Transmission Line Repair - Bare Hand Method

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The increased demand for electricity in recent years has made it necessary for power companies to build more transmission lines and more extra high voltage (EHV) transmission lines.  Taking these lines out of service for repairs or maintenance can be costly and difficult.  As a result, lines are often worked on while they are energized. The two basic methods of working on energized lines are the hot stick method and the bare hand method.  With the hot stick method, insulated poles are used to protect the lineworkers from energized conductors.  With the bare hand method, special tools and equipment allow direct contact with an energized conductor.

COURSE GOAL

• This training unit introduces the bare hand method and discusses some of the electrical theory, equipment and techniques that make bare hand work possible.  Emphasis is placed on the safety considerations associated with bare hand work.

SUBJECTS AND OBJECTIVES

Introduction to the Bare Hand Method

• Explain the meaning of “potential difference” as it applies to bare hand work.

• Recognize where potential differences exist on a transmission line.

• Explain “safe working distance” (minimum clearances) as they apply to bare hand work.

Clipping In and Shunting

• Demonstrate the proper method of putting on a conductive suit to work safely on energized lines.

• Demonstrate and explain how a lineworker becomes energized using the bare hand method.

• Explain how shunts are used to make a work area safe.

Planning and Inspection

• Explain the type of planning necessary to perform a job using the bare hand method.

Insulator Changeout, Part 1

• Identify and explain the basic tasks that must be accomplished on the “cold side” of the tower in preparation for changing out a “V” string of insulators.

• Identify and explain basic safety considerations that a crew follows while changing out insulators using the bare hand method.

Insulator Changeout, Part 2

• Identify and explain the basic tasks that must be accomplished on the “hot side” in order to change out a string of insulators using the bare hand method.

• Explain how a lineworker comes off of an energized conductor using the bare hand method.

• Identify and explain the basic safety considerations as they apply to rigging, equipment, and personnel using the bare hand method.

Bucket Trucks and the Bare Hand Method

• Identify and explain the specialized equipment required to work from a bucket truck using the bare hand method.

• Explain the major tasks that must be accomplished and inspections that must be made on bucket trucks and bare hand equipment prior to doing a job.

• Explain how to safely energize a bucket truck.

• Identify and explain the basic tasks that must be accomplished to install or repair an armour rod from a bucket truck using the bare hand method.

• Recognize and explain some of the key safety considerations when working bare hand from a bucket truck.