-
Insulating gloves or not when using a DDO stick
Let us know whether your workers wear insulating gloves every time they use a DDO stick on live equipment
The Work As Done conundrum is that live work (not live-line workers) workers are commonly stabilising the DDO stick against their inner thigh to maintain control – the inner thigh is not insulated. This is when they are doing the Live work activities excluded from Live Line Work according to ECP.46
This is what I find in the SM-EI
EE 3.2051
3.741<u5:p></u5:p>Insulating gloves and eye protection shall be worn when using devices such as fuse pullers, fuse sticks, operating sticks, measuring sticks, and universal sticks on live HV equipment or conductors, except where such devices are insulated to full working voltage.<u5:p></u5:p>
EE 3.2061
3.741<u5:p></u5:p><u5:p></u5:p>
Insulating gloves shall be worn when operating (other than by remote control) HV switches, circuit breakers or reclosers, except where touch voltages are within safe limits and an equipotential zone has been created<u5:p></u5:p>
This is what I find in ECP.46
1.1.9 This Code does not apply to the following kinds of work:
(a) The operation of fuses and the changing of the fuse elements;
(b) The operation of isolators and switches;
(c) The taking of electrical measurements;
(d) The measurement of distances;
(e) The phasing of conductors and fittings;
(f) The checking and testing of insulator strings;
(g) The removal of impediments on lines;
(h) The greasing of fittings.
(i) Traction live line work under 2,000 volts d.c.
-
1 Reply
-
Hi Robert
Our sticks are rated to full working voltage, however we still require the use of rated Insulated Gloves as well for secondary protection (and yes our workers also stabilise the stick with their thighs).
The EEA Technical Guide: Portable Equipment for Work On or Near Conductors states in Section 8 Operating and Measuring Sticks or Rods: ‘When using operating sticks or rods the minimum approach distance (MAD) applicable to the voltage shall not be encroached by the user or any part of the stick or rod which the user is in contact with, and which is not proven to be insulating. This requires that the insulating section is of sufficient length to meet these criteria’.
So the Technical Guide does not require secondary protection if proven to be insulating – Hope this helps?
Stephen.
-
Thanks Stephen, it helps in as much as others are doing the same thing if I understand correctly; insisting on secondary protection for hands but not thighs – therefore sending mixed messages. This is what I am trying to work through. Do your operators question this also?
-
Yes they do, all the time
Log in to reply.