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" shall be provided whenever there is exposure to possible high voltage electrical contact, and the employer shall ensure that the head protection is used by employees. ANSI Z89.2-1971 is incorporated by reference as specified in $1910.6.
Eye Protection: Eye protection meeting the requirements of $1910.133 (a)(2) thru (a)(6) shall be provided and the employer shall ensure its use by employees where foreign objects may enter the eyes due to work operations such as but not limited to:

(i) Drilling or chipping stone, brick or masonry, breaking concrete or pavement, etc. by hand tools (sledgehammer, etc.) or power tools such as pneumatic drills or hammers;

(ii) Working on or around high speed emery or other grinding wheels unprotected by guards;

(iii) Cutting or chipping terra cotta ducts, tile, etc.;

(iv) Working under motor vehicles requiring hammering;

(v) Cleaning operations using compressed air, steam, or sand blast;

(vi) Acetylene welding or similar operations where sparks are thrown off;

(vii) Using powder actuated stud drivers;

(viii) Tree pruning or cutting underbrush;

(ix) Handling battery cells and solutions, such as taking battery readings with a hydrometer and thermometer;

(x) Removing or rearranging strand or open wire; and

(xi) Performing lead sleeve wiping and while soldering.

Hand Protection: Gloves and blankets shall be marked to indicate compliance with the retest schedule, and shall be marked with the date the next test is due. Gloves found to be defective in the field or by the tests set forth in paragraph (f)(2) [Rubber Insulating Equipment] of this section shall be destroyed by cutting them open from the finger to the gauntlet.
Foot Protection: Safety shoes or boots meeting industry standards are required to protect against foot injuries from falling objects or punctures.
Body Protection: Appropriate work clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, should be worn to protect against abrasions and minor injuries. Flame-resistant clothing may be required under certain conditions.
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.

Specific PPE for Post-Tensioning Operations

High-Impact Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or goggles are essential to protect against flying debris during tensioning and cutting operations.
Heavy-Duty Gloves: Use of heavy-duty gloves protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and potential cable fraying.
Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs should be worn if noise levels are high during stressing operations.
Full Face Shield: In addition to safety glasses, a full face shield provides extra protection during stressing and de-tensioning activities where there is a risk of cable snapping or sudden release of tension.

Additional Safety Measures and Considerations

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 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:

(1) The hazards associated with reinforcing steel and post-tensioning activities; and

(2) The proper procedures and equipment to perform reinforcing steel and post-tensioning activities.

Fall Protection Systems: Personal fall arrest systems must meet the requirements of Division 2/1. For employers engaged in construction activities, personal fall arrest systems must meet the requirements of Division 3/M.
Grounding: 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.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance

All PPE must be regularly inspected for damage and wear. Any damaged or defective equipment should be immediately replaced. Proper maintenance and storage of PPE are also essential to prolong its lifespan and ensure its effectiveness.

Training and Competency

Employees must be thoroughly trained on the proper use, maintenance, and limitations of the required PPE. Training should also cover hazard recognition and emergency procedures. Only trained and competent personnel should be involved in handling and testing post-tensioning cables.

References

MIOSHA General Industry Safety and Health Standards
MIOSHA Construction Safety and Health Standards
CAL/OSHA Construction Safety Orders
ANSI Standards for PPE

Disclaimer

This document provides general guidelines and recommendations for PPE in post-tensioning operations. It is essential to consult relevant safety standards, regulations, and manufacturer's instructions for specific requirements and to conduct a thorough risk assessment for each project.