Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Post-Tensioning Cable Handling and Testing

This document outlines the mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the safe handling and testing of post-tensioning cables. It aims to prevent injuries resulting from cable failure or the sudden release of tension. Adherence to these guidelines is crucial for ensuring worker safety during post-tensioning operations.

General PPE Requirements

• Head Protection: Hard hats meeting ANSI Z89.2-1971, "Safety Requirements for Industrial Protective Helmets for Electrical Workers, Class B" should be worn to protect against head injuries from falling objects or accidental impact.
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles meeting the requirements of §1910.133 (a)(2) thru (a)(6) shall be used to protect against dust, debris, or projectiles during cable handling and testing.
• Hand Protection: Gloves appropriate for the task, such as leather gloves for general handling or insulated gloves when electrical hazards are present, must be worn. Insulating gloves shall be worn during these operations.
• Foot Protection: Safety shoes or boots with steel toes are required to protect against foot injuries from heavy objects or compression hazards.
• High-Visibility Apparel: Workers should wear high-visibility vests or clothing to ensure they are easily seen by equipment operators and other personnel, especially in low-light conditions or high-traffic areas.

Specific PPE Requirements for Post-Tensioning Operations

• Face Shield: A face shield should be worn in addition to safety glasses when stressing or de-tensioning cables to protect against potential projectiles in case of cable failure.
• Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs should be used if noise levels are high during stressing operations.
• Fall Protection: A positioning system or a personal fall arrest system shall be provided and the employer shall ensure their use when work is performed at positions more than 4 feet (1.2 m) above the ground, on poles, and on towers, except as provided in paragraphs (n)(7) and (8) of this section. These systems shall meet the applicable requirements in subpart I of this part. The employer shall ensure that all climbing equipment is inspected before each day's use to determine that it is in safe working condition.

Electrical Safety and PPE

• Insulating Gloves: When handling cable suspension strand which is being installed on poles carrying exposed energized power conductors, employees shall wear insulating gloves and shall avoid body contact with the strand until after it has been tensioned, dead-ended and permanently grounded.
• Testing for Voltage: Metal power conduit on joint use poles, exposed vertical power ground wires, and street light fixtures which are below communications attachments or less than 20 inches above these attachments, shall be considered energized and shall be tested for voltage unless the employee can visually determine that they are bonded to the communications suspension strand or cable sheath.

Additional Safety Measures

• Barricades and Signage: Ensure signs and barricades are erected to limit access into the stressing area only to personnel engaged in stressing or de-tensioning operations.
• Equipment Inspection: A competent person shall inspect the stressing equipment for damage or defects before stressing operations begin, and periodically during the stressing operations. The use of stressing equipment shall conform to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.
• Training: Employers shall provide training in the various precautions and safe practices described in this section and shall ensure that employees do not engage in the activities to which this section applies until such employees have received proper training in the various precautions and safe practices required by this section.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance of PPE

All PPE must be regularly inspected before each use to ensure it is in good working condition. Damaged or defective PPE should be immediately replaced. The employer is responsible for the periodic retesting of all insulating gloves, blankets, and other rubber insulating equipment. This retesting shall be electrical, visual and mechanical.

References

• General Industry Safety and Health Standards (MIOSHA)
• Construction Safety and Health Standards (MIOSHA)
• Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)
• Construction Safety Orders (CAL/OSHA)
• Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 29 CFR 1910) - 1910.268 - Telecommunications.
• OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training (NCDOL)

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