R 408.18601. Scope.

Rule 8601.

These rules establish the work practices to be used during the operation and maintenance of electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. These rules apply to all of the following:

(a) Enclosed spaces.
(b) Hazardous energy control.
(c) Working near energized parts.
(d) Grounding for employee protection.
(e) Underground and overhead installations.
(f) Line clearance tree trimming.
(g) Substations and generating plants.
(h) Other conditions and equipment unique to the generation, transmission and distribution of electric energy.

R 408.18602. Adoption by reference of federal regulations; amendments to adopted federal regulations; copies.

Rule 8602.

(1) The provisions of 29 C. F. R. §1910.269, Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution, are adopted by reference in these rules and may be inspected at the Lansing office of the Michigan department of consumer and industry services. A copy of 29 C. F. R. §1910.269 is available from the United States Department of Labor, 801 South Waverly, Room 306, Lansing, Michigan 48917, or from the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, MIOSHA Standards Division, 7150 Harris Drive, Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan 48909, at no charge as of the time of adoption of these rules.
(2) The following provisions are amendments to federal regulations adopted by reference by the department of consumer and industry services:

(a) A reference to 29 C. F. R. §1910.269 in 29 C. F. R. part 1910, subpart R, is deemed to be a reference to Part 39. Design Safety Standards for Electrical Systems and Part 40. Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices, being R 408.13901 and R 408.13902 and R 408.14001 et seq., respectively, of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(b) A reference to 29 C. F. R. §1910.12, Construction Work, in 29 C. F. R. part 1910, subpart B, means construction as defined in Act No. 154 of the Public Acts of 1974, as amended, being §408.1001 et seq. of the Michigan Compiled Laws.
(c) A reference to 29 C. F. R. §1910.269( a)( 1)( iii) in 29 C. F. R. part 1910 means Michigan occupational safety and health standards as defined in Act No. 154 of the Public Acts of 1974, as amended, being §408.1001 et seq. of the Michigan Compiled Laws.
(d) A reference to 29 C. F. R. §1910.151, medical services and first aid, in 29 C. F. R. part 1910, subpart K, means Michigan occupational safety and health act (MIOSHA) occupational health standards Ð medical services and first aid.
(e) A reference to 29 C. F. R. §1910.147, control of hazardous energy Ð lockout, in 29 C. F. R. part 1910, subpart J, means general industry safety standard Part 85. The Control of Hazardous Energy Sources (Lockout/ Tagout), being R 408.18501 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(f) A reference to 29 C. F. R. §1910.145, specifications for accident prevention signs and tags, in 29 C. F. R. part 1910, subpart J, means general industry safety standard Part 37. Accident Prevention Signs and Tags, being R 408.13701 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(g) A reference to 29 C. F. R. §1910.146, permit-required confined space, in 29 C. F. R. part 1910, subpart J, means general industry safety standard Part 90. Confined Space Entry, being R 408.19001 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(h) A reference to 29 C. F. R. §1926.650, excavation, in 29 C. F. R. part 1926, subpart P, means construction safety standard Part 9. Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring, being R 408.40901 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(i) A reference to 29 C. F. R. part 1910, subpart I, personal protective equipment, in 29 C. F. R. part 1910, means general industry safety standard Part 33. Personal Protective Equipment, being R 408.13301 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(j) A reference to 29 C. F. R. part 1926, subpart E, personal protective and life saving equipment, in 29 C. F. R. part 1926 means construction safety standard Part 45. Fall Protection, being R 408.14501 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(k) A reference to 29 C. F. R. §1926.959, power transmission and distribution, in 29 C. F. R. part 1926, subpart V, means construction safety standard Part 16. Power Transmission and Distribution, being R 408.41601 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(l) A reference to 29 C. F. R. part 1910, subpart D, walking and working surfaces, in 29 C. F. R. §1910.269 means the following MIOSHA general industry safety standards:

(i) Part 2. Floor and Wall Openings, Stairways, and Skylights, being R 408.40201 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code. (
ii) Part 3. Fixed Ladders, being R 408.40301 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(iii) Part 4. Portable Ladders, being R 408.40401 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(iv) Part 5. Scaffolds, being R 408.40501 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(m) A reference to 29 C. F. R. §1910.67, vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms, in 29 C. F. R. part 1910, subpart F, means general industry safety standard Part 58. Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Platforms, being R 408.45801 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(n) A reference to 29 C. F. R. §1910.26, portable metal ladders, in 29 C. F. R. part 1910, subpart D, means general industry safety standard Part 4. Portable Ladders, being R 408.45801 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(o) A reference to 29 C. F. R. §1910.243( a)( 5), guarding of portable powered tools, in 29 C. F. R. part 1910, subpart P, means R 408.13861( 1) of general industry safety standard Part 38. Hand and Portable Powered Tools.
(p) A reference to 29 C. F. R. part 1910, subpart N, materials handling and storage, in 29 C. F. R. part 1910, subpart N, means all of the following MIOSHA general industry safety standards:

(i) Part 1. General Rules, being R 408.40101 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(ii) Part 18. Overhead and Gantry Cranes, being R 408.41801 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(iii) Part 19. Crawler, Locomotive, and Truck Cranes, being R 408.41901 et seq. of Michigan Administrative Code.
(iv) Part 20. Underhung Cranes and Monorail Systems, being R 408.42001 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(v) Part 21. Powered Industrial Trucks, being R 408.42101 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(vi) Part 49. Slings, being R 408.44901 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(vii) Part 59. Helicopters, being R 408.45901 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(viii) Part 72. Automotive Service Operations, being R 498.47201 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(ix) Part 13. Derricks, being R 408.41301 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(q) A reference to 29 C. F. R. part 1926, subpart W, rollover protective structures, in 29 C. F. R. part 1926, subpart W, means construction safety standard Part 13. Mobile Equipment, being R 408.41301 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(r) A reference to 29 C. F. R. §1910.266( c)( 5), pulpwood logging, in 29 C. F. R. 1910, subpart R, means R 408.15131 and R 408.15136 of general industry safety standard Part 51. Logging.
(s) A reference to 29 C. F. R. 1910.97( a)( 2) and (3), nonionizing radiation, in 29 C. F. R. part 1910, subpart G, means OH rule 2420( 1)( c) and (d). (t) A reference to 29 C. F. R. 1910, subpart Z, toxic and hazardous substances, in 29 C. F. R. part 1910, means R 325.51101 et seq. of the Michigan Administrative Code.
(3) Copies of OH rule 2420( 1)( c) and (d) and R 325.51101 et seq. are available at no charge as of the time of adoption of this rule from the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, MIOSHA Standards Division, P. O. Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan 48909.

(a) "General."

(1) "Application."

(i) This section covers the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, control, transformation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment. These provisions apply to:

(A) Power generation, transmission, and distribution installations, including related equipment for the purpose of communication or metering, which are accessible only to qualified employees; NOTE: The types of installations covered by this paragraph include the generation, transmission, and distribution installations of electric utilities, as well as equivalent installations of industrial establishments. Supplementary electric generating equipment that is used to supply a workplace for emergency, standby, or similar purposes only is covered. (See paragraph (a)( 1)( ii)( B) of this section.)
(B) Other installations at an electric power generating stations, as follows:

{1} Fuel and ash handling and processing installations, such as coal conveyors,
{2} Water and steam installations, such as penstocks, pipelines, and tanks, providing a source of energy for electric generators, and {3} Chlorine and hydrogen systems.
(C) Test sites where electrical testing involving temporary measurements associated with electric power generation, transmission, and distribution is performed in laboratories, in the field, in substations, and on lines, as opposed to metering, relaying, and routine line work;
(D) Work on or directly associated with the installations covered in paragraphs (a)( 1)( i)( A) through (a)( 1)( i)( C) of this section; and
(E) Line-clearance tree-trimming operations, as follows:

{1} Entire 1910.269 of this Part, except paragraph (r)( 1) of this section, applies to line-clearance tree-trimming operations performed by qualified employees (those who are knowledgeable in the construction and operation of electric power generation, transmission or distribution equipment involved, along with the associated hazards).
{2} Paragraphs (a)( 2), (b), (c), (g), (k), (p), and (r) of this section apply to line-clearance tree-trimming operations performed by line-clearance tree trimmers who are not qualified employees.
(ii) Notwithstanding paragraph (A)( 1)( i) of this section, 1910.269 of this Part does not apply:

(A) To construction work, as defined in 1910.12 of this Part; or
(B) To electrical installations, electrical safety-related work practices, or electrical maintenance considerations covered by Subpart S of this Part.

NOTE 1: Work practices conforming to §§ 1910.332 through 1910.335 of this part are considered as complying with the electrical safety-related work practice requirements of this section identified in Table 1 of Appendix A-2 to this section, provided the work is being performed on a generation or distribution installation meetings 1910.303 through 1910.308 of this Part. This table also identifies provisions in this section that apply to work by qualified persons directly on or associated with installations of electric power generation, transmission, and distribution lines or equipment, regardless of compliance with 1910.332 through 1910.335 of this Part.
NOTE 2: Work practices performed by qualified persons and conforming to 1910.269 of this Part are considered as complying with 1910.333( c) and 1910.335 of this Part.
(iii) This section applies in addition to all other applicable standards contained in 1910. Specific references in this section to other MIOSHA Standards are provided for emphasis only.
(2) "Training."

(i) Employees shall be trained in and familiar with the safety-related work practices, safety procedures, and other safety requirements in this section that pertain to their respective job assignments. Employees shall also be trained in and familiar with any other safety practices, including applicable emergency procedures (such as pole top and manhole rescue), that are not specifically addressed by this section but that are related to their work and are necessary for their safety.
(ii) Qualified employees shall also be trained and competent in:

(A) The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment,
(B) The skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts,
(C) The minimum approach distances specified in this section corresponding to the voltages to which the qualified employee will be exposed, and
(D) The proper use of the special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools for working on or near exposed energized parts of electric equipment. NOTE: For the purposes of this section, a person must have training in order to be considered a qualified person.
(iii) The employer shall determine, through regular supervision and through inspections conducted on at least an annual basis, that each employee is complying with the safety-related work practices required by this section.
(iv) An employee shall receive additional training (or retraining) under any of the following conditions:

(A) If the supervision and annual inspections required by paragraph (a)( 2)( iii) of this section indicate that the employee is not complying with the safety-related work practices required by this section, or
(B) If new technology, new types of equipment, or changes in procedures necessitate the use of safety-related work practices that are different from those which the employee would normally use, or
(C) If he or she must employ safety-related work practices that are not normally used during his or her regular job duties. NOTE: MIOSHA would consider tasks that are performed less often than once per year to necessitate retraining before the performance of the work practices involved.
(v) The training required by paragraph (a)( 2) of this section shall be of the classroom or on-the job type.
(vi) The training shall establish employee proficiency in the work practices required by this section and shall introduce the procedures necessary for compliance with this section.
(vii) The employer shall certify that each employee has received the training required by paragraph (a)( 2) of this section. This certification shall be made when the employee demonstrates proficiency in the work practices involved and shall be maintained for the duration of the employee's employment. NOTE: Employment records that indicate that an employee has received the required training are an acceptable means of meeting this requirement.
(3) "Existing conditions." Existing conditions related to the safety of the work to be performed shall be determined before work on or near electric lines or equipment is started. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, the nominal voltages of lines and equipment, the maximum switching transient voltages, the presence of hazardous induced voltages, the presence and condition of protective grounds and equipment grounding conductors, the condition of poles, environmental conditions relative to safety, and the locations of circuits and equipment, including power and communication lines and fire protective signaling circuits.

(1) "Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid training." When employees are performing work on or associated with exposed lines or equipment energized at 50 volts or more, persons trained in first aid including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) shall be available as follows:

(i) For field work involving two or more employees at a work location, at least two trained persons shall be available. However, only one trained person need be available if all new employees are trained in first aid, including CPR, within 3 months of their hiring dates.
(ii) For fixed work locations such as generating stations, the number of trained persons available shall be sufficient to ensure that each employee exposed to electric shock can be reached within 4 minutes by a trained person. However, where the existing number of employees is insufficient to meet this requirement (at a remote substation, for example), all employees at the work location shall be trained.
(2) "First aid supplies." First aid supplies required by 1910.151( b) shall be placed in weatherproof containers if the supplies could be exposed to the weather.
(3) "First aid kits." Each first aid kit shall be maintained, shall be readily available for use, and shall be inspected frequently enough to ensure that expended items are replaced at least once per year.

(1) "Number of briefings." If the work or operations to be performed during the work day or shift are repetitive and similar, at least one job briefing shall be conducted before the start of the first job of each day or shift. Additional job briefings shall be held if significant changes, which might affect the safety of the employees, occur during the course of the work.
(2) "Extent of briefing." A brief discussion is satisfactory if the work involved is routine and if the employee, by virtue of training and experience, can reasonably be expected to recognize and avoid the hazards involved in the job. A more extensive discussion shall be conducted:

(i) If the work is complicated or particularly hazardous, or
(ii) If the employee cannot be expected to recognize and avoid the hazards involved in the job.
NOTE: The briefing is always required to touch on all the subjects listed in the introductory text to paragraph (c) of this section.
(3) "Working alone." An employee working alone need not conduct a job briefing. However, the employer shall ensure that the tasks to be performed are planned as if a briefing were required.

(1) "Application." The provisions of paragraph (d) of this section apply to the use of lockout/ tagout procedures for the control of energy sources in installations for the purpose of electric power generation, including related equipment for communication or metering. Locking and tagging procedures for the deenergizing of electric energy sources which are used exclusively for purposes of transmission and distribution are addressed by paragraph (m) of this section.
NOTE 1: Installations in electric power generation facilities that are not an integral part of, or inextricably commingled with, power generation processes or equipment are covered under 1910.147 and Subpart S of this Part.
NOTE 2: Lockout and tagging procedures that comply with paragraphs (c) through (f) of 1910.147 will also be deemed to comply with paragraph (d) of this section if the procedures address the hazards covered by paragraph (d) of this section.
(2) "General."

(i) The employer shall establish a program consisting of energy control procedures, employee training, and periodic inspections to ensure that, before any employee performs any servicing or maintenance on a machine or equipment where the unexpected energizing, start up, or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, the machine or equipment is isolated from the energy source and rendered inoperative.
(ii) The employer's energy control program under paragraph (d)( 2) of this section shall meet the following requirements:

(A) If an energy isolating device is not capable of being locked out, the employer's program shall use a tagout system.
(B) If an energy isolating device is capable of being locked out, the employer's program shall use lockout, unless the employer can demonstrate that the use of a tagout system will provide full employee protection as follows:

{1} When a tagout device is used on an energy isolating device which is capable of being locked out, the tagout device shall be attached at the same location that the lockout device would have been attached, and the employer shall demonstrate that the tagout program will provide a level of safety equivalent to that obtained by the use of a lockout program.
{2} In demonstrating that a level of safety is achieved in the tagout program equivalent to the level of safety obtained by the use of a lockout program, the employer shall demonstrate full compliance with all tagout-related provisions of this standard together with such additional elements as are necessary to provide the equivalent safety available from the use of a lockout device. Additional means to be considered as part of the demonstration of full employee protection shall include the implementation of additional safety measures such as the removal of an isolating circuit element, blocking of a controlling switch, opening of an extra disconnecting device, or the removal of a valve handle to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent energizing.
(C) After January 15, 1995, whenever replacement or major repair, renovation, or modification of a machine or equipment is performed, and whenever new machines or equipment are installed, energy isolating devices for such machines or equipment shall be designed to accept a lockout device.
(iii) Procedures shall be developed, documented, and used for the control of potentially hazardous energy covered by paragraph (d) of this section.
(iv) The procedure shall clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, responsibility, authorization, rules, and techniques to be applied to the control of hazardous energy, and the measures to enforce compliance including, but not limited to, the following:

(A) Specific statement of the intended use of this procedure;
(B) Specific procedural steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy;
(C) Specific procedural steps for the placement, removal, and transfer of lockout devices or tagout devices and the responsibility for them; and
(D) Specific requirements for testing a machine or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, tagout devices, and other energy control measures.
(v) The employer shall conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section are being followed.

(A) The periodic inspection shall be performed by an authorized employee who is not using the energy control procedure being inspected.
(B) The periodic inspection shall be designed to identify and correct any deviations or inadequacies.
(C) If lockout is used for energy control, the periodic inspection shall include a review, between the inspector and each authorized employee, of that employee's responsibilities under the energy control procedure being inspected.
(D) Where tagout is used for energy control, the periodic inspection shall include a review between the inspector and each authorized and affected employee, of that employee's responsibilities under the energy control procedure being inspected, and the elements set forth in paragraph (d)( 2)( vii) of this section.
(E) The employer shall certify that the inspections required by paragraph (d)( 2)( v) of this section have been accomplished. The certification shall identify the machine or equipment on which the energy control procedure was being used, the date of the inspection employees included in the inspection, and the person performing the inspection.
NOTE: If normal work schedule and operation records demonstrate adequate inspection activity and contain the required information, no additional certification is required.
(vi) The employer shall provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of energy controls are acquired by employees. The training shall include the following:

(A) Each authorized employee shall receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of energy available in the workplace, and in the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control.
(B) Each affected employee shall be instructed in the purpose and use of the energy control procedure.
(C) All other employees whose work operations are or may be in an area where energy control procedures may be used shall be instructed about the procedures and about the prohibition relating to attempts to restart or reenergize machines or equipment that are locked out or tagged out.
(vii) When tagout systems are used, employees shall also be trained in the following limitations of tags:

(A) Tags are essentially warning devices affixed to energy isolating devices and do not provide the physical restraint on those devices that is provided by a lock.
(B) When a tag is attached to an energy isolating means, it is not to be removed without authorization of the authorized person responsible for it, and it is never to be bypassed, ignored, or otherwise defeated.
(C) Tags must be legible and understandable by all authorized employees, affected employees, and all other employees whose work operations are or may be in the area, in order to be effective.
(D) Tags and their means of attachment must be made of materials which will withstand the environmental conditions encountered in the workplace.
(E) Tags may evoke a false sense of security, and their meaning needs to be understood as part of the overall energy control program.
(F) Tags must be securely attached to energy isolating devices so that they cannot be inadvertently or accidentally detached during use.
(viii) Retraining shall be provided by the employer as follows:

(A) Retraining shall be provided for all authorized and affected employees whenever there is a change in their job assignments, a change in machines, equipment, or processes that present a new hazard or whenever there is a change in the energy control procedures.
(B) Retraining shall also be conducted whenever a periodic inspection under paragraph (d)( 2)( v) of this section reveals, or whenever the employer has reason to believe, that there are deviations from or inadequacies in an employee's knowledge or use of the energy control procedures.
(C) The retraining shall reestablish employee proficiency and shall introduce new or revised control methods and procedures, as necessary.
(ix) The employer shall certify that employee training has been accomplished and is being kept up to date. The certification shall contain each employee's name and dates of training.
(3) "Protective materials and hardware."

(i) Locks, tags, chains, wedges, key blocks, adapter pins, self-locking fasteners, or other hardware shall be provided by the employer for isolating, securing, or blocking of machines or equipment from energy sources.
(ii) Lockout devices and tagout devices shall be singularly identified; shall be the only devices used for controlling energy; may not be used for other purposes; and shall meet the following requirements:

(A) Lockout devices and tagout devices shall be capable of withstanding the environment to which they are exposed for the maximum period of time that exposure is expected.

{1} Tagout devices shall be constructed and printed so that exposure to weather conditions or wet and damp locations will not cause the tag to deteriorate or the message on the tag to become illegible.
{2} Tagout devices shall be so constructed as not to deteriorate when used in corrosive environments.
(B) Lockout devices and tagout devices shall be standardized within the facility in at least one of the following criteria: color, shape, size. Additionally, in the case of tagout devices print and format shall be standardized.
(C) Lockout devices shall be substantial enough to prevent removal without the use of excessive force or unusual techniques, such as with the use of bolt cutters or metal cutting tools.
(D) Tagout devices, including their means of attachment, shall be substantial enough to prevent inadvertent or accidental removal. Tagout device attachment means shall be of a non-reusable type, attachable by hand, self-locking, and non-releasable with a minimum unlocking strength of not less than 50 pounds and shall have the general design and basic characteristics of being at least equivalent to a one-piece, all-environment-tolerant nylon cable tie.
(E) Each lockout device or tagout device shall include provisions for the identification of the employee applying the device.
(F) Tagout devices shall warn against hazardous conditions if the machine or equipment is energized and shall include a legend such as the following: Do Not Start, Do Not Open, Do Not Close, Do Not Energize, Do Not Operate.
NOTE: For specific provisions covering accident prevention tags, see 1910.145 of this Part.
(4) "Energy isolation." Lockout and tagout device application and removal may only be performed by the authorized employees who are performing the servicing or maintenance.
(5) "Notification." Affected employees shall be notified by the employer or authorized employee of the application and removal of lockout or tagout devices. Notification shall be given before the controls are applied and after they are removed from the machine or equipment.
NOTE: See also paragraph (d)( 7) of this section, which requires that the second notification take place before the machine or equipment is reenergized.
(6) "Lockout/ tagout application." The established procedures for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) shall include the following elements and actions, and these procedures shall be performed in the following sequence:

(i) Before an authorized or affected employee turns off a machine or equipment, the authorized employee shall have knowledge of the type and magnitude of the energy, the hazards of the energy to be controlled, and the method or means to control the energy.
(ii) The machine or equipment shall be turned off or shut down using the procedures established for the machine or equipment. An orderly shut down shall be used to avoid any additional or increased hazards to employees as a result of the equipment stoppage.
(iii) All energy isolating devices that are needed to control the energy to the machine or equipment shall be physically located and operated in such a manner as to isolate the machine or equipment from energy sources.
(iv) Lockout or tagout devices shall be affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees.

(A) Lockout devices shall be attached in a manner that will hold the energy isolating devices in a "safe" or "off" position.
(B) Tagout devices shall be affixed in such a manner as will clearly indicate that the operation or movement of energy isolating devices from the "safe" or "off" position is prohibited.

{1} Where tagout devices are used with energy isolating devices designed with the capability of being locked out, the tag attachment shall be fastened at the same point at which the lock would have been attached.
{2} Where a tag cannot be affixed directly to the energy isolating device, the tag shall be located as close as safely possible to the device, in a position that will be immediately obvious to anyone attempting to operate the device.
(v) Following the application of lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy shall be relieved, disconnected, restrained, or otherwise rendered safe.
(vi) If there is a possibility of reaccumulation of stored energy to a hazardous level, verification of isolation shall be continued until the servicing or maintenance is completed or until the possibility of such accumulation no longer exists.
(vii) Before starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out, the authorized employee shall verify that isolation and deenergizing of the machine or equipment have been accomplished. If normally energized parts will be exposed to contact by an employee while the machine or equipment is deenergized, a test shall be performed to ensure that these parts are deenergized.
(7) "Release from lockout/ tagout." Before lockout or tagout devices are removed and energy is restored to the machine or equipment, procedures shall be followed and actions taken by the authorized employees to ensure the following:

(i) The work area shall be inspected to ensure that nonessential items have been removed and that machine or equipment components are operationally intact.
(ii) The work area shall be checked to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned or removed.
(iii) After lockout or tagout devices have been removed and before a machine or equipment is started, affected employees shall be notified that the lockout or tagout devices have been removed.
(iv) Each lockout or tagout device shall be removed from each energy isolating device by the authorized employee who applied the lockout or tagout device. However, if that employee is not available to remove it, the device may be removed under the direction of the employer, provided that specific procedures and training for such removal have been developed, documented, and incorporated into the employer's energy control program. The employer shall demonstrate that the specific procedure provides a degree of safety equivalent to that provided by the removal of the device by the authorized employee who applied it. The specific procedure shall include at least the following elements:

(A) Verification by the employer that the authorized employee who applied the device is not at the facility;
(B) Making all reasonable efforts to contact the authorized employee to inform him or her that his or her lockout or tagout device has been removed; and
(C) Ensuring that the authorized employee has this knowledge before he or she resumes work at that facility.
(8) "Additional requirements."

(i) If the lockout or tagout devices must be temporarily removed from energy isolating devices and the machine or equipment must be energized to test or position the machine, equipment, or component thereof, the following sequence of actions shall be followed:

(A) Clear the machine or equipment of tools and materials in accordance with paragraph (d)( 7)( i) of this section;
(B) Remove employees from the machine or equipment area in accordance with paragraphs (d)( 7)( ii) and (d)( 7)( iii) of this section;
(C) Remove the lockout or tagout devices as specified in paragraph (d)( 7)( iv) of this section;
(D) Energize and proceed with the testing or positioning; and
(E) Deenergize all systems and reapply energy control measures in accordance with paragraph (d)( 6) of this section to continue the servicing or maintenance.
(ii) When servicing or maintenance is performed by a crew, craft, department, or other group, they shall use a procedure which affords the employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation of a personal lockout or tagout device. Group lockout or tagout devices shall be used in accordance with the procedures required by paragraphs (d)( 2)( iii) and (d)( 2)( iv) of this section including, but not limited to, the following specific requirements:

(A) Primary responsibility shall be vested in an authorized employee for a set number of employees working under the protection of a group lockout or tagout device (such as an operations lock);
(B) Provision shall be made for the authorized employee to ascertain the exposure status of all individual group members with regard to the lockout or tagout of the machine or equipment;
(C) When more than one crew, craft, department, or other group is involved, assignment of overall job-associated lockout or tagout control responsibility shall be given to an authorized employee designated to coordinate affected work forces and ensure continuity of protection; and
(D) Each authorized employee shall affix a personal lockout or tagout device to the group lockout device, group lock box, or comparable mechanism when he or she begins work and shall remove those devices when he or she stops working on the machine or equipment being serviced or maintained.
(iii) Procedures shall be used during shift or personnel changes to ensure the continuity of lockout or tagout protection, including provision for the orderly transfer of lockout or tagout device protection between off-going and on-coming employees, to minimize their exposure to hazards from the unexpected energizing or start-up of the machine or equipment or from the release of stored energy.
(iv) Whenever outside servicing personnel are to be engaged in activities covered by paragraph (d) of this section, the on-site employer and the outside employer shall inform each other of their respective lockout or tagout procedures, and each employer shall ensure that his or her personnel understand and comply with restrictions and prohibitions of the energy control procedures being used.
(v) If energy isolating devices are installed in a central location and are under the exclusive control of a system operator, the following requirements apply:

(A) The employer shall use a procedure that affords employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation of a personal lockout or tagout device.
(B) The system operator shall place and remove lockout and tagout devices in place of the authorized employee under paragraphs (d)( 4), (d)( 6)( iv), and (d)( 7)( iv) of this section.
(C) Provisions shall be made to identify the authorized employee who is responsible for (that is, being protected by) the lockout or tagout device, to transfer responsibility for lockout and tagout devices, and to ensure that an authorized employee requesting removal or transfer of a lockout or tagout device is the one responsible for it before the device is removed or transferred.

(1) "Safe work practices." The employer shall ensure the use of safework practices for entry into and work in enclosed spaces and for rescue of employees from such spaces.
(2) "Training." Employees who enter enclosed spaces or who serve as attendants shall be trained in the hazards of enclosed space entry, in enclosed space entry procedures, and in enclosed space rescue procedures.
(3) "Rescue equipment." Employers shall provide equipment to ensure the prompt and safe rescue of employees from the enclosed space.
(4) "Evaluation of potential hazards." Before any entrance cover to an enclosed space is removed, the employer shall determine whether it is safe to do so by checking for the presence of any atmospheric pressure or temperature differences and by evaluating whether there might be a hazardous atmosphere in the space. Any conditions making it unsafe to remove the cover shall be eliminated before the cover is removed.
NOTE: The evaluation called for in this paragraph may take the form of a check of the conditions expected to be in the enclosed space. For example, the cover could be checked to see if it is hot and, if it is fastened in place, be loosened gradually to release any residual pressure. A determination must also be made of whether conditions at the site could cause a hazardous atmosphere, such as an oxygen deficient or flammable atmosphere, to develop within the space.
(5) "Removal of covers." When covers are removed from enclosed spaces, the opening shall be promptly guarded by a railing, temporary cover, or other barrier intended to prevent an accidental fall through the opening and to protect employees working in the space from objects entering the space.
(6) "Hazardous atmosphere." Employees may not enter any enclosed space while it contains a hazardous atmosphere, unless the entry conforms to the generic permit-required confined spaces standard in 1910.146 of this Part.
NOTE: The term entry is defined in 1910.146( b) of this Part.
(7) "Attendants." While work is being performed in the enclosed space, a person with first aid training meeting paragraph (b) of this section shall be immediately available outside the enclosed space to render emergency assistance if there is reason to believe that a hazard may exist in the space or if a hazard exists because of traffic patterns in the area of the opening used for entry. That person is not precluded from performing other duties outside the enclosed space if these duties do not distract the attendant from monitoring employees within the space.
NOTE: See paragraph (t)( 3) of this section for additional requirements on attendants for work in manholes.
(8) "Calibration of test instruments." Test instruments used to monitor atmospheres in enclosed spaces shall be kept in calibration, with a minimum accuracy of + or Ð 10 percent.
(9) "Testing for oxygen deficiency." Before an employee enters an enclosed space, the internal atmosphere shall be tested for oxygen deficiency with a direct-reading meter or similar instrument, capable of collection and immediate analysis of data samples without the need for off-site evaluation. If continuous forced air ventilation is provided, testing is not required provided that the procedures used ensure that employees are not exposed to the hazards posed by oxygen deficiency.
(10) "Testing for flammable gases and vapors." Before an employee enters an enclosed space, the internal atmosphere shall be tested for flammable gases and vapors with a direct-reading meter or similar instrument capable of collection and immediate analysis of data samples without the need for off-site evaluation. This test shall be performed after the oxygen testing and ventilation required by paragraph (e)( 9) of this section demonstrates that there is sufficient oxygen to ensure the accuracy of the test for flammability.
(11) "Ventilation and monitoring." If flammable gases or vapors are detected or if an oxygen deficiency is found, forced air ventilation shall be used to maintain oxygen at a safe level and to prevent a hazardous concentration of flammable gases and vapors from accumulating. A continuous monitoring program to ensure that no increase in flammable gas or vapor concentration occurs may be followed in lieu of ventilation, if flammable gases or vapors are detected at safe levels.
NOTE: See the definition of hazardous atmosphere for guidance in determining whether or not a given concentration of a substance is considered to be hazardous.
(12) "Specific ventilation requirements." If continuous forced air ventilation is used, it shall begin before entry is made and shall be maintained long enough to ensure that a safe atmosphere exists before employees are allowed to enter the work area. The forced air ventilation shall be so directed as to ventilate the immediate area where employees are present within the enclosed space and shall continue until all employees leave the enclosed space.
(13) "Air supply." The air supply for the continuous forced air ventilation shall be from a clean source and may not increase the hazards in the enclosed space.
(14) "Open flames." If open flames are used in enclosed spaces, a test for flammable gases and vapors shall be made immediately before the open flame device is used and at least once per hour while the device is used in the space. Testing shall be conducted more frequently if conditions present in the enclosed space indicate that once per hour is insufficient to detect hazardous accumulations of flammable gases or vapors.
NOTE: See the definition of hazardous atmosphere for guidance in determining whether or not a given concentration of a substance is considered to be hazardous.

(1) "General." Personal protective equipment shall meet the requirements of Subpart 1 of this Part.
(2) "Fall protection."

(i) Personal fall arrest equipment shall meet the requirements of Subpart M of Part 1926.
(ii) Body belts and safety straps for work positioning shall meet the requirements of Subpart V of Part 126.
(iii) Body belts, safety straps, lanyards, lifelines, and body harnesses shall be inspected before use each day to determine that the equipment is in safe working condition. Defective equipment may not be used.
(iv) Lifelines shall be protected against being cut or abraded.
(v) Fall arrest equipment, work positioning equipment, or travel restricting equipment shall be used by employees working at elevated locations more than 4 feet (1.2m) above the ground on poles, towers, or similar structures if other fall protection has not been provided. Fall protection equipment is not required to be used by a qualified employee climbing or changing location on poles, towers, or similar structures, unless conditions, such as, but not limited to, ice, high winds, the design of the structure (for example, no provision for holding on with hands), or the presence of contaminants on the structure, could cause the employee to lose his or her grip or footing.
NOTE 1: This paragraph applies to structures that support overhead electric power generation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment. It does not apply to portions of buildings, such as loading docks, to electric equipment, such as transformers and capacitors, nor to aerial lifts. Requirements for fall protection associated with walking and working surfaces are contained in Subpart D; requirements for fall protection associated with aerial lifts are contained in 1910.67 of this Part.
NOTE 2: Employees undergoing training are not considered "qualified employees" for the purposes of this provision. Unqualified employees (including trainees) are required to use fall protection any time they are more than 4 feet (1.2m) above the ground.
(vi) The following requirements apply to personal fall arrest systems:

(A) When stopping or arresting a fall, personal fall arrest systems shall limit the maximum arresting force on an employee to 900 pounds (4kN) if used with a body belt.
(B) When stopping or arresting a fall, personal fall arrest systems shall limit the maximum arresting force on an employee to 1800 pounds (8kN) if used with a body harness.
(C) Personal fall arrest systems shall be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8m) nor contact any lower level.
(vii) If vertical lifelines or droplines are used, not more than one employee may be attached to any one lifeline.
(viii) Snaphooks may not be connected to loops made in webbing-type lanyards.
(ix) Snaphooks may not be connected to each other.

(1) "General." Requirements for ladders contained in Subpart D of this part apply, except as specifically noted in paragraph (h)( 2) of this section.
(2) "Special ladders and platforms." Portable ladders and platforms used on structures or conductors in conjunction with overhead line work need not meet paragraphs (d)( 2)( i) and (d)( 2)( iii) of 1910.25 of this part or paragraph (c)( 3)( iii) of §1910.26 of this Part. However, these ladders and platforms shall meet the following requirements.

(i) Ladders and platforms shall be secured to prevent their becoming accidentally dislodged.
(ii) Ladders and platforms may not be loaded in excess of the working loads for which they are designed.
(iii) Ladders and platforms may be used only in applications for which they were designed.
(iv) In the configurations in which they are used, ladders and platforms shall be capable of supporting without failure at least 2.5 times the maximum intended load.
(3) "Conductive ladders." Portable metal ladders and other portable conductive ladders may not be used near exposed energized lies or equipment. However, in specialized high-voltage work, conductive ladders shall be used where the employer can demonstrate that nonconductive ladders would present a greater hazard than conductive ladders.

(1) "General." Paragraph (i)( 2) of this section applies to electric equipment connected by cord and plug. Paragraph (i)( 3) of this section applies to portable and vehicle-mounted generators used to supply cord-and plug-connected equipment. Paragraph (i)( 4) of this section applies to hydraulic and pneumatic tools.
(2) "Cord-and plug-connected equipment."

(i) Cord-and plug-connected equipment supplied by premises wiring is covered by Subpart S of this Part.
(ii) Any cord-and plug-connected equipment supplied by other than premises wiring shall comply with one of the following in lieu of 1910.243 (a)( 5) of this Part:

(A) It shall be equipped with a cord containing an equipment grounding conductor connected to the tool frame and to a means for grounding the other end (however, this option may not be used where the introduction of the ground into the work environment increases the hazard to an employee); or
(B) It shall be of the double-insulated type conforming to Subpart S of this Part; or
(C) It shall be connected to the power supply through an isolating transformer with an ungrounded secondary.
(3) "Portable and vehicle-mounted generators." Portable and vehicle-mounted generators used to supply cord-connected equipment shall meet the following requirements:

(i) The generator may only supply equipment located on the generator or the vehicle and cord-and plug-connected equipment through receptacles mounted on the generator or the vehicle.
(ii) The non-current-carrying metal parts of equipment and the equipment grounding conductor terminals of the receptacles shall be bonded to the generator frame.
(iii) In the case of vehicle-mounted generators, the frame of the generator shall be bonded to the vehicle frame.
(iv) Any neutral conductor shall be bonded to the generator frame.
(4) "Hydraulic and pneumatic tools."

(i) Safe operating pressures for hydraulic and pneumatic tools, hoses, valves, pipes, filters, and fittings may not be exceeded.
NOTE: If any hazardous defects are present, no operating pressure would be safe, and the hydraulic or pneumatic equipment involved may not be used. In the absence of defects, the maximum rated operating pressure is the maximum safe pressure.
(ii) A hydraulic or pneumatic tool used where it may contact exposed live parts shall be designed and maintained for such use.
(iii) The hydraulic system supplying a hydraulic tool used where it may contact exposed live parts shall provide protection against loss of insulating value for the voltage involved due to the formation of a partial vacuum in the hydraulic line.
NOTE: Hydraulic lines without check valves having a separation of more than 35 feet (10.7 m) between the oil reservoir and the upper end of the hydraulic system promote the formation of a partial vacuum.
(iv) A pneumatic tool used on energized electric lines or equipment or used where it may contact exposed live parts shall provide protection against the accumulation of moisture in the air supply.
(v) Pressure shall be released before connections are broken, unless quick acting, self closing connectors are used. Hoses may not be kinked.
(vi) Employees may not use any part of their bodies to locate or attempt to stop a hydraulic leak.

(1) "Design of tools." Live-line tool rods, tubes, and poles shall be designed and constructed to withstand the following minimum tests:

(i) 100,000 volts per foot (3281 volts per centimeter) of length for 5 minutes if the tool is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), or
(ii) 75,000 volts per foot (2461 volts per centimeter) of length for 3 minutes if the tool is made of wood, or
(iii) Other tests that the employer can demonstrate are equivalent.
NOTE: Live-line tools using rod and tube that meet ASTM F711-89, Standard Specification for Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Rod and Tube Used in Live-Line Tools, conform to paragraph (j)( 1)( i) of this section.
(2) "Condition of tools."

(i) Each live-line tool shall be wiped clean and visually inspected for defects before use each day.
(ii) If any defect or contamination that could adversely affect the insulating qualities or mechanical integrity of the live-line tool is present after wiping, the tool shall be removed from service and examined and tested according to paragraph (j)( 2)( iii) of this section before being returned to service.
(iii) Live-line tools used for primary employee protection shall be removed from service every 2 years and whenever required under paragraph (j)( 2)( ii) of this section for examination, cleaning, repair, and testing as follows:

(A) Each tool shall be thoroughly examined for defects.
(B) If a defect or contamination that could adversely affect the insulating qualities or mechanical integrity of the live-line tool is found, the tool shall be repaired and refinished or shall be permanently removed from service. If no such defect or contamination is found, the tool shall be cleaned and waxed.
(C) The tool shall be tested in accordance with paragraphs (j)( 2)( iii)( D) and (j)( 2)( iii)( E) of this section under the following conditions:

{1} After the tool has been repaired or refinished; and
{2} After the examination if repair or refinishing is not performed, unless the tool is made of FRP rod or foam-filled FRP tube and the employer can demonstrate that the tool has no defects that could cause it to fail in use.
(D) The test method used shall be designed to verify the tools's integrity along its entire working length and, if the tool is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, it's integrity under wet conditions.
(E) The voltage applied during the tests shall be as follows:

{1} 75,000 volts per foot (2461 volts per centimeter) of length for 1 minute if the tool is made of fiberglass, or
{2} 50,000 volts per foot (1640 volts per centimeter) of length for 1 minute if the tool is made of wood, or
{3} Other tests that the employer can demonstrate are equivalent.
NOTE: Guidelines for the examination, cleaning, repairing, and in-service testing of live-line tools are contained in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Guide for In-Service Maintenance and Electrical Testing of Live-Line Tools, IEEE Std. 978-1984.

(1) "General." Material handling and storage shall conform to the requirements of Subpart N of this Part.
(2) "Materials storage near energized lines or equipment."

(i) In areas not restricted to qualified persons only, materials or equipment may not be stored closer to energized lines or exposed energized parts of equipment than the following distances plus an amount providing for the maximum sag and side swing of all conductors and providing for the height and movement of materials handling equipment:

(A) For lines and equipment energized at 50 kV or less, the distance is 10 feet (305 cm).
(B) For lines and equipment energized at more than 50 kV, the distance is 10 feet (305 cm) plus 4 inches (10 cm) for every 10 kV over 50 kV.
(ii) In areas restricted to qualified employees, material may not be stored within the working space about energized lines or equipment.
NOTE: Requirements for the size of the working space are contained in paragraphs (u)( 1) and (v)( 3) of this section.

(1) "General." Only qualified employees may work on or with exposed energized lines or parts of equipment. Only qualified employees may work in areas containing unguarded, uninsulated energized lines or parts of equipment operating at 50 volts or more. Electric lines and equipment shall be considered and treated as energized unless the provisions paragraph (d) or paragraph (m) of this section have been followed.

(i) Except as provided in paragraph (l)( 1)( ii) of this section, at least two employees shall be present while the following types of work are being performed.

(A) Installation, removal, or repair of lines that are energized at more than 600 volts,
(B) Installation, removal, or repair of deenergized lines if an employee is exposed to contact with other parts energized at more than 600 volts,
(C) Installation, removal, or repair of equipment, such as transformers, capacitors, and regulators, if an employee is exposed to contact with parts energized at more than 600 volts,
(D) Work involving the use of mechanical equipment, other than insulated aerial lifts, near parts energized at more than 600 volts, and
(E) Other work that exposes an employee to electrical hazards greater than or equal to those posed by operations that are specifically listed in paragraphs (l)( 1)( i)( A) through (l)( 1)( i)( D) of this section.
(ii) Paragraph (l)( 1)( i) of this section does not apply to the following operations:

(A) Routine switching of circuits, if the employer can demonstrate that conditions at the site allow this work to be performed safely,
(B) Work performed with live-line tools if the employee is positioned so that he or she is neither within reach of nor otherwise exposed to contact with energized parts, and
(C) Emergency repairs to the extent necessary to safeguard the general public.
(2) "Minimum approach distances." The employer shall ensure that no employee approaches or takes any conductive object closer to exposed energized parts than set forth in Table R-6 through Table R-10, unless:

(i) The employee is insulated from the energized part (insulating gloves or insulating gloves and sleeves worn in accordance with paragraph (l)( 3) of this section are considered insulation of the employee only with regard to the energized part upon which work is being performed), or
(ii) The energized part is insulated from the employee and from any other conductive object at a different potential, or
(iii) The employee is insulated from any other exposed conductive object, as during live-line bare-hand work.
NOTE: Paragraphs (u)( 5)( i) and (v)( 5)( i) of this section contain requirements for the guarding and isolation of live parts. Parts of electric circuits that meet these two provisions are not considered as "exposed" unless a guard is removed or an employee enters the space intended to provide isolation from the live parts.
(3) "Type of insulation." If the employee is to be insulated from energized parts by the use of insulating gloves (under paragraph (l)( 2)( i) of this section), insulating sleeves shall also be used. However, insulating sleeves need not be used under the following conditions:

(i) If exposed energized parts on which work is not being performed are insulated from the employee and
(ii) If such insulation is placed from a position not exposing the employee's upper arm to contact with other energized parts.
(4) "Working position." The employer shall ensure that each employee, to the extent that other safety-related conditions at the worksite permit, works in a position from which a slip or shock will not bring the employee's body into contact with exposed, uninsulated parts energized at a potential different from the employee.
(5) "Making connections." The employer shall ensure that connections are made as follows:

(i) In connecting deenergized equipment or lines to an energized circuit by means of a conducting wire or device, an employee shall first attach the wire to the deenergized part;
(ii) When disconnecting equipment or lines from an energized circuit by means of a conducting wire or device, an employee shall remove the source end first; and
(iii) When lines or equipment are connected to or disconnected from energized circuits, loose conductors shall be kept away from exposed energized parts.
(6) "Apparel."

(i) When work is performed within reaching distance of exposed energized parts of equipment, the employer shall ensure that each employee removes or renders nonconductive all exposed conductive articles, such as key or watch chains, rings, or wrist watches or bands, unless such articles do not increase the hazards associated with contact with the energized parts.
(ii) The employer shall train each employee who is exposed to the hazards of flames or electric arcs in the hazards involved.
(iii) The employer shall ensure that each employee who is exposed to the hazards of flames or electric arcs does not wear clothing that, when exposed to flames or electric arcs, could increase the extent of injury that would be sustained by the employee.
NOTE: Clothing made from the following types of fabrics, either alone or in blends, is prohibited by this paragraph, unless the employer can demonstrate that the fabric has been treated to withstand the conditions that may be encountered or that the clothing is worn in such a manner as to eliminate the hazard involved; acetate, nylon, polyester, rayon.
(7) "Fuse handling." When fuses must be installed or removed with one or both terminals energized at more than 300 volts or with exposed parts energized at more than 50 volts, the employer shall ensure that tools or gloves rated for the voltage are used. When expulsion-type fuses are installed with one or both terminals energized at more than 300 volts, the employer shall ensure that each employee wears eye protection meeting the requirements of Subpart I of this Part uses a tool rated for the voltage, and is clear of the exhaust path of the fuse barrel.
(8) "Covered (non-insulated) conductors." The requirements of this section which pertain to the hazards of exposed live parts also apply when work is performed in the proximity of covered (non-insulated) wires.
(9) Non-current-carrying metal parts." Non-current-carrying metal parts of equipment or devices, such as transformer cases and circuit breaker housings, shall be treated as energized at the highest voltage to which they are exposed, unless the employer inspects the installation and determines that these parts are grounded before work is performed.
(10) "Opening circuits under load." Devices used to open circuits under load conditions shall be designed to interrupt the current involved.

NOTE 1: These distances take into consideration the highest switching surge an employee will be exposed to on any system with air as the insulating medium and the maximum voltages shown.
NOTE 2: The clear live-line tool distance shall equal or exceed the values for the indicated voltage ranges.
NOTE 3: See Appendix B to this section for information on how the minimum approach distances listed in the tables were derived.
NOTE 4: Avoid contact.

NOTE 1: The distance specified in this table may be applied only where the maximum anticipated per-unit transient overvoltage has been determined by engineering analysis and has been supplied by the employer. Table R-6 applies otherwise.
NOTE 2: The distances specified in this table are the air, bare-hand, and live-line tool distances.
NOTE 3: See Appendix B to this section for information on how the minimum approach distances listed in the tables were derived and on how to calculate revised minimum approach distances based on the control of transient overvoltages.

NOTE 1: The distance specified in this table may be applied only where the maximum anticipated per-unit transient overvoltage has been determined by engineering analysis and has been supplied by the employer. Table R-6 applies otherwise.
NOTE 2: The distances specified in this table are the air, bare-hand, and live-line tool distances.
NOTE 3: See Appendix B to this section for information on how the minimum approach distances listed in the tables were derived and on how to calculate revised minimum approach distances based on the control of transient overvoltages.

NOTE 1: The distances specified in this table may be applied only where the maximum anticipated per-unit transient overvoltage has been determined by engineering analysis and has been supplied by the employer. However, if the transient overvoltage factor is not known, a factor of 1.8 shall be assumed.
Note 2: The distances specified in this table are the air, bare-hand, and live-line tool distances.

NOTE: If the work is performed at elevations greater than 3,000 ft. (900m) above mean sea level, the minimum approach distance shall be determined by multiplying the distances in Table R-6 through Table R-9 by the correction factor corresponding to the altitude at which work is performed.

(1) "Application." Paragraph (m) of this section applies to the deenergizing of transmission and distribution lines and equipment for the purpose of protecting employees. Control of hazardous energy sources used in the generation of electric energy is covered in paragraph (d) of this section. Conductors and parts of electric equipment that have been deenergized under procedures other than those required by paragraph (d) or (m) of this section, as applicable, shall be treated as energized.
(2) "General."

(i) If a system operator is in charge of the lines or equipment and their means of disconnection, all of the requirements of paragraph (m)( 3) of this section shall be observed, in the order given.
(ii) If no system operator is in charge of the lines or equipment and their means of disconnection, one employee in the crew shall be designated as being in charge of the clearance. All of the requirements of paragraph (m)( 3) of this section apply, in the order given, except as provided in paragraph (m)( 2)( iii) of this section. The employee in charge of the clearance shall take the place of the system operator, as necessary.
(iii) If only one crew will be working on the lines or equipment and if the means of disconnection is accessible and visible to and under the sole control of the employee in charge of the clearance, paragraphs (m)( 3)( i), (m)( 3)( iii), (m)( 3)( iv), (m)( 3)( viii), and (m)( 3)( xii) of this section do not apply. Additionally, tags required by the remaining provisions of paragraph (m)( 3) of this section need not be used.
(iv) Any disconnecting means that are accessible to persons outside the employer's control (for example, the general public) shall be rendered inoperable while they are open for the purpose of protecting employees.
(3) "Deenergizing lines and equipment."

(i) A designated employee shall make a request of the system operator to have the particular section of line or equipment deenergized. The designated employee becomes the employee in charge (as this term is used in paragraph (m)( 3) of this section) and is responsible for the clearance.
(ii) All switches, disconnectors, jumpers, taps, and other means through which known sources of electric energy may be supplied to the particular lines and equipment to be deenergized shall be opened. Such means shall be rendered inoperable, unless its design does not so permit, and tagged to indicate that employees are at work.
(iii) Automatically and remotely controlled switches that could cause the opened disconnecting means to close shall also be tagged at the point of control. The automatic or remote control feature shall be rendered inoperable, unless its design does not so permit.
(iv) Tags shall prohibit operation of the disconnecting means and shall indicate that employees are at work.
(v) After the applicable requirements in paragraphs (m)( 3)( i) through (m)( 3)( iv) of this section have been followed and the employee in charge of the work has been given a clearance by the system operator, the lines and equipment to be worked shall be tested to ensure that they are deenergized.
(vi) Protective grounds shall be installed as required by paragraph (n) of this section. (vii) After the applicable requirements of paragraphs (m)( 3)( i) through (m)( 3)( vi) of this section have been followed, the lines and equipment involved may be worked as deenergized.
(viii) If two or more independent crews will be working on the same lines or equipment, each crew shall independently comply with requirements in paragraph (m)( 3) of this section.
(ix) To transfer the clearance, the employee in charge (or, if the employee in charge is forced to leave the worksite due to illness or other emergency, the employee's supervisor) shall inform the system operator; employees in the crew shall be informed of the transfer; and the new employee in charge shall be responsible for the clearance.
(x) To release a clearance, the employee in charge shall:

(A) Notify employees under his or her direction that the clearance is to be released;
(B) Determine that all employees in the crew are clear of the lines and equipment;
(C) Determine that all protective grounds installed by the crew have been removed; and
(D) Report this information to the system operator and release the clearance.
(xi) The person releasing a clearance shall be the same person that requested the clearance, unless responsibility has been transferred under paragraph (m)( 3)( ix) of this section.
(xii) Tags may not be removed unless the associated clearance has been released under paragraph (m)( 3)( x) of this section.
(xiii) Only after all protective grounds have been removed, after all crews working on the lines or equipment have released their clearances, after all employees are clear of the lines and equipment, and after all protective tags have been removed from a given point of disconnection, may action be initiated to reenergize the lines or equipment at that point of disconnection.

(1) "Application." Paragraph (n) of this section applies to the grounding of transmission and distribution lines and equipment for the purpose of protecting employees. Paragraph (n)( 4) of this section also applies to the protective grounding of other equipment as required elsewhere in this section.
(2) "General." For the employee to work lines or equipment as deenergized, the lines or equipment shall be deenergized under the provisions of paragraph (m) of this section and shall be grounded as specified in paragraphs (n)( 3) through (n)( 9) of this section. However, if the employer can demonstrate that installation of a ground is impracticable or that the conditions resulting from the installation of a ground would present greater hazards than working without grounds, the lines and equipment may be treated as deenergized provided all of the following conditions are met:

(i) The lines and equipment have been deenergized under the provisions of paragraph (m) of this section.
(ii) There is no possibility of contact with another energized source.
(iii) The hazard of induced voltage is not present.
(3) "Equipotential zone." Temporary protective grounds shall be placed at such locations and arranged in such a manner as to prevent each employee from being exposed to hazardous differences in electrical potential.
(4) "Protective grounding equipment."

(i) Protective grounding equipment shall be capable of conducting the maximum fault current that could flow at the point of grounding for the time necessary to clear the fault. This equipment shall have an ampacity greater than or equal to that of No. 2 AWG copper.
NOTE: Guidelines for protective grounding equipment are contained in American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Specifications for Temporary Grounding Systems to be Used on De-Energized Electric Power Lines and Equipment, ASTM F855-1990.
(ii) Protective grounds shall have an impedance low enough to cause immediate operation of protective devices in case of accidental energizing of the lines or equipment.
(5) "Testing." Before any ground is installed, lines and equipment shall be tested and found absent of nominal voltage, unless a previously stalled ground is present.
(6) "Order of connection." When a ground is to be attached to a line or to equipment, the ground-end connection shall be attached first, and then the other end shall be attached by means of a live-line tool.
(7) "Order of removal." When a ground is to be removed, the grounding device shall be removed from the line or equipment using a live-line tool before the ground-end connection is removed.
(8) "Additional precautions." When work is performed on a cable at a location remote from the cable terminal, the cable may not be grounded at the cable terminal if there is a possibility of hazardous transfer of potential should a fault occur.
(9) "Removal of grounds for test." Grounds may be removed temporarily during tests. During the test procedure, the employer shall ensure that each employee uses insulating equipment and is isolated from any hazards involved, and the employer shall institute any additional measures as may be necessary to protect each exposed employee in case the previously grounded lines and equipment become energized.

(1) "Application." Paragraph (o) of this section provides for safe work practices for high-voltage and high-power testing performed in laboratories, shops, and substations, and in the field and on electric transmission and distribution lines and equipment. It applies only to testing involving interim measurements utilizing high voltage, high power, or combinations of both, and not to testing involving continuous measurements as in routine metering, relaying, and normal line work.
NOTE: Routine inspection and maintenance measurements made by qualified employees are considered to be routine line work and are not included in the scope of paragraph (o) of this section, as long as the hazards related to the use of intrinsic high-voltage or high-power sources require only the normal precautions associated with routine operation and maintenance work required in the other paragraphs of this section. Two typical examples of such excluded testwork procedures are "phasing-out" testing and testing for a "no-voltage" condition.
(2) "General requirements."

(i) The employer shall establish and enforce work practices for the protection of each worker from the hazards of high voltage or high-power testing at all test areas, temporary and permanent. Such work practices shall include, as a minimum, test area guarding, grounding, and the safe use of measuring and control circuits. A means providing for periodic safety checks of field test areas shall also be included. (See paragraph (o)( 6) of this section.)
(ii) Employees shall be trained in safe work practices upon their initial assignment to the test area, with periodic reviews and updates provided as required by paragraph (a)( 2) of this section.
(3) "Guarding of test areas."

(i) Permanent test areas shall be guarded by walls, fences, or barriers designed to keep employees out of the test areas.
(ii) In field testing, or at a temporary test site where permanent fences and gates are not provided, one of the following means shall be used to prevent unauthorized employees from entering:

(A) The test area shall be guarded by the use of distinctively colored safety tape that is supported approximately waist high and to which safety signs are attached,
(B) The test area shall be guarded by a barrier or barricade that limits access to the test area to a degree equivalent, physically and visually, to the barricade specified in paragraph (o)( 3)( ii)( A) of this section, or
(C) The test area shall be guarded by one or more test observers stationed so that the entire area can be monitored.
(iii) The barriers required by paragraph (o)( 3)( ii) of this section shall be removed when the protection they provide is no longer needed.
(iv) Guarding shall be provided within test areas to control access to test equipment or to apparatus under test that may become energized as part of the testing by either direct or inductive coupling, in order to prevent accidental employee contact with energized parts.
(4) "Grounding practices."

(i) The employer shall establish and implement safe grounding practices for the test facility.

(A) All conductive parts accessible to the test operator during the time the equipment is operating at high voltage shall be maintained at ground potential except for portions of the equipment that are isolated from the test operator by guarding.
(B) Wherever ungrounded terminals of test equipment or apparatus under test may be present, they shall be treated as energized until determined by tests to be deenergized.
(ii) Visible grounds shall be applied, either automatically or manually with properly insulated tools, to the high-voltage circuits after they are deenergized and before work is performed on the circuit or item or apparatus under test. Common ground connections shall be solidly connected to the test equipment and the apparatus under test.
(iii) In high-power testing, an isolated ground-return conductor system shall be provided so that no intentional passage of current, with its attendant voltage rise, can occur in the ground grid or in the earth. However, an isolated ground-return conductor need not be provided if the employer can demonstrate that both the following conditions are met:

(A) An isolated ground-return conductor cannot be provided due to the distance of the test site from the electric energy source, and
(B) Employees are protected from any hazardous step and touch potentials that may develop during the test.
NOTE: See Appendix C to this section for information on measures that can be taken to protect employees from hazardous step and touch potentials.
(iv) In tests in which grounding of test equipment by means of the equipment grounding conductor located in the equipment power cord cannot be used due to increased hazards to test personnel or the prevention of satisfactory measurements, a ground that the employer can demonstrate affords equivalent safety shall be provided, and the safety ground shall be clearly indicated in the test set-up.
(v) When the test area is entered after equipment is deenergized, a ground shall be placed on the high-voltage terminal and any other exposed terminals.

(A) High capacitance equipment or apparatus shall be discharged through a resistor rated for the available energy.
(B) A direct ground shall be applied to the exposed terminals when the stored energy drops to a level at which it is safe to do so.
(vi) If a test trailer or test vehicle is used in field testing, its chassis shall be grounded. Protection against hazardous touch potentials with respect to the vehicle, instrument panels, and other conductive parts accessible to employees shall be provided by bonding, insulation, or isolation.
(5) "Control and measuring circuits."

(i) Control wiring, meter connections, test leads and cables may not be run from a test area unless they are contained in a grounded metallic sheath and terminated in a grounded metallic enclosure or unless other precautions are taken that the employer can demonstrate as ensuring equivalent safety.
(ii) Meters and other instruments with accessible terminals or parts shall be isolated from test personnel to protect against hazards arising from such terminals and parts becoming energized during testing. If this isolation is provided by locating test equipment in metal compartments with viewing windows, interlocks shall be provided to interrupt the power supply if the compartment cover is opened.
(iii) The routing and connections of temporary wiring shall be made secure against damage, accidental interruptions and other hazards. To the maximum extent possible, signal, control, ground, and power cables shall be kept separate.
(iv) If employees will be present in the test area during testing, a test observer shall be present. The test observer shall be capable of implementing the immediate deenergizing of test circuits for safety purposes.
(6) "Safety check."

(i) Safety practices governing employee work at temporary or field test areas shall provide for a routine check of such test areas for safety at the beginning of each series of tests.
(ii) The test operator in charge shall conduct these routine safety checks before each series of tests and shall verify at least the following conditions:

(A) That barriers and guards are in workable condition and are properly placed to isolate hazardous areas;
(B) That system test status signals, if used, are in operable condition;
(C) That test power disconnects are clearly marked and readily available in an emergency;
(D) That ground connections are clearly identifiable;
(E) That personal protective equipment is provided and used as required by Subpart I of this Part and by this section; and
(F) That signal, ground, and power cables are properly separated.

(1) "General requirements."

(i) The critical safety components of mechanical elevating and rotating equipment shall receive a thorough visual inspection before use on each shift.
NOTE: Critical safety components of mechanical elevating and rotating equipment are components whose failure would result in a free fall or free rotation of the boom.
(ii) No vehicular equipment having an obstructed view to the rear may be operated on off- highway job sites where any employee is exposed to the hazards created by the moving vehicle, unless:

(A) The vehicle has a reverse signal alarm audible above the surrounding noise level, or
(B) The vehicle is backed up only when a designated employee signals that it is safe to do so.
(iii) The operator of an electric line truck may not leave his or her position at the controls while a load is suspended, unless the employer can demonstrate that no employee (including the operator) might be endangered.
(iv) Rubber-tired, self-propelled scrapers, rubber-tired front-end loaders, rubber-tired dozers, wheel-type agricultural and industrial tractors, crawler-type tractors, crawler-type loaders, and motor graders, with or without attachments, shall have roll-over protective structures that meet the requirements of Subpart W of Part 1926 of this chapter.
(2) "Outriggers."

(i) Vehicular equipment, if provided with outriggers, shall be operated with the outriggers extended and firmly set as necessary for the stability of the specific configuration of the equipment. Outriggers may not be extended or retracted outside of clear view of the operator unless all employees are outside the range of possible equipment motion.
(ii) If the work area or the terrain precludes the use of outriggers, the equipment may be operated only within its maximum load ratings for the particular configuration of the equipment without outriggers.
(3) "Applied loads." Mechanical equipment used to lift or move lines or other material shall be used within its maximum load rating and other design limitations for the conditions under which the work is being performed.
(4) "Operations near energized lines or equipment."

(i) Mechanical equipment shall be operated so that the minimum approach distances of table R-6 through Table R-10 are maintained from exposed energized lines and equipment. However, the insulated portion of an aerial lift operated by a qualified employee in the lift is exempt from this requirement.
(ii) A designated employee other than the equipment operator shall observe the approach distance to exposed lines and equipment and give timely warnings before the minimum approach distance required by paragraph (p)( 4)( i) is reached, unless the employer can demonstrate that the operator can accurately determine that the minimum approach distance is being maintained.
(iii) If, during operation of the mechanical equipment, the equipment could become energized, the operation shall also comply with at least one of paragraphs (p)( 4)( iii)( A) through (p)( 4)( iii)( C) of this section.

(A) The energized lines exposed to contact shall be covered with insulating protective material that will withstand the type of contact that might be made during the operation.
(B) The equipment shall be insulated for the voltage involved. The equipment shall be positioned so that its uninsulated portions cannot approach the lines or equipment any closer than the minimum approach distances specified in Table R-6 through Table R-10.
(C) Each employee shall be protected from hazards that might arise from equipment contact with the energized lines. The measures used shall ensure that employees will not be exposed to hazardous differences in potential. Unless the employer can demonstrate that the methods in use protect each employee from the hazards that might arise if the equipment contacts the energized line, measures used shall include all of the following techniques:

{1} Using the best available ground to minimize the time the lines remain energized,
{2} Bonding equipment together to minimize potential differences,
{3} Providing ground mats to extend areas of equipotential, and
{4} Employing insulating protective equipment or barricades to guard against any remaining hazardous potential differences.
NOTE: Appendix C to this section contains information on hazardous step and touch potentials and on methods of protecting employees from hazards resulting from such potentials.

(1) "General."

(i) Before elevated structures, such as poles or towers, are subjected to such stresses as climbing or the installation or removal of equipment may impose, the employer shall ascertain that the structures are capable of sustaining the additional or unbalanced stresses. If the pole or other structure cannot withstand the loads which will be imposed, it shall be braced or otherwise supported so as to prevent failure.
NOTE: Appendix D to this section contains test methods that can be used in ascertaining whether a wood pole is capable of sustaining the forces that would be imposed by an employee climbing the pole. This paragraph also requires the employer to ascertain that the pole can sustain all other forces that will be imposed by the work to be performed.
(ii) When poles are set, moved, or removed near exposed energize overhead conductors, the pole may not contact the conductors.
(iii) When a pole is set, moved, or removed near an exposed energized overhead conductor, the employer shall ensure that each employee wears electrical protective equipment or uses insulated devices when handling the pole and that no employee contacts the pole with uninsulated parts of his or her body.
(iv) To protect employees from falling into holes into which poles are to be placed, the holes shall be attended by employees or physically guarded whenever anyone is working nearby.
(2) "Installing and removing overhead lines." The following provisions apply to the installation and removal of overhead conductors or cable.

(i) The employer shall use the tension stringing method, barriers, or other equivalent measures to minimize the possibility that conductors and cables being installed or removed will contact energized power lines or equipment.
(ii) The protective measures required by paragraph (p)( 4)( iii) of this section for mechanical equipment shall also be provided for conductors, cables, and pulling and tensioning equipment when the conductor or cable is being installed or removed close enough to energized conductors that any of the following failures could energize the pulling or tensioning equipment or the wire or cable being installed or removed:

(A) Failure of the pulling or tensioning equipment,
(B) Failure of the wire or cable being pulled, or
(C) Failure of the previously installed lines or equipment.
(iii) If the conductors being installed or removed crossover energized conductors in excess of 600 volts and if the design of the circuit-interrupting devices protecting the lines so permits, the automatic-reclosing feature of these devices shall be made inoperative.
(iv) Before lines are installed parallel to existing energized lines, the employer shall make a determination of the approximate voltage to be induced in the new lines, or work shall proceed on the assumption that the induced voltage is hazardous. Unless the employer can demonstrate that the lines being installed are not subject to the induction of a hazardous voltage or unless the lines are treated as energized, the following requirements also apply:

(A) Each bare conductor shall be grounded in increments so that no point along the conductor is more than 2 miles (3.22 km) from a ground.
(B) The grounds required in paragraph (q)( 2)( iv)( A) of this section shall be left in place until the conductor installation is completed between dead ends.
(C) The grounds required in paragraph (q)( 2)( iv)( A) of this section shall be removed as the last phase of aerial cleanup.
(D) If employees are working on bare conductors, grounds shall also be installed at each location where these employees are working, and grounds shall be installed at all open dead-end or catch-off points or the next adjacent structure.
(E) If two bare conductors are to be spliced, the conductors shall be bonded and grounded before being spliced.
(v) Reel handling equipment, including puling and tensioning devices, shall be in safe operating condition and shall be leveled and aligned.
(vi) Load ratings of stringing lines, pulling lines, conductor grips, load-bearing hardware and accessories, rigging, and hoists may not be exceeded.
(vii) Pulling lines and accessories shall be repaired or replaced when defective.
(viii) Conductor grips may not be used on wire rope, unless the grip is specifically designed for this application.
(ix) Reliable communications, through two-way radios or other equivalent means, shall be maintained between the reel tender and the pulling rig operator.
(x) The pulling rig may only be operated when it is safe to do so. NOTE: Examples of unsafe conditions include employees in locations prohibited by paragraph (q)( 2)( xi) of this section, conductor and pulling line hang-ups, and slipping of the conductor grip.
(xi) While the conductor or pulling line is being pulled (in motion) with a power-driven device, employees are not permitted directly under overhead operations or on the cross arm, except as necessary to guide the stringing sock or board over or through the stringing sheave.
(3) "Live-line bare-hand work." In addition to other applicable provisions contained in this section, the following requirements apply to live-line bare-hand work:

(i) Before using or supervising the use of the live-line bare-hand technique on energized circuits, employees shall be trained the technique and in the safety requirements of paragraph (q)( 3) of this section. Employees shall receive refresher training as required by paragraph (a)( 2) of this section.
(ii) Before any employee uses the live-line bare-hand technique on energized high-voltage conductors or part, the following information shall be ascertained:

(A) The nominal voltage rating of the circuit on which the work is to be performed,
(B) The minimum approach distances to ground of lines and other energized parts on which work is to be performed, and
(C) The voltage limitations of equipment to be used.
(iii) The insulated equipment, insulated tools, and aerial devices and platforms used shall be designed, tested, and intended for live-line bare-hand work. Tools and equipment shall be kept clean and dry while they are in use.
(iv) The automatic-reclosing feature of circuit-interrupting devices protecting the lines shall be made inoperative, if the design of the devices permits.
(v) Work may not be performed when adverse weather conditions would make the work hazardous even after the work practices required by this section are employed. Additionally, work may not be performed when winds reduce the phase-to-phase or phase-to- ground minimum approach distances at the work location below that specified in paragraph (q)( 3)( xiii) of this section, unless the grounded objects and other lines and equipment are covered by insulating guards. NOTE: Thunderstorms in the immediate vicinity, high winds, snow storms, and ice storms are examples of adverse weather conditions that are presumed to make live-line bare-hand work too hazardous to perform safely.
(vi) A conductive bucket liner or other conductive device shall be provided for bonding the insulated aerial device to the energized line or equipment.

(A) The employee shall be connected to the bucket liner or other conductive device by the use of conductive shoes, leg clips, or other means.
(B) Where differences in potentials at the worksite pose a hazard to employees, electrostatic shielding designed for the voltage being worked shall be provided.

(vii) Before the employee contacts the energized part, the conductive bucket liner or other conductive device shall be bonded to the energized conductor by means of a positive connection. This connection shall remain attached to the energized conductor until the work on the energized circuit is completed.
(viii) Aerial lifts to be used for live-line bare-hand work shall have dual controls (lower and upper) as follows:

(A) The upper controls shall be within easy reach of the employee in the bucket. On a two-bucket- type lift, access to the controls shall be within easy reach from either bucket.
(B) The lower set of controls shall be located near the base of the boom, and they shall be so designed that they can over ride operation of the equipment at any time.

(ix) Lower (ground-level) lift controls may not be operated with an employee in the lift, except in case of emergency.
(x) Before employees are elevated into the work position, all controls (ground level and bucket) shall be checked to determine that they are in proper working condition.
(xi) Before the boom of an aerial lift is elevated, the body of the truck shall be grounded, or the body of the truck shall be barricaded and treated as energized.
(xii) A boom-current test shall be made before work is started each day, each time during the day when higher voltage is encountered, and when changed conditions indicate a need for an additional test. This test shall consist of placing the bucket in contact with an energized source equal to the voltage to be encountered for a minimum of 3 minutes. The leakage current may not exceed 1 microampere per kilo volt of nominal phase-to-ground voltage. Work from the aerial lift shall be immediately suspended upon indication of a malfunction in the equipment.
(xiii) The minimum approach distances specified in Table R-6 through Table R-10 shall be maintained from all grounded objects and from lines and equipment at a potential different from that to which the live-line bare-hand equipment is bonded, unless such grounded objects and other lines and equipment are covered by insulating guards.
(xiv) While an employee is approaching, leaving, or bonding to an energized circuit, the minimum approach distances in Table R-6 through Table R-10 shall be maintained between the employee and any grounded parts, including the lower boom and portions of the truck.
(xv) While the bucket is positioned along side an energized bushing or insulator string, the phase-to-ground minimum approach distances of Table R-6 through Table R-10 shall be maintained between all parts of the bucket and the grounded end of the bushing or insulator string or any other grounded surface. (xvi) Hand lines may not be used between the bucket and the boom or between the bucket and the ground. However, non-conductive-type hand lines may be used from conductor to ground if not supported from the bucket. Ropes used for live-line bare-hand work may not be used for other purposes.
(xvii) Uninsulated equipment or material may not be passed between a pole or structure and an aerial lift while an employee working from the bucket is bonded to an energized part.
(xviii) A minimum approach distance table reflecting the minimum approach distances listed in Table R-6 through Table R-10 shall be printed on a plate of durable non-conductive material. This table shall be mounted so as to be visible to the operator of the boom.
(xix) A non-conductive measuring device shall be readily accessible to assist employees in maintaining the required minimum approach distance.
(4) "Towers and structures." The following requirements apply to work performed on towers or other structures which support overhead lines.

(i) The employer shall ensure that no employee is under a tower or structure while work is in progress, except where the employer can demonstrate that such a working position is necessary to assist employees working above.
(ii) Tag lines or other similar devices shall be used to maintain control of tower sections being raised or positioned, unless the employer can demonstrate that the use of such devices would create a greater hazard.
(iii) The load line may not be detached from a member or section until the load is safely secured.
(iv) Except during emergency restoration procedures, work shall be discontinued when adverse weather conditions would make the work hazardous in spite of the work practices required by this section.
NOTE: Thunderstorms in the immediate vicinity, high winds, snow storms, and ice storms are examples of adverse weather conditions that are presumed to make this work too hazardous to perform, except under emergency conditions.

(1) "Electrical hazards." This paragraph does not apply to qualified employees.

(i) Before an employee climbs, enters, or works around any tree, a determination shall be made of the nominal voltage of electric power lines posing a hazard to employees. However, a determination of the maximum nominal voltage to which an employee will be exposed may be made instead if all lines are considered as energized at this maximum voltage.
(ii) There shall be a second line-clearance tree trimmer within normal (that is, unassisted) voice communication under any of the following conditions:

(A) If a line-clearance tree trimmer is to approach more closely that 10 feet (305 cm) any conductor or electric apparatus energized at more than 750 volts or
(B) If branches or limbs being removed are closer to lines energized at more than 750 volts than the distances listed in Table R-6, Table R-9, and Table R-10 or
(C) If roping is necessary to remove branches or limbs from such conductors or apparatus.
(iii) Line-clearance tree trimmers shall maintain the minimum approach distances from energized conductors given in Table R-6, Table R-9, and Table R-10.
(iv) Branches that are contacting exposed energized conductors or equipment or that are within the distances specified in Table R-6, Table R-9, and Table R-10 may be removed only through the use of insulating equipment.
NOTE: A tool constructed of a material that the employer can demonstrate has insulating qualities meeting paragraph (j)( 1) of this section is considered as insulated under this paragraph if the tool is clean and dry.
(v) Ladders, platforms, and aerial devices may not be brought closer to an energized part than the distances listed in Table R-6, Table R-9, and Table R-10.
(vi) Line-clearance tree-trimming work may not be performed when adverse weather conditions make the work hazardous in spite of the work practices required by this section. Each employee performing line-clearance tree trimming work in the aftermath of a storm or under similar emergency conditions shall be trained in the special hazards related to this type of work.
NOTE: Thunderstorms in the immediate vicinity, high winds, snow storms, and ice storms are examples of adverse weather conditions that are presumed to make line-clearance tree trimming work too hazardous to perform safely.
(2) "Brush chippers."

(i) Brush chippers shall be equipped with a locking device in the ignition system.
(ii) Access panels for maintenance and adjustment of the chipper blades and associated drive train shall be in place and secure during operation of the equipment.
(iii) Brush chippers not equipped with a mechanical infeed system shall be equipped with an infeed hopper of length sufficient to prevent employees from contacting the blades or knives of the machine during operation.
(iv) Trailer chippers detached from trucks shall be chocked or otherwise secured.
(v) Each employee in the immediate area of an operating chipper feed table shall wear personal protective equipment as required by Subpart I of this Part.
(3) "Sprayers and related equipment."

(i) Walking and working surfaces of sprayers and related equipment shall be covered with slip-resistant material. If slipping hazards cannot be eliminated, slip-resistant footwear or handrails and stair rails meeting the requirements of Subpart D may be used instead of slip-resistant material.
(ii) Equipment on which employees stand to spray while the vehicle is in motion shall be equipped with guardrails around the working area. The guardrail shall be constructed in accordance with Subpart D.
(4) "Stump cutters."

(i) Stump cutters shall be equipped with enclosures or guards to protect employees.
(ii) Each employee in the immediate area of stump grinding operations (including the stump cutter operator) shall wear personal protective equipment as required by Subpart I of this Part.
(5) "Gasoline-engine power saws." Gasoline-engine power saw operations shall meet the requirements of 1910.266( e) of this Part and the following:

(i) Each power saw weighing more than 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms, service weight) that is used in trees shall be supported by a separate line, except when work is performed from an aerial lift and except during topping or removing operations where no supporting limb will be available.
(ii) Each power saw shall be equipped with a control that will return the saw to idling speed when released.
(iii) Each power saw shall be equipped with a clutch and shall be so adjusted that the clutch will not engage the chain drive at idling speed.
(iv) A power saw shall be started on the ground or where it is otherwise firmly supported. Drop starting of saws over 15 pounds (6.8 kg) is permitted outside of the bucket of an aerial lift only if the area below the lift is clear of personnel.
(v) A power saw engine may be started and operated only when all employees other than the operator are clear of the saw.
(vi) A power saw may not be running when the saw is being carried up into a tree by an employee.
(vii) Power saw engines shall be stopped for all cleaning, refueling, adjustments, and repairs to the saw or motor, except as the manufacturer's servicing procedures require otherwise.
(6) "Backpack power units for use in pruning and clearing."

(i) While a backpack power unit is running, no one other than the operator may be within 10 feet (305 cm) of the cutting head of a brush saw.
(ii) A backpack power unit shall be equipped with a quick shutoff switch readily accessible to the operator.
(iii) Backpack power unit engine shall be stopped for all cleaning, refueling, adjustments, and repairs to the saw or motor, except as the manufacturer's servicing procedures require otherwise.
(7) "Rope."

(i) Climbing ropes shall be used by employees working aloft in trees. These ropes shall have a minimum diameter of 0.5 inch (1.2 cm) with a minimum breaking strength of 2300 pounds (10.2 kN). Synthetic rope shall have elasticity of not more than 7 percent.
(ii) Rope shall be inspected before each use and, if unsafe (for example, because of damage or defect), may not be used.
(iii) Rope shall be stored away from cutting edges and sharp tools. Rope contact with corrosive chemicals, gas, and oil shall be avoided.
(iv) When stored, rope shall be coiled and piled, or shall be suspended, so that air can circulate through the coils.
(v) Rope ends shall be secured to prevent their unraveling.
(vi) Climbing rope may not be spliced to effect repair.
(vii) A rope that is wet, that is contaminated to the extent that its insulating capacity is impaired, or that is otherwise not considered to be insulated for the voltage involved may not be used near exposed energized lines.
(8) "Fall protection." Each employee shall be tied in with a climbing rope and safety saddle when the employee is working above the ground in a tree, unless he or she is ascending into the tree.

(1) "Microwave transmission." Administered by the Department of Consumer and Industry Services.

(i) The employer shall ensure that no employee looks into an open wave guide or antenna that is connected to an energized microwave source.
(ii) If the electromagnetic radiation level within an accessible area associated with microwave communications systems exceeds the radiation protection guide given in 1910.97 (a)( 2) of this Part, the area shall be posted with the warning symbol described in 1910.97( a)( 3) of this Part. The lower half of the warning symbol described in 1910.97( a)( 3) of this Part. The lower half of the warning symbol shall include the following statements or ones that the employer can demonstrate are equivalent: Radiation in this area may exceed hazard limitations and special precautions are required. Obtain specific instruction before entering.
(iii) When an employee works in an area where the electromagnetic radiation could exceed the radiation protection guide, the employer shall institute measures that ensure that the employee's exposure is not greater than the permitted by that guide. Such measures may include administrative and engineering controls and personal protective equipment.
(2) "Power line carrier." Power line carrier work, including work on equipment used for coupling carrier current to power line conductors, shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of this section pertaining to work on energized lines.

(1) "Access." A ladder or other climbing device shall be used to enter and exit a manhole or subsurface vault exceeding 4 feet (122 cm) in depth. No employee may climb into or out of a manhole or vault by stepping on cables or hangers.
(2) "Lowering equipment into manholes." Equipment used to lower materials and tools into manholes or vaults shall be capable of supporting the weight to be lowered and shall be checked for defects before use. Before tools or material are lowered into the opening for a manhole or vault, each employee working in the manhole or vault shall be clear of the area directly under the opening.
(3) "Attendants for manholes."

(i) While work is being performed in a manhole containing energized electric equipment, an employee with first aid and CPR training meeting paragraph (b)( 1) of this section shall be available on the surface in the immediate vicinity to render emergency assistance.
(ii) Occasionally, the employee on the surface may briefly enter a manhole to provide assistance, other than emergency assistance.
NOTE 1: An attendant may also be required under paragraph (e)( 7) of this section. One person may serve to fulfill both requirements. However, attendants required under paragraph (3)( 7) of this section are not permitted to enter the manhole.
NOTE 2: Employees entering manholes containing unguarded, uninsulated energized lines or parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more are required to be qualified under paragraph (l)( 1) of this section.
(iii) For the purpose of inspection, housekeeping, taking readings, or similar work, an employee working alone may enter, for brief periods of time, a manhole where energized cables or equipment are in service, if the employer can demonstrate that the employee will be protected from all electrical hazards.
(iv) Reliable communications, through two-way radios or other equivalent means, shall be maintained among all employees involved in the job.
(4) "Duct rods." If duct rods are used, they shall be installed in the direction presenting the least hazard to employees. An employee shall be stationed at the far end of the duct line being rodded to ensure that the required minimum approach distances are maintained.
(5) "Multiple cable." When multiple cables are present in a work area, the cable to be worked shall be identified by electrical means, unless its identity is obvious by reason of distinctive appearance or location or by other readily apparent means of identification. Cables other than the one being worked shall be protected from damage.
(6) "Moving cable." Energized cables that are to be moved shall be inspected for defects.
(7) "Defective cables." Where a cable in a manhole has one or more abnormalities that could lead to or be an indication of an impending fault, the defective cable shall be deenergized before any employee may work in the manhole, except when service load conditions and lack of feasible alternatives require that the cable remain energized. In that case, employees may enter the manhole provided they are protected from the possible effects of a failure by shields or other devices that are capable of containing the adverse effects of a fault in the joint.
NOTE: Abnormalities such as oil or compound leaking from cable or joints, broken cable sheaths or joint sleeves, hot localized surface temperatures of cables or joints, or joints that are swollen beyond normal tolerance are presumed to lead to or be an indication of an impending fault.
(8) "Sheath continuity." When work is performed on buried cable or on cable in manholes, metallic sheath continuity shall be maintained or the cable sheath shall be treated as energized.

(1) "Access and working space." Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.
NOTE: Guidelines for the dimensions of access and working space about electric equipment in substations are contained in American National Standard Ð National Electrical Safety Code, ANSI C2-1987. Installations meeting the ANSI provisions comply with paragraph (u)( 1) of this section. An installation that does not conform to the ANSI standard will, nonetheless, be considered as complying with paragraph (u)( 1) of this section if the employer can demonstrate that the installation provides ready and safe access based on the following evidence:

{1} That the installation conforms to the edition of ANSI C2 that was in effect at the time the installation was made,
{2} That the configuration of the installation enables employees to maintain the minimum approach distances required by paragraph (l)( 2) of this section while they are working on exposed, energized parts, and
{3} That the precautions taken when work is performed on the installation provide protection equivalent to the protection that would be provided by access and working space meeting ANSI C2-1987. (2) "Draw-out-type circuit breakers." When draw-out- type circuit breakers are removed or inserted, the breaker shall be in the open position. The control circuit shall also be rendered inoperative, if the design of the equipment permits.
(3) "Substation fences." Conductive fences around substations shall be grounded. When a substation fence is expended or a section is removed, fence grounding continuity shall be maintained, and bonding shall be used to prevent electrical discontinuity.
(4) "Guarding of rooms containing electric supply equipment."

(i) Rooms and spacing which electric supply lines or equipment are installed shall meet the requirements of paragraphs (u)( 4)( ii) through (u)( 4)( v) of this section under the following conditions:

(A) If exposed live parts operating at 50 to 150 volts to ground are located within 8 feet of the ground or other working surface inside the room or space,
(B) If live parts operating at 151 to 600 volts and located within 8 feet of the ground or other working surface inside the room or space are guarded only by location, as permitted under paragraph (u)( 5)( i) of this section, or
(C) If live parts operating at more than 600 volts are located within the room or space, unless:

{1} The live parts are enclosed within grounded, metal-enclosed equipment whose only openings are designed so that foreign objects inserted in these openings will be deflected from energized parts, or
{2} The live parts are installed at a height above ground and any other working surface that provides protection at the voltage to which they are energized corresponding to the protection provided by an 8-foot height at 50 volts.
(ii) The rooms and spaces shall be so enclosed within fences, screens, partitions, or walls as to minimize the possibility that unqualified persons will enter.
(iii) Signs warning unqualified persons to keep out shall be displayed at entrances to the rooms and spaces.
(iv) Entrances to rooms and spaces that are not under the observation of an attendant shall be kept locked.
(v) Unqualified persons may not enter the rooms or spaces while the electric supply lines or equipment are energized.
(5) "Guarding of energized parts."

(i) Guards shall be provided around all live parts operating at more than 150 volts to ground without an insulating covering, unless the location of the live parts gives sufficient horizontal or vertical or a combination of these clearances to minimize the possibility of accidental employee contact.
NOTE: Guidelines for the dimensions of clearance distances about electric equipment in substations are contained in American National Standard Ð National Electrical Safety Code, ANSI C2-1987. Installations meeting the ANSI provisions comply with paragraph (u)( 5)( i) of this section. An installation that does not conform to this ANSI standard will, nonetheless, be considered as complying with paragraph (u)( 5)( i) of this section if the employer can demonstrate that the installation provides sufficient clearance based on the following evidence:

{1} That the installation conforms to the edition of ANSI C2 that was in effect at the time the installation was made,
{2} That each employee is isolated from energized parts at the point of closest approach, and
{3} That the precautions taken when work is performed on the installation provide protection equivalent to the protection that would be provided by horizontal and vertical clearances meeting ANSI C2-1987.
(ii) Except for fuse replacement and other necessary access by qualified persons, the guarding of energized parts within a compartment shall be maintained during operation and maintenance functions to prevent accidental contact with energized parts and to prevent tools or other equipment from being dropped on energized parts.
(iii) When guards are removed from energized equipment, barriers shall be installed around the work area to prevent employees who are not working on the equipment, but who are in the area, from contacting the exposed live parts.
(6) "Substation entry."

(i) Upon entering an attended substation, each employee other than those regularly working in the station shall report his or her presence to the employee in charge in order to receive information on special system conditions affecting employee safety.
(ii) The job briefing required by paragraph (c) of this section shall cover such additional subjects as the location of energized equipment in or adjacent to the work area and the limits of any deenergized work area.

(1) "Interlocks and other safety devices."

(i) Interlocks and other safety devices shall be maintained in a safe, operable condition.
(ii) No interlock or safety device may be modified to defeat its function, except for test, repair, or adjustment of the device.
(2) "Changing brushes." Before exciter or generator brushes are changed while the generator is in service, the exciter or generator field shall be checked to determine whether a ground condition exists. The brushes may not be changed while the generator is energized if a ground condition exists.
(3) "Access and working space." Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.
NOTE: Guidelines for the dimensions of access and working space about electric equipment in generating stations are contained in American National Standard -National Electrical Safety Code, ANSI C2-1987. Installations meeting the ANSI provisions comply with paragraph (v)( 3) of this section. An installation that does not conform to this ANSI standard will, nonetheless, be considered as complying with paragraph (v)( 3) of this section if the employer can demonstrate that the installation provides ready and safe access based on the following evidence:

(i) That the installation conforms to the edition of ANSI C2 that was in effect at the time the installation was made,
(ii) That the configuration of the installation enables employees to maintain the minimum approach distances required by paragraph (l)( 2) of this section while they are working on exposed, energized parts, and
(iii) That the precautions taken when work is performed on the installation provide protection equivalent to the protection that would be provided by access and working space meeting ANSI C2-1987.
(4) "Guarding of rooms containing electric supply equipment."

(i) Rooms and spaces in which electric supply lines or equipment are installed shall meet the requirements of paragraphs (v)( 4)( ii) through (v)( 4)( v) of this section under the following conditions:

(A) If exposed live parts operating at 50 to 150 volts to ground are located within 8 feet of the ground or other working surface inside the room or space,
(B) If live parts operating at 151 to 600 volts and located within 8 feet of the ground or other working surface inside the room or space are guarded only by location, as permitted under paragraph (v)( 5)( i) of this section, or
(C) If live parts operating at more than 600 volts are located within the room or space, unless:

{1} The live parts are enclosed within grounded, metal-enclosed equipment whose only openings are designed so that foreign objects inserted in these openings will be deflected from energized parts, or
{2} The live parts are installed at a height above ground and any other working surface that provides protection at the voltage to which they are energized corresponding to the protection provided by an 8-foot height at 50 volts.
(ii) The rooms and spaces shall be so enclosed within fences, screens, partitions, or walls as to minimize the possibility that unqualified persons will enter.
(iii) Signs warning unqualified persons to keep out shall be displayed at entrances to the rooms and spaces.
(iv) Entrances to rooms and spaces that are not under the observation of an attendant shall be kept locked.
(v) Unqualified persons may not enter the rooms or spaces while the electric supply lines or equipment are energized.
(5) "Guarding of energized parts."

(i) Guards shall be provided around all live parts operating at more than 150 volts to ground without an insulating covering, unless the location of the live parts gives sufficient horizontal or vertical or a combination of these clearances to minimize the possibility of accidental employee contact.
NOTE: Guidelines for the dimensions of clearance distances about electric equipment in generating stations are contained in American National Standard Ð National Electric Safety Code, ANSI C2-1987. Installations meeting the ANSI provisions comply with paragraph (v)( 5)( i) of this section. An installation that does not conform to this ANSI standard will, nonetheless, be considered as complying with paragraph (v)( 5)( i) of this section if the employer can demonstrate that the installation provides sufficient clearance based on the following evidence:

{1} That the installation conforms to the edition of ANSI C2 that was in effect at the time the installation was made,
{2} That each employee is isolated from energized part at the point of closest approach, and
{3} That the precautions taken when work is preformed on the installation provide protection equivalent to the protection that would be provided by horizontal and vertical clearances meeting ANSI C2-1987.
(ii) Except for fuse replacement or other necessary access by qualified persons, the guarding of energized parts within a compartment shall be maintained during operation and maintenance functions to prevent accidental contact with energized parts and to prevent tools or other equipment from being dropped on energized parts.
(iii) When guards are removed from energized equipment, barriers shall be installed around the work area to prevent employees, who are not working on the equipment, but who are in the area, from contacting the exposed live parts.
(6) "Water or steam spaces." The following requirements apply to work in water and steam spaces associated with boilers:

(i) A designated employee shall inspect conditions before work is permitted and after its completion. Eye protection, or full face protection if necessary, shall be worn at all times when condenser, heater, or boiler tubes are being cleaned.
(ii) Where it is necessary for employees to work near tube ends during cleaning, shielding shall be installed at the tube ends.
(7) "Chemical cleaning of boilers and pressure vessels." The following requirements apply to chemical cleaning of boilers and pressure vessels:

(i) Areas where chemical cleaning is in progress shall be cordoned off to restrict access during cleaning. If flammable liquids, gases, or vapors or combustible materials will be used or might be produced during the cleaning process, the following requirements also apply:

(A) The area shall be posted with signs restricting entry and warning of the hazards of fire and explosion; and
(B) Smo