Professional linemen need to deal with hazardous jobs every day. Thus, without proper safety precautions, their lives may be at risk. It is important for lineworkers to invest in lineman safety equipment while handling transformers, high voltage powerlines, and other electrical units. Moreover, they need to climb up a ladder of more than 20 feet while doing their regular jobs.
Adverse weather conditions and management of different electrical lines add risk to their lives. So, what are the potential risks of a lineman?
Contents
Potential risks in lineman job:
- Electrocution
- Confined spaces
- Fires
- Falls
- Explosions
- Strains, sprains, and fractures
- Natural calamities
Safety measures for protection:
To save your life from these dangers, you have to put on safety gear. However, it is also essential to take some safety measures while dealing with electrical works.
- Use the right lineman tools needed for your job.
- Make sure that you work together with other team members. Moreover, your co-workers should communicate with you to ensure each other’s safety.
- The most important thing is to wear safety equipment.
- You must move carefully, as your tools are around you.
- You have to use fall protection equipment
Find the list of the most important safety equipment for linemen:
Rubber Sleeves- You have to wear these sleeves to prevent direct contact with electrical lines. Specially designed rubber sleeves can withstand 30000V of electricity. But, it is vital to test the sleeves every 2 to 3 months. It ensures the right working condition of the safety equipment.
Rubber gloves
Similar to rubber sleeves, rubber gloves are important for linemen, working on energized lines. Thus, these gloves are also efficient in managing a high level of electricity. The black part of the gloves is intended for this purpose. However, the rubber glove has white, orange, and green parts made of leather, which protects rubber materials. There is also a pinhole to ensure a flow of electricity through the gloves.
Jeans and shirts
These are commonly chosen outfits of linemen and other professionals. However, the fabric must be flame resistant. Moreover, it is important to use shirts that have non-metallic buttons. Fire-resistant clothing will save you from electric flashes.
Safety glasses
Several industrial workers, including the linemen, need safety glasses. These glasses will protect your eyes from foreign objects and flashes.
Dielectric safety glasses do not have any metal parts, and they include a non-conducting frame. They act as insulation against electricity. Thus, you must put on non-conducting safety gear to minimize the risk of an electrical discharge.
Climbing belt
Linemen need to climb up and down the pole. The belt helps in securing them into this pole. The weight of the belt can range from 20 to 30lbs. It can vary with the number of tools carried by linemen.
However, these climbing belts for linemen are of different types based on their D-ring sizes.
There are basic D-rings available with Dual D lineman belts. They also secondary D-rings flaring outward to secure you while crossing obstacles. The primary rings ensure optimal maneuverability when you are on the pole.
Hot stick
It is another piece of equipment needed for electricians who need to work lines. Designed with fiberglass, the hot stick works as an insulator. As you deal with different maintenance tasks, you need to reconnect and disconnect line sections. But, you must test the hot stick every few months.
Hats
Hard hats are one of the essentials for linemen. These hats protect their head from fallen objects. Moreover, these hats will minimize electric shock when the lineman works near electrical conductors.
The specially designed hats also have reflective stripes. Electricians who need to work at night can choose this type of headwear. There are also attachments for earmuffs and visors.
Hard hat headbands equipped with adjustable chin straps are comfortable to wear. You can also use sweatbands to feel better. The shell and some other parts of the headwear need replacement while they are damaged. You can dip your hats in a solution of hot water and detergent. By scrubbing the shell, you can remove the dirt.
Safety footwear
Linemen have to wear specially designed footwear with a lightweight design. Footwear for linemen should have protective features to prevent injury to your foot. High-quality, branded boots are made of leather. They are resistant to sweat, stains, and water.
Some shoes have steel shanks to protect your arches. Moreover, they should have shock-absorption capacity and toecaps. In most cases, linemen prefer steel-toe boots. Line cutters, clamps, drills, and other tools can protect their feet from injuries. Avoid using normal boots while working as a lineman.
Frequently Asked Questions On Lineman Safety Equipment: Ultimate Tool And Safety
What Safety Equipment Do Linemen Use?
Linemen use an array of safety equipment including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, lineman boots, fall protection gear, and more.
Why Is Safety Equipment Important For Linemen?
Safety equipment is crucial for linemen as it protects them from hazards involving electricity, falls, and impacts. It minimizes injuries and fatalities.
What Types Of Gloves Do Linemen Wear?
Linemen wear specialized gloves made of rubber or other insulating materials that help protect them from electrical shocks while working with live wires.
What Is Fall Protection Gear For Linemen?
Fall protection gear includes a body harness, lanyard, and safety rope which protect linemen working at heights from falling and suffering serious injuries.
How Often Should Linemen Inspect Their Safety Equipment?
Linemen should inspect their safety equipment before every use and have it professionally inspected and tested annually to ensure it is in good condition.
Can Safety Equipment Guarantee Linemen’S Safety?
While safety equipment is an essential tool for protecting linemen, it alone cannot guarantee their safety. Proper training and adherence to safety protocols are also necessary.
Conclusion
It is quite evident that lineman safety equipment plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of the workers in the electrical industry. This equipment can help prevent accidents and potential injuries that may result in fatalities. It is the responsibility of all the employers who have linemen working as their employees to invest in the latest and advanced safety equipment, ensuring the best protection for their workforce.
Good quality safety gear, such as gloves, boots, helmets, and vests, can make a considerable difference in keeping the linemen safe. The equipment offers impressive wearability, comfort, and impact resistance, making them more effective. It is crucial to provide hands-on training to the workers about how to use the equipment correctly.
These investments are not only beneficial to the linemen’s safety but also to the employer’s economic standpoint by reducing medical bills, replacing lost labor hours and reducing the potential for workplace accidents that can increase insurance rates. Lineman safety equipment can ultimately contribute to workforce longevity, job satisfaction, and a healthier and safer working environment.
