a young paramedic in 1975, and it was this event that changed his life.