Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc.

San Francisco, Agusan del Sur

SAFETY HANDBOOK
 FOREWORD

All accident is defined as an unplanned event invariably preceded by an

unsafe act(s) and/or unsafe condition(s) that frequently results in injury or
damage and interrupts the completion of an activity. Accidents are an
unnecessary waste of both our human and economic resources. Though many
accidents are due to unsafe conditions and can be minimized with periodic
inspections and preventive maintenance, majority of accidents are due to
unsafe acts and human failure. It is the responsibility of every employee to
comply with safety and health standards and all rules that are applicable to
their own actions and conduct.

This handbook has been prepared for the guidance and safety of all
employees. Strict observance of safety rules is necessary to prevent accidents.
Lack of enforcement or repeated and fragrant violation of rules can only result
in accidents with their accompanying personal injury and economic loss. In
order to facilitate the implementation of the requirements of this Handbook, a
qualified person shall be assigned by the utility to coordinate the
implementation.

In the preparation of this Handbook, it is recognized that local conditions

and regulations may cause some minor conflicts. In the event of such conflict,
you are advice to adhere to the most restrictive regulations governing the
situation in question.

This Handbook shall be observed in all situations to which it applies,

without respect to where statement may appear, or in what order.
 INTRODUCTION

Accident Prevention

No phase of operations is of greater importance than accident prevention.

The degree of safety and the results accomplished are directly proportional to
the effort expended to control the conditions, practices, and human actions
that are responsible for accidents.

Purpose

The purpose of this Handbook is to assist in the elimination or

prevention of accidents and unsafe conditions.

Effectiveness

This handbook shall be effective as of the date of issuance; compliance

by every employee is mandatory and is considered a requirement for
employment.

Existing governmental codes, statutes, rules, and orders shall be

considered as part of this Handbook and where any conflict exists between the
two, those of the government status shall prevail.

Emergency Conditions

In case of emergency that involves hazard to life, a supervisor,foremen, or

employee in charge of any work may modify or suspend such portion of this
Handbook as may be considered temporarily necessary to permit proper
handling of the specific emergency. In any such case, this person shall bully
accountable for the reasonableness of his/her actions.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Supervisor shall be responsible not only for their own safety but also for
the safe work performance of other employees under their supervision. Before
assigning work to an employee, the supervisor shall be sure the employee
knows and understands the hazards associated with the work and the proper
procedures to perform the work safely.
 Supervisor at all levels shall accept, in cooperative manner, all report of
hazards; and employees shall not be reprimanded or penalized for reporting
hazards.

Responsibilityof Employees

Employees share with the employer and the supervisor the responsibility
to safety. Each employee is responsible for their own safety, the safety of their
fellow employees, and the general public. Employees shall become familiar with
and the use all the protective devices, which are provided for their protection.

Employees shall report all unsafe equipment, unsafe tools, and

hazardous conditions that come to their attention.

Knowledge of Safety Rules

Every employee shall become thoroughly familiar with the contents of

this Handbook as they apply to their work activities.

Conditions Not Covered

Although each employee is primarily responsible for their own safety, in

all instances, where conditions are not covered by this handbook or the job is
not completely understood, the employee shall obtain specific instructions from
a supervisor before proceeding with the work.

Qualifications for Duty

Any supervisor or foreman having reasonable grounds to suspect that an

employee under their jurisdiction is either mentally or unfit for the work
assigned, shall prohibit the employee from working until the satisfactory
medical or other evidence indicating employee fitness is obtained.

Care in Performance of Duties

Each employee shall use reasonable care in the performance of their

duties and act to assure at all times maximum safety to themselves, their
fellow employees, and the general public.
 CHAPTER 1
SAFETY RULES

1.1 Philippines Rural Electrification System Safety Rules

These rules have been made in the interest of providing safety guidelines
for our employees and ensuring the safety of the general public. By enforcing,
and complying with these rules, employees and general public will be better
protected, and the operation and maintenance of our equipment and facilities
made safe.

1.1.1 Safety Program

There is no set pattern for a safety program that can be used effectively
in all work areas or organizations. However, the essential elements of most
successful programs are similar. There are:

1. Top management (Executive Level) must recognize the need for the
effort and support it.

2. Supervisors, including foremen, are the key people, because they are
closest to the line personnel and employees, they must be interested
and competent, in accident prevention and safety.

3. The work area and equipment must be kept in safety condition.

4. Employee interest must be stimulated and maintained through a

condition education program.

5. Accident prevention and safety must be included in planning,

purchasing, work area layout and operations.

1.1.2 The Safety Representative

Organizations must have a safety representative. The success of the

safety program depends on the interest of top management and the
competence of the safety representative. Top management delegate
responsibility and authority to the safety representative to formulate, plan and
execute the safety program in conjunction with employees throughout the
organization.
 Safety representative functions:

1. Represents and report to top management; must not intrude upon the
authority of the operations and maintenance personnel.

2. Acts in advisory capacity.

3. Recognized and draws on the technical knowledge of the supervisors

who are responsible for operations and maintenance.

4. Helps supervisors to correct unsafe practices and unsafe conditions in

their department.

1.2 Application and Employee’s Responsibility

1.2.1 These rules shall be known as the Philippines Rural Electrification

System Safety Handbook.

1.2.2 Every employee shall have access to a copy of these rules while they are
employed.

1.2.3 Each Employee shall carefully study (not merely read) and observe the
rules embodied in this handbook, more particularly those applying to his/her
duties. Safety rules shall be obeyed and ignorance will not be accepted as an
excuse for their violation.

1.2.4 All employees are encouraged to make suggestions for changes in the
rules or working conditions to promote safety in the organization. Suggestion
should be submitted to the organization’s Safety Representative or through the
safety committee.

1.3 Supervisor’s Responsibility

1.3.1 Supervisors are charged with the responsibility of enforcing these rules.
Each supervisor shall see to it that employees under his/her direct supervision
observe the safety rules.

1.3.2 Where the other safety precautions are necessary in the performance of
the job, the supervisor or the employee acting as such, shall undertake
necessary precautions to ensure safe work operations. Qualification and
competence shall always be considered in assigning employees to a delicate or
technical work operation.

1.3.3 The supervisor, in case of doubt of any employees as to the meaning and
intent of any part of these rules, shall explain the rule(s) to the employee. In
case of further doubt, the case may be referred to the Division
Head/Department Head who may resolve the question or refer it to the safety
representative.;

1.4 Reporting Personal Accidents and Injuries

Accidents take a heavy toll on our society as measured in term of loss of

life, injury, and economic costs. Rare are the individuals who have never had
an accident; rarer still are those who have never observed a traumatic accident.

Many accidents can be considered inconsequential- a finger is cut, an

ankle is bruised, or a black eye sustained- no doubt millions contacted, the
situation is cared for individually, and of minor injuries are never reported. A
physician is few even know that anything of consequence has taken place.

Each of as accidental harm is present. Most people give little thought to

the potential encounters situation daily in which two possibilities of for injury,
or worse, the fact that is constantly present. If we let our constant exposure to
an environment filled with danger worry us, we would not no doubt become
neurotic and totally non-functional. Many people feel that accidents will most
likely happen to someone else. But that simply is not so. We must all recognize
our personal vulnerability. Some people regard accidents as a matter of
statistical probability, the avoidance of a serious accidental occurrence being
seen as ‘luck’. Other say,

“If it’s my time, then there is nothing I can do about it”, or “I’ll have an
accident if it’s god’s plan.”

These and other such statements do not take into account the fact that
one can, and must take measures to protect oneself against accidents.

Our attitude affects our behavioral patterns in all aspects of life.

Acquiring increased knowledge and skills is important in shaping human
behavior. It is important and necessary that each of us strives for safety
consciousness. Positive behavior patterns must be established.
 How many useful and productive years are lost annually though fatal
injuries of young people? It is impossible to say, but this thought alone forces
as to consider the many dimensions relating to accident safety and accident
prevention in all aspects of our daily activities.

1.4.1 On-Duty Injury or Accidents

a)Any injury or accident sustained by an employee while at work, no

matter how slight, must be reported at once to the employee’s immediate
supervisor or superior. The immediate supervisor shall then notify the safety
representative who shall make the necessary investigation.

b) The employee, or his immediate supervisor or superior in case of the

formers incapacity or unavailability, should then formally report the accident
or injury by accomplishing and submitting a report within 24 hours from the
time of the injury or accident. However, when the event occurs on a holiday,
the report should be submitted on the next working day.

1.4.2 Off-Duty Injury or Accidents

a) In case of major or serious injury or accident, the employee shall

promptly advise or caused to be advised his/her immediate supervisor or
superior.

b) For both serious and minor injuries/accidents, the employee, or his

/her immediate supervisor in case of the formers incapacity or unavailability,
should then formally report the accident or injury within 24 hours from the
time of the accident. However, if the event occurred on a weekend or a holiday,
the report may be submitted on the next working day.

1.4.3 General Public Injury or Accidents

a) In case of injuries or accidents sustained by the general public cause

by an employee’s performance of his/her assigned work, the latter or his/her
immediate superior shall immediately report the accident to his/her immediate
supervisor who shall in turn report it to the safety representative of the Safety
Committee.
b) The employee and his/her immediate supervisor shall jointly prepare a
report of the injury or accident within 24 hours from the time of the accident.
However, when the event occurs on a weekend or holiday, the report should be
submitted on the next working day.

1.5 Safety Committee

The Safety Committee(s) can be an effective element in the safety

program for any organization, regardless of its size; but their limitations must
be recognized. The type and size of the committee should be governed by the
size of the organization, its operations, and its safety concerns.

It is good idea to include an operations and maintenance specialist,

because their knowledge is valuable in recognizing unsafe conditions and
expediting corrections.

The safety committee membership should comprise a cross section of

organizational knowledge. Rotation of membership has proven advisable.
Membership rotation provides a wide representation from all work area and a
constantly fresh viewpoint. It also gives more people an opportunity to take an
active part in the safety program. Each safety committee should elect its
chairman, who in turn, can appoint a secretary.

1.5.1 It shall be the responsibility of the Safety Committee to:

a) Coordinate the organization’s efforts in enforcing the rules of this

Handbook.

b) Review and evaluate the Handbook, considering the organization’s

experience in implementing it, to assure its continued effectiveness.

c) Recommend to management any amendments and/or supplements to

improve the Handbook.

d) Coordinate the organization’s accident prevention/loss control efforts

within the scope of their responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s
safety program to prevent or minimize injury/accident occurrences and/or
damages to property and people in the workplace.

1.6 Safety Sub-Committee(s)

1.6.1 The Safety Sub-Committee(s) shall perform the following duties and
responsibilities:

a) Conduct safety meeting once a month

b) Review personal and vehicular accidents for action

c) Make regular inspections of the organizational work areas; the

objective is to discover and report unsafe practices and conditions.

1.6.2 Safety Sub-Committee types

a) Foremen’s Committee

Some organizations have made effective use of safety committees made

up exclusively of foremen. Through their exchange of knowledge and ideas,
foremen can make major contributions to the safety effort. They function in
much the same manner as a safety committee member. In some cases, the
safety representatives acts as chairman, but is a matter of choice.

b) Technical Committee

If the operations of an organization include work of highly specialized

nature, it may be well to have a special safety committee made up of technical
personnel who are qualified to evaluate the special hazards and prescribe
controls. The services of such a technical committee can be vary valuable to the
safety representative or the member of management who is responsible for the
organization’s accident prevention and safety program.

1.7 Safety Committee Activities

1.7.1 Inspections

Safety Committee inspections are not intended to take the place of

special ones by operation and maintenance personnel. Regular inspection of
work areas is important, because conditions change constantly. Safety
committee members see these conditions from the viewpoint of the employees,
and because they may visit certain areas only once a month or so, they may
notice minor changes more readily than those who inspect the work area every
day.
 Safe committee members, when making inspection must wear whatever
personal protective equipment is required in the work areas they enter.

1.7.2 Bulletin Boards

The department bulletin board can be the focal point of safety

communication between management and employees. Any poster that has a
theme or a message appropriate to accident prevention and/or safety can be
used. It has been found that poster in a humorous view make the most lasting
impression. On the other hand, humor can be overdone. It has also been found
that poster can be left on the bulletin for too long. Limit the displays of a poster
or other to two weeks.

1.7.3 Booklets and Films

The best safety booklets and films for employees are the ones that refer
to the problems of the trade or jobs. If the booklets are going to be used as
medium of safety communication, they should be selected carefully. They
should be interesting to the people who receive them.

1.7.4 Contests and Awards

Safety contests are widely used by the organizations to simulate

employee interest and competition between departments.

It is hard to decide what awards are most effective. There is no set plan
that can work equally well in all areas. Some of the awards being used are
money, gift certificates, watches and certificates.

1.8 Making Safety Meetings Work

It is important to think of safety meetings as part of of an ongoing

program. As a regular activity, they provide the opportunity to schedule a great
deal of employee training in a systematic way. They also provide opportunity to
establish and maintain continuing activities that will involve employees actively
in health and safety matters.

But the long-range effectiveness of your safety meetings depends on how

well each individual meeting is planned and organized. Before you can conduct
an effective meeting, you have to know exactly what you want it to accomplish
– what specific business needs to be taken care of at that meeting. And you
have to organize how you intend to get the business accomplished.

Safety meetings should always be organized around a written agenda

that lists each of the topics you plan to cover during the meeting, in order they
will be covered.

1.8.1 Types of Accident and Safety Meeting Issues

Most of the business you need to deal with in a safety meeting falls
under one of categories:

a) Policies and Regulations

When new policies or regulations introduction or when existing ones are

changed, employees need to be informed as soon as possible. Normally, these
matters will be a priority item on the agenda of the first available scheduled
safety meeting. Under some circumstances, a special meeting may be
necessary just to make certain that employees understand what is expected of
them.

b) Employee Training

Employees must be provided training to enable them to perform their

jobs in the fastest and healthiest way possible. When training is a regular part
of safety meeting, planning a three-month or six-month schedule of topics
helps ensure you have time to cover what needs to be covered. Building in
some flexibility is advisable because, sometimes, special training sessions may
be required in response to an accident or in response to a change in
procedures.

c) Problem Solving

Periodically, health and related problems may develop in your

department or organization. Safety meeting provide an ideal time to deal with
them. The knowledge and experience your employees have can be valuable
resources in reaching the best solution.

d) Department and Organization Level Accident & Safety Issues

 Every safety meeting should include time for exchanging information
with your employees about such thing as inspection results, performance
observations and job hazard analyses, and for acknowledging employees for
their efforts and support. Time should also be set aside for scheduling specific
health and safety activities, for reviewing progress and for discussing any other
employee concerns.

Setting aside time during every meeting to handle departmental health

and safety matters is an extremely effective way to build employee’s sense of
responsibility and commitment to your over-all accident prevention and safety
effort.

1.8.2 Developing Meeting Agenda

Developing a written agenda for a meeting serves several purposes.

a) Planning the Meeting

Like any meeting, a safety meeting should be planned around getting

things done. Developing an agenda helps you keep that in mind. Before you list
an item on your agenda, you need to have clear idea of what you are trying to
achieve with the topic. It helps to write down a brief purpose statement next to
each item.

a. Planning Each Topic

Once you know why you are covering a specific topic and
want to accomplish, make a list of the key points that need to be
addressed. Putting notes under each item and referring to them
during the meeting will help you make certain it has been covered
adequately.

b. Estimating Time

What you can cover adequately in a meeting depends on the

amount of time you have available. You should not try to do more
than time allow. Before you finalize your agenda, go over the items
you have listed. Try to determine how long it will take to cover each
 item. If you discover that you have included too many items, decide
which ones can be postponed to a later meeting.

There may be some topics that MUST be included on an

agenda. Sometimes a specific government regulation, an
organization policy or a particular problem will have to be dealt
with immediately. It may not be possible to postpone these items to
a later meeting.

There are some items that lose impact or values if they are
not discussed quickly. For example, if an accident or near miss
occurs in your department or elsewhere in the organization, you
should try to avoid postponing topics that are timely.

c) Staying on Track

Since agenda are lists of the topics covered, they help you keep your
meeting organized and on track. By following the order of the agenda and by
keeping your discussion focused on the items listed, you are better able to
conduct your safety meetings in the most efficient, business-like manner
possible and accomplish what needs to be accomplished. Having the agenda in
front of you will ensure that nothing is forgotten.

d) Creating a Business-Like Atmosphere

Post or distribute the agenda for a meeting ahead of time. When

employees know you have specific expectations and goals for your safety
meetings, it reinforces the importance of the meetings. Employees are more
likely to arrive with a sense of purpose and an expectation of accomplishing
something when they know what to expect from a meeting.

e) Scheduling

For safety meetings to be most effective they should be at a time when

employees are most likely to give them their full attention. Scheduling a
meeting at the end of a Friday is almost always a mistake. Too many employees
will be tired and looking ahead to the weekend. And coming at the end of the
week, the meeting will seem the least important item of business. If possible,
give safety meetings the prominence they deserve by scheduling them early in
the day or in the middle of the afternoon, and early in the workweek.
 f) Conducting Meetings

How you conduct your safety meetings can have great impact on your
employees’ general attitude towards health, safety and environmental
protection are an integral part of every employee’s job.

g) General Guidelines

There some simple but very effective things you can do that will help you
take care of business efficiently and, at the same time encourage active
employee participation during safety meetings.

h) Keeping the Meeting Focused

Whether you have posted your agenda in advance or not, it helps to

begin a meeting by previewing the topics to be covered. Employees should
know what each topic is intended to accomplish and why it is on the agenda.

As much as possible, keep the meeting limited to the existing agenda

topics. If an important issue arises that is not on your agenda, you need to use
your judgement about whether to deal with it then or postpone it for another
meeting.

Sometimes you may find that you need more time to cover an agenda
item you anticipated. If you decide to cut the discussion short, remember to
include time for continuing it during your next meeting. If you feel that the
discussion should continue uninterrupted, you can either extend the length of
the meeting or move some other agenda item to a later meeting.

i) Make Accident prevention and Safety Issues Relevant to Employees

People pay closer attention to information that affects them personally.

Make a special effort to point out how each item covered in a safety meeting
relates to the work your employees do. They need to understand how rules and
procedures actually apply to the jobs they perform.

j) Make Certain that all Information is Clear, Complete and understood

 Before you are through with an agendas topic, you must be sure that all
key points have been made and that your employees have understood them.
Always leave time for questions. If you do not know the answer, make a note to
find out and be sure to follow up on it.

k) Involve Employees

People learn more quickly, pay attention and retain knowledge longer
when they actively participate in a process. Involving employees in the
discussion is much more effective than lecturing them. Making them
responsible for presenting information or for leading portions of a meeting is
even better. It has been proven that whether employees actually do something,
the active participation increases their motivation to learn and helps them
remember things better.
Safety Tip 1

COMMUNICATE the job.

This is the first step to safety. Before beginning,
discuss the overall purpose of the job. This is
done in the worksite. You must have everyone’s
attention, and eliminate any distracting noises
that could interfere with the team
concentration. Don’t rush! Make sure all points
are covered and as much time as as necessary
is given to ensure that everyone shares with the
group. Always start from ground zero. Assume
everyone is there for the first time in.
 CHAPTER 2
ELECTRICAL WORK

2.1 Overhead Lines

Before the work is commenced, it is the duty of the foreman/leadman to

see that all linemen thoroughly understand the instruction(s) and the work to
be done.

2.2 Working Conditions

2.2.1 Workers Required

All works on or near (within four [4] feet in any direction of) energized
lines or equipment shall be in accordance with the following:

a) FOR MORE THAN 600 VOLTS BUT NOT OVER 6,240 VOLTS, at least
two (2) workers shall be assigned for this type of work. One (1) worker shall at
least be a 1/Class lineman. A 2/Class lineman may assist him/her, but they
shall be under the direct and close supervision of at least a leadman.

b) FOR 600 VOLTS AND BELOW, this kind of work shall be done by at
least a 3/Class lineman and shall be under the direct and close supervision of
at least a leadman.

The only exception to this two-worker rule is when performing regular

operating duties below primary wires such as switching, re-fusing distribution
transformers or section fuses, and street lamp replacement which can be done
alone, provided, however, that it is without difficulty and undue hazard. The
worker shall use proper hot stick and shall wear rubber gloves and/or rubber
sleeves as required. These duties may be done by at least a 2/Class lineman
under the direct and close supervision of a foreman or a leadman.

2.2.2 Before climbing any pole or other support, a worker should be sure that
the pole, cross-arm or other support is strong enough to sustain his/her
weight. The wood pole should be tested just below the ground level with an iron
bar, screwdriver or other instrument, and by sounding pole. In case of any
doubt as to the strength of a pole, it should be properly braced before climbing
and temporarily guyed before working on it.
2.2.3 All wires should be treated as “LIVE” unless disconnected from the
source, tested and grounded in accordance with the ‘tagging procedures’. In no
case shall employees touch any other conductor except the one on which they
are working.

2.2.4 Climbers should always be used by lineman, when going up and down a
wood pole, regardless of whether or not steps are provided. Steps on a wood
pole should never be relied upon for hold support. Except only in cases of
unusual emergencies, a workers shall not jump from a pole, slide down a pole
or coast from the working position to any level.

2.2.5 Climbers should not be worn when work is being performed on the
ground or while aloft in a basket. Put them on just before climbing a pole and
remove them as soon as the ground is reached, after descending, unless it is
planned to climb an adjacent pole. If there are obstructions such as persons,
fences, large rocks, etc. between poles, climbers should be removed before
walking from one pole to another.

2.2.6 Before working on energized primary lines, all ground wires and/or
secondary wires that may be in contact or in close proximity with the body of
the worker should be covered with rubber protective equipment.

2.2.7 Protective equipment should be place by the worker, while he/she is still
at a level below the wires or insulators, on the pole or structure, beginning with
those, nearest the climbing space and covering the live parts in the order of
their distance from the climbing space. The removal of protective equipment
should be done with equal care while working below the level of wires and
insulators but removing the equipment in reverse order, that is first the
equipment on the wires most distant from climbing space and then on the
nearer parts.

2.2.8 When work requires the disconnection of taps from a supply line to
equipment such as vertical connections from the line to transformers or
switches, such as disconnection should be made at the point where the taps
meet the supply line. The disconnections should never be made in such
manner that there will result an unprotected energized wire within reaching
distance.
2.2.9 A safety line (rope), to be used for emergency services only, should be on
each line truck, this line should be accessible at all times and inspected
regularly.

2.2.10 The use of hand axes on all overhead work is prohibited.

2.2.11 Employees shall not talk to a person doing work on energized lines or
equipment of any voltages unless the person doing the work is aware of their
presence.

2.2.12 While working on a pole, avoid ground wires, messengers, sheaths of

cables, metal pipes, guy wires , lighting fixtures, span wires, signal lines,
transformers and other metal attachments which may be at or near ground
potential.

2.2.13 In cases where work is actually being done close to live wires or live
apparatus, and the potential is greater than 100 volts, the live wires or parts
should be covered with rubber blankets, hoses or hoods, so that parts of the
body other than the hands cannot come in contact with the live wires or parts.

2.3 Safety Belt Straps and Auxiliary Belt Strap

a) A safety belt strap shall be used starting from the pole base when
ascending/descending a pole. The strap may be disengaged only when going
through an obstruction(s) but shall be immediately re-engaged.

b) An Auxiliary safety nylon strap shall be used when

ascending/descending on steel pole(s). It shall be used and the strap engaged
when passing through obstructions before disengaging the safety belt strap.
The auxiliary safety belt nylon strap may be disengaged only when the safety
belt strap has been put back in place.

2.3.1 Workers shall not change the stress on a pole by adding or removing
wires until assured by the foreman that the pole will stand altered stress.

2.4 Pole to pole (wood) transfer may be allowed only when the following
requirements are satisfied:

a) The maximum clear distance between poles is two (2) feet.

 b) Both poles are provided with the stable connecting rope sling on the
same level and within safe reaching distance of the worker who will transfer.

c) A worker must first secure his/her safety strap to the rope sling before
transferring to the other pole. When position on the other pole is safely
established, only then may the worker unhook from the rope sling and
thereafter secure his/her strap on the pole he/she transferred to.

2.4.1 Ascending or descending the pole using the guy wire is strictly
prohibited.

2.5 Maintaining Service Lines with the Use of Hot Line Tools

2.5.1 These rules must, out of necessity, be general and cover minimum
requirements as to safety. It shall be the duty of the person having jurisdiction
on hot line work to interpret their meaning, application and always with proper
thought for maximum safety. He/she shall also designate which line may be
worked on which in service, the size and personnel type of crews, extent of
work, and types of tools for various operations. He/she shall issue such other
instructions or rule as may be required to meet actual conditions. The
requirements of such supplementary rules and regulations, however, should
not be contrary to nor lower than the maximum requirements of these rules:

a) Lines should be de-energized if this can be done without interruption

of important services which may incur a serious financial loss or involve a
serious change in operating then system, or when the interruption to service
might endanger human life.

b) Where it is necessary to maintain continuity of service on important

lines operating at a voltage above 6,240 volts, it is permissible, when official
authorization has been given, for crews, especially trained for high voltage work
on such line when the lines are live.; provided, that these trained crews use hot
line tools and/or 13.2 KV gloving techniques. Caution clearance tags should be
secured for hot-line work.

c) A minimum hot line crew shall consist of six (6) specially trained
members, a foreman, a leadman, a 1/C lineman, and two (2) other linemen
who should at least be 2/Class linemen and stockman-driver. The foreman
shall closely supervise the work and keep his/her workers advised as to their
safety and the handling of hot line tools. He/she shall not render any physical
assistance in the performance of the work except in the case of emergency.

d) Hot-line work should not be performed on any conductor smaller than

No. 4 copper.

e) Hot-line work should be started only during favourable weather

conditions. If the job is in progress and signs of unfavourable weather appear,
the work must be stopped and all work temporarily secured to protect life and
property.

f) Before starting work, all metallic articles with the workers (brackets,
necklaces, rings, keys, etc.) other than the required work equipment/tools
should be removed.

g) When it is necessary to work on any particular location having more

than one circuit, and where the working clearance between circuits is not
sufficient for hot line work any one of the circuits should either be de-energized
and grounded, or moved away by hotline tools so as to provide proper working
clearance.

h) The principal factor in safe hot line work is adequate clearance

between the worker and all wires on the pole including the wires being worked
on. Any other lines not being worked on including telephone/communication
cables on sub-transmission line poles should be united and separated with the
proper clearance from the poles before any work is done on the sub-
transmission lines. If for any reasons this is impractical, such lines/cables
should be carefully covered with the hoses and insulator hoods.

i) Only tools having the proper voltage rating and sufficient length to
secure proper for safety should be used. Do not depend so much on the voltage
of the tools but maintain standard clearance from live wires.

2.5.2 Rubber Glove Work on Energized Circuits Above 8.3 KV and up to 34.5
KV

a) This type of work shall be performed by at least an authorized 1/class

lineman and assisted by another authorized who has undergone the required
training for this type of work and shall be under the direct and close
supervision of a leadman/foreman.
 b) This type of work should be performed only from the basket of an
aerial lift. The bucket, its inner liner, and at least the upper boom, which
should be of fibreglass or other approved insulating materials, shall have
passed all insulating test and certified ‘OK’ for 13.2 KV glove work by a
recognized and qualified person.

c) The basket and boom should be cleaned everyday and more often if
this equipment is exposed to heavy contamination.

d) 13.2 KV glove work should not be started in case of damp weather,

heavy fog, indications of precipitation, immediately after a rain or when the line
facilities to be worked on are wet. If a job is in progress and signs of
unfavorable weather appear, the work must be stopped and all facilities
temporarily secured to protect life and property.

e) The truck chassis of the aerial device should always be grounded

before the start of the work.

f) Before the start of 13.2 KV glove work, the foreman/leadman shall

collect the class 3, 7.62 KV rubber gloves and the workers involved and store
them in designated rubber goods box which should be kept locked until the
work has been completed for the day.

g) At no time while involved in 13.2 KV glove work shall a worker have

both types of rubber gloves (Class 3, 7.62 KV and Class 4, 13.2 KV) in his/her
possession.

h) Only Class 4 ‘SPECIAL’ 13.2 KV rubber gloves and Class 1 rubber

sleeves should be used and these shall be used and these shall be worn at all
times from ground-to-ground. The worker must never touch an energized line
and a grounded part, at the same time.

i) Immediately upon getting into the basket and before moving the boom,
workers shall secure themselves by means of safety straps fastened to the
upper boom. They shall keep their feet on the floor of the basket and shall
observe all other regulations concerning the use of aerial lifts.

j) Guys and static wires may be temporarily removed from the work area,
if possible, otherwise full use should be made of insulated line guards, pole
guards and any other approved insulating materials that will protect the
workers. Except for that portion of the conductor that is being worked on, any
other part of the facilities that may be reached or would fall or could be backed
up against by the worker should be covered

k) Baskets should be located under recognized lines being worked on;

they should not come in contact with any energized conductor or equipment.

l) In many cases, it would be better to move a conductor farther from the

facility to be worked on or use a temporarily jumper to get adequate working
clearance. Where this is not possible, maximum covering should be done or hot
line tools should be used, whichever will give maximum protection. There are
times, however, when a barricade may be required to protect the workers.

m) Hot line jumpers should be installed with the use of hotline tools
before disconnecting or connecting a tap.

n) Wherever two (2) workers are required to perform hotline work aloft a
basket, only one leg on the line at a time must be worked on with proper
coordination between the workers aloft and the supervisoron the ground. All
rules and standard operating procedures covering hot line work must be fully
satisfied prior to commencing the work.

o) It is requires that ropes used for hot line work be kept clean and dry.

p) Class 4 ‘SPECIAL’ 13.2 KV rubber gloves should be washed every day

in clean, cool water after the day’s work.

q) It shall be responsibility of the foreman/leadman to submit the 13.2

KV rubber gloves and Class 1 rubber sleeves, and all other 13.2 KV personal
protective equipment of his/her crew for electrical test twice a month but not to
exceed fifteen (15) calendar days between tests.

r) Night hot line work is prohibited except in cases where weather

conditions permit and lighting provisions and safety protective equipment are
adequate. Hot line jobs such as repair of blasted wires, isolation of line circuits,
insulations of lighting arresters, replacements of transformer cutouts,
installation of line protectors, and other related jobs with the prior approval of
the supervisors are allowed.
2.6 Protective Devices

2.6.1 Many accidents have resulted from neglect to use the proper protective
devices because of failure to carry them on the trucks or because it is
‘inconvenient’ to get and use them.

a) Line, apparatus, and equipment having voltages in excess of 6,240 (or

in excess of 3,800 volts phase to ground) should not be worked on live except
as provided for in the special rules governing hot line maintenance.

b) Rubber gloves and rubber sleeves should be worn when working on

energized 4,800- and 6,200- volt conductor and equipment; when working in
any lines in parallel with other live power circuits that may be subjected to
induced voltage or accidental contact with live lines, unless the wires are
grounded as herein specified. Wear rubber gloves when operating
disconnecting switches and when grounding lines or substation equipment.
EXCEPTION: Substation gang-operated disconnects equipped with a proper
ground mat may be operated bare-handed provided prior between the operating
handle and the mat has been made and found to be intact.

c) Rubber glove protector should be worn over rubber glove at all times.
Rubber glove protector should nor be use for any other purpose except to
protect rubber gloves. They should be inspected before use for defects, e.g.,
holes, scratches, cuts, etc., and those found with defects should not be used.

2.6.2 Rubber gloves shall be worn ‘ground-to-ground’

Exception to this rule shall be as follows:

a) Rubber gloves need not to be worn if all wires on the pole have been
checked verified to be de-energized and grounded (including communication
cable messengers).

b) One or both rubber gloves may be removed for the short time
necessary to; (1) Do such small jobs on de-energized equipment as place nuts
on bolts, changes transformer taps, make secondary connection to
transformers etc.; and (2) If absolutely necessary for personal comfort and
necessity such as removing excess perspiration from rubber gloves, etc.; gloves
may be temporarily removed after climbing to a position where the hands will
be at least six (6) feet away from any energized conductor or equipment. The
foreman/leadman should be approved each exception before the rubber gloves
are removed. The foreman/leadman before giving his/her approval shall make
certain that all energized conductors within reach are adequately covered with
rubber hoses and/or blankets, and that the workers are properly and safely
positioned for the job. The rubber gloves should be put back on as soon as
possible. The foreman/leadman is responsible for the safe positioning and
working of his/her workers; however, each worker is expected to always follow
the safety rules for his/her own protection.

2.6.3 Insulating handles or hot line tools should be used in operating hook
stick switches, fuse cutouts, hotline clamps, etc. When using these tools,
workers shall keep their hands at a maximum distance from live parts.

2.6.4 Hot line tools and insulating handles should be kept clean and dry and
should not be painted or wrapped with wire.

2.6.5 Rubber goods should not be store in hot places. They should not be
placed where they may be damaged by tools or other equipment, but should be
placed in special compartments or racks on each truck or in the store room.
Rubber goods should be kept dry. If it is necessary to put away rubber goods
wet at night, they should be thoroughly dried the following day. Keep all rubber
goods free from oil. Rubber blankets should be rolled and not folded.

2.6.6 At each job before a worker puts on his/her rubber gloves, he/she shall
test each glove for cuts and weak spots by rolling it tightly beginning at the
gauntlet end; and he/she shall check whether or not any air escapes through
the gloves. Gloves, which show weak spots or air leakage on this test, should
never be used for protection.

2.6.7 All rubber goods should be maintained in A-1 condition at all times and
any that shows defects should be replaced by another which meets
specifications.

2.6.8 Workers Responsibility on the Regular Test of Rubber Gloves, Rubber

Sleeves, and Rubber Blankets.

a) Each pair of 7.62 KV rubber gloves shall be turned in by the worker at

least twice a month for adequate testing by a recognized and qualified person.
 b) Rubber sleeves and blankets shall always be available as standard
equipment of all line crews and shall be turned by the foreman/leadman at
least once a month for adequate testing by a recognized and qualified person.

c) Each pair of 13.2 KV rubber gloves shall be turned in by the

foreman/leadman at least twice a month for adequate testing by a recognized
and qualified person.

d) It shall be the duty of each foreman/leadman to frequently inspect

rubber blankets, line-hoses and insulator hoods for defects. These rubber
goods should be submitted to a recognized and qualified person for inspection
at least every three (3) months.

2.7 Grounding Lines

a) After a line equipment has been de-energized for the purpose of

working thereon, it should be checked as being ‘DEAD’ by testing with a
phasing-out voltmeter, hot line tool, or other approved potential indicator
where applicable.

b) Before any work is done on a line which is to be worked ‘DEAD’ it

should be grounded and short-circuited on at least each side of the location
where the work is to be done. Grounding devices should be placed within sight
of workers.

c) Only standard grounding clusters should be used in grounding lines

and equipment.

d) The grounding device should first be attached to the ground

connection and then securely attached to the line or equipment to be worked
on.

e) The removal of grounding device should be handled in the reverse

order to that used in placing grounds in position, that is, the end of the ground
wire attached to the live wire or equipment should be removed first and then
the other end, connected to the ground, should be removed last.

f) Distribution transformer banks should not be considered de-energized

until (a) primary cutouts and visually checked; and (b) secondary leads are
short-circuited and grounded, and securely tied to prevent accidental contact
with energized lines.

g) Before working on any pole, particularly a transformer pole, the line

crew shall replace any missing ground wire connecting the common line
neutral to ground and install rod if necessary.

2.8 Stringing Wires

a) When there is a possibility that the wire being strung may come in
contact, or come in close proximity with the live lines, the live lines shall be de-
energized. If this is not practical, caution clearances may be secured for the live
lines (see Chapter 7, ‘Clearance and Tagging Rules’). It should be assumed that
the wire being strung are of the same voltage as the wires of the live line and
workers shall protect themselves by the use of hand lines, rubber gloves,
rubber sleeves and other suitable means. The worker controlling the coil or
payout reel shall wear rubber gloves, and stand on dry wood or a rubber
blanket. The wire being strung should be grounded with a travelling grounding
device, properly connected to a driven ground rod or equipment.

b) Lines under construction should be grounded and as the work

progresses, the ground should be moved towards and kept near the working
crew.

c) Workers shall not stand in loops of rope or wire when using sagging
equipment, or in the inside angle of wire which is being pulled into position for
tying. Workers shall not wrap wire around their bodies to take a strain on the
line.

d) The foreman/leadman shall never leave the crew when they are
making any dangerous crossing because slight mistake at that time may result
in a serious accident, anged should not be allowed to sag to prevent them from
falling.

e) Lines which are being cut or re-arr directly on, or being blown against
other lines, signal equipment, metal sheaths of cable, metal pipes, ground wire,
metal fixtures on poles guy wire, etc.

2.9 Work on 69 KV Lines

 a) Work on energized 69 KV lines should only be performed with the use
of hot line sticks.

b) Hot line sticks being used on energized 69 KV lines should pass all the
insulation tests and certified ‘OK’ for energized 69 KV work.

c) Workers shall not ascend/descend the pole passing through or near an

energized 69 KV line.

d) During the process of spacer installation on bundled 69 KV lines, the

worker shall use a rope lifeline hooked in the next upper conductor and looped
to his/her safety strap. The safety strap must be engaged in both D-rings of
his/her belt and also looped in one of the bundled conductors other than
where he/she is standing.

e) Work shall not be performed on de-energized 69 KV lines with an

energized under built 34.5 KV or 13.8 KV line during inclement weather.

2.10 Aerial Devices

a) A new aerial device should be tested and certified to have passed all
electrical tests by a recognized and qualified person before being used for high
voltage gloving work. Thereafter, it should be the responsibility of the
foreman/leadman to submit the aerial device assigned to him/her for electrical
tests to a qualified person at least once every three (3) months.

b) The recognized and qualified person shall keep a record of test of each
aerial device. If the device has not been tested on the scheduled date or, if upon
test the device is found defective, the Department/division Head concerned
should immediately be informed, in which case, the aerial device should be
withdrawn from high voltage gloving work and tagged out.

c) Loading limits/capacities of all aerial devices should be followed

according to their specifications and/or as indicated in the nameplates.
Loading beyond their limits/capacities is prohibited.

d) Each basket rider shall ascertain beforehand his/her weight, complete

with normal clothing, safety equipment and personally issued tools. The
foreman/leadman shall see to it that the total of this basic weight and weight of
such other tools and equipment to be carried in the basket does not exceed the
capacity limit of the aerial device. Other tools and materials should be lifted by
means of hand lines attached to the pole or structure or by means of any other
approved lifting devices.

e) A gin pole (insulated) attached to the boom of the aerial device shall be
used to carry or lift wires or other heavy tools, however, that the total amount
of weight to be carried/lifted must not exceed the boom’s capacity. In no case
should the basket of the aerial device be used to carry or lift or pull wires of
other heavy tools and materials.

f) Before the start of each day’s work, the foreman/leadman, and

operator shall conduct a visual inspection of the elevating cables, levelling
cables, and basket attachments, and shall test/operate the device by means of
the ground control to assure proper hydraulic/mechanical operation.

g) Before the boom of the aerial device is raised, the foreman/leadman or

the operator shall see to it that the following are complied with:

1. Wooden wheel chucks are firmly placed against wheel of the

truck.

2. Outrigger pads are placed where the footing is not firm.

3. The operator shall warn the crew and the public before
outriggers are extended or retracted.

4. The crew and the public are clear of the outriggers.

5. Outriggers are extended to stabilize the trucks levelling; and

6. The truck chassis should always be grounded to work on or near

energized lines above 600 volts.

h) When an aerial device without outriggers is used, the truck should be

positioned on level, firm ground and wooden wheel chucks placed against its
wheels. In all cases, the stability of both the truck and aerial device should be
the prime concern.
 i) Before using an aerial device, the operator shall check the condition of
the system of the vehicle.

j) Only trained and authorized personnel shall operate the pylon and
basket control, a designated ground employee must be alert to operate the
pylon control lever in case of emergency until the operation is completed.

k) Entering into or getting out of the basket should only be done with the
basket firmly on the ground or in the cradled position. No employee shall ride
the basket while the truck is moving.

l) When moving an aerial device from its cradle position, the lower boom
should be elevated by at least a foot before the upper boom is moved. The
operator and/or rider shall look in the direction travelled by the boom.

m) As the operator approaches his/her work position, he/she shall slow

down the movement of the aerial device. Pylon and basket controls should be
operated smoothly. Sudden stop should be avoided.

n) Operators shall never allow the lower metal boom of an aerial device to
be in contact with energized conductors. Proper clearances for truck derricks
should be observed.

o) When high voltage gloving work or hot line tool work is being
performed from an aerial device, the insulated upper boom or basket should be
positioned so that it will not come in contact with grounded objects or
energized conductors. When it becomes necessary to work in close proximity
with grounded objects or energized conductors of equipment, these
objects/equipment should be covered with appropriate rubber or composition
protective equipment.

p) The foreman/leadman shall keep the public away from the truck and
from the drop area under the basket. They shall see to it that the upper and/or
lower boom is not in contact with energized conductors before they touch the
truck.

q) The boom should be positioned so as not to obstruct or interfere with

vehicular traffic. When working in an inclined area, the boom must always be
positioned pointing to the uphill direction.
 r) If absolutely necessary to project the boom on the road, a flagman
should be stationed at the required distance along all approaches to the work
area to warn or signal approaching traffic.

s) While aloft, no one shall attempt to transfer from the basket to the
pole/structure except when the basket is provided with a standard safety
lanyard, which must be hooked to the d-ring of the worker’s safety belt to keep
him/her secured while in the process of transferring. When the position on
pole/structure is safely established the worker must first secure his/her safety
strap on the poles/structure before unhooking the standard safety lanyard of
the basket from his/her D-ring.

t) While atop a pole/structure, worker(s) shall not attempt to transfer to

the basket unless the standard safety lanyard is hooked to the D-ring of the
worker’s safety belt an only then he/she shall un-strap from the pole/structure
and transfer to the basket.

u) While aloft in an aerial device, workers must at all times wear their
safety belt with the standard safety lanyard of the aerial device or the safety
strap hooked to the D-ring secured on the hooking position of the boom.

v) Workers shall not attempt to stand at the edge of the basket.

w) Articles, tools, or equipment should not be left on top of booms.

x) Hydraulic quick disconnect fittings should be kept clean at all times.

y) Engine oil and hydraulic tank oil levels should be checked daily.
Revolution of the engine should not exceed the required revolution per minute
(RPM)

z) The boom and the basket should be properly stowed and secured in a
cradle position while travelling.

1. Observe proper boom operation limits. Exceeding limits may

cause a serious accident.

2. In no case should holes be bored in any part of the basket. Holes

reduce the basket’s insulating property.
 3. Tires should be properly inflated. A tire with low pressure may
cause instability to the boom and even tip the truck.

4. At least once every three (3) months or as necessary, the

foreman/leadman shall bring the aerial device for washing the
fibreglass insulation and basket and the complete boom assembly
with mild, non-abrasive detergent.

5. At least once a month, the foreman/leadman shall bring the

vehicle with mounted equipment for inspection of the elevating
cables, levelling cables, attachments of piston and cylinder and
plates, linkage and other critical components or loose cables, and
for lubrication of all points of the device.

6. Good housekeeping and orderliness must be practiced in the

vehicle and work area at all times.

7. Whenever a bucket is utilized on any line work, the user should

see to it that:

a. It is provided with an inner liner.

b. The inner liner is equipped with an approved floor liner

insert.

8. Defective bucket equipment should be provided with the

standard tag place in the truck where it can easily be seen;
preferably within the cab. The tag should remain there until after
defect has been corrected and tested ‘OK’ for hot line work.

2.11 Line Equipment

2.11.1 Capacitors

Capacitors consist of an electrical condenser housed in a suitable

container. They are provided with discharge devices for draining the residual
charge to 50 volts or less in five (5) minutes, after they have been completely
disconnected from the line. The operation of these discharge units, however,
should not be fully depended upon for safety. Capacitors should not be worked
on, or the connections of the terminals handled, until the fuses or disconnect
switches have been opened and the capacitor cell leads short-circuited. The
short-circuiting jumper should be applied with hot line tools in case of high
voltage capacitors; and for lower voltages with any sufficiently insulated device
suited for the voltage level.

2.11.2 Lightning Arresters

All lightning arresters should be treated as if charged to full line

potential. When worked on, line side risers should be disconnected from the
tapping point and grounded.

2.11.3 Transformers cutouts

All foremen and linemen who are required to replace burned fuses in
4,800 volt and/or 6,240 volt cutouts shall thoroughly inspect the porcelain for
cracks before installing the new fuse. Any cutout, which appears to be cracked,
should be replaced.

When opening or closing cutouts, a lineman shall not position

himself/herself directly below them nor directly look at the cutouts at the
moment of opening or closing them.

2.11.4

The following operating procedures must be strictly followed when

opening 7.62 KV fuse cutouts on transformer banks and lateral circuits:

a) The load of costumer must be completely disconnected before opening

the cutout or the circuit must be opened momentarily to permit opening of the
cutouts.
b) If opening of the cutout is to be done under load with a load-buster or
similar device for the purpose, the device should be utilizwed in accordance
with its specifications and rated capacities.

c) Maintenance of load-busters or similar devices should be done once

every two(2) months or earlier as required.

2.11.5 7.62/13.2 KV transformer bank

a) Installation

1. No new 7.62/13.2 KV transformer banks shall be connected

close to a wye-delta, or a grounded or ungrounded wye primary.

2. Every transformer assigned for service shall have passed the

required test, particularly the power factor test within one (1) year
if new or within six (6) months if rebuilt.

3. 7.62 KV distribution transformers without a pressure relief

device (PRD) shall not be issued or installed in transformer vaults.

4. Transformer with bushing rated 125 KV BIL (basic Insulation

Level) shall never be installed in transformer vaults.

5. Transformer vaults with suspected transformer trouble shall be

entered only after the transformers inside are de-energized.

6. All meters/metering equipment shall be installed outside the

customer’s transformer vault.

b) Energizing

1. Proper clearances from the Supervising Engineer shall first be

secured before energizing transformer banks.

2. Transformer banks on poles shall be energized only from a

basket or side ladder with a stick as long as possible or from the
ground with telescopic stick, and vicinity must be cleared of
personnel and public bystanders.

3. Transformer banks in vaults shall be energized only from the

terminal pole or the circuits OCB (Oil Circuit Breaker) with no
personnel inside or the vault and with the vault door closed.

4. The ground resistance for each transformer vault shall first be

tested and approved before the transformer banks in the vault are
energized.

c) De-energizing
 1. Proper clearances from the Supervising Engineer shall first be
secured before de-energizing.

2. If a telescopic stick is used on a loaded transformer bank the

circuit should be first de-energized before opening the circuit.

3. Transformer banks in vaults shall be de-energized only from the

terminal pole or the circuit OCB.

4. Before disconnecting jumpers of any circuit, the customers load

must be completely disconnected or the circuit must be de-
energized momentarily.

2.12 Line Tools and Equipment

a) Metal tapes, hand lines or tapes having metal strands woven fabric,
brass bound rules, metal scales and gauges, wire bound hose and rope should
not be used when working on or near energized electrical equipment or lines.

b) Linemen shall inspect their tools to ascertain their good condition

before being used.

c) Both the lineman and the foreman/leadman shall inspect their safety
belts and straps periodically for defects, and those found defective should be
repaired or replaced. The foreman/leadman shall see to it that workers use
their belts properly.

d) When safety belts and straps are not used they should be stored in
proper compartments on the truck or in other suitable places to protect them
from damage.

e) Do not leave equipment compartment doors open.

f) Belt tools should be secured so that they will not fall from the tool belt.
Large tools like handsaws, bolt cutters, etc., should not be carried in the tool
belt.

g) Climbers should be kept in perfect condition at all times; gaffs should

not be less than 1-1/4 inches long, measured from the point of the gaff to the
point of contact with the stirrup or gaff on the under side, and sharpened to a
straight point. Straps and pads should also be kept in good condition. Suitable
storage compartments should be provided in the trucks so that climbers will
not be carried with the gaff exposed.

h) When working in an elevated positions all tools and small materials

should be raised and/or lowered in canvass basket or in an insulated
container. This container should also be used for storage of tools and materials
while in the working position. Tools should not be placed in the cross arm.

i) The tool basket should be kept free from broken glass, broken pieces of
porcelain, nails and other material, which might puncture rubber gloves and
rubber protective insulation.

j) Tools should not be thrown from the ground to the working position or
vice-versa.

k) Large tools, when not in use, should not be left in the working area.

l) Insulation put on tools shall never be used as a substitute for rubber

gloves where the latter are required.

m) Employees shall exercise caution when using oil cans, tools or dusters
near moving parts of machinery. Employees shall not use iron or tin cans near
field magnets and only dusters and wipers made without wire and with
insulated handles should be used on or about exposed live lines.

n) The foreman/leadman should, at all times, be sure that the hotline

tools, straps, ropes and other equipment are in proper working condition.

o) All tools and equipment should be carefully inspected periodically for

defects and moisture impregnation. Hot line tools should be inspected regularly
and dried.

p) All tools when not in use should be kept in canvass bags or weather
proof boxes provided for that purpose.

q) Ropes should not be allowed to come in contact with live conductors of

66 KV and over.
2.13 Mechanized Trailers or Chippers

a) Only duly authorized employees shall operate the chipper, tensioner,

puller, carrier, and reel winder.

b) For operating the chipper, the following rules must be followed:

1. Never attempt to make any repairs or adjustments on the

chipper unit while it is in operation, or in motion.

2. Never allow anyone to stand directly in front of the exhaust

chute, while the unit is revolving.

3. Never throw sweepings or other foreign materials such as

stones, nails, etc., into the unit.

4. The operator, while feeding the unit, should always wear work
gloves.

5. Do not attempt to force branches into the chipper as it feeds

itself the branch that has come into contact with the revolving
blades. This will cause dull blades and/or cutter bar, or and
improper blade setting will result.

6. Utmost care must be exercised while changing or setting the

blades and/or pressure bearing cutter bar assembly.

7. Always test run chipper for a few minutes after changing or

setting the blades, then re-check the tightness of the wedge locking
bolts.

8. When feeding branches into the chipper, the operator shall only
stand at the side of the feed table.

9. To feed short pieces of branches into the chipper, use a long-

branch piece as a pusher.

c) A test run should be made to check the operational conditions of the

machines before towing it to the work area.
 d) The foreman/leadman and the driver shall check the coupling device
on the trailer and towing truck before moving out. Safety chains should always
be engaged and should be allowed sufficient slack for turning.

e) The foreman/leadman shall see to it that the leveling jacks are

properly secure before disconnecting them from the towing truck and/or
maneuvering any of the

f) The trailer should be properly positioned, barricaded, and wheels

locked with wood checks to assure stability. Caution signs should be posted at
the work area. In no case should the public be allowed to get near the
equipment or touch the equipment while it is in operation.

g) Except for the chipper, all other mechanized trailers should be

provided with a grounding device, such as a ground rod, ground mat, or
starting ground lead, and should be effectively grounded before operating.

h) When rain starts, the tensioner and/or puller should be stopped and
any wires being strung should be secured so there won’t be brake slippage.

i) While operation, the stringing equipment should not be left

unattended, and operators shall wear rubber gloves and shall stand on the
ground mat.

2.14 Extension Cords and Electric Tools

a) Portable extension cords should be maintained in good working

condition at all times. Lamp sockets should be adequately insulated and
equipped with suitable guards.

b) Motor frames of portable electric tools should be properly grounded

when in use.

2.15 Poles

a) When moving poles from a pile, no worker should be allowed to stay on

top of the pile, nor shall any worker position himself/herself along the path of
the pole being moved.
 b) Poles loaded on trailers should be securely positioned and stakes
should be inserted in the pockets of the trailers.

c) Before loading poles on trailers, the wheels should be securely blocked

with standard wheel chock to prevent the trailers from moving.

d) When setting or removing poles in proximity with live conductors:

1. Pole guards should be used. Wood poles should not be used as

insulation.

2. Poles should not be allowed to contact unprotected live wires.

3. Poles should not be handled except with rubber gloves or ropes.

4. Any truck using boom or derrick near energized lines must have
the truck chassis grounded before the boom or derrick is raised.

5. The pole to be raised or lowered shall not have a ground wire

attached to it where it may come in contact with a live conductor,
dangerously near live conductors.

e) When climbing, a lineman shall not step on mail boxes, fire alarm
boxes, pole telephone boxes, transformers, capacitors, and similar equipment
which may be attached to the pole or located near it.

f) All spikes, broken insulators, nails, unauthorized tags/attachments

and signboards, etc., which might cause injury, must be removed.

g) For pole replacement or pole removal work, no pole should be climbed

for the purpose of clearing it of all wires and cables until it has been first guyed
to offset any change in strain, which may caused by removal of these wires and
cables.

h) When a pole is being installed ore removed, it is imperative that every

precaution should be taken to protect the public and property.

i) Whenever possible, poles stored along the highway should be placed on

the shoulder or beyond the ditch line or in city or municipality streets as close
as possible to property lines without blocking gates and driveways.
 j) Crossarms, insulators, steel pins and other pole attachments, which
are to be temporarily placed on poles, must be properly secured with nuts and
bolts or ropes instead of wires.

2.16 Meter and Relay Testing

a) When connecting standards and load boxes, the test leads should first
be connected to the standard and load boxes and then connected to the
apparatus under test. When disconnecting standards and load boxes, the leads
should first be disconnected from the live apparatus.

b) All connections should be securely made so that they will not readily
drop off or pulled off. The worker should be careful to see that all wires,
jumpers, test leads, instruments or other testing equipment are so placed that
no one passing near will bump into them and trip over them.

c) The use of a test block is recommended but in case they are not
available, the following procedures should be followed: the worker shall connect
only one jumper at a time. Before placing jumpers, test should be made with
approved testing devices where it is proposed to make connection with the
jumper to ensure that the points to be connected are of the same polarity.
Fingers should never be used to make these tests. When connecting the
jumpers, employees shall make certain that the free end is clear. The free end
should not be placed in the pocket or thrown over the shoulder while making
the connection but should be strapped to a safe support or it should be held by
assistant.

d) Before removing jumpers, a careful inspection should be made to see

that all connections have been returned to their normal condition and tight,
otherwise the jumper may be disconnected under load, causing a serious flash.
When disconnecting jumpers, the free end should be secured.

e) Employees shall not open the secondary circuit of a current

transformer while it is in service.

f) The worker should concentrate his/her attention on the point where

the test is being conducted. He/she shall never reach to make connections,
throw switches, connect or disconnect leads or terminals, while talking or while
his/her attention is divided.
 g) Whenever possible, demand meters should be disconnected before
adjustments are attempted. Because of the small clearances between binding
screws, contactors and other live parts of meters, tools slipping easily cause
short circuits. With direct current demand meters particularly this is likely to
cause serious burns.

h) Employees should be cautious when using glue, pastes and cements,

which have flammable, solvents. It is possible that fires or an explosion might
result if sparks or electric arcs ignite the vapour emitted from such solvents.

i) Work on secondary wires of current transformers should be done after

short-circuiting the leads from the source at a point nearest to the current
transformer.

j) Meter technicians, linemen-collectors, etc., who may be assigned to

work alone and provided with a service vehicle shall strictly adhere to the
following:

1. His/her job shall be limited to single-phase 115/230 volts only.

2. Personnel shall be at least 1/C technician or lineman-collector,

etc.

3. Before installing/disengaging a meter, the technician and/or

lineman must see to it that the main switch breaker of the
consumer’s house is at the off position.

4. They shall execute orders in places where houses are located

along the roadside and vehicles can be parked near the work
areas.

5. Only vehicles that can be safely maneuvered without the aid of a

signalman shall be used. The vehicles shall also be equipped with
properly secured doors and have transceivers.

2.17 Batteries
 a) Battery charging installations should be in areas designated for that
purpose. Trained and authorized personnel should perform wet storage battery
charging operations.

b) Storage batteries emit hydrogen and oxygen, particularly while on

charge. This forms a highly explosive mixture and every precaution should be
taken against creating sparks or flames. When it is necessary to do work in
battery rooms, which require an open flame, the charging operation must be
stopped and the room must have constant and adequate ventilation. Smoking
is not permitted inside battery rooms.

c) When making up electrolyte for storage batteries, employees shall

always pour acid into the water since the reverse may cause explosion.

d) Provision should be made for immediate flushing, neutralizing spillage.

Charging apparatus or equipment should be protected against spillage.

e) Battery terminals should be cleaned, connections tight, and the

battery securely locked in place in the vehicle.

f) Tools or metal parts should never be laid on the battery.

2.18 Antenna

Radio aerials should not attached to poles carrying power lines, nor
installed directly above or below overhead wires. The height of a radio or TV
antenna from its base should be less than the distance from it to the nearest
electric power line.

2.19 Tree Trimming

2.19.1 When trimming trees, limbs which are not capable of supporting
weight should be avoided. Employees shall not wear climbers when climbing
trees except on order of the foreman/leadman.

2.19.2 Never use a tree trimmer with wire leads from cutter to handle.

2.19.3 When trees or large branches are being taken down, the
foreman/leadman shall see to it that all workers and the public are at safe
distance from the falling objects. Reliance should not be place on the ability to
judge the falling objects but accurate measurements should be taken, as a
mistake may result in fatal or serious injury.

2.19.4 A worker shall securely tie or belt himself/herself to a stable

position before any trimming work is done.

2.19.5 The safety line should be ‘crotched in such a manner as to

prevent its ‘working out’ on a lateral limb.

2.19.6 When working in a multiple-trunk tree, the line should preferably

be crotched around a main trunk other than the one on which the employee is
working.

2.19.7 A worker shall crotch his/her safety line in two places if a single
crotch does not adequately protect him/her from falling into energized lines or
falling back into the trunk of the tree.

2.19.8 The safety line should not be used as a pull rope or as a hand line
to lower limbs or branches.

2.19.9 The ground end of a safety rope should not be allowed to dangle
over the road, and should be kept free from obstructions, passing vehicles, etc.

2.19.10 The taut line hitch of safety line should not be released until the
worker is on the ground.

2.19.11 When lowering a heavy tree part, the employee shall not tie fall
lines around the hands or the body.

2.19.12 Employee shall not attempt to clear limbs or brush from the
under from the under the side of a tree where the tree trimmer is working.

2.19.13 When loading brush on a truck, employees shall not stand on or

straddle the brush.

2.19.14 Brush should be hauled away promptly or otherwise disposed of,

to prevent injury to persons or damage to vehicles.
2.19.15 When hauling brush, care should be taken that it does not
extend over the side of the truck.
 2.19.16 Tree trimming near energized conductors

a) Wire in proximity to the tree to be trimmed should be considered as

energized unless proven to be dead and/or are grounded.

b) Parts of trees, in contact with or likely to get in contact with energized

lines above 300 volts, should be cut with insulated tools or employees shall
wear rubber gloves when making cuts. Limbs being removed from contact with
wire are to be handled with the same precautions observed in handling
energized wires. Care should be taken to prevent limbs being removed from
coming in contact with employee’s body.

c) Employees shall never get near wires energized at voltages above 300
volts unless such wires are covered with protective devices.

d) Employees shall not removed tree limbs or branches from above

energized conductors while other employees are working in trees below the
conductors in the same span.

e) Broken or fallen wires should not be handled expect by workers

experienced in such work.

f) When working near wires, the employee shall have his/her safety line
secured so that in the event he/she slips or a limbs breaks, he/she will swing
free and clear of the wires.

g) Tree limbs should not be dropped or allowed to fall on electrical

conductors.

h) Ropes should not be looped over conductors or Crossarms.

i) Dry ropes should be used in trees near or through which energized

conductors pass.

j) When using aerial basket equipment, an employee shall take care not
to bring himself/herself or the equipment in contact with energized lines.

2.20 Substation
2.20.1 Unauthorized persons should not be permitted within the substation
compound. Unless required by the nature of the work, no person even though
authorized to enter a substation shall stay near or beneath breakers or
energized transformers, capacitors, etc.

2.20.2 Operating rules

a) At each manned station, a logbook should be kept in which all

operations within station are recorded. The record shall show the character of
the operation, the time, and the names of the persons making and receiving
reports.

b) Before a new operator is allowed to take a shift at any station or

substation, his/her immediate superior shall see to it that the worker
understands the operating rules and has been thoroughly instructed as to the
operation of the station. He/she should also be familiar with the contents and
applications of the station’s ‘First Aid’ kit and the methods of artificial
resuscitation.

c) The operator on-duty in a manned substation shall ascertain the name

and purpose of any party (only authorized person are allowed in a substation)
entering the substation and record his/her logbook. In the case of any person
other than authorized employees arriving to do work, the operator shall obtain
the Supervising Engineer’s approval before permitting him/her to proceed, and
he/she shall then accompany him/her an be responsible for his/her safety
until he/she leaves the property.

d) When entering a manned substation, employees shall report

immediately to the operator on-duty, stating their names and the work
purpose. Substationoperators shall immediately advise the Supervising
engineer, and secure the supervising engineer’s confirmation, before allowing
workers to start work. When the work is finished, it should be reported to the
operator on-duty.

e) Substation and lines switches should not be opened for closed without
securing an order from the Supervising Engineer or on standing order, except
in cases of danger of life or property. Such operation should be immediately
reported to the Supervising Engineer.
 f) When it is necessary to work on or near any electrical circuit or
apparatus, the rule on tagging and clearance shall be strictly and carefully
followed.

g) Employees shall use an approved type of rubber hose and rubber

nozzles of blowing rotaries and other electrical equipment. The use of metal
bound hoses or metal nozzles is prohibited.

h) When equipment de-energized for repairs by switching, is similar to

adjacent equipment, some means should be provided for identifying the
location in which it is safe to work. Such identification is in addition to the tag
protection. The bays adjacent to the bay or area in which work is being done
should be blocked-off with rope or white tape so that workers leaving the work
temporarily will not return to a bay, which is ‘live’.

i) Knife switches should be left at maximum open position when open

and fully closed when in a closed position. When operating a gang-operated
switch, employees shall ensure that all blades are properly opened or closed,
and locked.

j) When operating an energized load break a switch, a worker shall turn

his/her head or wear suitable goggles so that his/her eyes will not be subjected
to the glare of the flash.

k) Substation operators shall notify workmen within the substation

before doing any switching in their vicinity.

l) Care should be exercised when there is a potential or control

transformer connected to the equipment or line de-energized for repairs that
there is no feedback from the low side. Make potential test to be absolutely
sure that conditions are safe before proceeding with the work.

2.21 Underground Lines and Power Cables

2.21.1 Safeguarding manholes, vaults and other work areas

a) Warning devices, barriers, barricades or guardrails should be placed to

adequately protect the public and employees before manhole covers or gratings
are removed or other work operations are begun, and these should not be
removed until the manhole covers or gratings are put back.

b) While work is in progress in a manhole, an employee who is aware of

the hazards involved in the work to be done inside shall be stationed on the
surface in the immediate vicinity of the opening. This employee shall warn the
public, and render assistance and rescue where required.

c) Trucks, toll carts and other equipment should be so placed as to

prevent the least impediment or hazard to work and to traffic.

2.21.2 Entering Manholes or Vaults

a) Manhole and service-box covers should always be removed and put

back by means of approved hooks or hoist.

b) Where there is evidence of flammable or poisonous gases, the manhole

or vault should be purged, before it is entered, by forcing a current of fresh air
into the enclosure. While work is in progress, periodic checks should be made
to determine if gas is accumulating. If gas is accumulating, purging should be
continuous. (CAUTION: when using a blower, it should be placed so that it will
not pick up and re-circulate the flammable or poisonous gas back into the
manhole or vault.)

c) If, in an emergency, it becomes necessary for an employee to enter a

manhole or vault, where gas is present, he/she shall used an approved gas
mask and a safety belt to which there is attached lifeline attended by another
employee stationed at the manhole or vault opening,

d) If there is any doubt regarding the flammability of a liquid found in a

manhole or vault, it should be tested by an approved method. If the liquid is
found to be flammable, it should be removed before work is performed.

e) A ladder should always be used in entering or leaving a manhole or

vault. Climbing into or out of manholes or vaults by stepping on cables or
hangers is forbidden.

f) When entering a manhole or vault, the employee shall make a careful

inspection for unsafe conditions such as cracks or other defects in the roof,
walls, floor, ducts, and sumps, and for evidence of sheath cracks and leaks in
the cables and joints. Presence of warning signs and tags should be observed.
Any unsafe conditions found should be reported immediately, before starting
any work.

g) Transformer banks inside transformer vaults must only be energized

or de-energized from the primary disconnecting means located outside the
vault. Before opening or closing the power fuses it should be ascertained that
the primary source of the transformer banks is already de-energized.

2.22 Work on energized Power Cables

a) Before any work is done on a cable, it should be properly identified

b) All cables and apparatus with voltage above 600 volts should be de-
energized before work is done on the conductor or before the cables are cut into
or spliced.

c) Before any work is done on an energized cable, other cables and all
grounded equipment with which contact can be made while working on the
energized cable should be covered with rubber blankets or approved insulating
shields. Cables with non-metallic sheaths and those with an insulating jacket
over the metallic sheath need not be covered.

d) Because of the characteristics of low voltage network systems, when

work is performed on cables or apparatus carrying less than 600 volts,
employees shall take extra precautions in the use of necessary rubber
protective equipment, in observing adequate clearances and in using proper
tools in order to prevent short circuits.

e) Employees shall wear rubber gloves with leather protector and stand
on rubber mats or insulated tools while cutting into and removing sheathing on
sleeves and while testing an energized cable.

f) After removing a section of lead sheath or sleeve on an energized cable,

the lead on each side of the opening should be covered with insulating tape for
a distance of at least nine (9) inches.

g) Immediately after each conductor of an energized multiple conductor

cable is cut into two (2), the ends should be insulated before another conductor
is cut. During the course of the work only one un-insulated conductor should
be exposed at any one time.
2.23 Work on De-energized Power Cables

a) Before making an opening in, or removing part of, a sheath or sleeve of

a cable, the line should be grounded at the first possible grounding point on
each side of the work.

b) When a high-tension cable is to be cut, the following procedures shall

be observed;

1. Remove the outer jacket

2. Install a jumper on the shield across the proposed cut on the

shield, or install a grounding device on both sides of the proposed
cut.

3. Cut and remove the shielding completely around at the portion

between the two points of the jumper or the grounding device.

4. Apply the test using an approved testing device.

c) When opening a joint or splice in a high tension cable, the following

procedures shall be observed;

1. Remove enough portion of the jacket on both sides of the splice

to expose the shield or sleeves.

2. Connect the exposed shield with a jumper or a grounding device.

3. Cut the sleeves of the joint completely around near the wires
and then cut lengthwise and remove them from the joint. Do not
remove the compound.

4. Test over each conductor with an approved testing device.

5. Remove the compound if no indication of live cable is obtained.

If tape is then encountered, it should be removed and another test is

made over each conductor with an approved testing device.
 d) When cutting or opening joints on low tension cables, the same
procedures outlined above for high-tension cables should be followed, except
for testing. To determine whether or not the conductor is energized, the
insulation should be cut away from the conductor and test made with an
approved tester. Multiple conductors should be cut into at one time and tests
made on least two conductors before proceeding with the work.

2.24 Pulling Cables

a) Employees shall not handle pull-wires on pulling lines within reaching

distance of blocks, sheaves, winch drums and take-up reels.

b) Pull-wires, steel pulling-lines or metal rod should not be pushed

through ducts where energized equipment is present unless another employee
is stationed at the other end of the run.

c) Employee shall not remain in a manhole or vault during pulling

operations involving heavy pulling strains unless they can maintain a position
clear of the pulling line.

2.25 Moving energized power cables

a) Cables operating at voltage above 15,000 volts should not be moved

under any circumstances.

b) All cables up to 15,000 volts may be moved at the discretion of the

foreman/leadman. They shall not, however, be moved where such movement
requires changing bends.

c) All cables energized above 600 volts should be handled with rubber
gloves.
Safety Tip 2

OUTLINE each worker’s specific

tasks.

Okay leaders, the pressure is on! How well do

you know your employees, their individual
capabilities and work experience? Each
employee’s assignment will be based on his/her
experience, ability, maturity, and dependability.
You wouldn’t put a rookie on an extremely
difficult task, right? There is a right person for
each task. Let them know how they fit into the
total job. Everyone will then understand the
overall purpose of the task and how ell, they
will continue.
 CHAPTER 3
CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

3.1 Demolition of Structures

The following are the safety rules for minor structure demolition operations;

a) Keep the public and unauthorized persons at a safe distance away

from the structure by use of barricades and sign, or protective temporary walls.
A watchman may be assigned when necessary.

b) Disconnect utility service (gas, steam, electricity) outside the structure.

Maintain lines as long as possible, or install a temporary water source for fire
protection and for wetting down the site to reduce dust.

c) Before start of demolition, all stored material and all glass doors and
windows throughout the structure should first be removed. The structure being
supported by a part of the building to be demolished should first be
temporarily supported before demolition work commences.

d) When demolition walls, employee shall use scaffolds supported

independently of the walls.

e) Debris should be removed promptly.

f) Barricade any area where material is being dumped, and place screens
where necessary to protect employees from flying debris.

g) Employees shall not work below others.

3.2 Excavation and Shoring

a) Study pre-excavation conditions (superimposed loads, soil structure,

hydrostatic pressure and the like) to evaluate changes that might occur, or
situations that might develop, and to plan the job based on this finding.

b) Shoring, built in accordance with standard engineering practices or

procedures, should be provided on excavations where there is a possibility of
cave-in.
 c) The bottom depth and contents of buried tanks and piping should be
indicated on the location markings. If the constant are flammable or toxic,
proper protective equipment should be readily available in case of rupture.

d) Excavations should be barricaded to prevent employees and others

from falling into them. When an excavation must remain open for the duration
of the construction, work barricades, fences, and warning signs are necessary.
In some cases, watchmen and flagmen are needed. The work area should be
guarded by flares, lanterns, or flashing lights at night.

e) Employees who work in ditches are in danger of being struck by

objects knocked into ditch. Tools and materials lying near ditches should be
removed or moved back several feet.

f) Unless employees working below ground level are protected by a roof

materials or tools should not be passed over their heads.

3.3 Machine Excavation

a) No shovel, dragline, or other digging machines should be used to

excavate close to underground facilities that must be left in place. Establish a
proximity limit for machine operations and complete the excavation by hand
digging.

b) When hand excavation is being done, employees should be warned

about driving picks, pavement breakers or other powered tools through the
container of buried facilities. Attaching the toll air hose to driven ground will
give employees protection in the event of sudden contact with an underground
electric line. Either the air hose should be the conducting type or the power
equipment should be adequately provided with a grounding device.

3.4 Open Excavation

a) Materials excavated by machine should be thrown at least twenty-four

(24) inches from the edge of the excavation but not into aisles or work areas.

b) Pick-and-shovel workers working excavation should be kept far

enough apart to prevent injury to one another.
 c) Excavated materials should be placed at least twenty-four (24) inches
from the walls of the excavation unless toe boards have been installed to
prevent fallback.

3.5 Trench Excavation

a) A trench four (4) feet or more deep should be provided with ladders to
facilitate safe entrance and exit. The ladders extend from the bottom of the
trench to at least three (3) feet about the surface of the ground.

b) In hand-excavated trenches, the ends of braces to stringers should be

secure to prevent the braces from being knocked out of place.

3.6 Good Housekeeping

a) Materials should be piled and stored in an orderly manner and

properly secured from falling over. Employees shall observe the standard
operating procedures on materials handling applicable to their crafts.

b) Materials should be stored in such a way as not to obstruct fire exits,

fire protection system, vehicular traffic, electrical boxes and stairways.

c) Remove or bend all protruding nails, cracks, splinters, ruts and breaks
in the floor should be reported and/or repaired as soon as they are discovered.

d) It shall be the responsibility of the foreman/leadman or supervisor to

see to it that the work place is kept clean and orderly.

e) Littering is prohibited.

f) Oil, grease or other slippery substances on floors, ramps, pathways,

comfort rooms, etc., should be wiped off or removed.

g) Leftover or cutting on the job, such as lumber, re-bars, steel, welding

butts, etc., should not be left where they will pose a tripping and falling hazard.
They should be properly disposed of or stored if still usable.

h) The supervisor should see to it that waste or trash drums/cans are

regularly placed in strategic places in the work area and that these are properly
utilized.
 i) Aisles and passageways should be properly lighted, marked, and kept
clear of obstructions.

j) Lockers should be cleaned out and inspected periodically to prevent

unhealthy or unsanitary accumulation.

k) Flammable liquids, oily rags and other highly combustible materials

should properly stored.

3.7 Masonry

a) If concrete is being chipped in an area where combustible gas is

prevent, that part of the slab being chipped should be kept under a constant
stream of water or the slab itself kept under water.

b) When employees are repairing furnaces or underground flues, take

care to protect them from objects, which may be dropped from overhead.
Employees working above should be careful in handling materials. When
employees are working below ground, all openings should be properly guarded
to prevent persons or materials from falling into them. Guardrails, which for
reason have been removed, should be replaced.

c) Do not back-fill against newly constructed concrete walls.

d) Never put loads such as guys or stays through brickwork until it has
set firmly, and then only in place where it will safely withstand the stress.

3.8 Handling of Cylinders

a) Gas cylinder should be transported in a special handcart. A cylinder

cage should be used when hoisting or lowering oxy-acetylene or any other
compressed gas cylinders.

b) When using compressed gas, see to it that the cylinder tank is in an

upright position, properly secured and well protected from any failing objects
and slogs.

c) Cylinder should not be allowed to come in contact with energized

conductors or ground wires of electrical equipment.
 d) Special wrenches of non-sparking materials should be used to remove
cylinder bungs (plugs or stopper). Steel chisels and hammers should never be
used to remove bungs.

e) Employees should never tamper with the safety relief devices in valves
of cylinders and they shall not force connection that does not fit

f) Oil or grease should not be used for lubricating valve, gauge connection
or other parts of the oxygen system.

g) Regulators, pressure gauges and hoses provided for use with a

particular gas should not be used on cylinders containing different gases.

h) All oxygen and acetylene cylinder valves should be closed when not in
use and when the cylinder is empty.

i) Employees with greasy hands should never change pressure regulators.

j) A leaking cylinder should not be used.

k) A flame shall not be used to detect flammable gas leaks.

l) The recessed top of the cylinder should not be used as a place for tools.

m) Never transport gas cylinder with regulator valves, hoses and fitting
attached.

n) When storing and handling pressurized gasses such as oxygen,

acetylene, hydrogen, etc. the cylinder tank should be properly and tightly
capped, placed in an upright position and away from heat, and fastened so it
cannot fall or be upset.

3.9 Manual Handling

a) If a worker is in doubt as to the weight of an object, a test lift will tell

whether or not it is within the employee’s lifting power. If not he/she secures
help. Help should also be secured for bulky or unhandy loads or when the
subject to be lifted will place the worker in an awkward position.
 b) When lifting objects, after making sure that your footing is secured,
assume a squatting position with the back erect and raise the object by
straightening your legs. This method will bring the legs muscles into use and
take the strain off the back.

c) Get a firm grip on the object to be lifted. It is important before lifting to

have hands as well as the object free of oil, grease or other slippery substance.

d) When one worker has to handle long materials, such as pipe lumber,
or ladders, he/she shall keep the front end high and the rear end low specially,
at corners or other places where vision is obstructed.

e) When a worker has to lift a heavy or bulky object and carry it to

another location, he/she shall first inspect the ground, the object and the route
over which it is to be carried, making sure that there is no obstruction or
spillage on the floor on which he/she might trip or slip. He/she shall make
sure that clearances are sufficient. If there are obstructions he/she shall
determine a safe route around them.

f) When moving heavy objects including tanks, pipes, or steel drums in

any direction of an incline, ropes or other tackle should be used to control the
motion. In no case should anyone be permitted to stay on the downhill side.

g) Before an object is taken from a pile or stack, see to it that the object
is not supporting another, which might fall when the support is removed.

h) Wear standard leather working gloves when lifting or handling

materials with rough surfaces, sharp edges and those with slivers.

i) Wear chemical gloves, or their equivalent, when handling corrosive

chemicals such as acids, alkaline, etc. Have plenty of clean water close at
hand. (See also rules on Personal Protective Equipment.)

j) Wear standard asbestos gloves when handling got objects or materials.

k) When two or more workers must carry a single object, they shall
adjust the load so that it rides level and each carries an equal part of the load.
Test lifts should be made before proceeding.
 l) When handling pipes with use of a cable, be sure the pipe is securely
tied and balanced to avoid slippage. Tug lines should be used when
maneuvering or properly positioning the pipes. When it becomes necessary to
use the hands directly to maneuver the pipes, extra care should be exercised to
prevent the hands from being pinched. Also when setting materials down, keep
the fingers away from pinch points.

3.10 Mechanical Handling

a) For lifting heavy loads, wire rope slings should be used and its working
capacity rating should not be exceeded. At points where rope slings pass
around sharp corners of steel, padding should be provided.

b) A steel member should not be hoisted to its structural position until it

is ready to be fastened in place.

c) Suspended loads should be controlled with a tug line.

d) Each piece of steel should be securely bolted before the hoist is

removed.

3.11 Cables

a) Inspect all cables regularly and replace any that are worn out, frayed
or with broken strands. Kinking and untwisting of the cable should be avoided.

b) A separate rope or wire, not the ends of the coiled cable, should be
used to secure the coil.

c) Cables should be lubricated only with specified lubricants.

d) All cable strung less than (10) feet from the floor level should be
properly guarded.

e) When attaching cables clamps, it is important to have ‘U’ bolts to be

used, refer to the standard instructions.

f) Cables and slings should not be stored in the open.

3.12 Chains
 a) Chains should be regularly inspected for cracks or flaws. Chains can
break without warning. Only an approved, competent repair shop should do
heat treatment and repair of chain links.

b) Check for elongation and shearing out of chain links. If a chain has
been stretched three (3) percent or more, or found with defects, it should not be
used.

c) Engine drive chains shall have a steel guard extending from the
headboard following the contour of the line shaft sprocket to the derrick floor
behind the drum. This guard should be fitted to allow not more than four (4)
inches clearance between the sprocket and the guard.

3.11 Hooks

a) Hooks should be inspected regularly. Those found partially

straightened or deformed should not be used.

b) The hook’s working capacity should not be exceeded.

c) In the absence of a spring action claw lock, the hook opening should
be properly tied to prevent cable slings from slipping or jumping out of the
hook.

3.12 Pulleys

a) Sheaves of the largest practical diameter should be used for all cable
installations. They should be regularly inspected, particularly their pins, anfd
kept well maintained. Worn out sheaves should not be used.

b) Maintain proper alignments’ of sheaves and drum to avoid wear and

tear of their sides as well as of the cable.

c) Blocks or pulleys intended for hemp ropes should not be used for
steel/wires cables.

d) Blocks or pulleys should be well anchored. When located near floors or

in otherexposed places, they should be properly.
3.15 Ropes
 a) Ropes should not be used beyond there working capacity.

b) Wet ropes should be properly dried before used.

c) Wet ropes should not be:

1. Dragged along the ground over sharp-edged objects, rough

surfaces or other ropes;

2. Fastened on sharp objects or surfaces; or

3. Exposed to acid or other chemicals.

d) Ropes should be regularly inspected for links and weak portions tuned
in for replacement.

e) When a load does not ride properly when being raised with a rope,
lower the load and readjust the sling.

f) No person shall raise with ropes and should never be swung overload
of persons.

3.16 Team Lifting and Carrying

a) When two workers carry long sections of pipe or lumber, they shall
carry it on the same shoulder and walk in-step. Shoulder pads will prevent
cutting of the shoulders and help reduce fatigue.

b) When a group carries a heavy object like rail, the foreman/leadman

shall direct the work. Special tools, such as tongs, should be used.

3.17 Storage

a) Both temporary and permanent storage areas, including bottle houses,

should be neat and orderly. Materials piled haphazardly or strewn about
increase the possibility of accidents to employees and damage to materials.

b) The supervisor shall direct the proper storage of materials that are
kept in quantity lots for some time.
 c) When planning material storage, make sure that materials do not
obstruct fire alarm boxes, annunciator panels, sprinkler system controls, fire
extinguishers, fire hose cabinets, first aid equipment, lights and electric
switches and fuse boxes. All exits and aisles should be kept clear at all times.

d) There should be at least nineteen (19) inches clearance below the

sprinkler heads to reduce interference with water distribution. This clearance
should be increased if the material being stored is highly flammable.

e) Highly toxic substances, such as cyanides and soluble oxalates should

be kept in containers of a distinctive shape if they must be handled manually.
The containers should be plainly labelled or otherwise identified. Such
materials should be locked up in a separate cabinet at all times and dispensed
only by authorized personnel.

f) Where caustics or acids are stored, handled, or used, emergency floor

showers or eyewash fountains should be available. Workers should be provided
with chemical goggles, rubber aprons, boots, and gloves and other protective
equipment necessary to handle the specific liquid.

g) Storage of flammable liquid in open containers should not be

permitted. Approved containers for flammable liquids should be closed after
each use and when empty. Warning labels should not be removed from
flammable liquid containers when empty.

h) Stocks of gaseous materials should always be stored at designated

bottle houses. No other materials should be stored in the bottle houses.

i) Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the bottle house and within its
immediate vicinity.

j) Bagged materials should be cross-tied with the mouths of the bags

toward the inside of the pile. When the pile is five (5) feet high, it should be
stepped back one row for each additional three (3) feet in height.

k) Barrels and kegs should be pile on end. A plank should be laid on top
of each row of kegs or barrels before others are placed above them.

l) Do not allow any material to extend beyond storage bin fronts.

 m) Nail pullers should always be used when removing nails from boxes
and crates.

n) Safe floor load capacities and maximum heights to which specific

materials may be piled should be posted conspicuously. Where bulk material,
boxes, cartons of the same weight are stored regularly, it is good practice to
paint a horizontal line on the wall indicating the maximum height to which the
material may be piled.

o) Aisle ways and unloading areas should be clearly marked.

p) Aisle leading to sprinkler valves, fire-extinguishing equipment, and

electrical panel boards should be keep clear.

3.18 Cleaning Storage Tanks

a) A tank should be gas-freed and all electric power sources of devices

connected shall be de-energized before any work is performed inside.

b) A worker should not be allowed to enter a gassy or oxygen deficient

tank unless absolutely necessary such as in an emergency, and then only
when properly out-fitted. When this is necessary, another worker who is
similarly out-fitted with appropriate respiratory protective attire as needed
should attend the worker on the outside so that the former can extract the
later worker in the tank if necessary.

c) Workers engaged in tank cleaning should be well versed in giving

cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If a tank cleaner is overcome by vapour
or gas, he/she should be moved to fresh air immediately, a physician should be
summoned, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be administered
until he/she resumes breathing or until the physician arrives.

d) The sense of smell cannot be relied upon for an accurate estimate of

the amount of flammable vapour present in a tank. It can, however, give
warning that vapour of some kind are present. Symptoms of dizziness, nausea,
and headache may indicate dangerous vapour is present. Exposed workers
shall immediately leave the contaminated area and not return until after
vapors have been cleared.
 e) Workers shall always have a clear path of escape from a tank and shall
bear in mind that they may have to use it in a hurry. A ladder should always
be used when a tank must be entered from above, and it should be left secured
in place until the last worker is out of the tank. Under severe conditions, a
lifetime is recommended for this work.

f) Burning, welding, cutting and spark-producing operations should not

be permitted in a tank until the area to be heated has been thoroughly cleaned
and tests have determined that the tank atmosphere is vapour-free. Where any
vapour is present, further ventilations will be required to remove the vapour
from the tank.

g) Unless previously authorized, hot repairs (welding and cutting), should

not be made whenever other means can be used more safely.

h) Gas test should be made frequently if the presence of gas is suspected.

3.19 Storage of Cylinder

a) Cylinders should not be placed or stored where sparks from welding or

cutting operations can reach them.
b) Cylinders containing acetylene or oxygen should not be stored in a
general store room. They should be stored in separate, well-ventilated fireproof
areas.

3.20 Foundries and Forge Shops

a) Workmen shall always wear the following standard personal protective

equipment;

1. Leather gloves or mitts;

2. Safety shoes;
3. Goggles (where flying particles may cause eye injuries); and
4. Gas Masks – a high wind may cause a back draft and this may
force carbon dioxide gas out where employees are working. It is
advisable that workmen wear masks as a protection against this
condition.
b) All single ladles should be equipped with sheet metal shields. It is also
advisable to equip each ladle and each pourer with a piece of garden hose
about six (6) inches long split lengthwise, so that it can be slipped over the
ladle shank and afford a cool grip for the hand nearest the ladle.

c) Never operate a hammer when dies are cold. Always preheat dies by
inserting hot bar, then closing dies. Never put the head or hands between dies
unless it is positively blocked up, the power shut off and a warning sign
attached to the supply valve, switch or starting lever.

3.21 Machine Shop

a) Every necessary safeguard should be on a machine before it is placed

in operation.

b) No adjusting or tightening of nuts should be done while the machine is

running or in operation.

c) Machines should be regularly inspected for lubrication and

maintenance.

d) Operators shall keep an updated record of the preventive maintenance

of the machine.

e) Before an oiler or repairman starts to work on the machine, he/she

should make sure that the power is off, and that the main switch is properly
blocked and tagged so that it cannot be turned on without his/her knowledge
or permission.

f) Compressed air, when misused can be extremely dangerous. Under no

circumstances should a worker aim an air hose at anyone.

g) There should be a place for everything in the top: for chucks and
faceplates, around the lathe, for hand and machine tools, for stock and scrap,
and for movable equipment of all kinds.

h) Skin trouble among operators using cutting oils or compounds may

generally be prevented if operators will thoroughly clean their arms and hands
regularly by means of warm water and soap. Employees who are known to be
susceptible to skin irritation or be made to operate machine using cutting oils
and compounds.
3.22 Machine Tools

a) Machine tools should never be left running unattended.

b) Operators shall not wear jewelry or loose-fitting clothing, especially

loose fitting sleeves and cuffs on shirts or jackets.

c) All operators shall wear standard personal protective equipment, as

should others in the work area.

d) Throwing refuse or spitting in the machine tool coolant is prohibited.

e) Gauging (callipering) or work using a micrometer or vernier calliper

should not be permitted while the machine is running.

f) Operators shall use suitable brushes, vacuum equipment or special

tools to remove chips from the work and shall never remove them with their
hands or with rags.

3.23 Boring Machines

a) Do not touch the tool while using a quick-change clutch

b) Do not use dull drill bits.

c) Do not leave the key or drift on the chuck.

d) When deep holes are being drilled beyond the flutes of the drill, the
drill should be removed frequently and the chips cleaned out. If chips are
allowed to pile up in such an operation, the tool may jam, with results similar
to those of freezing.

e) When the work is clamped on the table or bed, the clamps should be
placed and blocked with secure hold on the work so that they cannot spring
out of shape. The clamps and locking mechanism should always be checked
during operation for positive clamping. The fork end of U-clamps should be
placed on the work. The nuts should be tightened only with a wrench of the
correct size; otherwise, the wrench may slip off and injure the operator.
 f) Clamps and blocking devices should be inspected periodically to make
sure clamping is positive. Makeshift set-ups should not be used.

g) If a vise is used to hold the work, the operator shall never tighten it by
striking the handle with a hammer because the vise may be sprung or the end
of the screw, which carries the handle broken off. He/she should make sure
that the bolts holding the vise are securely fastened.

h) Before attempting to raise or lower the head of the boring mill, the
operator shall make sure that the clamps on the column have been loosed.
Otherwise, the boring bar may be bent or the clamps or bolts broken; with
possible damage to the machine and injury to the operator.

i) Before the boring bar is inserted into the spindle, the operator shall
make certain that the spindle hole and the bar are clean and free from nicks.
No attempt should be made to drive the bar through the tailstock bearing with
a hammer or the other heavy tool. A soft metal hammer should be used to drive
the bar into the spindle. If a steel hammer is used or a piece of steel must be
used, the operator shall hold a piece of soft copper or brass against the bar
while driving it into the spindle.

j) The operator shall never attempt to feel the edges of the cutting tool or
oil the mill while it is not in operation, nor shall he/she sit on the table while
the mill is in motion.

3.24 Grinding Machines

a) Eye protection as well as the shield mounted on the grinder should be

used at all times.

b) New abrasive disks and wheels should be inspected for damage and
given the ‘ring’ (sound) test by a qualified person before use. Thereafter, they
should be inspected periodically for damage or defects.

c) The work test should be substantially constructed and securely clamp

not more than 1/8 of an inch from the wheel. The position of the work rest
should be checked frequently and should always be on the level with the center
of the wheel. The rest should never be adjusted while the wheel is in motion.
 d) Small pieces being ground should be held in a simple jig fixture, which
will prevent the operator’s hand from contacting the surface of the wheel.

e) When dressing grinders, the operator shall:

1. Wear a face shield over goggles for protection against flying

particles.

2. Use a dressing tool approved for the job. Never use a lathe-
cutting tool.

3. Inspect dressing tools for loose shaft and worn-out disks.

4. Round off the wheel edges with a hand stone before and after
dressing to prevent the edges from chipping.

5. Use the work rest to support and guide the tool.

6. Apply moderate pressure slowly and evenly.

7. Always apply dressing tools at the level of the center or slightly

below the center of the wheel; never above,

f) Never use a wheel of larger diameter or greater thickness than specified

by the machine manufacturer.

g) A wheel used in wet grinding should never be allowed to stand partly

immersed in water. The water soaked portion will throw the wheel dangerously
out of balance.

h) Never crowd a grinding wheel, as it will not cut more rapidly, but will
only delay the work and wear out the wheel, or possibly break it causing
serious injury.

i) Keep wheel true and in balance (grinding surface kept even).

j) After a wheel is mounted, it should be allowed develop full operating

speed for at least one minute, with the operator standing at one side and out of
danger. The work should never be applied until this speed test has been made.
 k) When tightening spindle end nuts, care should be taken to tighten
them only enough to hold the wheel firmly; otherwise the clamping strain is
likely to damage the wheel or its associated parts.

3.25 Shaper

a) Before starting a shaper, the operator shall always make sure that the
work is securely fastened. A test run should be conducted by operating it
slowly to be sure that the tool and head clear both the housing and the work.

b) Shapers should be held against the guide pins or a fence.

c) Only a long-handed brush should be used to remove chips and scraps

from the workable.

d) Whenever it is necessary to adjust the length of stroke, adjust the cool,

or top damage or adjust the work, the shaper should be stopped.

e) The rear end of the ram must not be within 18” of any wall or fixed
object. If there is less than an 18” clearance, the space should be closed by a
handrail.

3.26 Turning Machine

a) Avoid contact with projection on work or stock, faceplates, chucks or

lathe dogs, especially those with projecting setscrews.

b) Only safe lathe dogs should be used. The essential feature of a safe
lathe dog is the elimination of the protruding setscrews by substituting counter
sunk setscrews or by designing a specific lathe dog.

c) Whenever chuck or lathe face plates are changed, they should be

started on the spindle by hand, with the power off. Employees shall not put
their hands on the lathe faceplates or chucks when the machine power is on.

d) After adjusting the chuck, the operator shall always remove the chuck
wrench immediately.
 e) When the weight of the work to be machined is a strain on the operator
in locating it is in its center or in the chuck, he/she should use a rope and
pulley, a chain hoist, an electric crane or get assistance.

f) Injuries can occur to operators who attempt to file stock as it is turned

in the lathe. The file should always be equipped with a handle. The file should
always be held in such a position that if it is forced back, the handle will not
strike against the body but will pass to one side.

g) When lathes without chip guards are located adjacent to aisles or

passageways, appropriate protective screens should be provided so that
persons passing in the vicinity of the machines will be protected from flying
chips.

h) Special precautions should be taken to prevent injuries, which might

be caused by revolving stock projecting beyond the machine. The best practice
is to feed bar stock through sections of piping, thus preventing ‘whip’ from
possible entanglement of clothing in revolving stock to identify it, and
guardrails placed around the area.

i) Faceplates and chucks without projections should be used whenever

possible. Otherwise, a simple shield formed to the contour of the chuck or
plates and hinged at the back should be installed to prevent contact with the
revolving plate or chuck.

3.27 Painting

a) Paint-soaked rags should not be left in lockers or in pockets. They

should be spread out to dry or placed in metal containers.

b) Paint should be washed off the hands to avoid lead poisoning. Never
eat in workrooms or other places where food may be exposed to lead dust,
fumes or other chemical.

c) Paint in which turpentine has been used as a thinner should not be

used on hot surfaces. The vapors might ignite, or fumes might be overcome
workers.

d) Provide grounding devices for air compressor motors/paints guns

when painting in any area where there is presence of flammable gas.
 e) Spray hoses should be securely fastened to scaffolds so they cannot
come loose and drag a worker off.

f) Never use soap or caustic soda in spray equipment.

g) Do not paint on switchboards, transformer, or near electric equipment

until you have secured proper approval.

h) Direct spraying should not be done around lights, which are not
vapour-proof unless current is cut off.

i) Never permit air pressure on spray painting equipment to exceed the

manufacturer’s specifications.

j) When using pressure containers see to it that release valves

functioning and fitted with pressure gauges.

k) Workmen shall wear standard air respirators or gas masks as the

work requires.

l) Workmen shall cleanse their skin thoroughly of any coating material.

Do not use thinners to remove paint from hands or skin. Use inly
recommended creams and cleaners.

3.28 Welding

a) Welders, cutters, and welder helpers shall wear standard personal

protective equipment when performing their respective jobs.

b) Flammable materials, such as gasoline, alcohol, varnish, paints,

grease, oil rags, and matches should be removed from the welding areas. When
there are combustible materials within the range of falling welding slag, these
should be properly covered with suitable fireproof materials.

c) Be sure that the place of work is adequately ventilated. Zinc, tin,

brass, and lead fumes are particularly dangerous and should be vented.

d) Welders and cutters shall not weld or cut any container or tank until it
has first been ascertained as to what it had contained. If it contained
flammable materials, the approved method for removing explosive fumes
should be applied before welding or cutting the tank.

e) When doing electric welding work, stand on a dry floor, ground,

platform or rubber mat. Wet gloves should not be used in any case.

f) The tip of the electrode should not be allowed to touch the ground piece
or workbench, when power is switched on. The same caution should be
observed during welding intervals. When the intervals exceed ten (10) minutes,
the electrode should be removed from the holder or stringer.

g) Warn any person who may be in the vicinity before striking an arc.

h) Protective shields or screens should be placed around the work are

when heavy welding jobs are being performed.

i) Electric welding machines should be placed in a safe area; commutator

sparks are dangerous.

j) Allow the work piece to cool sufficiently before attempting to handle it.

k) Power should be switched off in cases of long welding intervals, leaving

the work sit, or changing the cable connections to the terminal.

l) Welding cables should be regularly inspected for defects or insulation

damage, and those found defective or damaged should be turned in for repair
or replacement.

m) Welding cables should not be hang on sharp objects of metals such as

nails, steel angles, etc., nor secured with G.I. (galvanized iron) guy wires or
insulated metals.

n) Steel cutting by torch should not be done over cement as it causes

cement to break and fly.

o) Do not enter any gaseous area without first unclasping the torch
lighter. A bump may cause a spark.

p) Never use oxygen as a substitute for compressed air for pneumatic

tools.
 q) Do not hang any equipment on the oxygen or acetylene flow regulators.

r) Particular care should be taken to protect oxygen and acetylene from

mixing in the hose since it will explode. If the burner tip plugs up, close valves
immediately and remove the tip and clean it. Otherwise high-pressure oxygen
will be forced back into the lower pressure hose. Always purge both hoses
before lighting.

s) Never attempt to transfer oxygen or acetylene from one cylinder to

another, or mix different gases in a cylinder.

3.29 Gas Welding and Cutting

a) Use a friction lighter to light a torch. Do not use a match as your hand
may be burned. Welders or their helpers should not be carry matches when
engaged in welding or cutting operations.

b) Never test for a leak with a match. Use soapy water.

c) Never use copper fittings on acetylene gas tanks. Acetylene gas can act
on copper under some conditions, to produce an explosive compound. Brass or
bronze fitting should be used.

d) Do not repair a hose with a tape or wire it together with straight pipe.
Standard fitting made for the hose should be used.

e) When lighting the torch, the acetylene valve should be opened just
enough to develop a flame. Adjust valves of acetylene or oxygen to get the
desired flame.

f) Do not repair a leaking acetylene tank. Remove it from the building

immediately. Improper mixture of acetylene and air will cause and explosion.

g) Never drop tanks, nor permit them to strike each other violently. Never
handle tanks must be transported by crane always use securely fastened
chains. When transporting or handling oxygen or acetylene tanks, the valve
protection cap should always be in place.

h) Always blow out the tank valve before attaching the regulator.
 i) When cutting and welding, do not use a tank for support.

j) Never use a wrench or other tools on the valve. Use a standard key,
which should be chained to the chart and placed on the valve ready for any
emergency in case it is necessary to turn off the valve quickly.

k) Never install piping for oxygen or acetylene that has not been
thoroughly cleaned with caustic soda or the approved cleansing agent to
remove oil that may be in the pipes.

l) Acetylene should never be used at a pressure exceeding 15 pounds per

square inch (psi). Never use an oxygen pressure higher that the acetylene
pressure when welding.

3.30 Public Safety

a) Keep unauthorized persons, especially children, out of the

construction site; provide line barricades or post guard.

b) Before leaving the work area, also make sure that:

1. Nothings is left around which might cause slipping or falling.

2. Open trenches or excavations are barricaded, properly lighted at

night, and provided with appropriate signs.

3. Gang planks with railing or metal plates should be provided.

4. Excavated materials should not be placed on streets, pavements,

or sidewalks. Otherwise, they should be removed as soon as
possible.

c) When working along public highways or streets, flagmen/signal men

should be assigned.
d) In case of injuries, apply the rules on ‘First Aid Treatment and
Resuscitation’ from the Philippine Red Cross manual.

3.31 Site Clearing

 a) No one should work alone during tree felling operations

b) Brush, undergrowth, and snags should be removed before cutting

down a tree.

c) While cutting brush or bushes, workmen should be spaced safety

apart and must be well ahead of tree felling and other operations.

d) For safe brush removal, the following should be done:

1. Look over the ground for rocks, logs, or holes which might cause
fail.

2. Clear out other branches, vines, and brush, which might be

within the range of swinging axes and similar tools.

3. Establish a good footing before swinging the axe to avoid slips

and fails.

e) Before cutting down a tree, the following should be considered: height;

soundness; direction of lean; top heaviness; slope of ground; wind direction;
proximity to structures, wires, and trees. If tree felling could cause property
damage, guidelines and blocks and tackle snubbed to other trees or objects
should be used to control the direction of the fall.

f) Only the two (2) workers engaged in felling a tree should be allowed
around its base. Others should be kept away from the area.

g) Warning should be given by the workers to other close enough to be

affected not only by danger of the tree being felled but also by ‘side-winders’ or
snags the tree may knock down.

h) A tree felling should not be left unfinished during lunch, or at the end
of the shift.

i) Tree felling should not be done when the wind is strong enough to
interfere with trees falling in the desired direction.

j) Workers should not stand or work below an unchecked log.

 k) The following are the essential rules for tree felling and bucking:

1. When carrying a two-man chain saw, the tailstock worker

should travel ahead.

2. Plan the direction of escape before starting the tree feeling

operation.

3. Establish a firm clean footing.

4. Be sure that the path of the saw blade is free from any
obstruction.

5. Grasp the saw firmly to maintain control in the event of a

kickback.

6. Do not use metal wedges with a power saw.

7. Make sure that other workers know the direction in which the
tree will fall.

8. Before the tree is ready to fall, idle the saw and give the ‘timber’
warning call or blow a whistle or sound the standard signal being
used in your area. Before felling the tree be sure that the nearby
workers hear the warning by listening for their ‘all clear’ response.

l) On-site burning should always be at safe distance from other timber

stands, building, etc. Avoid burning when the wind presents a hazard. A space
should be cleared or a firebreak plowed around piles to be burned.

m) Firewatchers should be assigned to all fires. Fires should be attended

at all times. Gasoline or other flammable liquids should be used to help ignite
debris. Long handled torches should be used to start these fires. Fire
extinguishing equipment should be kept available when debris is to be burned.

n) The worker transporting debris and brush should dump the load to
one side of the fire. The debris should then be fed to fire by hand.

3.32 Climbing
 a) The climber should carefully check each limb before putting his/her
weight on it. He/she should not put his/her weight on a dead limb. If possible,
he/she should distribute his/her weight between two limbs.

b) Dead limbs should be broken off, if possible, to prevent being used for
support.

3.33 Pruning

a) The worker should make precautionary check below and then give a
warning signal before letting a limb drop.

b) A line or lines should support any tree branch too heavy or unwieldy
to be controlled by hand, before it is cut.

c) The worker who controls the lowering rope should never wrap it
around hi/her body. The rope should be snubbed.

d) Trimmers should avoid cutting large branches above their heads.

e) Tree pruning tools, ladders, ropes, or other equipment should be

properly secured from falling and taken out of the tree at the end of the shift.

3.34 Wood Work

a) Only experienced and authorized workmen shall operate wood working

machines, and shall have the responsibility for their proper care, and of
reporting defects and damage.

b) The supervisor of the work shall conduct periodic inspection of wood

working machines and tools, and see to it that they are in good working
condition.

c) Good housekeeping should be practiced in and around the work area.

d) Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the wood working shop.

e) Under no circumstances should machine guards, gauges, or guides be

adjusted while the machine is running.
 f) Never leave a good working machine with the power on.

g) Prescribe personal protective equipment should be used by workers at

all times when working.

h) All portable electric-driven tools should be provided with equipment

grounding before use.

i) Never reach over a power saw to get material from the other side.

j) When operating a power saw, do not stand in line with the saw; stand
to one side to avoid being hit by a possible kickback.

k) Do not continue to use warped or dented saw. Do not use a saw

having teeth filled with backward pitch.

l) Do not aloe sawdust to accumulate on the floor.

m) Shut off the power saw when not in use.

n) When sawing boards with a handsaw, hold the board with the hand on
the long end and well back of the saw. Do not crowd or twist the handsaw.

o) Avoid using the saw facing the wind or with the head below the level of
the work; sawdust will get into your eyes.

p) Drill a hole with an awl, drill-boring bit or drive a nail when starting
screw. On rough work, it is permissible to drive the screw part way with a
hammer.

q) When handling glass, the following procedures should be followed:

1. Window glass or other sheet glass should be handled with

prescribed working gloves with extra long cuffs.

2. When handling heavy glass, as determined by the supervisor,

the worker should wear leather or canvass apron and leggings to
protect the feet and ankles completely. Otherwise, the glass panes
should be properly crated.
 3. Unless the glass panes are small, the worker should carry only
one at a time and should always walk carefully.

4. The worker should pick up the glass pane carefully and carry it
with the bottom edge resting on his/her palm turned outward and
with the other hand holding the top edge to steady it.

5. Glass panes should never be carried under the arm, because a

fall might severe an artery.

6. To carry glass panes a considerable distance aboard a vehicle an

A-should be used.

7. Sheet glass should not be carried in such a way that it will bend.

8. Large panes of sheet glass should be marked with labels, tape or

grease pencil so they can be seen. When being temporarily stored
they should be properly secured to prevent slippage and should
not pose an obstruction.

9. Installation and removal of large glass panes should be done

with the aid of rubber suction cups to prevent the hands/fingers of
workers from being pined between the glass pane and the frame.

r) When one blade is removed from a planer spindle for sharpening or for
some other purpose, all other blades should be removed at the same time. This
is to prevent other blades from being hurled from the spindle in case the
machine started accidentally.

s) Wood working machines should have a master switch that can be

locked.

t) Every machine should have a ‘stop’ switch conveniently located within

easy reach so that the operator can quickly shut off the power in case of
emergency.

u) Conversation should not be engaged in while an operator is running a

woodworking machine. Employees are not to interfere with or distract the
attention of an operator.
 v) Saws should not be stopped to quickly, or by thrusting a piece of wood
against the cutting edge when the power is off.

w) On fabricated pieces where several kinds of wood are used to make up

the same piece, i.e., both soft and hard wood jointed together, care should be
taken especially when forming a radius or taking a deep cut. The stock is likely
to be jerked away from the operator causing serious injury unless held
securely.

3.35 Circular Saws

a) Stock should be kept against the gauge; never sawed freehand.

b) When ripping stock with narrow clearance on the gauge side, clamp a
filler board to the table between the gauge and the saw and guide the stock
against it.

c) The saw should be set above the table 1/8” higher than is necessary to
cut through the stock.

d) A crosscut saw should not be used for ripping, or a ripsaw for cutting.

3.36 Band Saw

a) Before starting a band saw, the blade should be tested for proper
tension.

b) The saw table should be well lighted and free from glare.

c) An adjustable guard protecting the saw at the front and on both sides
should be set as close as possible to the table.

d) Ample clear space around the saw, free of traffic, should be observed
so that the stock will not be bumped.

3.37 Jointers
 a) In using jointer, use both hands keeping them back from the knives
until the piece is started, then work one hand on each side, thereby never
allowing the hand to be directly over the knives.

b) When joining pieces of wood, it is a safe practice to note the direction

of the grain of the wood (this is called graining the stock) and always push it
over the cutters with the grain. This would prevent many accidents that are
caused by wood kickbacks when it is pushed over the cutters against the grain.

c) Heavy cuts should be avoided because of the danger of kickbacks.

d) The unused end of the blade should be enclosed at all times.

3.38 Planers

a) Do not use the planer bed for tool storage.

b) Use a brush to clean away shavings.

c) Be sure work will clear the cross rail and housing before starting the
planer.

3.39 Wood Working Lathe

a) Speed should be held to safe/recommended limits for the size of the

work and the work should be carefully checked for cracks.

b) Heavy cuts should be avoided.

c) When the work is being sanded between centers, the tool rest should
be moved away, and operator should not grip the sandpaper around the work.

3.40 Personal Protective Equipment

3.40.1 Face and Eye Protection

a) Employees shall wear goggles suited for the job to be performed to

protect the eyes from the following hazards:
1. Flying objects and molten metal;
 2. Injurious lights and heat rays;

3. Gases, fumes or chemicals; and

4. Dust wind (as in when cutting a hole in a brick).

b) Corrective spectacles or eyeglasses should never be considered as a

replacement for safety goggles.

c) The worker should wear the prescribed face shields as required.

3.40.2 Head Protection (Safety Helmets)

a) Standard safety helmets should be worn while on duty as required.

b) Before each use, helmets should be inspected for cracks, signs of

impact or rough treatment, and wear that might reduce the degree of safety
originally provided. Those found damaged should be replaced.

c) Alternations of any sort should not be made on helmets, as these

would impair the performance of the headgear.

3.40.3 Respirators

a) Respirators, of the standard type, should always be worn as required

when handling or when in proximity with toxic materials, gases, fume, dust,
paint, etc.

b) Respirator pads should be replaced whenever necessary.

c) Anyone known to be physically weak should be prevented from

entering areas where respiratory hazards are present unless he/she wears
approved emergency apparatus for protection.

d) Knitted face lets should be washed in warm soapy water, rinsed and
dried before re-use. Dirty or oily elastic headbands should be washed in warm
soapy water and rinsed. The water should be warm to remove perspiration and
hair oil from the elastic fabric.
 e) Hot water, steam, solvents and ultraviolet lights should not be used to
clean and disinfect rubber parts because they a deteriorating effect.

f) Petroleum jelly should not be used to prevent skin irritation from

rubber face pieces for it is harmful to rubber. Disinfection and the use of clean
cotton face lets will eliminate the need for jelly.

g) Respirators should be turned in at the end of each shift to be cleaned

and repaired if necessary. They should be scrubbed in warm soapy water,
rinsed, disinfected with the prescribed disinfectant, then rinsed again and
dried. If used by the same employee, they should be disinfected at least once a
week.

h) If the canister has been used, it should not be left attached but
removed. When a respirator is worn in a gas or vapour area that has little or no
warning properties, like carbon monoxide, it is recommended that a fresh
canister be used each time a worker enters the toxic atmosphere.

i) Canisters should be replaced not less than one year after the date
when the seal is initially removed. Canisters stored with seals intact should be
replaced on or before the recommended ‘use before’ date stamped on each
canister.

j) Gas masks should be kept easily available for emergencies.

k) Gas masks should be stored away from moisture, heat, and direct
sunlight, and should be regularly inspected.

l) A card should be set up for each mask to indicate the date of the latest
inspection and required replacement of the canister.

m) Supervisors should be responsible for making daily inspections,

particularly of functional parts such as exhalation valves and filter elements.
They should see to it that the edges of the valves are not curled and that valve
seats are smooth and clean. Inhalation and exhalation valves should be
replaced periodically.

n) Respirators should be marked to indicate to whom they are assigned.

The method of identification should be permanent enough so that the marking
cannot be changed inadvertently or with effort.
 o) Before being stored, a respirator should be carefully wiped with a
dump cloth and dried. It should be stored without sharp folds and creases. It
should never be hung by the elastic headband or laid down in a position, which
will stretch the piece.

p) Since heat, air, light, and oil cause rubber to deteriorate, respirators
should be stored in a cool, dry place and protected from light and air as much
as possible.

4.40.4 Safety Belts and Lifelines

a) All persons working on elevated structures, e.g., linemen, painters,

etc., shall wear safety belts of lifelines as required.

b) Safety belts and lifelines should be securely fastened on rigid and firm
brace framings.

c) Carefully inspect safety belts and lifelines before using. Those that are
defective should not be used.

d) Foremen/leadmen shall schedule the regular inspection of safety belts

and life lines once every month. The supervisor shall see to it that this
requirement is complied with.

e) Leather belts, should be cleaned and oiled with neat foot, castor
soybean, or compound oil; never use mineral oil.

f) Leather belts should not be exposed to excessive heat, such as from

radiators, because temperature as low as 660Cmay permanently damage them.
Heat level painful to a worker will damage leather.

g) Lifelines should not be less than five-eights (5/8) of an inch in

diameter and should be free from cuts and fiber defects.

h) Steel cable may not be used as lifelines where a free fall is possible
unless some shock-absorbing device is also used because their rigidity greatly
magnifies the impact loading. Steel cables are hazardous when used near
electricity.
 i) Lifelines should be tied to permit as little slack as possible and thus
stop a worker with minimum free fall.

j) Steel cable lines should be kept clean and dry and should be frequently
lubricated. Before use in acid atmosphere, they should be coated with oil. After
each use, they should be thoroughly washed and again coated with oil.

k) Rope lifelines should be washed with fresh clean water and dried in
circulating air. They should not be exposed to high temperatures.

l) Rope lifelines should not be used for any other purpose. The ropes
should be properly marked or labeled for use and proper storage.

3.40.5Safety Shoes

a) Safety shoes should be properly worn at all times while on duty. When
doing concrete pouring work, however, masons may use rubber boots.

b) Alterations, mutilations and defacing of safety shoes are prohibited.

c) If shoes are greasy or muddy, clean them before you climb.

3.40.6Welding Attire

In addition to the above mentioned personal protective equipment, the

following should also be worn by employees when welding:

a) Flameproof gauntlets, aprons, and leggings; and

b) Welder’s mask.

3.40.7Working attire

a) Wear proper attire for the job. Watches, neckties, scarves, necklaces,
bracelets, and the like should not be worn when working on or near moving
machines or energized lines or equipment.
b) Clothing saturated with oil should be removed at once, and affected
parts of the body washed with soap and water. Oil irritates the skin and is
dangerous in case of fire.
Safety Tip 3

UNDERSTAND your part of the

job.

As part of the team, it is vital that you

understand your tasks. If you have doubts
about your ability to complete an assigned
task, or perhaps you don’t fully understand
something, speak up and let your leader know.
Ask questions, get the overall picture and
KNOW how you fit in.
 CHAPTER 4
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

4.1 General Equipment Rules

a) Only duly authorized employees shall operate equipment.

b) Drivers of mobile heavy equipment and trailers should be licensed by

the Bureau of Land Transportation and also authorized by the organizations.

c) Operators shall be responsible for the proper maintenance and

cleanliness of the equipment assigned to them, and to make reports of any
defects or unusual conditions.

d) At no time shall operator allow anybody directly under a boom. The

operator shall not allow unauthorized employees to operate the equipment
assigned to him/her nor allow such persons to ride on the equipment while it
is moving.

e) The operator shall not allow unauthorized employees to operate the

equipment assigned to him/her nor allow such persons to ride on the
equipment while it is moving.

f) No operator shall operate any unless he/she is in a sound mental and

physical state.

g) Operators shall receive directional signals only from duly authorized

employee designated for the purpose.

h) No operator shall travel his/her equipment with a suspended load.

i) All booms should be lowered after each work shift except when,
otherwise authorized by the supervisor.

j) The operator shall determine safe clearance on overhead obstructions

and building openings, and shall only proceed when satisfied that clearances
meet the specifications.

k) Operators should conduct regular inspection of all hoists/winches

with special attention to load hooks, ropes, brakes, and limit switches.
 l) The safe load capacity of each hoist/winch should be shown in the
conspicuous figures on the body of the machine.

m) Flanges on hoist drums with single layer spiral grooves should be free
of projections that could damage a cable.

n) All hoists should be attached to their supports (fixed member or

trolley) with shackles. Or support hooks should be properly tied or have safety
latches. Latches are recommended also for load hooks. Hoist support shall also
have an adequate safety factor for the maximum loads to be imposed.

o) A load should be picked up only when it is directly under the

hoist/winch cables. Otherwise, allowable stresses for the hoist/winch cable
may be exceeded. If the load is not properly centered, it may swing (upon being
hoisted), and injury could result. Everyone shall stay out from raised loads.

4.2 Fixed Equipment

4.2.1 Air Hoists

a) After a piston-type air hoist has been in operation for a time, the
locknut that holds the piston on its rod may become loose so that the rod will
pull out of the piston, thus letting the load drop. To prevent this, a locknut
should be secured to the piston rod by castellated nut and copper pin.
Whenever an air hoist is overhauled, a check should be made to see that the
piston is well secured to the rod.

b) If an ordinary hook is used to hang the hoist from its support, the
cylinder may come unhooked if the piston rod comes in the contact with an
obstruction when lowering. A clevis or other device should be used to prevent
the hook from being detached from the hoist support.

c) To prevent the hoist from rising or lowering too rapidly, a choke, such
as a washer with the correct opening, should be placed in the air line coupling.

d) A rotary air hoist should be provided with a closed load line guide.
4.2.2 Electric Hoist

An electric hoist shall have a non-conducting control cord unless a

grounding device is provided. Control cords shall have handles of distinctly
different contours so that, even without looking, the operator will know which
is the hoisting and which the lowering handle is.

a) Each control cord should be clearly marked ‘hoist’ or ‘lower’.

b) Control cords, usually made of fiber or light wire ropes, should be

inspected periodicallyfor wear and other defects.

c) On pendant-controlled electric hoists, means for effecting control so

that a constant pull on the control rope or push on the control button must be
maintained to raise or lower the load.

d) A limit stop should be installed on the hoist motion and at least two
turns of rope shall remain on the drum when the load back is on the floor.

4.2.3 Hand-Operated Chain Hoists

a) Chain hoists should be of larger capacity than the regular work

requires.

b) Support for the hoist should be strong enough to carry the load
imposed to them.

4.2.4 Cranes (Overhead)

a) Each crane shall have its safe load capacity indicated on both sides in
conspicuous figures, readable from the floor or ground. If a crane has two hoist
blocks, each block shall have its safe load capacity indicated on both its sides.
The crane should not be loaded beyond its safe load capacity, except for
testing.

b) Nobody, including those who work near cranes or assist in hooking on

or arranging loads, should stay directly under loads. Operators should see to it
that this is strictly followed.
 c) All crane machinery, apparatus, and appliances, including ropes,
chains, and slings should be inspected regularly by qualified persons assigned
to this task; and the date, findings, and action taken should be recorded.

d) A crane operator shall never attempt to make repairs himself/herself

but shall report to his/her foreman/leadman any condition that might make
the crane unsafe to operate. Certain faults detected may be so dangerous that
the crane should be shut down at once and not operated until the faults are
corrected.

e) When not in use, the crane should be parked with the load hook (and
the sling if they remain on the hook) raised high enough to clear heads of
employees at work below, and the operator shall throw all controls into the ‘off’
position and open the remain switch.

f) A light should be visible from the floor to indicate when the main
switch is on. Controllers should be of the spring return type or momentary
contact push button.

g) When repairs to one crane are necessary, every precaution should be

taken to prevent other cranes from colliding with it. Safety stops should be
installed.

h) Do not allow the load to swing against the rigger or other workers.
Make certain that they are in the clear.

i) When raising or lowering the load, see that it safety clears adjacent
storage stockpiles or machinery.

4.2.5 Lifting with Jacks

Good judgement is required both in selecting and using jacks on any

given job.

a) Make sure the footing is substantial; use boards or blocks at right

angles to the lift.

b) Center the jack properly for the lift; if there is danger of the head
slipping, use a board or the wedge on top of the jack to keep it in position.
 c) Place the jack so there will be an unobstructed swing of the handle,
thus protecting your knuckles.

d) Do not lean over a jack handle or handle socket under load; the
handle might fly up and strike you.

e) Never leave a jack standing under a load with the handle in socket;
something might strike the handle and knock the jack out of position.

f) Never rely on jacks alone to support any load you have to work under.
Use plenty of substantial blocking to have an ample factor of safety.

4.3 Mobile Equipment

4.3.1 Cranes

a) Open hooks should not be used to support human loads, loads that
pass over workers or loads where there is danger of relieving the tension on the
hook due to the load or hook catching or fouling.

b) Outside cranes should be provided with secured fastenings adequate

enough to hold the crane against strong winds. When necessary, provide
special anchorages.

c) Structural members of the cranes should never be made of cast iron or

other frangible, e.g., fragile, breakable and brittle metal. In the fabrication and
assembly of structural work, such as girders, end frames, operator’s cage,
booms and brackets hot-driven rivets or welding, should be use instead of
bolts. Where bolts must be used, they should be ‘through’ type with locknuts
or conventional nuts and lock washer.

d) Each controller and operating lever should be marked with the motion
it controls and its direction. These levers shall have spring returns so that they
will move automatically into the ‘off’ position and latch themselves there as the
operator releases the handle.

e) Operating a crane on a soft or sloping ground or close to the side of

trenches or excavations is dangerous. The crane should always be level before
it is put into operation. Outriggers can be relied upon to give stability only
when used on solid ground. Heavy timber mats should be used whenever there
is doubt about the stability of the soil on which a crane is to be operated.

f) The use of any makeshift methods to increase the capacity of a crane,

such as timber with blocking or adding counterweight, should not be
permitted.

g) If the crane is tipped when hoisting or lowering a load, the operator

shall lower the load as quickly as possible by snubbing lightly with the brakes.
Workers, therefore, shall never ride or be allowed to ride a load that is being
hoisted, swung or transported.

h) Never move the load of the crane unless you are sure that you
understand the ground signal.

i) When there are several riggers, obey the signals of the head rigger only.
Obey an emergency stop signal given by anyone.

j) When filling, the fuel tank of crane, always provide a metallic contact
between the container and the tank.

k) Before starting the crane engine, clutch should be disengaged. Also

before engaging the clutch, all operating levers should be placed in the neutral
position. The clutch shall be engaged slowly with the engine idling.

l) The swing brake should be properly set when travelling the crane.

m) Before the operator leaves the crane, the engine clutch should be
disengaged, and the boom hoist pawl engaged.

n) Warm up the engine before attempting to operate it under a load.

o) Brake and clutch linings should be kept free of oil, grease or water.
The operator shall not operate the crane in case of any indication that these
linings have been contaminated with foreign matter.

p) Never lift a load with a weight greater than the operating capacity for a
given boom angle and radius. Keep the lift height to a minimumwhen handling
close to the maximum load.
 q) The load should be lowered to the ground before leaving the crane.

r) Start and stop the swinging of the boom smoothly. Fast swinging
causes the load to extend beyond the boom point, increasing the radius beyond
the crane’s capacity, which might tip the crane over.

s) The crane should be kept stationary when lifting loads close to

maximum operating capacity.

t) Be sure there is adequate clearance before attempting to move

machines under bridge, power lines, or other low overhead objects. When
traveling the mobile crane along highways or streets, the boom shall rest on its
rack.

u) The crane should never be positioned nor left unattended near

embankments, deep excavations, banks, ridges, etc., or in any place where
there exists danger of materials falling it.

v) Before engaging in crane operations, be sure that the carrier services

brakes and outriggers are properly set.

4.3.2 Forklifts and High-lift Trucks

a) Operator should exercise extreme care when approaching areas where

his/her view is obstructed, or where pedestrians or other vehicle may have
difficulty in seeing the approaching forklift.

b) Inspect all loads to be moved to determine the proper load position to

maintain stability, and to avoid overloading. When moving loads, keep the fork
or load as close as possible to the ground or floor.

c) The load should be kept below eye level. Where this is impractical, the
operator should drive the forklift backward so that he/she can see where
he/she is going.

d) Do not drive with greasy hands.

e) Slow down on wet and rough surfaces.

f) Never drive high-lift trucks with the platform elevated.

 g) Workmen should not be permitted to ride or work on the platform of
high-lift trucks. Where possible, materials should be unloaded mechanically
from the raised platform.

h) Except the operator, no one is allowed to ride on the forklift. The

operator shall see to it that this rule is strictly followed.

4.3.3 Power Mower Equipment

a) When operating a power mower equipment, the operator work in

process (kickbacks on a circular ripsaw, metal chips from a machine tool,
splashing of hot metal or chemicals) shall exercise extra caution to prevent
flying objects from striking himself/herself, other employees or the public. Pick
up loose objects when this is practical and clear the area of other people when
possible.

b) Keep hands and feet from under the machine and out of the discharge
chute while engine is running.

c) When mowing a terrace, gradual slope or incline, mow lengthwise

(across the face of the slope) instead of up and down.

d) Stop the engine (or motor) and disconnect sparkplug wire(s) and
blade(s). If the equipment being used is of the rotary type, special attention
should be given to the condition of the blade mounting bolt or the nut.

e) Mower engines should be allowed to cool off before the unit is

refuelled.

4.4 Machine Guarding

a) Guarding is necessary to prevent injuries on or around machines.

Specifically machine guarding prevents injury from these sources:

1. Direct contact with moving parts of machine.

2. Work in process (kickbacks on a circular ripsaw, metal

or chemicals, etc.)
 3. Mechanical failure.

4. Electrical failure.

5. Human failure resulting from such things as curiosity, zeal,

distraction, fatigue, worry, anger, illness, and deliberate chance taking.

b) Mechanical which must be used by workers at all times, should be

provided for the following:

1. Rotating mechanism;

2. Cutting or shearing mechanisms;

3. Screw or worn mechanisms;

4. Forming and bending mechanisms; and

5. Compressing and tensioning mechanisms.

c) Interlocking devices maybe mechanical, electrical, pneumatic or a

combination of these types. The operator of the machine should be sure that
the interlocking device:

1. Acts to guard the dangerous part before the machine is

operated.

2. Keeps the guard closed until the dangerous part is at rest or

stops the machine when the guard is opened.

3. Prevents the operation of the machine if the interlocking

mechanism is not in place.

d) The machine should never be operated when the interlocking device is

not working.

e) Machine guards should not be adjusted or removed for any reason by

anyone unless:

1. Specific permission is given by the supervisions;

 2. The person concerned is specifically trained; and

3. Machine adjustment is considered a normal part of his/her job.

f) Machines should not be started unless the guards are in place and is
in good condition. Defective or missing guards should be reported to the
supervisor immediately.

g) Whenever guards are removed to repair, adjust or service equipment

(lubrication and maintenance), the power for the equipment should be turned
off, and the main switch locked and tagged.

4.5 Scaffolds and Ladders

a) Scaffolds and ladders should be inspected as required. Loose or

missing parts, cracks, splinters or knots in uprights, braces, steps or rungs
should be noted and repaired at once.

b) Scaffolding should be constructed of sound materials, securely

fastened and supported. Planks for scaffolds should be free of knots and other
imperfections, not less than two (2) inches in thickness, painted in red on both
ends for identification, and should not be used for any other purposes.

c) Never construct scaffold with a span longer than eight (8) feet between
supports.

d) Only experienced employees shall erect and dismantle scaffolds.

Scaffolds should be dismantled and returned to stock when not in use. Nails
should not be left in dismantled scaffolds.

e) Scaffolds and ladders should be carefully inspected before use.

f) Scaffolds should not be overloaded beyond their working capacity.

g) Timber, support or braces of scaffolds erected and in use should not

be removed unless permitted by the superior or his/her duly authorized
representative.
 h) Scaffolds should be provided with a roof made of light lumber, heavy
canvass or heavy wire screen, when others are working overhead.

i) Do not allow workers to jump on or to hang tools on any part of

scaffold, or heavy materials to be dropped on the scaffold, or anything to be
thrown from the scaffold.

j) Workmen shall not work on a scaffold installed outdoors when there is

storm or high wind.

k) A safe means of access to the scaffold, either by stair or permanent

ladder should be provided. If a portable ladder is used, it should be in good
condition and its upper end securely fastened to prevent tipping or slipping.

l) Scaffolds should be protected from being struck by trucks or wagons

from materials being dumped on them.

m) When hoisting load, do not let it swing against or catch on scaffolds.

n) Good housekeeping should be observed on scaffolds at all times.

4.5.1 Built-up Scaffolds

a) Uprights of built-up scaffolds shall rest on solid foundations to prevent

settling, plumbed and securely fixed at the bottom to prevent shifting.

b) Toe-boards, of at least two inches in height, should be installed at the

outer edges of the platform to prevent tools and other materials from falling off.
In spite of this protection, however, precaution should be taken, especially
during the process of raising the platform to a new elevation, to prevent objects
from falling on the workers below.

4.5.2 Outrigger Scaffolds

a) Outrigger scaffolds should not be used if another type of scaffold can

be utilized. When used, they should be limited only to cornices and light work
and should be carefully inspected before such use by the supervisor or his/her
duly authorized representative.
 b) When used at heights of over three (3) stories, outrigger scaffolds
should be at least three (3) feet wide.

4.5.3 Pipe Scaffolds

a) Pipe members should be of G.I. (galvanized iron) pipe painted and kept
free of scales, no coupling should be used.

b) Pipe of not less than 3.5 inches in diameter should be used where the
scaffold has a span of not more than 12 feet and with a width not exceeding
feet. For longer spans, the size of the pipe should be provided for the pipe beam
at least every eight foot interval.

c) Supporting ropes should be securely fastened to prevent slip-off at the

ends of the pipes.

4.5.4 Suspended Scaffolds

a) Outriggers of suspended scaffolds should be well secured to the frame

or structure with clamps or ‘U’ bolts of good condition.

b) Shackles or beam clamps holding the cable should be well fastened to

the outrigger and a stop should be placed on the outside end of the outrigger.

c) Only experienced workers should be assigned to operate the winches

controlling the scaffolds; they shall see to it that the scaffold platform is kept
level.

d) Guardrails, toe-boards, overhead roofs and other protection should be

inspected daily and made sure to be in good condition before use.

4.5.5 Swinging Scaffolds

a) Blocks, anchor and outriggers of swinging scaffolds should be securely

fastened.

b) Before boarding or alighting from the swinging scaffold, the worker

shall lower it to the ground or securely lash it to the building of structures.
 c) Ropes used for swinging should be protected from acid and other
substance, which alight after their strength and usability. When scaffolds are
taken down, the ropes should be properly rolled and tagged to indicate that
they are for swinging scaffolds use only.
4.6 Ladders

a) Ladders should be built of strong materials and filters should be

mailed between rungs.

b) If ladders are used for two-way traffic, provide one for ascending and
the other one for descending.

c) The upper ends of the side rails of a ladder shall project no more than
one-fourth (1/4) of the total length of the ladder above the point where it is
resting, and with the lower ends set on stable footing.

d) When using a ladder mounted or placed on a vehicle, the parking

emergency brake of the vehicle should be engaged and the vehicle properly
checked.

e) In placing a ladder, the distance from the foot of the ladder to the
structure against which it is leaning should be approximately one-fourth (1/4)
the length of the ladder. In other words, the foot of a twelve-foot ladder should
be placed about three feet away from the structure. In case the upper end of
the side rails of the ladder projects beyond where it is rested, the distance from
the foot of the ladder to the structure should be one-fourth (1/4) of the
distance between the upper and lower resting points.

f) Ladders with cross-gained members or weak rungs should not be used.

g) Whenever possible, grip side rails while using the ladder. If it is not
practical to grip the side rails, then grip the rungs securely with both hands
while descending and ascending.

h) Avoid working on a high ladder in a strong wind.

i) When you use a stepladder, make sure its legs are fully spread before
climbing.
 j) Always carry a ladder with the anti-slip device (rubber) towards the
rear and the front end pointing upward. Be extra careful when approaching
doorways and corners. When two workers carrying a long ladder, each worker
should be close to his/her end of the ladder.

k) Never place the ladder in front of a door without first locking the door
or placing a worker on guard.

l) Keep both hands free for climbing, or descending. Do not carry tools in
your hands.

m) Always face the ladder when climbing or descending.

n) Check the rungs before climbing. There might be a damage/broken

rung.

o) If your shoes are slippery, clean them before you climb.

p) Use ladders with anti-slip devices to prevent slipping. On extra

slippery surfaces, or in cases of precarious contact at the top or bottom of the
ladder, tie the ladder base or have a worker hold it.

q) Only one person should be on the ladder at a time. However, where

two employees will work at the same spot on different levels (without using the
same rung) they maybe allowed using the same ladder provided that the upper
end is properly tested and secured on a fixed structure and the lower end on a
stable footing.

r) Never lean too far to one side of a ladder.

s) Defective ladders should be repaired or otherwise destroyed.

t) Untreated portable ladders should not be left exposed to elements

when not in use, but should be kept in a sheltered place to avoid warps and
cracks.

u) Ladders stored horizontally should be supported at both ends and in

between, to prevent sagging of the middle section, which tends to loosen rungs
or cleats and warp the rails.
4.7 Tools

4.7.1 Tool Keeper Responsibilities

a) Do not issue tools with mushroomed head; all cold chisels, chisel bars,
cutter, or other shock tools with heads not in good condition must be dressed
before they are issued.

b) Keep the jaws of wrenches in good condition. Warn worker against

misusing them.

c) Keep all keen-edged tools sharp; keep the edges protected while in
storage.

d) If any tool shows signs of being improperly tempered, withdraw it from

service, try to find the trouble and have it corrected.

e) Portable electric and pneumatic tools should be kept in the best

possible condition, check frequently the condition of switches and control
valves, electric cords and hose connections.

4.7.2 Hand Tools

a) Select the right tools required for the job and use them
properly.

b) Regularly inspect tools, and use only those that are in good
condition.

c) Keep keen-edged blades sharp; store the safely when not in

use.

d) Use wrenches of the right size for the job. Face the movable jaws of an
adjustable wrench in the direction of the pull.
 e) Never use a hand tool on or very close to any moving part of the machine.
Stop the machine first, and remove all the tools before re-starting.

f) Never place or leave tools where they might fall on persons or equipment,
or trip someone or otherwise cause injuries to someone. Tools should be store
properly.

g) Exercise when handling or transporting tools, particularly pointed or

sharp-edged ones to prevent damage to them or other equipment, as well as
injuries to workers.

4.7.3 Pneumatic Tools

a) Only the right pneumatic tool, which is in good condition, should be

used for the job.

b) Use protective equipment as required.

c) Make sure that the air hose is properly connected to the tool before
opening the pressure valve. Connectors should be properly secured when air
hoses of more than one (1) length are used.

d) Grip the handle firmly with both hands when operating the tool. Never
lean your body against it. When using a heavy pneumatic tool (such as: a jack
hammer, clay digger, etc.) in a horizontal position, the tool should be supported
by vertically suspended ropes.

e) If the tool bit sticks do not fry to forcibly pull it out; loosen it out with a
steady rocking movement of the tool.

f) When laying the pneumatic tool down, it should always be placed in a

position such that it can do no harm in case the tool is accidentally started. Do
not leave the pneumatic tool standing when not in use.

g) If the tool is accidentally detached from the air hose under pressure,
turn of the air by closing the base control valve; never by kinking the hose.

h) After using the pneumatic tool, turn off the air valve.
 i) Compressed air when misused can be extremely dangerous. Under no
circumstances should a worker aim an air hose at anyone.

4.7.4 Hydraulic Tools

a) Be sure hydraulic hoses, fittings, etc. are of the proper pressure rating,
and that its connections are fully tightened.

b) Do not drop heavy objects on the hydraulic hose.

c) Avoid sharp kinks in the hose. Never apply pressure when the hose is
in sharp carves.

d) Keep your hydraulic tools away from excessive heat, which tends to
soften the packing and cause leakage.

e) All hydraulic couplers should be properly tightened. Loose coupler

connections will cause complete or partial leakage of oil flow from the pump to
the cylinder.

f) Do not over-tighten connections. Connections should be snug and leak

free. Over-tightening can cause premature thread failure and may cause high-
pressure fittings or casings to fail.

g) Be sure all hydraulic hoses and fittings are connected to the proper
inlet and outlet ports of the pumps and cylinders.

h) Never attempt to use the tool in such a way that its rated capacity is
exceeded. Overloading causes cracked cylinders, blown cups and bent
plungers.

i) Always screw dust caps on, when coupler halves are disconnected. Use
every precaution to guard the unit against DIRT because dirt and foreign
matter may cause pump failure.

4.7.6 Electrically Operated Pumps

a) Electrically operated hydraulic pumps must always be grounded before

using.
 b) If extension cords are used on this equipment, they should be of the
proper capacity.

c) Always keep the equipment clean.

4.8 Driving and Cutting Hand Tools

4.8.1 Bolt Cutters

a) Keep cutters at right angles to the piece being cut.

b) Never exceed the rated capacity of the tool.

c) Never pry or twist the tool when cutting. Improper cutting may result
in personal injury or damage to the tool.

4.8.2 Pliers

a) Pliers should not be used for cutting hardened wire unless specifically
manufactured for the task.

b) Always cut at right angles to the piece being cut. Never rock from side
to side or bend the wire back and forth against the cutting blades.

c) Don’t bend stiff wire with light pliers. Long nose pliers can be damaged
by using the tips to bend a too large wire.

d) Never use pliers as a hammer or makeshift anvil, or hammer on the

pliers’ handles. They may crack or break, or their blades may be nicked ny
such abuse.

e) Never extend the length of the handles to secure greater leverage. Use
a large pair of pliers or a bolt cutter.

f) Pliers should not be used on nuts or bolts.

4.8.3 Screwdrivers
 a) Keep the screwdriver clean; a greasy one may cause slippage.

b) Don’t use pliers on the handle of a screwdriver with rounded edges or

tips.

c) Don’t use pliers on the handle of screwdriver to get extra turning

power. A wrench should only be used for turning purposes on a screwdriver
with a square shank designed for that purpose.

d) A screwdriver should not be used for prying, punching, chiseling,

scoring or scraping.

e) A screwdriver should not be used to check a storage battery or to

determine if an electric circuit is live.

f) A screwdriver with a split or broken handle should not be used.

4.8.4 Hammers

a) Never use a hammer with a loose or damaged handle.

b) Never strike a claw hammer with or against another hammer or a

hatchet. Never strike nail pullers, steel chisels or other hardened objects with a
claw hammer as the face may chip, possibly resulting in eye injury or other
serious injury.

c) Use a ball peen hammer for striking chisels and punchers and for
riveting, shaping and straightening unhardened metal. When striking a chisel
or punch, the striking face of the hammer should have a diameter of at least
3/8” larger than the striking face of the tool.

d) A riveting hammer should be used for driving and spreading rivets on

sheet metal work. A setting hammer should be used for forming sharp corners,
closing and penning seams and lock edges, and for use by glaziers for inserting
glazier points.

e) A sealing or chipping hammer should only be used for chipping welds,

scale, rust and paint from unhardened metal.
 f) A bricklayer hammer should be used for setting and cutting bricks,
masonry tile and concrete blocks and for chipping mortar and bricks.

g) Soft face hammers should be used for striking blows where steel
hammers would wear or damage the surface of the work. Wooden mallets
should be used for striking wood and plastic handled chisels, gouges, wood
pins and small stakes, and to form or shape sheet metal. Never use these tools
to drive nails or screw, or to strike sharp metal objects.

h) A magnetic hammer should only be used for holding and driving tacks
and upholstery nails. Never strikes them with or against other steel tools.

i) A bush hammer should only be used for work whenever hammer

bounce could be a problem. Soft-faced hammers should be used to avoid
marring or denting the work, or where sparks from steel pose a hazard.

4.8.5 Chisels

a) Never use a dull chisel or one with a mushroom head. Never used a
blacksmith’s cold chisel with a loose or damaged handle.

b) Cold chisels should not be used for cutting or splitting stone or

concrete.

c) If a chisel is not properly tempered or sharpened for the job, or if it is

defective, return it to the tool room.

d) Never attempt to hold a cold chisel if another person is wielding the

hammer or sledge.

e) Protect other persons from flying chips by placing suitable screens.

f) Use hot chisels for cutting hot steels. Never use hot chisel for cutting
cold metal, stone or concrete.

g) Never use an all-steel chisel with a mushroomed striking face or a

chipped or dull cutting edge. Use an all-steel chisel for heavy-duty wood
cutting work only.
 h) Never use a star drill chisel on anything but masonry. Never use a star
drill with a dull cutting edge or with a chipped, battered mushroomed striking
face.

i) Brick chisels should only be used for masonry work. Never use these
tools on metal. Use these chisels for scoring and cutting wedges.

4.8.6 Wrenches

a) Never use a pipe extension or other tool to increase the leverage of any
wrench.

b) Select and use a wrench whose opening exactly fits the nut.

c) If possible, always pull a wrench handle in such a way that force is on

the fixed jaw.

d) Never use an adjustable wrench to loosen a ‘frozen nut or to

completely tighten a nut. Never pull on a loosely adjusted wrench.

e) Avoid using a torque wrench to loosen tight nuts or bolts.

f) When using a torque wrench always apply a slow steady pull.

4.9 Repairs

a) All defective equipment should be removed from service for repairs.

b) Suitable signs/tags should be posted and not removed until repairs

have been completed.

c) Mobile equipment should if possible, be moved to a safe location where

operations will not interfere with the repair work.

d) Equipment suspended in slings or supported by hoists or jacks for

repairs should be blocked or cribbed before workers are permitted to work
underneath it.
 e) Before starting repairs on electrically powered equipment, the main
switch should be in the open position, and properly locked and tagged. The key
to the switch lock should be retained by the supervisor.
Safety Tip 4

NOTICE existing hazards

Leaders, as this step you will point out the

known existing hazards. Be specific. Ask for
feedback from the group to ensure that you
don’t overlook something. Make sure not only
discuss each hazard but the consequence of
that hazard. Start at the beginning of the job
and work your way through completion listing
all the hazards.

CHAPTER 5
VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC SAFETY

5.1 General
 a) National and local traffic laws and regulations should be
obeyed/observed at all times.

b) When driving on private roads, observe prescribed speed limits and

regulations.

c) No person shall operate any organizational vehicle unless he/she is

duly licensed, and has been examined and authorized by the organization.

d) No person shall likewise operate any organizational vehicle with an

expired authorization.

e) No person, except when authorized by proper organization authorities,

should be permitted to ride in company vehicles.

f) No driver shall permit another person, unless the latter is duly licensed
and possesses an organizational authority to drive, to operate, or attempt to
operate and organizational vehicle.

g) No person should be allowed to ride on the running boards, fenders,

tailboards, or any other part of the vehicle except on the seats or inside the
vehicle.

h) No part of the human body shall extend outside the vehicle.

i) Avoid boarding or alighting from a stopped vehicle on the side of the

road. Do not jump on or off a moving vehicle.

j) No person shall drive an organizational vehicle while under the

influence of alcohol, narcotics, or sleep-inducing drugs, or when he/she is not
physically fit.

k) No person shall drive any private vehicle inside organizational

compounds while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or sleep-inducing
drugs, or when he/she is not physically fit.

5.2 Gas Stations and Vehicle Fuel Tanks

 a) Workers should avoid spilling gasoline/diesoline, or overflowing the
gas tank during refuelling.

b) On maintenance work, gas tanks of vehicles should be drained at safe

locations into grounded or self-closing cans.

c) In filling gas tanks, be sure the hose nozzle is resting against the side
of the tank filler hole. Never hold the nozzle away from the hole, as a static
spark might cause a fire or explosion.

d) Lighted cigarette and the like are prohibited at anytime within a radius
of 50 feet from gasoline pumps.

e) The ignition system and radio transceiver shall be turned off while the
gas tank of the vehicle is being filled.

f) No gas withdrawal or presence of vehicles within the gasoline station

area shall be allowed during gas deliveries.

g) Only gas tenders are allowed to operate the fuel pumps.

h) In filling-up fuel tanks, it shall be the responsibility of the driver of a

vehicle to determine the type of fuel to be put in the tank of the vehicle.

5.3 Loading and Unload

a) The foreman/leadman or in his absence, the driver is responsible for

the loading on and unloading from a vehicle of materials, equipment, tolls,
personnel etc. The responsible party shall see to it that the pertinent provisions
of the Land Transportation Code, local traffic ordinances and organizational
rules and regulations are complied with.

b) Overloading the vehicle should not be allowed. See to it that the load is
properly distributed; secure in place and not piled too high to maintain
stability and satisfy required overhead clearances.

c) Any position of load beyond the bodyline should be properly provided

with warning flags or lights.
 d) Tail gates and all detachable equipment in the vehicle should be
properly secured before travelling.

e) A load should not be handled from the street side of the vehicle. Where
this cannot be avoided flagmen should be stationed and/or appropriate
warning signs should be placed at all traffic approaches.

f) Trailers should be provided with proper stop and taillights

g) The extreme ends of loads, carried by vehicles and trailers which

extend beyond body lines, must be provided with red flag and stop lights in the
daytime and with red lights and stop lights at night. When practical, attach a
marker halfway between the truck at the end of load projections, such as when
poles are being hauled.

h) No persons should be allowed to ride on a two-wheeled trailer. For four

(4) or more wheeled trailers, no person should be allowed to ride on the trailer
except when expressly authorized by his/her immediate supervisor.

5.4 Parking of a Vehicle

a) Before moving a vehicle from a parked position, the driver shall check
around under and over the vehicle for possible presence of persons, objects,
and other hazards.

b) Drive carefully and with caution when entering of leaving the parking
area and garage.

c) Vehicles should be parked at designated parking areas. Vehicles

should not be parked in such way as to obstruct passageway or cause traffic
congestion.

d) The driver shall not operate the motor of any vehicle inside and
enclosed garage without adequate ventilation.

e) A brake test should be made before operating a vehicle from a parked

position. In case of any indication of faulty brakes, the vehicle should not be
operated.
 f) Any other faulty operations or conditions noticed before or during the
operation of a vehicle should be immediately reported for check-up or repair.

g) Whenever a vehicle is parked unattended on any highway, where

possible, the driver shall get it entirely off the travelled portion of the road, turn
off the engine, notch effectively the hand brake and keep the ignition key with
him/her. Check traffic before opening the door to get in and out of the vehicle.
Keep the door securely closed at all times .

h) When a vehicle must be parked on the roadway, it shall be parked on

the right hand side of the direction of the traffic flow except when the nature of
the work requires otherwise, especially when mounted hydraulic equipment is
in use.

i) Trucks trailers stopped on any roadway shall have proper warning

lights, reflectors, or red flags and caution signs in accordance with the National
and local traffic laws. A signalman must be stationed to direct traffic.

j) A vehicle shall not be parked on bridges, over culverts, on blind curves

or on stiff downgrades and upgrades except when necessary in the execution of
work. Proper precaution shall always be observed.

k) When parking downhill, turn the front wheels to the right towards the
curb or right side of the road and leave the vehicle in reverse gear and the hand
brake notched effectively. When parking uphill, turn the front wheels to the
left, with the car part of the front wheels towards the curb or right side of the
road and leave the vehicle in low gear and with the hand brake notched
effectively. Wheel chocks should be used to lock the wheels when parking
downhill or uphill and most especially when it is necessary to keep the motor
running.

5.5 Safe Driving

5.5.1 In addition to the provisions of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code,
every employee who is authorized to drive organization vehicles shall observe
and practice the following defensive and safe driving habits:

a) Signal intentions well in advance at all times, regardless of the traffic

conditions.
 b) To avoid hitting a vehicle being followed, maintain a safe distance of
at least one vehicle length for every 10 KPH of speed. This required distance
should be doubled at night or when the road is slippery.

RECOMMENDED SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCES ON DRY ROADS

20 KPH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 vehicles’ length

30 KPH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 vehicle’s length
40 KPH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 vehicle’s length
50 KPH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 vehicle’s length
60 KPH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 vehicle’s length
70 KPH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 vehicle’s length

To check the accuracy of the safe following distance, the time interval
method may be utilized with the following guidelines:
Car – 2 seconds
Pick-up – 3 seconds
Truck – 4 seconds

Note: These distances are recommended in average driving conditions.

However, in cases of adverse driving conditions such as road, weather,
driver, etc. these distances should be increased to have an extra margin
of safety.
c) To avoid being hit by a vehicle from behind:

1) Make every stop smooth and gradual

2) Signal intentions well in advance

3) Try to keep the vehicle behind from riding your bumper, e.g.,
find a means of preventing the vehicle behind from staying too
close to your bumper.

d) When momentarily stopped or while starting to move, the driver

should properly control his vehicle.

e) To avoid a head-on or sideswipe collision:

1. Always drive as far to the right of the centerline of a highway as

much as possible. On right hand curves, keep to the right edge of
 the road pavement. On left hand curves, keep in the middle of your
traffic lane.

2. Reduce speed and slow down before entering a curve.

3. If an oncoming vehicle occupies your lane, tap your horn, flicker

your headlights and position your vehicle on the right most lane to
avoid collision. If necessary and possible, drive to the right road
shoulder and stop your vehicle.

4. When the right wheel falls off the road shoulder, do not attempt
to immediately correct the steering by swerving to the left, which
might cause you to collide with oncoming vehicle. A driver shall
apply his/her brake in a pumping motion and may only return to
the road when the speed of the vehicle is controllable.

f) To avoid a collision:

1. Approach all intersections with the foot “off” the acceleration for
and “on” the brake pedal, ready for any eventually such as
pedestrians and drivers who do not obey the traffic rules.

2. Bring the vehicle to full stop at a safe distance from the

intersection before any through street highway, or railroad
crossing.

3. Check traffic to the left, then to the right to see if there are
crossing vehicles. Proceed only when the traffic is clear. Do not rely
on your having the right-of-way.

4. Check clearances before and while traversing a regulated

intersection. “go” signal is not an assurance of traffic clearance.

5. Signal well in advance when intending to turn and proceed to

the correct turning lane, while still at a reasonable distance from
the intersection. Proceed with the turn only when the traffic is
clear.

g) To avoid a sideswipe collision:

 1. Reduce speed when being overtaken on the left or the right to
make it easy for the other vehicle to pass. (Do not race the other
vehicle.)

2. Check your view mirror, make a signal and change your lane
only when it is safe to do so; without disrupting the flow of traffic.

3. Signal well in advance, slow down gradually, and keep as close

to the right turn.

4. Check the rear, signal your intention, and wait for a break in
traffic before pulling out from the curb or a parking space.

h) To avoid a head-on; sideswipe and/or angle collision:

7) No driver shall drive to the left side of the center line of a

highway in overtaking or passing another vehicle proceeding
in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible
and is free of on-coming traffic for sufficient distance ahead
to permit such overtaking or passing to be made in safety.

8) Do not overtake when your vehicle is being overtaken or

when another vehicle is tailing you in your attempt to
overtake.

9) No driver shall overtake or pass another vehicle proceeding

in the same direction when approaching a crest of a grade or
bridge, on a curve in the highway, at any railway grade
crossing, at any intersection of highways, and/or all ‘no
passing’ or ‘no overtaking’ zones.

10) No driver shall pass a vehicle that has stopped to permit a

pedestrian or other vehicle cross.

i) To avoid vehicle-pedestrian accidents:

1. Always exercise due care and proper precaution on seeing a
pedestrian crossing or who may dart across the street. Let him/her
know of your approach by tapping your horn.
 2. Always slow down and be ready to step on the brakes, when
passing through busy streets with parked or stopped vehicles
where pedestrian may dart across at any moment.

3. Slow down, when approaching schools, hospital zones, parks,

playgrounds, crowded streets, and thickly populated areas. Be
always on the alert for children.

4. Slow down when approaching areas where children are playing

or are in proximity with the travelled portion of the road. Make it
known to them that you are going to pass by tapping your horn,
and then proceed with extreme caution.

5. Before passing any vehicle, which is in the process of, or about

to load or unload passengers, always slow down and be alert for
the sudden actions of the passengers.

j) To avoid vehicle fixed object accidents:

1) Always check all clearances while travelling or maneuvering on

any road where there are stationary objects around.

2) For hydraulic trucks/equipment, with exceptionally high

mounted equipment such as baskets, booms, etc., the driver or
supervisor should carefully check the vertical clearance especially
at night where there are sagging or low clearance wires or cables or
when passing through an underpass with low vertical clearance.

k) To avoid vehicle or bicycle/motorcycle accidents:

1. Always slow down and tap your horn on seeing a two/three

wheeled vehicle; if possible give plenty of room when overtaking
them.

l) To avoid vehicle animal accidents:

1. Slow down until you have safely passed animals, since they are
unpredictable and can run right into your vehicle.
 m) To avoid vehicle train accidents:

1. When approaching a railroad crossing, always slowdown, stop at

a distance of three (3) meters from the railroad tracks, look for
advance warning signs, check both ways and listen for an
approaching train.

2. Before crossing a railroad track in heavy traffic situation, always

allow enough space from the vehicle you are following to avoid
being trapped on the crossing.

3. When looking near a railroad track, do not park beside or near

the track to avoid being sideswiped or dragged by a passing train.

5.5.2 The following are the maximum speed limits for the organization’s
vehicles:

Trucks/shuttle Buses -60 KPH

Pick-ups, Vans, and other utility Vehicles -70 KPH
Cars -80 KPH

However, it should be understood that the above limits are subject to the
prevailing speed regulations in specific areas, municipalities and cities, and
whichever is lower shall be observed except expressway where car/shuttle
buses may observed the promulgated speed limit.

5.5.3 Slowdown in case of other adverse driving conditions, such as: weather,
road, traffic, vehicle, driver, and light conditions can be met only by reduced
speed and cautious driving.

5.5.4 Vehicles shall always descend steep grades in low gear those equipped
except with an exhaust braking system.

5.5.5 Devote your full attention to you driving. Anticipate danger in time to
avoid it.

5.5.6 Be on the alert for signals from other drivers, traffic signal lights, traffic
signs, police officers, etc.

5.5.7 Anticipate and do not try to beat traffic signals.

5.5.8 The sounding of your horn does not give you the right of way. Use it only
as a warning and proceed cautiously.

5.5.9 Headlights should be put on whenever weather and light conditions so

require. Parking lights should not be used in place of headlights.

a) A driver shall not overdrive his/her headlights at night.

b) When oncoming drivers ail to dim the headlights, warn him/her by the
right edge of the road to maintain your vehicle in proper lane. Do not retaliate
by switching your headlights to bright.

c) During fog or rain, turn your headlights on low beam and reduce your
speed. If visibility is very poor, stop your vehicle at the road shoulder and turn
on the taillights until the weather conditions is clear.

d) At night, always dim your lights when within 500 ft. of an on coming
vehicle and when within 200 feet if you are following another vehicle. Glare
may cause the other driver to swerve to your lane. Observe the same when
driving along well-lighted and thickly populated areas.

5.5.10 After passing through flooded streets, always check your brakes to make
sure that they are working properly before proceeding to normal speed. To dry
your brake linings, press your brakes lightly while your vehicle is slow motion
until you are assured that the brakes are functioning normally before
proceeding to normal speed.

5.5.11 In case of sudden tire blow-out, do not step hard and abruptly on your
brakes. This will cause your vehicle to turn or swerve suddenly when driving at
high speed. Instead, steer straight and gradually bring the vehicle to a stop by
applying on-and-off pressure (pumping) on the brakes.

5.5.12 For trucks, with or without trailers, enclosed vans and similar vehicles
where the rear view of the driver is limited, a signalman should be assigned.
The foreman/leadman or supervisor shall designate the signalman for the day.

a) Any backing of the vehicle should be done slowly, with extra care and
under the direction of the signalman who, on the ground has an unobstructed
view of the intended path of the vehicle and its driver. The same should be
observed when there is difficulty in maneuvering the vehicle for reason of its
position or location. The signalman should closely coordinate with the driver
and shall give advance warning to the driver of any impending collision.

b) If backing must be done, the driver must be personally sure that all is
clear behind at the time; never assume that someone has not driven up or
stepped off the curb at the back of you since you last looked.

c) It shall be the duty of the signalman to give appropriate warning to the

driver of any impending collision between the towed pole/trailer and the
vehicle, pedestrians and/or other objects.

5.5.12 Stay on your own lane of the road and intersections, railroad, crossings,
no passing zones, hills, and curves where your view is obstructed. Slight-of-
way is better than right-of-way.

a) Do not straddle lane lines. This is being inconsiderate and constitutes

‘hugging’.

b) Do not drive a vehicle while your hands or shoes are wet or greasy.

c) Do not smoke or use an open flame when checking any part of the
vehicle especially the gas tank, carburettor and battery.

d) Do not store oily rags, waste or other flammable objects under the
hood or elsewhere in the vehicle where combustion might occur.

e) Standard containers used for fuel handling should be checked for

leaks.

5.5.13In addition to the above stated defensive and safe driving habits, the
following driving techniques on the use of motorized two and three-wheeled
vehicles shall likewise be observed and practiced at all times.

a) Before use of any two to three wheeled vehicles, a driver must conduct
his/her daily inspection of:

Gas
Oil
Brake
Electricity
 Steering
Air
Noise (unusual)
Others (engine, covers, chains, mirrors, etc.)

b) Duly authorized personnel shall always wear a crash helmet while

riding a two-wheeled vehicle.

c) Always cross any obstacles in a perpendicular manner, like railroad

tracks, wooden bridge, gutter, ramp, etc.

5.6 Accidents Involving the Organization’s vehicles

5.6.1 In cases of accidents involving the organization’s vehicles, the following

should be complied with:

a) Report the accident at once to the immediate supervisor or Safety

Representative.

b) In cases where there are injured persons:

1) Attend to the injured, administer first aid treatment when

required, applying the proper techniques in chapter 10, First Aid
Treatment and Resuscitation.

2) Do not move a seriously injured person (especially when there

are evidence of fractures, broken bones, etc.), unless absolutely
necessary. Call for medical help or for an ambulance.

3) Take the names and addresses of persons claiming injuries and

make a note of the nature of their injuries.

c) Write down essential information about the other vehicle and its
driver. Get his/her name, address, details of the driver’s license, make and
model of his/her vehicle and its registration number. Upon request, give the
similar particulars about yourself.

d) Examine the vehicles involved, including your own; make a complete

list of damages.
 e) Obtain the names and addresses of the occupants of the other vehicle
and the persons who witnessed the accident.

f) Make notes concerning the date, time and location of the accident
including the particular side of the street you were on and the direction you
were heading. Draw a complete diagram of the scene on paper showing the
roads, and the position of each vehicle and where it came from.

g) Cooperate with the Investigating Officer’s request for witnesses’ name.

Take the name and the badge number of the Investigating Officer.

h) Do not argue or engage in a discussion with the other drivers. When

onlookers or reporters ask questions, do not be rude. Do not discuss the cause
of the accident or give any option about whose fault it was.

i) Make no impulsive admission such as- ‘It was my fault’. This may
create legal problems later on. And in addition, subsequent investigation often
proves that the driver who thinks he/she was at fault may not have been to
blame at all.

j) Do not, on your own, enter into a settlement or compromise agreement

regarding yours or the other party’s criminal or civil liability for the accident.

k) Cooperate with, and state the whole and true facts about the accident
to the organizations’ Safety Representative.

l) In case of vehicle breakdown, call for transportation assistance from

the organization.

5.7 Vehicular Maintenance and Repair Works

5.7.1 Motor Works

a) Vehicles jacked up or hang on chain hoists should always be blocked

with stanchions, pyramid jacks or wood blocks (which have first been carefully
inspected).

b) When a worker is working under a vehicle that is blocked up, other

employees should not work on the same vehicle in such a manner that the
vehicle may be knocked off from its blocks.
 c) Use only electric extension lamps and portable electric tools with cords
and fittings that are in good condition.

d) Persons who work under the vehicle should be safe guarded from
danger when their legs protrude into passageways. Barricades should be used
for protection or else the worker’s entire body should be under the vehicle.

e) Guard against carbon monoxide gas poisoning from the exhaust of

running engines. See to it that there is proper ventilation.

f) All mechanics using sandblasting to clean spark plugs should wear

goggles or face shields.

g) Do not leave gasoline in open containers. Use safe cleaning solvents to

clean parts whenever possible.

h) Keep a pair of safety goggles handy and wear them during work in
which eye protection is needed.

i) Be on guard against flashes or explosions of gasoline, vapors, and

hydrogen from storage batteries. Keep flames and sparks away.

j) If your clothes become soaked with oil or gasoline, change them. Do not
take the risks of catching on fire or getting skin irritations.

k) Make sure all lock washers, cotter pins, tie wires and the like are in
place.

l) Never allow grease and oil to remain on the floor where you and others
might slip on it and fall.

5.7.2 Tires

a) Inflate tires in steel ‘cages’ or similar devices, which will control the
inflation process. A locking ring should be seated properly and should not be
yanked free by being twisted. A defective locking ring or rim should be
replaced.
 b) Only employees thoroughly familiar with the hazards and safe
methods involved in handling tire equipment should inspect, install, repair and
replaces tires and rims

c) Rubber cement and flammable solvents used in patching inner tubes,

and casing compounds used for filling tire cuts should be kept in safe
containers.

d) Electric heating elements used for vulcanizing or branding tires should

be inspected regularly. Defective wiring should be replaced.

5.8 Towing

a) No one shall go between the vehicles while either one is in motion, or

when the vehicles are at stopped position unless their wheels are securely
blocked.

b) Before towing, the vehicles should be secured against movement by

having the brakes set or the wheels blocked.

c) No driver shall move a vehicle while anyone is between the two (2)
vehicles. Before moving a vehicle, the driver shall receive a signal that everyone
is clear.

d) No vehicle shall be towed with a trailer attached to it.

5.9 Hauling of Wood Poles on Stake Trucks without the use of Trailers

a) Only wood poles up to thirty (30) feet in length are allowed to be loaded
in the truck.

b) Load capacity of the truck shall be strictly followed.

c) Proper loading procedures shall be observed.

d) All necessary standard warning signs, red flag and gardener signs, (for
night-time hauling) shall be properly installed.
Safety Tip 5

TARGET potential hazards.

Using the same method of identifying existing

hazards, work your way through the job and
brainstorm. Let everyone have the opportunity
to contribute as you discuss potential hazards.
As the work progresses the leader must
anticipate hazards as his/her team performs
their tasks.

Each person has a responsibility to voice

concerns about a potential safety hazard.
Beyond responsibility is obligation, don’t think
what you have to say will not be received well or
others will laugh. Safety is the primary concern
for the entire team - speak up and save lives.
 CHAPTER 6
OFFICE SAFETY

6.1 Office Safety

a) Running and horse playing in any work area is prohibited.

b) Doors should not be pushed abruptly when opening or slammed when

closing. Do not stay within the path of the door swing.

c) When carrying a stack of material, be sure you can see over and
around it walking. Employees carrying such materials should have both arms
loaded when using stairs; one hand should be free to use the handrails.

d) Employees should not crowd or indulge in horseplay on stairs.

Falls/tripping on stairs occur when the person is talking, laughing, and
turning to friends while going downstairs/upstairs.

e) Do not congregate on stairs or landings, and do not stay outside doors

at the head or feet of stairways.

f) Scooting across the floor while sitting on a chair is prohibited. Leaning

out from the chair to pick up objects on the floor is also dangerous and should
be avoided.

g) When a floor-mounted telephone or electrical outlet box is exposed

after moving furniture, mark the box with the tripping hazard sign until it is
removed.

h) Do not place pencils in any container with points outward.

i) Keep in safe place any pointed or bladed instruments. Do not hand any
such instruments to someone with the point toward him or her.

j) Do not leave the knife blade of a paper cutter in the raised position. Do
not leave breakable objects on the edge of your desk or tables where they can
easily be pushed off.

k) Office machines and equipment should be operated only by authorized

persons. No one should tinker with interlocks on the equipment guards.
Machines or equipment should not be cleaned or service while they are in
operation.

6.2 Office Furniture and Equipment

a) Before receiving new office furniture it should be referred to the

concerned office for inspection as to compliance with specifications and
workmanship. Existing furniture found defective should immediately be
reported to the concerned office for repair. Defective furniture that poses an
accident hazard should be properly marked or tagged.

b) Keep desks or filing cabinet drawers closed to prevent tripping over

them.

c) Unplug from the power source the electric machine/equipment when

unattended and after office hours.

d) All electric machines should be provided with adequate equipment

grounding before use.

e) Rolling ladders and stands used for reaching high storage areas should
have brakes and the like that operate automatically when weight is applied to
them.

f) Proper handling and use of office furniture and equipment should

always be exercised.

g) Unstable cabinets/shelving should be immediately reported to the

concerned office for remedial measures.

h) Do not stand on a lower shelf rung or any other unstable

furniture/makeshift stand to reach for things stored above. A standard
ladder/stand for this purpose should be used.

6.3 Good Housekeeping

a) Littering in the work premises is prohibited. Wipe spilled liquids

immediately and pick up pieces of paper, paper clips, rubber bonds, pencils
and other loose objects.
 b) Broken glass should be swept away immediately and disposed of in a
safe place.

c) Tripping hazards such as defective floors, rugs, floor mats, electric or

telephone cords should be reported to the concerned office for remedial
measures.

d) Employees should see to it that their furniture is well arranged and

maintained in its designated place. This will ensure proper office upkeep and
unobstructed evacuation in case of an emergency.

6.4 Fire Hazards

a) Flammable, solvent-soaked or oily rags used for cleaning should be

kept in a metal safety container.

b) Lighted cigars/cigarettes and the like should not be allowed within six
(6) feet where flammable solvents are used.

c) Do not place matchsticks or cigarette butts directly into the

wastebasket; use ashtrays.

d) Do not place a lighted cigar/cigarette and the like on any surface other
than an ashtray.

6.5 Storage and Vaults

a) Materials should be stored where busy passageway does not have to be

crossed to reach them, and they should be stored where they are not likely to
fall on anybody. Also keep passageway clear of obstructions and tripping
hazards.

b) Pile materials neatly in stable piles that will not fall over. The heaviest
and largest pieces should be on the bottom of the pile. Where materials are
stored on shelves, the heavy objects should be on lower shelf.

c) Flammable fluids used in offices should be stored in safety containers.

Lighted cigars/cigarettes and the like shall not be allowed in areas where
flammable fluids are used.
 d) Employees should not stack boxes, papers and other heavy objects on
file cabinets, desks, window ledges or place these materials improperly on
shelves.

e) Card index files, dictionaries or other heavy objects should not be

placed on top of the file cabinet and other high furniture. Movable objects such
as flowerpots, bases, and bottles should not be allowed on windowsills or
ledges.

f) Razor blades, thumb tacks, and other sharp or pointed objects should
not be thrown loosely into drawers. They should be carefully boxed or kept in
suitable containers.

g) Vaults must only be used for storing/safekeeping of official and

confidential documents and/or other official purposes for which the vault is
intended. Their fire-resistive doors must be kept closed when not in use.

h) Lighted cigars/cigarettes and the like are prohibited inside the vault.

i) Only authorized personnel are allowed to enter the vault.

j) Good housekeeping and orderliness should always be maintained in

the vault or storage area.
Safety Tip 6

DEMONSTRATE understanding of
a task by verbal feedback.

How can your leader best determine what you

know? He/she will ask specific questions, and in
your own words you will describe what your
particular task is in completing the overall
project. As a result, both of you will have the
same understanding and expectations.
 CHAPTER 7
CLEARANCE AND TAGGING RULES

7.1 Control

All switching pertaining to lines, sub-station equipment, etc. are under

the jurisdiction of the supervising engineer.

a) No switching shall be done without the prior approval of the

Engineering Office of Maintenance and Construction Office.

b) All tags at the substations must be in the name of the Supervising

Engineer.

c) All tags on the system board and on remote control switches must be
for the person responsible for the work.

d) Clearances should be issued only to properly authorized person whose

names appear in the approved clearance list.

e) It shall be the duty of the supervisors concerned to furnish Office with

complete lists of employees under them who are authorized to request
clearances on lines or substation equipment.

f) No work should be performed on lines or equipment until the office has

been informed as to the exact work location, nature of work to be performed,
the time duration, and the necessary clearance is granted and the appropriate
tag is placed.

g) The person who will perform the switching operation must write down
the orders as given and afterwards read them back to the Office. Said person
shall perform the switching operations exactly in the order given carefully
checking equipment for proper operation. On completion of switching
operations, said person shall report the time of each operation, including the
time clearances tags were placed.

h) Switching at the unattended substations and at the line sectionalizing

points must be performed by persons authorized by the Office.
 i) On completion of any work with ‘Hold Clearance’ tag, the person
responsible for the work shall report to the Office to give exact details as to the
work completed.

7.2 Lines/Equipment Interruption

7.2.1 The Office shall require the following information:

a) Exact nature of the work and its location;

b) All switches, lines or equipment that will be involved;

c) Date and time required for the work to be started and completed; and

d) Supervisor or foreman/leadman responsible for the work.

7.2.2 The Office shall investigate the load conditions and requirements for
each line and if in its judgement each line can be released, permission to work
on the line may be granted. The Office shall make sure that the work to be
done will not interfere with or make unsafe any other work to be done on the
same on the same or other requirement/lines at the time.

7.2.3 If customers are involved, the supervisor under whose overall control the
job is to be done shall accomplish a ‘Request for interruption of customer
Service’ and have it approved. One copy should be forwarded to the Office
which will see that necessary arrangements are made with consumers whose
services are to be affected. The other copies should be routed to the respective
offices concerned.

7.2.4 The person performing the switching operation must write down the
order given and repeat it back to the Office exactly in the same sequence as
given before executing the switching operation. Then the said person shall
report the completed switching naming all the switches opened for
confirmation. Normally open switches must be checked. All switching msut be
recorded in a switching log.

7.3 Hold Clearance and Tagging

7.3.1 All switches at the sectionalizing points must be tagged ‘Hold Clearance’
for the Office. The following should be written on the tag:
 a) Name of the station/location, circuit number, and date;

b) Time when tag is put on;

c) Time when tag is removed;

d) Name of person placing tag;

e) Name of the Supervisor ordering the tag attachment and removal; and

f) Number or name of the switch.

7.3.2 All tags must be placed on the system boards and on the remote control
switches on the supervisory board at the Office. They must be in the name of
the supervisor or person responsible for the work.

The following should be written on the tag:

a) Name of station/location, circuit number, and date;

b) Time when tag is put on;

c) Time when tag is removed;

d) Name of the supervisors or persons responsible for the work;

e) Name of the supervisor ordering the tag attachment and removal; and

f) Number or name of switch

Note: Switch symbols on the system board should show their actual
positions at the substations.

7.3.3 Before Hold Clearance tag clearances can be issued on circuits or

equipment, gang-operated or motor operated disconnect or air break switches
must be mechanically locked in the open position after all blades are checked
open.

7.3.4 When placing a Hold Clearance tag on potential transformers or

equipment to which potential transformer are connected, the low voltage fuses
or switches, as well as the high voltage fuses or switches, must be opened to
prevent energizing the equipment.

7.3.5 A Hold Clearance tag must never be placed on any equipment/circuit,

which is energized or in service.

7.3.6 After all switches involved have been opened (All possible sources of
power have been checked and isolated) and tags have been properly attached,
the supervisor shall notify the Supervising Engineer or persons responsible for
the work, naming each place where switches have been opened, switches that
are normally open and where tags have been placed.

7.4 Execution of the Work

a) After the party who is responsible for the work has been confirmed
with the Supervising Engineer and has determined that the switches opened
and tagged agree with the line diagram, he/she shall test with an approved
testing device the line or equipment upon which he/she will work and if found
de-energized shall install an approved grounding device on each side of the
work area, first to the ground and then to all phase of the line or equipment.
Only then shall the crew proceed with the work.

b) When arrangements are made for doing the work and definite time is
granted by the Supervising Engineer, it should be understood that the line or
equipment should be ready for service at the expiration of this time. If on the
other hand, the party doing the work finds that he/she is unable to finish the
job within the allotted time, he/she shall notify the Supervising Engineer to get
an extension of timeor get additional instructions.

c) When a second crew wants to work on any circuit or equipment, which

has been previously tagged, the second crew shall have its tag attached to all
switches concerned after clearance with the Supervising Engineer before doing
any work. The same rule should be observed by the third and subsequent
crews.

7.6 Work Turned Over to Another Worker

7.6.1 If it is necessary for a worker for whom the tag was attached to leave
before the completion of the work and the job is to be turned over to and
finished by, another worker, the following shall be observed:
 a) After having been briefed by the outgoing worker of the nature and
progress of the work, the new worker shall request the Supervising Engineer to
have these tags attached to all switches concerned.

b) After the tags of the incoming party have been installed or transferred,
the outgoing worker will then request the Supervising Engineer to have his/her
tags removed.

7.7 Caution Clearance

7.7.1 This particular kind of clearance is intended to prevent a live circuit

which has tripped from being re-energized while work is being done on or near
it.

a) All requests for caution tagging should be approved by the Supervising

Engineer. This should be done at anytime when a person might be endangered
by the re-energizing of a circuit on which work is being performed.

b) Only workers familiar with the rules herein set forth and with the
circuit(s) equipment upon which they are to work shall be permitted to request
caution tagging and to take charge of the work.

c) At any point of the work when there is any possibility that the work
will cause flashover or other hazards on a line/equipment, the person in-
charge of the work shall request for a caution tag.

d) The person desiring to perform work for which a caution tag is

necessary shall notify the Supervising Engineer at least one hour before the
work is started (except in case of emergency) explaining the exact work to be
performed and the hazards involved. The nature of the work to be performed
should be thoroughly understood by the Supervising Engineer. The exact
location of the job should be made known to the Supervising engineer.

e) The Supervising Engineer, upon receipt of the caution clearance

request, shall have reclosers of circuit breakers or the switch of circuit
reclosers put at the off position to prevent undesirable reclosing of breakers. A
caution tag should be attached to the controls of each circuit breaker. A
corresponding caution tag should be attached to the switch symbol.
 f) After the proper caution tags have been placed on all switches
concerned, the Supervising Engineer shall inform the person in charge that the
work can be started.

g) In case the line or equipment upon which a caution clearance has

been issued becomes de-energized, the Supervising Engineer shall make every
effort to communicate with the person in charge of the work, and likewise the
latter must make every effort to contact the Supervising Engineer so that
he/she could be informed of what happened and for him/her to determine
whether or not the line or equipment is clear and can be de-energized.

h) Immediately after the completion of the work on the line or equipment,

the person to whom caution clearance has been issued shall notify the
Supervising Engineer who shall in turn, have the caution tags removed and the
line or equipment returned to normal condition.

i) Caution clearance shall not be given on circuits while protective relays

are out of service on any breaker.

j) While the circuit is covered by the caution order, the protective relay for
the breaker in service shall not be removed.

7.8 Tags to Use

7.8.1 At the substations and on switches in the field, the following shall be
used:

a) Hold clearance

b) Caution clearance

7.9 Equipment Maintenance Work

7.9.1 Definitions and Procedures

For uniform interpretation, the following terms are defined as they apply
to mechanical tagging procedures:

a) Supervising Engineer – The person who is responsible for

implementing all the tagging rules.
 b) Foreman/Leadman – The person who is responsible for issuing
appropriate tags necessary for protection and under whose order all the
equipment isolation and tagging operations are carried out.

c) Inoperative Tag – A tag used to indicate that the device to which it is

attached has been closed and rendered inoperative for the protection of
workers. Devices so tagged should not be opened.

d) Electrical Tag – A tag used to indicate that the switch to which it is

attached has been opened for the protection of workers and the equipment or
circuit has been de-energized. Switches so tagged should not be turned on.

e) Equipment Test Tag – A tag used to indicate that the equipment is

undergoing test or special inspection. Any device, which has this tag attached,
can be operated only by the person for whom the tag was placed. The person
who obtains this tag protection must advise and safeguard employees when
he/she conduct any test. The equipment may be either ‘opened’ or ‘closed’ or
‘throttled’ for purpose of test or inspection.

f) Defective Equipment Tag – A tag used to indicate that the equipment,

device, vehicle or tool to which it is attached is mechanically or electrically
defective or unsafe and shall not be used or operated until properly repaired or
replaced.

g) Gas-Free Tag – A tag used to indicate that the device and/or area to
which it is attached have been rendered gas-free for the protection of workers.
It should be permissible, for the purpose of carrying out tests or effecting
repairs and/or alterations, to use soldering apparatus or other means involving
flame, fire or heat or to use industrial type apparatus in any normally
dangerous area, provided that such area has been first made safe and certified
gas free by a competent person, and is maintained in that state so long as the
work in progress. Under the same condition it is also permissible to restore
voltage to the apparatus for testing purposes during a period or repair or
alteration.

7.9.2 All supervisory personnel, operators, and others involved in jobs where
tagging applies shall observe and observe rigidity the procedure herein
outlined, shall insist that sufficient tagging for complete protection is provided,
and shall see that accurate records of all tags are maintained.
 a) Standard tags should be properly filled up by the authorized person
only in ink and recorded in a logbook.

b) Only the following are authorized to request for the appropriate tagging
protection:

1. Supervising Engineer

2. Foreman/leadman or supervisor

3. In the absence of any foregoing persons, such qualified

employees who shall specially authorized in writing for the purpose
by the Supervising Engineer

7.9.3 The supervisor(s) authorized to obtain protection for the purpose of

maintenance inspection or testing of the equipment, etc., shall either perform
the work himself/herself or supervise the work.

a) The supervisor(s) authorized to obtain protection has been issued shall

be responsible for making certain that sufficient and adequate safeguards are
provided, and shall be responsible for informing the personnel of the limits of
the protection.

b) When separate jobs are being performed on the same circuit, each
supervisor shall secure his/her own protection and tagging.

7.9.4 Entering Closed or Semi-Closed Areas

a) When employees are working inside a cistern, manhole, etc., a sign

stating ‘CAUTION – WORKER INSIDE’ should be placed outside the enclosure
in a conspicuous spot.

b) The ‘CAUTION – WORKER INSIDE’ sign may be removed only by the

foreman/leadman after he/she is satisfied that the interior work is finished,
and the workers, as well as the tools and equipment are out of the enclosure.
No piece of equipment may be scaled, shut or energized while it is tagged with
‘CAUTION – WORKER INSIDE’ sign.
7.9.5 Equipment Test

Equipment undergoing test and inspection should be taken out of

normal service and tagged.

7.9.6 Isolating and Tagging Electrical Equipment

a) Electrical tagging procedures should be followed whenever an electrical

circuit or piece of electrical equipment is to be taken out of service and de –
energized for maintenance or inspection.

b) Electrical circuits and equipment should be considered energized or

‘LIVE’ at all times unless they have been taken out from service, de-energized,
properly provided with a grounding device, and isolated by open switches, open
fuse links or open leads.

c) Open switches, open fuse links and open leads should be properly
tagged when used to isolate electrical circuits and equipment.

d) When work is to be done immediately adjacent to exposed ‘LIVE’ parts,

the adjacent ‘LIVE’ parts should also be de-energized, where practical. If the
adjacent ‘LIVE’ parts cannot be de-energized, approved protective devices
should be installed and barricades provided,

e) In those cases where electrical supple sources to mechanical

equipment are to be energized and de-energized intermittently for mechanical
inspection or adjustment purposes on equipment, all switch control points
should be tagged.

7.9.7 Restoring Equipment to Service

After the job has been completed and the supervisor responsible for the
work is absolutely sure that all the workers under his/her direction are safety
clear of circuits and equipment operated by such circuits, he/she shall
removed and sign the tag and test the equipment prior to restoring to normal
operations. Tags should then be turned over to the office of the Supervising
Engineer for proper recording and disposal.
7.9.8 Work Turned Over to another Work Group or Supervisor (During
Shutdown)

If it is necessary for a supervisor to turn the job over to another before

the work has been completed, the outgoing supervisor must turn over the tag,
with proper notation at the back, to the relieving supervisor.
Safety Tip 7

OBEY relevant safety rules.

Once you KNOW then, you OBEY. Go over
relevant safety rules and required protective
equipment. Why not keep your safety
handbook handy and check it out for yourself?
This will help you become more familiar with
the handbook and keep on your ‘safety toes’.
Besides next time a question comes up about a
safety rule you’ll know where to find it!
Individual review plus supervisor input plus
group discussion plus individual obedience
equals SAFE WORK HABITS!

Obedience may sometimes seem boring and

confining, however, yours is not to question
why, yours is but to do or die… LITERALLY!
 CHAPTER 8
CHEMICALS

8.1 Handling of chemicals

8.1.1 In jobs where industrial and laboratory chemicals are used, the following
safety and health measures should be observed:

a) All workers shall be fully instructed as to hazard of chemicals and the

necessary precautionary measures required in handling them.

b) Work areas, equipment and machinery should be properly cleaned

daily.

c) Workers who are in contact with skin irritants shall wear clean
impervious gloves, aprons, shoes, and other required protective devices.

d) Obtain prompt medical treatment in case of any kind of body contact

with acid.

e) Containers and bottles containing chemicals should be properly

labeled. Highly poisonous one should carry the standard poison’s label.

8.2 Bulk Chemicals

a) Bulk chemicals should be stored in a clean, dry and well-ventilated

section of the storeroom, or preferably in a chemical storage room if available.
All containers should be kept closed, and any containers, such as bags, that
have been broken, should be discarded.

b) Spillage should be avoided and any chemical deposited on the floor

should be removed. This is especially true of caustic soda, which is hygroscopic
and its presence on the floor can constitute a hazard.

c) Alkali burns can be serious nature hence, when handling large

quantities of caustic soda or slightly milder alkalies, rubber gloves should be
used as well as goggles.
8.3 Caustic Soda

a) Because of the nature of the material, container should be watertight

and strong enough to withstand normal handling. Containers in storage should
be periodically checked for good condition. Leaks or spills should be cleaned up
and the cause removed immediately.

b) Containers into which hot caustic is to be run should bee absolutely

dry and free of acid in order to guard against explosions. Extreme caution on
the part of workers must be exercised to prevent splashing when the liquid is
poured into containers.

c) When mixing caustic soda with water, always add the caustic soda to
the full amount of water. Never use the reverse procedure, otherwise, boilin,
splattering, and violent ejection of quantities of the mixture may result and
create a serious hazard.

d) Large chunks of solidified caustic soda to be broken into pieces should

be contained in or covered with a soft material such as burlap to prevent chips
from flying.

e) Spilled caustic soda should be washed away with water, rather than
swept in its dried form; to prevent caustic dust from flying.

f) Workers who are exposed to handling of caustic soda should wear long-
sleeved cotton overalls. The cuffs of the long sleeves should overlap the rubber
gloves worn. Trouser’s cuffs should also overlap with the rubber shoes or
rubber boots worn.

g) When caustic soda of any description gets into the eyes, immediately
flush eyes with clean water. Nothing but water should be put into the eyes
except upon the order of a physician.

8.4 Combustible Gases

a) Keep sparks and flames away from cylinders.

b) Connections to piping, regulators and other appliances should always

be kept tight to prevent leakage. Where a hose is used, it should be kept in
good condition.
 c) Never use an open flame to detect combustible leaks. Instead, use
soapy water.

d) When cylinders are not in use, keep valves tightly closed.

e) Do not use a cylinder of compressed gas without the pressure-reducing

regulator attached to the cylinder valve except when cylinders are attached to
the manifold, in which case, the regulator will be attached to the manifold
header.

f) After removing the valve cap, slightly open the valve an instant to clear
its opening of particles of dust and dirt.

g) In the case of a cylinder of hydrogen, never attempt to open the valve

to clear its opening of particles of dust and or dirt.

h) If a valve is difficult to open, point the valve opening away from you,
and use greater force. Do not, however, use a wrench on valves equipped with
hand wheels or hammer the valve wheel while attempting to open or close the
valve. If still the cannot be opened, return the cylinder to the vendor for
replacement.

i) After attaching the regulator and before opening the cylinder valve, see
to it that the adjusting screw of the regulator is released.

j) Never permit the gas to enter the regulator suddenly. Open the cylinder
valve slowly.

k) Before the regulator is removed from the cylinder, close the cylinder
valve and release all gas from the regulator.

l) Never interchange a combustible gas regulator, hose, or other

appliance with similar equipment intended for use with other gases.

m) Store all cylinders containing combustible gases in a well-ventilated

place and in an upright position.

n) Do not store reserve stocks of cylinders containing oxygen. They

should be grouped separately.
8.5 Flammable and Combustible Liquids

a) Mixing flammable liquids shall be avoided. A small amount of acetone

accidentally put into a kerosene tank may lower the flash point contents,
because of the relatively high volatility of acetone, and create a flammable
mixture. Gasoline mixed with fuel oil may change the flash point sufficiently to
make the fuel of hazardous in ordinary use.

b) Control valves on equipments containing flammable liquids should be

identified by color or tag, or both.

c) Smoking and carrying of matches, lighters, and other spark-producing

devices is prohibited in a building or area where flammable liquids are stored,
handled, or used, or where loading and unloading operations are performed.

d) Above ground tanks used for storage of flammable liquids should be

properly grounded. Ground wire should be bare so it may be easily inspected
for mechanical damage.

e) A combustible gas indicator should be used only by experienced

persons, and the operator should follow the manufacturer’s instructions on
balancing the unit.

f) Storage of gasoline or other flammable liquids, glass or open containers

are prohibited. Gasoline must be stored in closed metal containers painted in
red. If gasoline is used, it must be in approved cans.

8.6 Wood Pole Preservatives and Insecticides

All wood preservatives are poiosonous to some degree and some people
are more susceptible to these poisons than others. They are also harmful to
plant and animal life. The proper care and handling of preservatives is critical
to a good Safety Program. After handling wood preservatives, your hands
should be thoroughly washed with soap and water.

8.6.1 Paste Preservatives

a) Ground-line preservatives are to be used for no other purpose than

that intended. Follow all instructions on the label for proper use.
 b) The worker must wear a shirt, safety shoes, and plastic gloves at all
times and a face shield as needed.

c) Keep children, pets, and onlookers away from the material and are of
application.

d) Keep lids closed on all buckets when not in use. When not in use the
applicator brush should be placed in a canvass bag designed for the purpose.

e) Empty cans should be disposed off according to manufacturer’s

directions. Do not give away empty cans to anyone for any reason.

f) In case material comes in contact with the skin, flush with water at
once before a burn ensues. In cases of burn, wipe of the material and wash the
skin with soap and water. Apply a burn compound to the affected area.

g) In case material comes in contact with the eyes, remove with castor oil
only.

h) Do not splash materials on plants, bushes or flowers.

i) All paste material on the pole should be covered with an approved

plastic moisture barrier.

j) Where animals may come into contact with the material, keep it above
ground level.

8.6.2 Liquid Preservatives

a) Liquid preservatives are to be used for no other purpose than that

intended. Follow all instructions on the label for proper use and procedures to
be followed in case of ingestion, spills or skin contact.

b) Plastic goggles and gloves shall be worn during handling, pouring and
application.

c) Keep children, pets and onlookers at least 15 feet away from the
application area.
 d) Keep the liquid off plants, bushes and flowers. Do not spray liquid on
the ground.

e) Release pressure after each application. Do not transport pressurized

tanks.

f) Be sure your head is not over the top of the can when pumping
pressure into the tank.

g) Inspect hoses and gaskets frequently, and replace them when worn,
swollen or deteriorated.

h) Tanks are to be secured to the truck when not being used.

i) Do not re-use an empty container. Destroy it by perforating or

crushing. Dispose of it in a safe place away from water supplies.

8.6.3 Wood Pole Fumigants

a) Before handling the fumigants, be thoroughly familiar with the label

and never deviate from the instructions on the label.

b) Be sure proper label is affixed to all containers.

c) Empty container should be discarded according to manufacturer’s

directions.

d) A face shield, plastic gloves and safety shoes should be worn whenever
fumigant is being handled on the job.

e) Fumigants spilled on a leather shoes will burn the skin in a short time.
Remove shoes at once if a spill occurs. Do not reuse boots or shoes until
washed with water inside and out, and allowed to dry.

f) If fumigants are splashed on clothing, remove the clothing and run

water over its contaminated portion. Fumigants should be removed from the
skin by flushing with water.

g) Never allow anyone of the work crew to handle a fumigant unless they
are thoroughly familiar with the rules.
 h) A cork or a fiber gasket should be placed in the cap of the dispenser
bottle to prevent leaks.

i) Do not allow the fumigant to overflow the hole and run down the pole.

j) Do not use fumigant where drinking water, ponds or streams may be

polluted.

8.6.4 Insecticides

a) Insecticides are to be used for no other purpose than that intended. All
instructions and precautions on the label should be followed.

b) Cover or remove exposed food before treatment.

c) All food container surfaces should be properly covered before

treatment, or thoroughly cleaned with soap and water after treatment before
being used.

d) Before spraying, the room should be closed and air conditioning or

ventilating equipment shut off. After spraying, leave the room closed for one-
half hour. Ventilate the room thoroughly before re-entry.

e) Apply insecticides only in areas when the facility is not in operation.

f) Insecticides should not be used, poured, or stored near heat or open

flame.

g) Insecticides should not be placed/stored within reach of children.

h) Workers doing spraying with insecticides should wear an approved

respirator for protection against harmful chemicals.

i) People doing the spraying should not eat, smoke, or drink while on the
job. They should wash their faces and hands thoroughly before eating, rinse
out their mouths before drinking, and have a shower and change of outer
clothing after completing the work.
 j) In case of ingestion (swallowing) of insecticides, vomiting should be
induced immediately to remove the substance from the stomach. The
individual should be kept calm and warm until he/she can be placed under a
care of a physician. Oily material should be given under any circumstances.

k) Insecticides in the eye should be washed (flushed) out immediately

with plenty of water, as in the case of any other chemical in the eye, and the
person should be sent to a physician.

l) Do not re-use empty containers. Perforate or crush and dispose of them

in accordance with manufacturer’s direction.
Safety Tip 8

WORK OUT sufficient time for

the job.
This means taking time to complete the job in
safe manner. As you plan the overall task, allow
for additional time required to do the job in
safe manner.

Allowing time for safety gives you the freedom

and flexibility to really focus on your task;
REMEMBER, no task is so vital that safety
precaution should be ignored.

Task time + safety + tasks completed safely and

well.
 CHAPTER 9
FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL

9.1 Fire Prevention

a) The best time to stop a fire is before it starts. Electrical equipment,

machinery and processing equipment home conditions and other sources of
fire should be checked for fire hazards at regular intervals.

b) Fire fighting equipment should be checked regularly to be sure that it

is ready for any emergency. Each designated employee must become proficient
in the method fire fighting equipment installed in the area where he/she works.

c) Gasoline, oil gases and other volatile liquids with a low flash point
should be handled with great care. Open flames, lighted cigars, cigarettes or
pipes should be kept away from them.

d) Employees should eliminate or report to their immediate supervisor,

fire hazards, particularly in their work area, which may cause the loss of life
and destruction of the organization’s property.

9.2 Housekeeping

a) Oil-soaked and paint-saturated rags, waste and other combustible

refuse should be deposited in non-combustible covered receptacles, having self-
closing covers, and removed daily from the work area for proper disposal.

b) A receptacle on safe collection and disposal of all combustible waste

and rubbish should be a part of the fire prevention program.

c) Accumulations of all types of dust should be cleaned at regular

intervals from overhead pipes, beams and machines, particularly from bearings
and other heated features.

d) Roofs should be kept free of sawdust, shavings and other combustible

refuse. No such materials should be stored or allowed to accumulate in air
shafts, and stair shafts, tunnels, out-of-the-way corners, near electric motors
or machinery, against steam pipes, or within 10 feet of any stove, furnace, or
boiler.
 e) All passageway leading to portable fire extinguishers, fire hoses
cabinets and fire exits must be kept free from obstruction at all times. Portable
fire extinguishers should not be relocated from their officially designated place.

9.3 Rubbish Disposal

a) Combustible rubbish, weeds and grass should not be allowed to

accumulate in substation yards, in or around pole yards, or near buildings
around combustible materials, or in storage drums/tanks of flammable liquids.

b) Rubbish should be dumped only in incinerators or designated areas

away from buildings, sheds, lumber piles, fences and grass or other
combustible materials.

c) Wind and weather conditions should before fires are lighted. Only
controllable amount of materials should be burned at one time, and a fire hose
or other suitable fire fighting equipment should be on hand. In no case should
a fire be started on a windy day where there is a possibility of the fire getting
out of control.

9.4 Electrical Equipment Fires

a) Only approved electrical equipment should be used where flammable

gases or vapors may be present.

b) Makeshift wiring should not be used unless absolutely necessary and

then only for temporary use. In such cases, it must be adequately protected,
properly barricaded and should be removed as soon as possible. In no instance
should defective or undersized wires be used.

c) Portable electrical tools and extension cords should be inspected at

frequent intervals and repaired or replaced promptly when found defective.
Operators should also visually check them before use.

d) Waterproof and sockets should be used in damp places, and explosion

proof fixtures and lamps should be used in the presence of highly flammable
gases and vapors.

e) Portable lamp bulbs should be protected by heavy lamp guards or by

adequately sealed transparent enclosers and kept away from sharp objects and
from falling debris. Bare bulbs should never be used when exposed to
flammable dust or vapors. Lamp bulbs must be considered as potential
hazards in areas where flammable dusts or vapors exist; they must be
safeguarded accordingly.

f) Employees should not tamper with or block circuit breakers, use wrong
fuses, or bypass fuses.

g) Personally owned electrical cooking/heating appliances such as

percolators, stoves and the like should not be plugged into electrical outlets
unless duly authorized by the Department Head concerned.

h) Electrical installations and all electrical equipments should be

periodically inspected and tested to assure continued satisfactory performance
and to detect deficiencies.

9.5 Smoking

a) In areas, where smoking is prohibited, ‘NO SMOKING’ signs should be

posted conspicuously.

b) Where flammable and combustible liquids, vapors, chemicals, gases

and the like are stored or hauled, employees should be prohibited from
carrying matches, lighters and other spark-producing devices.

c) Do not place matchsticks directly into the wastebasket; use ashtray.

d) Do not place a lighted cigar or cigarette and the like on any surface
other than an ashtray.

e) Before leaving the work area for lunch or after office hours, ashtrays,
floors, tables, chairs and tops of cabinets should be checked for lighted
smoking materials.

9.7 Transporting Flammable Liquids

9.7.1 The transporting of any flammable liquid aboard the organization’s

vehicles is prohibited.
9.7.2 The organization’s trucks/pick-ups which normally carry small amount
of gasoline for engine-driven equipment such as power saws, generators,
mowers, etc., shall be permitted to do so, provided, that only approved type
containers for flammable liquids are utilized and the following requirements are
satisfied.

a) A metal container of heavy gauge with a maximum capacity of 20 liters

should be used. It should be checked for rust and weak spots that may easily
fail due to excessive vibration and pressure build-up.

b) Loading is limited to a maximum capacity of two (2) twenty liter

containers only.

c) Caps should be tightly closed and provided with rubber seals to

prevent vapour leakage.

d) Containers should be properly cushioned and secured by the use of

wooden racks, ropes, etc., to prevent metal-to-metal contact due to vibration
while in transport.

e) A well-ventilated truck/pick-up, preferably with an open rear-end,

should be used.

f) The vehicle should be equipped with at least one (1) unit of 10 lbs. dry
chemical or one (1) unit of 12 lbs. BCF (Boromochlorodiflouromethane) fire
extinguisher.

9.8 Portable and Manual Fire Control Equipment

9.8.1 Inspection and Maintenance

a) Extinguisher should be maintained in a fully charged and operable

condition and kept in their designated places at all times, except when being
used, tested, repaired and replaced.
b) Extinguishers removed from the premises where they are regularly
installed for recharging or repair should be temporarily replaced by a spare
extinguisher of the same extinguishers should be inspected monthly or at more
frequent intervals when circumstances require, to ensure they are in their
designated places, that they have not been tampered with and that they are
fully charged and pressurized, and to detect type and capacity.
 c) Extinguisher should be inspected monthly or at more frequent
intervals when circumstances require, to ensure they are in their designated
places, that they have not been tampered with and that they are fully charged
and pressurized, and to detect any physical damage, corrosions, or other
impairments. Extinguishers or parts thereof, which are not in good condition,
should be immediately recharged, repaired or replaced.

d) Each extinguisher should have a durable tag securely attached to

show the maintenance or recharge date, the initials or signature of the person
who performs this service.

e) Caps should always be replaced on the same shell from which they are
removed to prevent mismating of threads. A small amount of Vaseline or any
other acceptable substitute should be applied to cap threads. Caps should be
screwed on tightly, making sure that the threads are properly engaged.

f) Fire fighting equipment should not be tinkered with or rendered

inoperable or ineffective.

9.8.2 Installation

a) Extinguisher should not be obstructed or obscured from view. In large

rooms and in certain locations where visual obstruction cannot be completely
avoided, the location and intended use of the extinguisher should be indicated
conspicuously.

b) If extinguishers intended for different classes of fires are placed

together, the intended application of each should be marked conspicuously to
insure use of the proper extinguisher.

c) In situations where extinguishers must be temporarily provided,

unless they are of the wheel type, they should be installed on standard portable
stands or set on shelves.

d) Extinguishers should be installed with the operating instructions

facing outward. The location of each extinguisher should be marked
conspicuously.

9.8.3 Hydrostatic Pressure Test

 a) If, at any time, an extinguisher shows evidence of corrosion or
mechanical defect, it should be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test.

b) Nitrogen cylinders (or other cylinders used for inert-gas storage) such
as found on wheeled extinguishers, should be tested at five-year interval.

c) On extinguishers, which are equipped with shut-off valves at the outlet

end of the hose (except carbon dioxide), a hydrostatic test should be performed
on the hose and couplings (excluding nozzles) at a test pressure of 300 pounds
per square inch (psi) and at a test interval equivalent to the unit.

d) The hydrostatic pressure test date should be recorded on a record tag

of metal or equally durable material, or suitable metalized decal which should
affixed (by a heatless process) to the shell of the extinguisher which favourably
passes by the hydrostatic pressure test. The record tag shall contain the
following information: date of test; test pressure; and name or initials of
persons or agency making the test.

e) For extinguishers subjected to an original factory set pressure of 350

psi or greater, the tested pressure should be 75 percent of the factory tested
pressure (as noted on the extinguisher name plate) but in no case less than
300 psi, for extinguisher subjected to an original factory test of pressure of less
than 350 psi, the tested pressure should be 75 percent of the factory tested
pressure.

f) Extinguisher shells, cartridges or cylinders, which shows leakage or

permanent distortion in excess of specified limits, should be removed from
service.

9.9 Care of Fire Equipment

9.9.1 Fire Hoses

a) Fire hoses should be in good order and care for properly. They should
not be used except for the intended purpose.

b) Fire hoses provided for yard hydrants should be kept on well-

ventilated hose houses with sufficient space to hold the hose and equipment.
Hot locations should be avoided, if possible. The hose should also be stored
that it may unrolled easily when required.

c) Care must be taken so that gasoline, grease, harmful chemicals and

acids do not come in contact with the hose. Where such exposure is likely to
occur, hoses resistant to these agents should be used. If a hose does come in
contact with any of the above materials, it should be washed with soap and
thoroughly rinsed with water. After use, the hose must be drained, cleaned and
dried before it is placed in the storage.

d) Do not store a hose until it is thoroughly dry. Drying must be done

carefully by hanging the hose or placing it on rack.

e) A hose should not be dried in the sun, or on concrete roadways or

sidewalks. Just as soon as the hose is thoroughly dry, it should be removed
from exposure to the weather. Over-exposure, especially in the sun can be
damaging. A hose should not be left in hot drying towers or cabinets after
drying has been completed.

f) If the hose appears to be defective, it should be tested hydrostatically

and replaced if necessary. If the hose has had prolonged or severe use at a fire,
it should be inspected and tested.

9.9.2 Nozzles

a) All nozzles should be checked periodically and immediately after use.

b) If there is an obstruction that cannot be removed by fully opening the

nozzle, the nozzle should be removed from the hose line and the obstruction
removed through the coupling end, since any further attempt to force it out
through tip may damage the nozzle.

c) Care should be taken to avoid dents or nicks in nozzles tips, as this

can seriously affect the reach of the stream. Nozzles should not be dropped or
thrown aside.

d) Nozzle control valves should be opened and closed slowly. This will
eliminate unnecessary strain on the hose and coupling and reduce pressure
surges. Except in the case of small volume streams at low pressure, the nozzle
should be shut off when it is being moved to a new position at the fire scene.
 e) Nozzles should be washed with soap and hot water. Submerge the
nozzle and work the sleeve or roller until a free movement is obtained and then
rinse it water. Lubricate the shut off valve with silicone grease.

f) When using a nozzle, care should be taken not to twist or bend the
handle of the shut off valve. Either of these conditions may prevent the valve
from opening fully or may permit the valve to go past the full opening. In both
instances, the waterways would not be fully open and the result would be a
broken water stream.

g) During inspection, check the nozzle valve work freely. Otherwise they
should be immediately taken out of service, temporarily replaced and repaired.

9.9.3 Couplings

a) Coupling should be kept in good operating condition. After each time

the hose is used, the coupling threads should be examined. Any length of hose
with defective or damaged couplings should be removed from service and
repaired.

b) Couplings should not be greased or oiled if found to be stuck.

Ordinarily they can be freed satisfactorily by immersion in warm soapy water.

c) When disconnecting the line after use, care should be taken not to
drop couplings on the pavement or other hard surface.

d) If for any reason, it is necessary to move apparatus after lines were in

operation, care should be taken to avoid driving over couplings. This can
deform couplings.

e) An inspection should be made to see that the hose is firmly attached to

the coupling so that the coupling and the hose do not come apart.

9.9.4 Gaskets

a) When coupling are inspected, the gasket in the swivel should be

checked. Rubber gaskets deteriorate with age and can break away from the
washer or gasket seat.
 b) Care should be taken that the gasket does not protrude into the
waterways, particularly at the nozzle coupling as this can cause a ragged
stream, thus reducing the effective reach of the nozzle.
Safety Tip 9

NOTE: required equipment.

What equipment is needed for personal
protection and what equipment is needed for
protection of the work site? Is the necessary
equipment in good condition? Rubber gloves,
steel-toed safety boots, safety glasses and hard
hats are a few of the items used for personal
safety. Work site protective equipment might
include warning signs, barricades, grounds,
cover-up, etc.

Always examine carefully the equipment you

plan to use. Don’t bet your life on defective
equipment. Your safety handbook and/or
foreman/leadman will have specific
instructions on required protective equipment.
When in doubt, check it out!
 CHAPTER 10
FIRST AID TREATMENT AND RESUSCITATION

First aid is the immediate temporary care of a person(s) in case of

accident or sudden illness before the services of a physician can be secured.
After first aid is given, the injured or sick employee should be brought to the
nearest medical facility if immediate medical help is needed.

10.1 General Considerations

a) A first aid kit should be readily available at all times to all mobile
crews. First aid kit must be properly maintained and inspected at frequent
intervals by the supervisor or others in charge.

b) Stop and think. Keep calm in all emergencies. If you are familiar with
first aid methods, do not hesitate to take charge of the situation. Direct the
action of others and do everything in your power to preserve the life and
comfort of the injured. If you are not familiar with first aid methods, ask
someone to do it.

c) Do not move an injured person unless absolutely necessary. Do not be

in a hurry to transport the victim. Much harm may be done by mishandling,
jarring and shaking the victim.

Follow the procedures in the Philippine National Red Cross manual.

Safety Tip 10

NO EXCUSES. . .
Okay, you have the information, the proper
tools, safety equipment in good condition and
the support of a caring, informed team. The
choice is yours… play it safe or don’t play at all.
 CHAPTER 11
GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES

11.1 Antenna location

a) Locate all antennas at a safe distance from power lines- a horizontal

distance from the base of the power line of at least twice the length of the
antenna structure.

b) When putting up or taking down an antenna, have enough help to

control the whole structure. It’s a good idea to have an observer to watch the
work and summon help if needed.

c) Plan installation activities ahead of time to avoid misunderstandings.

d) Locate guy wires and anchoring devices so there is no chance of them

coming into contact with any power line, service line or communications line. If
a metal guy wire contacts any power source, the antenna and mast will be de
energized.

e) Don’t install or work with an antenna, mast or guys in wet or windy

weather.

11.2 Repair of Lines at Night

a) Before work begins, determine who is in charge of the job and discuss
how the job is to be done.

b) Disconnect the line.

c) Ground on both sides of the work area with approved grounds.

d) Check adjacent spans for possible foreign power lines or other

hazards.

e) Use rubber gloves when handling conductor (s).

f) Middle span splices should not be attempted without lowering the

conductor(s) from adjacent poles.
11.3 Reclosers

a) Clear the circuit of all temporary faults caused by line contact with
tree limbs, birds, lighting, etc. and by swaying of lines.

b) Isolate the smallest practical section of the line, which has a

permanent fault on it, such as broken or shorted wire.

c) Make recurring faults easy to locate so that outage time is kept to a

minimum.

11.4 Accident Prevention

a) Poles – check for leaning, splitting, lightning damage, ground wire

molding and pole conflicts.

b) Cross arms – check for rotting, splitting or twisting, dropped or

missing pins and braces.

c) Line insulators – check for racked or broken insulators and floaters.

d) Conductor clearances – check above ground, from buildings, from

other conductors from metal surfaces and from trees.

e) Conductors - check for broken or twisted strands, kits, twigs, ties, and
uneven sags.

f) Guys – check general condition, insulators and markers.

g) Equipment – check bushings, mountings, signs of problems (bulged

capacitor tank, oil leakage, etc.), surge arresters, hardware (bolts, nuts, j-
hooks, etc.)

h) Underground – check tipped pad-mounted gear, padlocks and warning

signs.

i) Substations – check for fence washouts, locks, warning signs and

general cleanliness.
 j) Miscellaneous – check for vines on poles or guys, clearances with
equipment and warning signs and steps on climbable topwers.

11.5 Safety Strap Use

a) Never place the safety strap above the top cross-arm or in any other
place where it might accidentally slip off.

b) When placing the safety strap high on a bare pole, install a long
through-bolt in the top of gain hole to keep the safety strap from slipping off.

c) Keep plier pokers and other objects well clear of ‘D’ rings to avoid
fouling or hooking safety belts snaps into them.

d) Do not use wire hooks on body belts.

11.6 Recognize and Report Electrical Hazards

a) Learn to Observe

Own your way to and from work, be alert for electrical hazards. Only by
learning to observe will hazards be located.

b) Learn to Recognize Hazards

Hazards such as service drops through trees, bad meter installation,

insufficient line clearance, unmark or unprotected guy wires, and weak
structures can cause accidents and liability claims.

c) Document and Report Hazards

All recognized hazards should be documented and reported. If a serious

emergency exists, alert the consumer and call for service immediately. Remain
at the site and protect everyone from the hazard until the repair crew has
arrived.

11.7 Emergency Action

a) Survey the whole situation.

 b) Control traffic.

c) Don’t assume the line is dead! (Not grounded, not dead).

d) Keep curious bystanders away.

e) After the line is grounded, proceed with the rescue.

f) Remember the basic steps in an emergency:

1. Rescue the victim sand yourself.

2. Restore or maintain breathing and heartbeat.

3. Control heavy bleeding.

4. Treat for poisoning.

5. Prevent shock.

6. Examine the victim carefully.

7. Seek medical help.

8. Keep checking the victim until medical help is obtained.

11.8 Meter Handling

a) Wear rubber gloves when installing or removing meters on energized

circuits, or when checking voltage.

b) Make thorough line-to-ground and line-to-line voltage checks before

installing meters or after any changes to the service installation.

c) Check for signs of tampering. Altering the original circuit could result
in hazardous and unexpected conditions.

d) Handle meters with damaged covers with extreme caution. Severe cuts
can result from broken glass.
 e) Take all possible precautions against dog bites while handling meter-
related duties.

f) Your conduct on consumer premises should be the same, as you would

expect from others on your property.

g) Pay particular attention to gates, fences, lawns, shrubs, and flowers.

h) Adhere strictly to your organization’s policy concerning meter seals.

11.9 Pole Decay

a) Cause of Pole Decay:

Fungus can grow on wood and cause the pole to decay. The spores of
decay fungus are present in soils and air, and must have air, moisture, heat
and food to grow. The absence of any one of these will prevent fungus growth.

b) Ground line – ideal for fungus because all life components present.

c) Loose soil – loosely tamped soil allows air and moisture alongside pole
butt.

d) Air pockets – rocks in backfill create air pockets.

e) Holes – misuse of bars and cant hooks cant hooks cause preservative
to fail.

f) Test Pole for Safety: always inspect for electrical, mechanical and decay
damage before working with or on a pole.

g) Electrical inspection: check near top for splits, splintered or broken

wood fibers.

h) Check around bolts, braces and lag screws for splits and fractures.

i) Check cross arms and other equipment for damage or misplacement

indicating a split pole.
 j) Mechanical Inspection: check poles just below ground-line and at the
top for a break caused by objects striking the pole.

k) Check poles for broken fibers due to vehicles contacting the pole.

l) Decay Inspection: check for bird holes.

m) Check for dark spots and funky-looking wood.

n) Check for decay below the ground line.

11.10 Meter Damage signals

a) Broken, missing or improper seals;

b) Cover pried away from cabinet;

c) Inverted meter;

d) Magnets on meter;

e) Dials out of alignment;

f) Foreign objects inside meter;

g) Damage meter;

h) Very dirty or very clean meter; and

i) Extreme amount of clutter around meter.

11.11 Avoid Power Line Contacts

a) Closely supervise children when they are flying kites.

b) Avoid flying kites in wet, stormy weather. A wet kite string is a good
conductor of electricity and may cause electrocution if it touches s power line.

c) Kites should be flown only in open areas – never near power lines.
Metal lines should never be used near power lines.
 d) If a kite falls into a power line, abandon it. Attempting to remove it is
dangerous.

e) Don’t use materialized kites. This type of kite has been banned by the
Consumer Product Safety Commission.

11.12 Work Area Protection

a) Use signs, barricades, flags and cones, and conform to local codes.

b) Provide flashing lights, flares or area illumination for night operations.

c) Remove and properly store warning equipment as soon as the hazard is

eliminated.

d) Use ‘flagmen’ whenever there is any doubt of effectiveness of warning

equipment.

e) Flagmen should wear orange or red warning garments and place

themselves in protected positions.

f) Flagmen should face the traffic while direct signals that leave no doubt
about their meaning.

11.13 Excavating Cautions

a) Use mechanical excavating equipment only if there is no known danger

of contacting underground facilities.

b) When excavating near underground facilities is necessary, it should be

done only by hand digging.

c) Proper warning devices need to be set up to protect trenching

machines parked or operating on streets or highways.

d) Lower the scoop, blade or bucket to the ground and lock the ignition
system when equipment is left unattended.

11.14 Safe Loads

 a) Carefully estimate load weight before deciding on the size of rope sling
to be used in lifting it.

b) The maximum load may be lifted when all legs of a sling is vertical.

c) A sling is least effective when legs are nearly horizontal.

d) Reduce the load on any sling that has been in service for six months or
more, regardless of visible wear.

11.15 Pole Inspection and Testing Checklist

a) Visual Inspection

Electrical damage
Mechanical damage
Decay

b) Hammer Test: rap pole butt sharply with hammer and note the
resulting sound:

Solid (little or no reverberation)

Hollow (booming sound)
Rattle (deteriorated core, loose exterior

c) Probe Test: dig to depth of 18 inches at pole base. Push probe through
pole on all four sides until it strikes solid wood.

Solid (minimum of 7” diameter solid core)

Unsafe to work (less than minimum)
Completely unsafe (hollow core)

d) Brace and Bit Test: from ground line to a depth of of 18”, remove
outside pole rot. Bore holes with 7/16-inch brace bit until solid wood is hit.
Plug holes after test (made after hammer and/or probe test indicate core rot).

Safe to work supported (minimum 2-1/2-inch sound wood

Unsafe (less than minimum)
11.16 Tree Trimming

a) The trimmer should be securely tied in or belted to the tree before

work is started.

b) Never allow the ground end of a climbing rope to dangle over

roadways.

c) Lower branches to the ground with a rope unless the immediate area
has been cleared to avoid injury to persons or property.

d) Be sure to use barricades, flags, signs, etc., if working in a public area

to protect vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

e) If working near poison oak, poison sumac or poison ivy, wear gloves
and a long-sleeved shirt.

11.17 Hot Lines

a) Always consider electrical equipment and lines as ‘live’ unless

positively known to be dead.

b) Inspect the work area before starting to work to see what the
conditions are.

c) Treat neutral wires with the exact same caution as energized wires.

11.18 Rules Save Lives

a) A safe workprocedure should be established before starting any work.

b) All conductors should be considered energized until properly

grounded.

c) Rubber gloves must be worn from the ground up on all structures that
support energized conductors.

d) Head protection must be worn in areas where falling objects, electrical

contact or other head hazards exist.
 e) Poles must be thoroughly inspected prior to climbing.

f) Use cover-up material when working near exposed energized lines.

g) Aerial devices, including digger/derricks, when operating near

energized lines, should be properly grounded, bonded to the system neutral if
available, or considered energized.

h) Persons who handle butts of poles near energized lines should wear
rubber gloves.

i) Appropriate and approved eye protection should be worn when an

employee is engaged in any work activity which might create injury to the eyes.

11.19Handline Safety

a) Never allow handlines to lie on the street or highway.

b) When using a handline on a pole, a ground hand needs to be at the

foot of the pole to see that the ends of the handline do not blow into the street
or highway.

c) Handlines need to be strong enough to lower a worker safely from a

pole.

d) Handlines should be kept dry, clean, free of knots and stored up in the
truck.

e) Replace worn frayed handlines.

11.20 Pole-Yard Practices

a) Loading and handling construction materials involves working with

awkward, heavy loads. Use extreme caution when moving places, transformers
and cable reels. Don’t let an accident ruin your day before it gets started.

b) Keep the pole-handling crew to a minimum (three to four workers) to

reduce the chance of accident.
 c) One worker should be in charge of the operation and give all signals
from start to finish.

d) Use leg muscles.

e) Get behind a pole when rolling it – never roll the pole toward you.

f) Roll poles from the top of the pile, but don’t get on top of the pile.

g) Handle poles as a balanced load.

h) Maintain control of cable-never lift the reels unless you are sure its
movements are under control and the resulting shift in weight won’t cause the
trailer to slip.

i) Make sure that the trailer wheels are blocked and secured before
beginning loading operations.

j) Secure the tongue pole to the trailer; block all poles as they are loaded.

k) Danger to the public exists in the transportation of any heavy,

oversized load. Check binders and warning signals frequently while in transit.

11.21 Guying Poles

a) Guys should be installed so they do not interfere with traffic of any

kind. A guy guard or marker should be installed if the guy presents a possible
obstacle to traffic.

b) The guard

1. Should be light color, highly visible even at night

2. Should be rigid plastic or metal with smooth edges
3. Should extend from a point near the ground to about 8 feet
above the ground.

c) A vertical guy or ‘sidewalk’ guy is used when the anchor must be set
within five feet of the pole base. A horizontal strut constructed of 2-inch pipe
equal in length of the distance from the pole base to the anchor is used to
brace the guy.
11.22 Job Briefing

a) Plan the briefing:

1. Develop your own work plan.

2. Consider the existing and potential hazards.
3. Consider how work assignments will be made.

b) Conduct the briefing:

1. Be sure all personnel are present for briefing.

2. Show the job print and explain to workers what, why, when, where
and how it is to be done, and who is to do it.
3. Make definite work assignments and discuss procedures.
4. Discuss hazards and how to protect against them.
5. Check to see that each person understands.

c) Follow-up to ensure:

1. Plans are being followed and correct work methods are being used.
2. All personnel are carrying out their assignments.
3. When job conditions change, all personnel are briefed of these
changes.

d) The completed job is better and safer because the:

1. Job is performed according to plan.

2. Procedures are clearly understood.
3. Hazards are recognized.
4. Protection is provided.
5. Job is finished on schedule.
Safety Tip 11

TRAINING PROGRAM is needed.

Training programs are needed for few
employees, when new equipment is introduced,
when work procedures have been revised or
updated, when new information must be
known, when employee performance is below
standard, when accident or injury rates are
increasing or above normal, for high labor
turnover problems, when excessive waste or
scrap exists and when the organization is
expanding.
 CHAPTER 12
PUBLIC SAFETY TIPS

12.1 Water and electricity Do Not Mix

Always remember that the water and electricity can be a deadly

combination. Making contact with electrical current while standing in water or
even on a damp floor can transform what might others be a light stock into
instant death. Hair dryers, power tools, TV sets, radios and small kitchen
appliances have caused this kind of electrocution hazard.

a) Don’t leave hair dryers plugged in when not being used. Even with the
switch off, a plugged-in hair dryer that falls into a bathtub will electrify the
water and is likely to electrocute anyone in the tub. ‘Unplug it’ is a practice
especially important if you have children in the household.

b) Don’t use a hair dryer when standing on a damp floor.

c) Don’t place radios or TV set near the bathtub or shower while taking a
bath.

d) All bathtub outlets should be protected by ground fault circuit

interrupters.

e) If an electrically operated device that is plugged in falls into the water,

unplug it before you retrieve it.

f) Discard or have repaired any appliance that causes slightest shock.

g) Be careful when using appliances around water. Never touch an

appliance and a ground, such as a water faucet simultaneously.

12.2 ELECTRICITY – Handle With Care

Faulty wiring or malfunctioning electrical appliances are major causes of

residential fires. About 35 percent of electricity caused fires is related to
cooking equipment; 30 percent to components of the electrical distribution
system including lighting equipment and cords; and about 20 percent to
appliances such as clothes dryers, TVs and electric blankets.
12.2.1 Accident Prevention

a) Read the instructions or use and care manual before operating any
electrical product and follow the recommendations.

b) Check the electrical cords and extension cord regularly for signs of
damage. Repair and replace any cord, which is pinched, cracked, frayed or
worn. Cords should not run under rugs.

c) Check the fuse and circuit breaker boxes to be certain that the fuses
or circuit breakers are the proper size for the house wiring.

d) Watch for trouble signs such as flickering lights, sparks from

appliances, switches or wall outlets, circuits that do not work, and switch
plates and wall outlets that are warm to the touch. If any of these conditions
are found, have them repaired immediately.

e) Do not use any appliance that is defective.

f) Do not leave any appliances such as laundry equipment running when

you are away from home. They could malfunction and cause a fire.

g) Overloading an extension cord can cause fires. Most extension cords

are not able to carry as much current as the normal house circuits without
overheating, so know the rating of an extension cord before you use it.

12.3 Electrical Safety

12.3.1 The safe Channel-Antennas

A major cause of power line contact and resulting electrocution accidents

is a failure to properly control the movement of television or radio antennas,
guy wires and mast assemblies during installation or removal. Victims of such
accidents often simply do not notice the presence of a power line or misjudge
the distance required for clearance. Keep your antenna in the safe channel of
movement, away from power lines.
12.3.2 Antenna Safety
 a) Locate all antennas a safe distance from power lines-a horizontal
distance from the base to the power line of at least twice the length of the
antenna structure.

b) When putting up or taking down an antenna, have enough help to

control the whole structure. It’s a good idea to have an observer to watch the
work and summon help if needed.

c) Plan installation activities ahead of time to avoid misunderstandings.

d) Locate guy wires and anchoring devices so there is no chance of them

coming into contact with any power line, service line or communications line. If
a metal guy wire contacts any power source, the antenna and the mast will
also be energized.

e) Don’t install or work with an antenna, mast or guys in wet or windy

weather.

12.3.3 Plug it Safe

Not even the most efficient protective device in an electrical system will
do its job unless it is allowed to function as intended. Know the functions and
limitations of appliances and supply equipment; never operate beyond those
limitations.

12.3.4 Grounding

Many appliances and power tools are supplied with three-wire cords and
plugs; the third wire is used to ground exposed metal parts. In the event of an
electrical fault in the appliance, the fault current is drained away in to
grounding system rather than exposing the user to shock. It is necessary to
make sure that the ground circuit is completed at the receptacle for this
safeguard to be effective.

Never cut ground pin from the plug in order to operate the device from a
two-wire receptacle. The two wire system provides no protective ground circuit
and may expose the user to dangerous current. When in doubt, consult an
electrician to secure access to the ground.

12.3.5 Safe Steps-Ladders

 When metal ladder contacts the service line that carries electricity from
the main power line to a residence, a weekend chore may turn into a fatal
shock. No service is ever “safe” to touch because it is made up of an insulated
or sheathed cable. Never use a service entrance or cable as a prop for any
household tools or equipment.

12.3.6Watch Your Step Ladder

a) It is best to use non-conductive ladder made of fiberglass or dry wood

when working near power lines.

b) Always carefully check the location of all power and service lines when
using a ladder. Note especially where the service is connected to the house.

c) Never place a ladder in a position where it could slide or slip into a

service or power line. Never use any part of a service as a brace for the ladder
or as a handhold near one.

d) When moving a ladder, carry in a horizontal position to avoid

accidental contact.

12.3.7Flying Right-Kites

Don’t let a pleasant outdoor activity like flying a kite result in an

electrocution injury. Avoid contact with a high-voltage power lines by choosing
the right time and right place to fly a kite.

a) Closely supervise children when they are flying kites.

b) Avoid flying kites in wet, stormy weather. A wet kite string is a good
conductor of electricity and may cause electrocution if it touches a power line.
Metal line should never be used near power lines.

c) Kites should be flown only in open areas-never near power lines.

d) If a kite falls into a power line, abandon it. Attempting to remove it is

dangerous.

e) Don’t use metalized kites.

12.4 Beware of Spikes – Five Steps to Surge Protection

Lightning strikes and other natural faults on power lines can create a
high-voltage surge called a voltage ‘spike’. When this short duration surge finds
its way into your home, it may severely damage unprotected electrical
equipment and electronic devices (computers, etc.).

a) When possible purchase appliances and equipments with a built-in

surge suppressor, interruptible power inputs and reset capability.

b) Install external surge protection devices and interruptible power

supply systems at crucial outlets in your home or shop.

c) Unplug and discontinue operation of unprotected equipment during

electrical storms or severe windstorms.

d) Unplug all non-essential equipment when not in use or when you

leave for a vacation.

e) Use backup power systems with computers and other essential

electronics to prevent damage.

Your utility company builds maximum surge protection into its power
line, but no system can completely block all voltage surges while guaranteeing
service with a minimum of interruptions. You can help to muzzle ‘spikes’ if
you’ll follow these five steps to surge protection.

12.5 Be Prepared for a Power Outage

A power outage can strike without warning. Sudden high winds,

electrical storms or typhoons may damage power lines and shutdown
substations. What will you do when the lights go out?

Prevent an inconvenience from becoming a major problem by taking

these simple precautions.
a) Set aside an emergency drawer that is easy to locate in darkness and
stock it with a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and supply of fresh batteries
for both.
 b) Store a supply of candles, or an oil lamp and oil in a safe cool place.

c) Assemble an emergency supply of non-perishable, easily prepared food

such as: freeze-dried and canned, and disposable eating utensils.

d) Keep on hand a gallon of liquid bleach to sterilize and sanitize food

preparation areas, utensils and toilet facilities.

e) Maintain fuel levels in vehicle tanks and natural gas tanks, and stock
adequate supplies of wood for wood-burning heaters, cook stoves and
fireplaces.

12.6 Preventing Electrical Fires at Home

Electricity serves us well… and safely if we treat with the respect it

deserves. Most often we think of electrocution when we consider the dangers of
electricity. But another hazards - electrical fires. Recent reports indicate that
arcing or overloaded electrical equipment ranks second only to cigarettes as a
cause of multiple death fires.

Here’s what you need to know:

a) Circuit breakers or fuses help to protect against overloads and short

circuits. If the breaker or fuse ‘blows’ often or repeatedly, have an electrician
check it immediately.

b) The smell of burning plastic, warm all receptacles and flickering or

dimming lights signal serious wiring problems.

c) Electrical cords (especially extension cords) can be overloaded or short-

circuited easily.

d) If a cord or plug gets warm, its overloaded.

Here’s what you need to do:

a) Discard damaged extension cords, even slightly damaged ones.

b) Use only extension cords designed for outdoor use for electrical needs
outside.
 c) Don’t overload circuits.

d) Keep appliances and motors clean and in good working order.

e) Don’t leave appliances such as clothes dryers running when you are
away from home.

f) All appliances and extension cords should carry the mark of a

recognized facility.

12.7 Working Clearance

Maintaining the proper clearance from a high-voltage electric line, is not

just a good safety practice, it’s the law. Any contractor, corporation or
individual not affiliated with the utility must follow these guidelines.

1. No person will perform any activity with six feet of overhead

lines.

2. No person will operate or use any tool, equipment, machinery or

materials where it is possible that these devices will come within
six feet of overhead lines.

3. No person will operate any equipment, such as derricks, cranes,

power shovels, pile drives, hoisting equipment or similar devices,
within ten feet of overhead lines.

When work must be performed within these clearances, the organization

or individual responsible must contact the utility and make arrangements to
ensure safe clearances.

Violations of these provisions of the law can result in fines, confinement

in jail or liability to the utility for damages and all liability incurred.

12.8 Lights Off

You can make many preparations ahead of time to deal with power
outage. What steps can you take to ensure safety once the outage occurred?
 a) Shut off and/or unplug appliances with electric motors or electrical
heating equipment until after the service is restored. This will prevent voltage
surge damage when the electricity comes back.

b) Keep refrigerators and freezers tightly closed to maintain the

refrigerated atmosphere and preserve frozen and fresh food for long periods
with power. Opening the doors rapidly will exhaust this atmosphere.

c) Use any combustion-type heater (natural gas or liquid gas, or wood), or

lighting only in properly ventilated areas to avoid burning up the breathable
air, burning charcoal indoors will replace breathable oxygen with deadly
carbon monoxide gas.

d) Conserve your heating and lighting fuel. Move into one room or area of
the house that can be closed off or insulated.

12.9 Stray Voltage Problem

Farm facilities are particularly good environments for ‘stray’ or ‘tingle’

voltages. The presence of moisture and organic materials in these areas may
damage or cause deterioration of electrical wiring or equipment. Any small
difference in potential between the earth and the different parts of an electric
distribution system can lead to stray voltage.

Humans may never notice the ‘tingle’ of a small ground-to-earth

discharge. Stock animals such as cattle, sheeps and hogs are better grounded,
and so are sensitive to much smaller electrical charges. Livestock may become
difficult to handle, or may exhibit nervousness or reluctant to enter barns or
corals when stray voltage is present.

Stray voltage in the consumer’s system may be caused by incorrect

wiring faulty electrical equipment, or even by the small voltages required to
move the required operating current through a grounded neutral system. If it is
caused by an electric fault, the stray voltage may become a hazard or a health
risk to humans as well as to animals.
Professional testing will identify stray voltages sources. If you think you
may have a stray voltage problem, contact a competent electrician.
12.10 It All Adds Up to Safety

The wrong combination of household appliances can dangerously

overload a circuit. Fire, electrical shock and damage to the circuit and the
appliance may result. Before you add another appliance to the circuit, be sure
that circuit can handle the load.

a) Check your breaker panel to determine the amperage each circuit can
handle. The size of the breaker (15 amp, 20 amp, etc.) is the limit of the load a
circuit can carry.

b) A breaker or a fuse designed to stop the flow of current if a circuit

overloaded. Use only fuses and breakers rated for the circuit, never use a 20-
amp fuse on a 15-amp circuit.

c) Determine what kind of load your appliances are putting on the

circuit. The wattage of the appliance should be listed somewhere on the
appliance. Divide the wattage of the appliance by the voltage required, either
110 volts or 220 volts, to get the amperage required to operate the appliances.

Example: a microwave oven uses 1500

Watts of energy and requires 220 volts to operate

Amps = watts/volts
= 1500/220
= 6.82 amps
d) Add up the amperage required for each appliance on a circuit. If the
total is greater than the load limit of the circuit, remove appliances from the
circuit until the total is less than the limit.

12.11 The Living Lightning Rod

Living trees are lightning rods for electrical trouble. In a system similar to
human circulation, water and sap move constantly from root to leaf. The water
and the chemicals in the sap are excellent conductors of electricity.

If a tree grown into contact with a power line, the potential for an
electrical path to the ground exists. Never attempt to trim a tree that has power
lines running through it. Have a tree-trimming professional, preferably one that
works with your utility, handle the job.
 Even when the power lines do not contact a tree, a danger of contact
exists. Be sure that children do not climb trees with limbs within 10 feet of any
power source; double-check the location of any tree house before construction.

12.12 Downed Power Lines

When an overhead power is downed by accident or weather, it is

necessarily dead – but you might be unless you stay away from it! An electrical
power line is due the same respect as firearm. Just as there is no such thing as
an unloaded gun, there are no dead power lines.

A downed power line that seems dead maybe reenergized by a lightning

strike on the line, contact with other power lines or interaction with another
source of electricity somewhere back down the line. This may happen without
warning or opportunity to break contact.

High voltages may be transmitted through materials other than metals. A

wooden pole, a fiber rope or other non-conducting materials may carry an
electrical current if they become wet or soiled. The loose ends of the conductor
may also energize the wiring, plumbing or steel supports of structures, metal
fences, telephone or cable television system, and vehicles. Green tree limbs will
conduct electricity.

Given the wrong set of circumstances, a current will go to ground if you

don’t give it the channel. Handle it safely by not handling it at all. Keep others
away and give your electrical utility a call.

12.13 What’s a Pole for?

Utility poles safely support the electric power conductors and

communication cables that provide vital services. They aren’t designed to carry
anything else.

Signs, posters and handbills may interfere with the service lineman’s
access by making it difficult or even dangerous to climb the pole. Nails or
staples used to post these items may damage the pole-rounding devices.

Basketball backboards and hoops not only restrict access but pose and
electrical hazard to anyone who comes in contact with them. No sports
equipment private lightning or any other device for personal use should be
installed on any utility pole. Utility pole support lines for energy, entertainment
communications. Keep them safe!

12.14 Electrical Meters – Sealed for Safety

Electrical meters measure the amount of service delivered by measuring

the flow. Every meter in operation has some current flowing through it, and
residential meters usually carry the full load. The typical residential load can
be up to 200 amps of current.

Removing the meter while it is under load, that is when the current is
flowing through it, can lead to disaster. The metal housing is at different
electrical potential from the meter. Any contact between the metal housing and
the meter will result in a violent discharge or ‘arc’ of electricity between them.

The resulting electrical explosion can severely damage the meter and the
electrical system, and can cause electrical fires. The person working with the
meter could be injured, blinded or killed by flying glass and metal, or by the
radiant flash caused by the explosion.

Your meter should be removed or serviced only by representatives of your

utility company, or electricians or emergency personnel authorized by your
utility.

Remember – the seal on your meter is a seal of safety!

12.15 Danger Zone – The Substation Fence

The signs on the substation fence say, Danger – Keep Out! Or Warning –
High Voltage and they mean it. They may not sound very friendly, but these
signs carry an important safety message: the fence is there for your protection.

The electrical substation changes the extremely high voltage carried by

the long-distance transmission line into the lower distribution voltage that
serves your home and business. To do this, the substation must have direct
feed from the transmission line into the substation structure. The equipment
within the substation is always under high-voltage electrical load.
 Substation technicians, electrical linemen and maintenance crews are
trained to work in high-voltage situations and to recognize and avoid potential
hazard that exists in the substation. You can avoid these hazards by paying
attention to the signs on the substation fence; they mark the danger zone for
you.
Safety Tip 12

WARNING SIGNS.
You recognize the standard traffic signals and
warning, but do you know the warning signs of
potential equipment failure?

Proper maintenance and inspection of vehicles,

aerial devices and digger derricks is as vital to
your safety as regular inspection of hot sticks
and rubber gloves. Make vehicle and
equipment inspections part of your daily
schedule.
 GLOSSARY

Alive or Live: Electrically connected to a source of potential difference or

electrically charged so as to have a potential significantly different from that of
the earth the vicinity. The term ‘live’ is sometimes used in place of the term
‘current-carrying’, where the intent is clear, to avoid repetition of the longer
term.

Anchorage: A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, and straps.

Approved: The term ‘approved’, when used in connection with methods, tolls,
or equipment, refers to the methods, tools or equipment approved by the utility
through committee, departmental action, or safety rule.

Authorized Person: One who has the authority to perform specific duties
under certain conditions or who is carrying out orders from a responsible
authority.

Barrier: A physical obstruction such as tapes, screens, or cones intended to

warn and limit access to hazardous area.

Benching (Benching system): A method of protecting employees from cave-ins

by excavating the sides of an excavation to form one or a series of horizontal
steps, usually with vertical or near-vertical surfaces between levels.

Body Belt (Safety Belt): A strap that both secures around the waist and
attaches to a lanyards, lifeline, or strap.

Body Harness: Straps that are secured about an employee in a manner that
distributes the arresting forces over at least the thighs, shoulders, and pelvis
with provisions for attaching a lanyard, lifeline, or deceleration device.

Bond: An electrical connection form one conductive element to another to

minimize potential differences or provide suitable conductivity for fault current
or reduce current leakage and electrolytic action.
Cable: A conductor with insulation, or a stranded conductor with or without
insulation and other coverings (single-conductor cable), or a combination of
conductors insulated from one another (Multiple-conductor cable).
Catastrophic Release: A major uncontrolled emission, fire, or explosion
involving one or more highly hazardous chemicals that presents serious danger
to employees in the workplace.

Circuit: A conductor or system of conductors through which an electric

current is intended to flow.

Clear Hot Stick Distance: The minimum distance for the use of hotline tools
held by linemen when performing hotline work.

Clearance: (a) For work – certification by the proper authority that a specified
line or piece of equipment is de-energized, that the proper precautionary
measures have been taken, and that the line or equipment is being turned over
to the qualified workers; (b) From hazard – adequate accidental contact by
persons or objects on approach to a point of danger; (c) From hotline – an
insurance that the automatic reclosing features of a circuit have been made
inoperative.

Combustible Liquids: any liquid having a flash point at or higher than 140°F
and less than 200°F.

Competent person: One who is capable of performing work, and identifying

existing predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working conditions which
is unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has
authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

Communication Lines: The conductors and their supporting or containing

structures that are used for public or private signal or communication service.

Note: Telephone telegraph, railroad signal, data, clock, fire, police-alarm,

community television antenna, and other similar system are included.

Conductor: A material, usually in the form of a wire, cable or bush bar,

suitable for carrying an electric current.

Confined Space: All enclosed space that is large enough and so configured
that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; has limited or
restricted means for entry or exit (some examples are tanks, vessels, silos,
storage, hoppers, vaults, pits, and dike areas); is not designed for continuous
employee occupancy; and has one or more of the following characteristics;
contains or has known potential to contain hazardous atmosphere, contains
material with the potential for engulfment of a worker, has an internal
configuration such as that a worker could be trapped or asphyxiated by
inwardly converging walls or by a floor that slopes downwards and tapers to a
smaller cross-section, or contains any other recognized serious safety or health
hazard.

Contractor: organization contracted by the utility to perform work on utility

property.

Dead: When used in connection with wires or equipment that is a part of the
electrical system, ‘dead’ shall be taken to mean disconnected from any
electrical source of supply and properly tagged, shorted, and grounded.

Designated Person: See authorized person.

Disconnected: Disconnected from any electrical source of supply.

Effectively Grounded: Intentionally connected to earth through a ground

connection of sufficiently low impedance and having sufficient current-carrying
capacity to prevent the build-up of voltages that may result in undue hazard to
connected equipment or to persons.

Emergency: An emergency occurs when unusual condition exists that

endangers life and/or property.

Employee: Any person employed by or representing the utility.

Employer: The utility

Enclosed: Surrounded by a case, cage, or fence, which will protect the

contained equipment and prevent accidental contact by people.

Enclosed Space: A working space such as manhole, vault, tunnel, or shaft

that has a limited means of egress or entry, that is designed for periodic
employee entry under normal operating conditions, and that under normal
does not contain a hazardous atmosphere but may contain a hazardous
atmosphere under abnormal conditions.

Energized (also Alive or live): Electrically connected to a source of potential

difference or electrically charged so as to have potential different from that of
the earth or different from that of an adjacent conductor or equipment.

Excavations: Any man-made cut cavity, trench, or depression in an earth

surface formed by earth removal.

Exposed: (a) in such a position that in case of failure of supports or insulation,

contact with another circuit or line may result; and (b) an object or device that
can be inadvertently touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by any
person. Applied to objects not suitably guarded or situated.

Fall-Arrest Equipment: A combination of body belts, or body harness, and

lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, and point of anchorage.

Fell: The process of serving a tree from the stump so that it drops to the
ground. ‘Feller’ is the person who fells the tree.

Flammable Liquid: Any liquid having a flash point less than 140°F and having
a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 pounds per square inch (absolute) at 100°F.

Flares: The word ‘flares’ shall be used to indicate flares, torches, fuses, red
lanterns, reflectors, or any other equipment that is adaptable for the purpose
intended.

Foreman or Supervisor: Any person, regardless of classification, who is

directly in charge of specific jobs. Depending upon local classification, this
person may be a ‘leadman’, working foreman, foreman, general foreman,
supervisor, or superintendent.

Free Fall: The act of falling before the personal fall protection system begins to
arrest the fall.

Ground (noun): The connection established either intentionally or accidentally,

of an electric circuit or equipment with reference ground through a conductor,
or other conducting object or substance.
Ground (reference): The conductive body, usually earth, to which an electric
potential is referenced.

Ground (verb): Connecting or establishing a connection, either intentionally or

accidentally, of an electric circuit or equipment to a reference ground.

Grounding Electrode (Ground electrode): A conductor embedded in the

earth, used for maintaining ground potential on conductors connected to it and
for dissipating into the earth any current conducted to it.

Grounded system: A system of conductors in which at least one conductor or

point (usually the middle wire or neutral point of the transformer or generator
winding) is intentionally grounded, either solidly or through a current-limiting
device (not a current-interrupting device.

Guarded: Protected by personnel, or covered, fenced, or enclosed by means of

suitable casings, barrier rails, screens, mats, platforms, or other suitable
devices in accordance with standard barricading techniques designed to
prevent dangerous approach or contact by persons or objects. Wires that are
insulated but not otherwise protected are not considered guarded.

Hazard Communication Program: A program develop by the utility to ensure

that information concerning hazardous chemicals (materials) is transmitted to
employees through the use of warnings, procedures, material safety data
sheets, and employee training.

Hazardous Material (Substances): Any substance that is a physical hazard or

health hazard. A substance is physical hazard when there is valid evidence that
it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic
peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive), or water reactive. The
substance is a health hazard when it is determined to be a carcinogen, a toxic
or highly toxic agent, a reproductive toxin, irritant, corrosive, sensitizer,
hepatotoxinnephrotoxin, neurotoxin, an agents that acts on the hematopoietic
system, or an agent that damages the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous
membranes.

Highly Hazardous Chemical: A substance possessing toxic, reactive,

flammable, or explosive properties.
Hold Cards: Also called ‘hold tags’. A card or tag-type device usually having a
predominant color of white or red, which warns or cautions against the
operation of a particular switch, device, circuit, tool, machine, etc. The use of
such tags must be respected; equipment or items so tagged must not be
activated or used without full and proper authority from a responsible person.

Hotline Tools and Ropes: Those tools and ropes that are especially designed
for work on energized high voltage lines and equipment. Installed aerial
equipment especially designed for work on energized high voltage lines and
equipment shall be considered ‘hotline’.

Insulated: Separated from other conducting surfaces by a dielectric substance

or air space, permanently offering a high resistance to the passage of current
and to disruptive discharge through the substance or space.

Isolated: An object that is not readily accessible to person unless special

means of access are used.

Lanyard (Strap): A flexible line used to secure a body belt or body harness to a
life line or directly to a point of anchorage.

Lifeline: A line provided for direct or indirect attachment to a worker’s body

belt, body harness, lanyard, or deceleration device. Such lifelines may be
horizontal or vertical in application.

Line – Clearance Tree Trimmer: An employee who, through related training

or on-the-job experience or both, is familiar with the special techniques and
hazards involved in line clearance.

Load Dispatcher – Power Dispatcher – System Operator: Person designated

by the employer as having authority over switching and clearances of high-
voltage lines and station equipment.

Manhole: A subsurface enclosure, which personnel may enter, that is used for
installing, operating, and maintaining equipment and/or cable.

Manhole Opening: An opening through which persons may enter into a

confined or enclosed space.
Material Safety Data Sheet: A document provided by manufacturers and
importers of chemical to convey information to the users of their products. The
information includes data on physical characteristics, fire and explosion
hazards, reactivity, and health hazards; special precautions; and fire and spill
procedures.

Pad Mount: Transformer or equipment in a surface-mounted enclosure

normally worked from ground level.

PCB’s (Polychlorinated Biphenysis): A hazardous non-productive and non-

combustible liquid used in some transformers and capacitors. It has several
trade names – Pyranol, Askeral, inerteen, etc.

Physical Render Inoperative: The use of locks, blind flanges, or other similar
devices or procedures to prevent the operation of switches, breakers, valves,
and operating controls.

Positioning Device: A body belt or body harness system rigged to allow an

employee to be supported on an elevated vertical surface such as wall or pole
and to work with both hands free.

Primary Compartment: A compartment containing voltages greater than 600

volts.

Primary Voltage: Any electrical circuit that normally operates at more than
600 volts.

Protective System: A method of protecting employees from cave-ins from

material that could fall or roll from an excavation face or into an excavation, or
from the collapse of adjacent structures. Protective systems include support
systems, sloping and benching systems, shield systems, and other systems
that provide the necessary protection.

Public: Any individual not an employee or representative of the utility.

Qualified Person: A person who is familiar with the construction of operation

of the lines and/or equipment involved in the work and who is fully aware of
the hazards involved; or one who has passed a journeyman’s examination for
the particular job-associated branch of the electrical trade. A person who has
successfully demonstrated job-related ability and is recognized by management
as qualified to perform the assigned duties.

Reduced Visibility: Times when normal visibility is reduced because of

insufficient daylight (dawn or dusk)

Road: The paved or unpaved surface of a roadway upon which vehicles are
intended to travel. When the road is paved, the entire surface is thus included.

Roadway: The road and the areas immediately adjacent thereto, such as: the
shoulder of the road, parking strip, etc. This area normally extends
approximately 15 feet from the road.

Rope Grab: A device that attaches to a lifeline as an anchoring point to provide

a means for arresting a fall.

Safety Can: An approved closed container of not more than 5-gallon capacity
having a flash-arresting screen, spring-closing lid, and spout cover, and
designed so that it will safely relieve internal pressure when subjected to fire.

Safety Rule: A positive rule requiring compliance by all employees concerned.

Deviation from safety rules is not permitted.

Secondary Compartment: A compartment containing voltages at less than

600 volts.

Secondary Voltage: Any electrical circuit that normally operates at less than
600 volts.

Shield (Shield System): A structure that is able to withstand the forces

imposed on it by a cave-in and thereby protects employees within the
structure. Shield structures can be permanent or portable and moved along as
work progresses.

Shoring (Shoring System): A structure such as a metal hydraulic,

mechanical, or timber shoring system that supports the sides of an excavation
and which is designed to prevent cave-ins.

Sloping (Sloping System): A method of protecting employees from cave-ins by

excavating to form sides of an excavation that are inclined away from the
excavation so as to prevent cave-ins. The angle of incline required preventing
cave-ins. The angle of incline required to prevent cave-ins varies with
differences in such factors as the soil type, environmental conditions of
exposure, and application of surcharge load.

Snap Hook: A self-closing device with a keeper, latch, or other similar

arrangement that will remain closed until manually opened. Such devices
include self-closing, single-action, double-action, double-locking snap-hooks.

Stable Rock: Natural solid material that can be excavated with vertical sides
and will remain intact while exposed. Unstable rock is considered to be stable
when the rock material on the side of side of the excavation is secured against
caving in or movement by rock bolts or by another protective system that has
been designed by a registered professional engineer.

Switch: A device for opening and closing or changing the connection of a

circuit. In these rules, a switch is understood to be manually operable, unless
otherwise stated.

Safety Talk: A short informal discussion of the work to be accomplished and

the safety measure to be incorporated, normally conducted by the foreman or
supervisor.

Unsafe Conditions: Used to indicate dangerous conditions, hazardous

conditions, defective conditions, or unusual conditions that could be conducive
to accidents.

Utility: The employer. The entity having jurisdiction and control over the
operation of the utility including such entities as: municipal utilities, electrical
cooperatives, etc.

Vault: An enclosure above or below ground, which personnel may enter, used
for installing, operating, and/or maintaining equipment and/or cable.

Voltage: The effective (RMS) potential difference between any two conductors,
between a conductor and ground. The voltage specified in this manual shall
mean the maximum effective voltage to which the personnel or protective
equipment may be subjected. Low voltage includes voltages up to 600 volts.
High voltage shall mean voltages in excess of 600 volts.
Voltages on an Effectively Grounded circuit: The voltage between any
conductor and ground, unless otherwise indicated.

Warning signs: For the purpose of these rules, any sign or similar means of
employee or public notification alerting a person or worker to an actual or
possible hazard. Included are: ‘Danger’ signs, ‘Caution’ signs, traffic protection
signs, and informational signs.