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 from cable failure or the sudden release of tension. Adherence to these guidelines is crucial for minimizing risks and ensuring a safe working environment.

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 where there is a possibility of high voltage electrical contact.
Eye Protection: Eye protection that meets the requirements of §1910.133 (a)(2) thru (a)(6) shall be provided and used by employees where foreign objects may enter the eyes due to work operations.
Hand Protection: Gloves appropriate for the task, such as insulated gloves when working with electrical components or handling potentially sharp cable strands. Insulating gloves shall be worn during these operations.
Foot Protection: Safety shoes or boots with steel toes and slip-resistant soles are essential to protect against foot injuries from falling objects or slips.
Body Protection: Appropriate work clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, should be worn to protect against abrasions and minor cuts. In some cases, flame-resistant clothing may be required.
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. Personal fall arrest systems shall meet the requirements of subpart M of this part.

Specific PPE Requirements for Post-Tensioning Operations

High-Impact Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles with side shields are crucial to protect against flying debris during tensioning and cutting operations.
Face Shields: In addition to safety glasses, face shields provide extra protection against potential cable snapping or component ejection.
Gloves: Heavy-duty work gloves are necessary to handle cables and equipment, protecting against cuts and abrasions.
Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs may be required during stressing operations due to the noise generated by hydraulic jacks and equipment.
Fall Protection: When working at height, a full-body harness with a lanyard and appropriate anchorage points is mandatory. This is particularly important during the installation and stressing of tendons.
Hard Hats: Always required in construction areas to protect against falling objects.

Cable Handling and Testing 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.

Electrical Safety and Grounding

Insulating Gloves: Insulating gloves shall be worn during these operations.
Voltage Testing: 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 and Procedures

Competent Person Inspection: Before each day's use the employer shall ensure that these personal protective devices, tools, and equipment are carefully inspected by a competent person to ascertain that they are in good condition.
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. Such training shall, where appropriate, include the following subjects: Recognition and avoidance of dangers relating to encounters with harmful substances and animal, insect, or plant life; Procedures to be followed in emergency situations; and, First aid training, including instruction in artificial respiration.

Cables shall be isolated to the extent practicable before voltage is applied. Employees shall be warned, by such techniques as briefing and tagging at all affected locations, to stay clear while the voltage is applied. 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. [1]

The employer shall ensure that the derrick and its associated equipment are inspected by a competent person at intervals set by the manufacturer but in no case less than once per year. Records shall be maintained including the dates of inspections, and necessary repairs made, if corrective action was required. [1]

Conclusion

The correct selection and consistent use of PPE are critical for protecting workers during post-tensioning cable operations. Regular inspection, proper training, and adherence to safety protocols are essential to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.