Equipment Operations

While the use of man baskets mounted on cranes is common to the utility transmission construction industry, it will surprise many that OSHA has clearly established their premise that cranes are designed to lift loads – not people – and that hoisting personnel with a crane is inherently more dangerous than using equipment designed to lift personnel. For this reason, it is important that safety planners and crews understand OSHA's intentions for crane-mounted baskets and the issues associated with their use. The crane and derrick standard regulates lifting of personnel, both in a crane-mounted basket and on a suspended platform. OSHA has directly stated that it considers a crane-suspended basket the same as a crane boom tip-mounted basket for the reason stated above (29 CFR 1926.1400 Subpart CC Preamble, page 48035).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Excavation and trenching is statistically the most hazardous work in the U.S. construction industry. Frequent news stories from around the country attest to the danger. More than 100 workers are killed each year in trench cave-ins alone. Countless others are injured or maimed, physically and psychologically.
Recognizing the need for more effective regulations on excavation safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a revised federal standard in 1990 to establish more clearly the requirements for protecting employees in excavations. The definitive standard greatly increases the flexibility you and your workers have in choosing protective systems.