Wire stringing operations require strict adherence to safety guidelines to protect workers from potential hazards. These guidelines cover equipment, communication, and operational procedures.

Key safety measures include:

• Ensuring reel-handling equipment is in safe operating condition, leveled, and aligned.
• Never exceeding load ratings for stringing lines, pulling lines, conductor grips, hardware, rigging, and hoists.
• Repairing or replacing defective pulling lines and accessories.
• Using conductor grips only if they are specifically designed for wire rope.
• Maintaining reliable communication between the reel tender and the pulling-rig operator, using two-way radios or equivalent means.
• Operating the pulling rig only when it is safe to do so, avoiding conditions such as employees in prohibited locations, conductor and pulling line hang-ups, and slipping of the conductor grip.
• Ensuring that employees are not directly under overhead operations or on the crossarm while a power-driven device is pulling the conductor or pulling line, except when guiding the stringing sock or board over or through the stringing sheave.

[1] [2] [3] [1] [2] [3] [1] [2] [3] [1] [2] [3] [1] [2] [3] [1] [2] [3] [1] [2] [3] In addition to the above, consider these general safety practices:

• Only trained personnel should inspect wire ropes.
• Inspect wire rope when installing it and then visually inspect wire ropes every working day and at the start of each shift.
• Keep records of daily inspections, including the date of inspection, type of inspection, the name of the person who performed the inspection, and inspection results.
• Use the "rag-and-visual" method to check for external damage.
• Ensure a working at heights rescue plan is in place that includes how a rescue will be initiated and making sure the appropriate equipment is available and maintained.

[4] [4] [4] [4] [4] [4] Moreover, a fall protection plan should be in place that includes a hazard assessment, rescue procedures, and the appropriate PPE.