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• Standard Number: 1926.955(e)

August 17, 1979

MEMORANDUM FOR:    VERNON A. STRAHM
                   Regional Administrator - Region VII

THRU:              ROGER A. CLARK Acting Director of Field Coordination

FROM:              JERRY L. PURSWELL Director
                   Directorate of Safety Standards Programs

SUBJECT:           Live-Line Barehand Technique

The live-line barehand technique is used to work high voltage lines (generally 115 kV and higher) while they are "live." Since insulating gloves are not available for these voltages, the technique has been developed in which the worker is bonded to the line he is working and is insulated or isolated from ground and all other objects at a different potential. Although the terminology is not defined in the standard, it is widely recognized in the electric power industry.

The requirements of section 1926.955(e) specifically address live-line barehand work, and most are inappropriate for other types of live-line work in which the employee is insulated from the conductor being worked. For example, section 1926.955(e)(7) and (14) require the employee to be bonded, through a conductive bucket liner, to the energized line. If he were not doing live-line barehand work, these requirements would not be appropriate.

However, since the present standards in 29 CFR 1926 cover construction of power transmission and distribution lines, there is a recognized need for similar requirements which would apply during maintenance. A standard covering maintenance of power transmission and distribution lines is now in the early developmental stages, and requirements on the live-line barehand technique will be included.

Standard Interpretations - Table of Contents Standard Interpretations - Table of Contents