This section provides additional requirements for
line-clearance tree-trimming operations and for equipment used in these
operations.
This section does not apply to qualified electrical
employees.
(1) Before an employee
climbs, enters, or works around any tree, a determination must be made of the
nominal voltage of electric power lines posing a hazard to employees. However,
a determination of the maximum nominal voltage to which an employee will be
exposed may be made instead, if all lines are considered as energized at this
maximum voltage.
(2) There must be
a second line-clearance tree trimmer within normal, unassisted voice
communication under any of the following conditions:
(a) If a line-clearance tree trimmer is to
approach more closely than 10 feet (305 cm) any conductor or electrical
apparatus energized at more than 600 volts; or
(b) If branches or limbs being removed are
closer to lines energized at more than 600 volts than the distances listed in
Table 2, located in WAC
296-45-325;
or
(c) If roping is necessary to
remove branches or limbs near such conductors or apparatus.
(3) Line-clearance tree trimmers
must maintain the minimum approach distances from energized conductors given in
Table 2, located in WAC
296-45-325.
(4) Branches that are contacting exposed
energized conductors or equipment or that are within the distances specified in
Table 2, located in WAC
296-45-325
may be removed only through the use of insulating equipment.
Note: A tool constructed of a material that the employer can
demonstrate has insulating qualities meeting WAC
296-45-305(1)
are considered as insulated under this section if the tool is clean and
dry.
(5) Ladders,
platforms, and aerial devices must not be brought closer to an energized part
than the distances listed in Table 2, located in WAC
296-45-325.
(6) Line-clearance tree-trimming work cannot
be performed when adverse weather conditions make the work hazardous in spite
of the work practices required by this section. Each employee performing
line-clearance tree-trimming work in the aftermath of a storm or under similar
emergency conditions must be trained in the special hazards related to this
type of work.
| Note: |
Thunderstorms in the immediate vicinity, high winds, snow
storms, and ice storms are examples of adverse weather conditions that are
presumed to make line-clearance tree-trimming work too hazardous to perform
safely. |
(7) A
tree trimmer may climb out of a basket into a tree or from a tree back into the
basket so long as he is properly tied into the tree during the entire maneuver
and the employer can demonstrate that this is the safest way to perform the
work.
Notes
Wash. Admin. Code
§
296-45-455
Amended by
WSR
16-10-082, Filed 5/3/2016, effective
7/1/2016
Amended by
WSR
19-13-083, Filed 6/18/2019, effective
8/1/2019
Statutory Authority:
RCW
49.17.040. 99-09-080, § 296-45-455,
filed 4/20/99, effective 8/1/99. Statutory Authority:
RCW
49.17.010, [49.17].040, [49.17].050 and
[49.17].060. 98-07-009, § 296-45-455, filed 3/6/98, effective
5/6/98.
