LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMING OPERATIONS Quad State Instructors, Inc. This sample is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied on as legal advice. The sample cannot and does not address the unique facts and circumstances of your specific situation and should not be relied on for your particular situationQSI, Inc. makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of any information contained in the samples. Finally, nothing contained in this sample should be construed to constitute a recommendation or endorsement of QSI, Inc. QUAD STATE INSTRUCTORS, INC. , 2016 2016

LINE CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMERS Are your employees properly classified? OSHA Recognizes 3 different qualification levels: Unqualified (electrically) 269-qualified Line-clearance tree trimmer Correctly classifying workers allows a company to properly apply the appropriate rules and OSHA standards. Making sure employees use the correct tools and equipment is an important element in keeping workers safe. Making sure employees are properly trained to the extent of their classifications again insure companies are meeting the standards set forth in the OSHA regulations. QUAD STATE INSTRUCTORS, INC. , 2016

UNQUALIFIED EMPLOYEES Must maintain the minimum approach distances of at least 10’ from overhead power lines. Work practices are covered by Subpart S – particularly 1910.333(c)(3). Section 1910.269 does NOT apply to tree trimming operations performed by unqualified employees. QUAD STATE INSTRUCTORS, INC. , 2016

UNQUALIFIED EMPLOYEE

269-QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES Must use 269 specific skills and any other tree cutting procedures to safely trim trees All of 1910.269 apply to work performed by these workers. *** except (r)(1) which specifically applies to line- clearance trimmers. May work within minimum approach distance of energized parts. The line-clearance tree trimming equipment requirements in 1910.269(r)(2) through (8) apply to 1910.269 qualified employees and line-clearance tree trimmers who are clearing lines with brush clippers, sprayers, stump cutters, chain saws, backpack power cutters, climbing ropes, or safety saddles. QUAD STATE INSTRUCTORS, INC. , 2016

LINE-CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMERS Workers must be able to determine voltage of any line that may pose a hazard. All body parts, ladders, platforms, or aerial devices must stay outside of the minimum approach distance. Use only insulated tools to remove branches and limbs in contact with, or within minimum approach distance to energized parts. Line-clearance tree trimming refers to the pruning, trimming, repairing, maintaining, removing, or clearing of trees or the cutting of brush that is near (within 10 feet of) energized power lines. Rubber gloves and a chainsaw are not permissible for a line-clearance tree trimmer when the branch or limb is within minimum approach. This type of PPE would be utilized by a 269 qualified employee – along with other preventative work practices/guards/shields. QUAD STATE INSTRUCTORS, INC. , 2016

LINE-CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMERS All lines must be considered as operating at the voltage of the line with the highest voltage 1910.269(r)(1)(iii) & (v). Not allowed to work during adverse weather conditions (high wind, icing, lightning, etc.) that make the work hazardous. May perform work during storm restoration if they have been trained in the special hazards present. QUAD STATE INSTRUCTORS, INC. , 2016

LINE-CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMERS Be trained and certified in, and observed (at least annually) to be complying with safety-related work procedures. Follow the medical and first aid provisions of 1910.269(b). Be provided a job briefing before the start of a job or if conditions change. QUAD STATE INSTRUCTORS, INC. , 2016

LINE-CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMERS Properly wear PPE, including fall protection. Comply with material handling and mechanical equipment requirements outlined in 1910.269. QUAD STATE INSTRUCTORS, INC. , 2016

LINE-CLEARANCE TREE TRIMMERS Require a second qualified Line-Clearance Tree Trimmer to be within normal voice range if any of the following apply: The trimmer is within 10’ of any conductor energized at more than 750 volts. Parts are energized at more than 750 volts and branches and limbs are within the minimum approach distance. Roping is required to remove branches from conductors or equipment. QUAD STATE INSTRUCTORS, INC. , 2016

INSULATED TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT Tools constructed of a material that the employer can demonstrate has insulating qualities meeting paragraph 1910.269(j)(1). Fiberglass reinforced plastic – 100,000 volts per ft. for 5 minutes. Wood – 75,000 volts per ft. for 3 minutes. QUAD STATE INSTRUCTORS, INC. , 2016

INSULATED TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT QUAD STATE INSTRUCTORS, INC. , 2016

DIFFERENCES IN TRAINING & COMPETENCIES 269 Qualified Line-Clearance Ability to distinguish live parts Ability to determine voltage Minimum approach distances Proper use of PPE and precautionary techniques Recognition of electrical hazards and how to avoid them. Ability to determine live parts Ability to determine voltage Minimum approach distances QUAD STATE INSTRUCTORS, INC. , 2016

CONCLUSION QUAD STATE INSTRUCTORS, INC. , 2016 It is critical to identify employees properly and make sure tools and training match the work being performed. If an employee is not properly qualified, then the tools and equipment need to be insulated and their employees need to stay out of the minimum approach distances at all times – this included their extended reach. QUAD STATE INSTRUCTORS, INC. , 2016