Lineworkers shall be familiar with special tools that are used for climbing, such as climber gaffs, climber straps, and body belts shall properly store and maintain such equipment. (See Figure 7-3 and ANSUASTM F 887-91a.)

Figure 7-3. Employees using special tools for climbing and for servicing high-voltage systems shall be trained on how to use such tools and equipment.

7.7.1 LINEWORKER'S CLIMBING TOOLS

Employees should apply the following:

1. All climbers should be inspected frequently by the worker using them.

2. Climber gaffs should be kept sharp.

3. A climber shall not be used when its gaff becomes shorter than 1-1/4 in. inside measurement.

4. Climber straps that are worn or otherwise defective shall be replaced.

7.7.2 BODY BELTS AND SAFETY STRAPS

Employees using body belts and safety straps (work positioning equipment) should apply the following:

1. All body belts and safety straps shall be inspected before each use by the employee who uses them.

2. Workers shall use their body belts and safety straps when doing any work involving danger of falling.

3. Body belts and safety straps should not be stored with unguarded sharp tools or devices.

4. Heat, sharp bends, and overstressing of body belts and safety straps should be avoided as they are injurious to leather. Wet leather should be dried slowly at moderate temperatures.

See 29 CFR 1910.67, 1910.269(a), 1926.500, and 1926.502 for further information.

7.7.3 TOOL BAG AND EQUIPMENT

Tools, small equipment, and materials should be raised and lowered in a tool bag. The tool bag should be inspected before use to see that it contains no broken glass or other material on which the employee could cut his or her hand or rubber gloves. Tool bags should not have any metal in their construction.

7.7.4 TAPES AND RULERS

Workers should not use metal measuring tapes or tapes having metal strands woven into the fabric, brass bound rules, or metal scales when working near electrical equipment or conductors [See NESC Rules 420C(6) and 443A(6)].

7.7.5 SPOON AND SHOVELS

Tools of this type, especially those having long wooden handles, shall not be used when the handles are cracked, split, or broken.

7.7.6 PIKE POLES

Pike poles shall comply with the following:

1. Cracked, broken, or slivered pike poles should not be used;

2. Pike poles should not be thrown; and

3. When not in use and loaded on the truck, the points should be protected so that they will not injure anyone.

7.7.7 HAND AXES AND SHARP TOOLS

Hand axes and sharp tools shall comply with the following:

1. Hand axes should not be used on overhead work; and

2. When not in use, sharp tools should be protected by the suitable guards or containers.

7.7.8 HANDLINES AND TAGLINES

Use high quality, nonconductive handlines and taglines. Keep them stored in a clean, dry location and protected from damage and contamination. Wear clean gloves when handling handlines and taglines to avoid contaminating the rope. Remove wet, dirty, or damaged ropes from service.