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

This document outlines the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to ensure the safety of personnel involved in the inspection, testing, and handling of post-tensioning cables. It addresses measures for preventing injuries resulting from cable failure or the sudden release of tension. This guidance is based on industry best practices and relevant safety standards.

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 contact.
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 chemical splashes.
Hand Protection: Gloves appropriate for the task, such as leather gloves for general handling or rubber insulating gloves when working with electrical components, are essential. Insulating gloves shall be worn when attaching grounds (bonds).
Foot Protection: Safety shoes or boots with steel toes are required to protect against foot injuries from heavy objects or sharp materials.
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. 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.

Specific PPE for Post-Tensioning Cable Work

High-Impact Eye Protection: When stressing or cutting tendons, high-impact safety glasses or face shields are crucial to protect against flying debris from cable snapping or equipment failure.
Heavy-Duty Gloves: Using heavy-duty gloves protects hands from abrasion and potential puncture wounds when handling cables and stressing equipment.
Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs should be used during stressing operations due to the high noise levels generated by hydraulic pumps and stressing jacks.
Body Protection: Appropriate work clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, should be worn to protect against skin abrasions and exposure to concrete dust or other irritants.

Electrical Safety PPE

Insulating Gloves: When attaching grounds (bonds), insulating gloves shall be worn during these operations.

Cable Fault Locating and Testing

High-Voltage Protection: Employees involved in using high voltages to locate trouble or test cables shall be instructed in the precautions necessary for their own safety and the safety of other employees.

Safe Work Practices and Procedures

Risk Assessment

Before commencing any inspection, testing, or handling of post-tensioning cables, a thorough risk assessment should be conducted to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures.

Training and Qualification

Ensure that only qualified and trained personnel are allowed to perform post-tensioning operations. Training should include the proper use of PPE, stressing equipment, and emergency procedures.

Controlled Access

Establish and maintain a clear and controlled stressing area, using signs and barricades to restrict access to essential personnel only. No employees (except those essential to the post-tensioning operations) shall be permitted to be behind the jack or the fixed end anchorage during tensioning operations. No employees shall be permitted above or alongside the full length of the tendons during tensioning operations.

Equipment Inspection

Regularly inspect all stressing equipment, including jacks, pumps, and hoses, for any signs of damage or defects. Ensure that equipment is properly calibrated and maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 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.

Lockout/Tagout Procedures

Implement a lockout/tagout procedure to de-energize and isolate any electrical equipment used in post-tensioning operations to prevent accidental start-up or release of energy.

Concrete Strength Verification

Ensure that the concrete has reached the minimum specified compressive strength before commencing stressing operations. Provide written documentation to the company performing the stressing operation that the minimum specified initial concrete compressive strength has been achieved prior to commencement of stressing operations.

Emergency Action Plan

Develop and implement an emergency action plan that includes procedures for responding to cable failure, equipment malfunction, or other incidents. The plan should include evacuation routes, first aid procedures, and contact information for emergency services.

Additional Safety Measures

Proper Grounding: Ensure proper grounding procedures are followed, especially when working with electrical equipment or near power lines. Electric power conductors and equipment shall be considered as energized unless the employee can visually determine that they are bonded to one of the grounds listed in paragraph (m)(4) of this section.
Weather Conditions: Avoid post-tensioning operations during adverse weather conditions such as high winds, lightning, or heavy rain, which can increase the risk of accidents.
Housekeeping: Maintain a clean and organized work area to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Keep the work platform required clear of any debris or materials not related to the stressing or de-tensioning operation.

Training Requirements

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.
In addition to the training requirements of Section 1509, the Injury and Illness Prevention Program, employers shall ensure that each employee who performs reinforcing steel and/or post- tensioning activities has been provided training by a qualified person in the following areas for the activities in which they are engaged: The hazards associated with reinforcing steel and post-tensioning activities; and The proper procedures and equipment to perform reinforcing steel and post-tensioning activities.

Citations

MIOSHA, §1910.268(i)(1) Head protection. [Source Document 16] [5]

MIOSHA, §1910.268(i)(2) Eye protection. [Source Document 16] [5]

MIOSHA, §1910.268(m)(5) Attaching and removing temporary bonds. [Source Document 1] [1]

MIOSHA, §1910.268(1) General. [Source Document 16] [5]

CAL/OSHA, §1711(h)(2). [Source Document 11] [3]

CAL/OSHA, §1711(h)(3). [Source Document 11] [3]

CAL/OSHA, §1711(h)(8). [Source Document 11] [3]

CAL/OSHA, §1711(h)(1). [Source Document 11] [3]

MIOSHA, §1910.268(m)(1) Power conductors. [Source Document 1] [1]

CAL/OSHA, §1711(k). [Source Document 12] [4]

MIOSHA, §1910.268(c)-Training. [Source Document 6] [2]