American Telephone & Telegraph CompanyLons Lines Plant Dept. SAFETY CODE

SECTION 3OUTSIDE PLANT

CONTENTS

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INDEX - SECTION 3 - OUTSIDE PLANT

3.1 General - Qslsi{e Plant3.11 Safety Obl igat ions of Employees3.12 Traffic Precautions-Warning Signals and Guarcls3.13 Poisonous Plants3.14 Weather Condi t ions3.15 Use o{ Dynamite (B.S.P. G10.320-G10.323 incl . )3.16 Working f rom Boats and Rafts3.17 Strange Animals, Insects, Poisonous Snakes3.18 Electr ical Fences3.19 Wear ing Apparel

3.2 Aerial Plant Worh3.21 Poruer Hazards ancl Protective Devices3.22 Rescr:e ancl Removal-Aer ia l Plant (B.S.P. G10.210)3.23 Trec anr l Brush Cutt ing (B.S.P. G10.325-G10.327 incl . )3 .24 Po les (B .S .P . G10 .205 , G10 .208 , G l0 .305 , c21 .010 , G21 .055 ,

G21 .105 . c21 .140 . G21 .505 , H . B . Spec . 4450)3.25 Open \ \ ' i re and Strand (B.S.P. G10.205, G10.302, G10.370,

G31 .110 , G31 .112 , G31 .505 , P . B . 294 , Spec . 4950)3.26 Aer ia l Cable Placing ancl Spl ic ing (B.S.P. G52.505,

G52.122, c71.530, H. B. Spec. 4950 r t 4860)3.27 Racl iote lephone Transmit t ing Antenna,s (B.S.P. G31.110)

3.3 tlnderground and Buried Plant Work3.31 Tests Before Enter ing Manholes (B.S.P. GI0.212, G10.216)3.32 Rescue and Removal f rom Manholes (B.S.P. G10.209)3.33 Removing and Replacing Manhole Covers3.34 lJnclerground Cable Placing and Spl ic ing (B.S.P. G10.205,

G55.090, G55.505, G73.220, G74.410, H.B. Specs. 4860)3.35 Concluit Construction and Rearrangements (H.8. Spec.

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3.36 Shoring excavations3.37 Bur ied- Cable (B.S.P. G56.130, G71.765, G10.370, H.B.

Spec. 4737)3.38 Cbaxial Cable Spl ic ing (B.S.P. 7t .187,71.188.2)3.39 Coaxial Cable Test ing (B.S.P. 71.187.2,74.440)

3.4 Tools and Storage3.4r Body Tools (B.S.P. G10.325, G80.410, G80.900, G85.800)3.42 Ladders, Plat forms and Cable Cars (B.S.P. G80.610,

G83.620, G85.045)3.43 Sharp Edged Tools ancl Gttards3.44 Safety Goggles3.45 Furnaces and Tor'ches3.46 Ropes, Knots ancl Hi tches (B.S.P. G85.800)3.47 Storerooms

3.1 GENERAL - OUTSIDE PLANT

3.1f Safety Obligations of Employees(a) Iimployees working on outsicle plant shall at all t imes

observe all precautions to prevent accidents to themselves,their fellow employees and the general public.

(b) The Safety Code gathers together in one place the moreimportant safety precautions relating to particular types ofwork to assist the worker and supervisor in planning thejob. The Bell System Practices, Ifancl Book Specifications,and Plant Bulletins which describe the operations to beperformed are prepared with the safety viewpoint con-stantly in mind. Thus, dual use must be made of the Codeand all standard instruction.s.

(c) In no system of instructions is it possible to cover everysort of danger that may exist. Each employee must at allt imes keep himself alert for clangerous practices, either hisown or someone else's.

(d) Clean up broken insulators, u'ire ends and other debris be-fore leaving a job.

(e) All employees should be instructed in who to call in theevent of an accident and where necessary trained in the useof the telephone set provided when calls are made throughthe testboard.

(f ) See SECTION 2--GENERAL-2.1 to 2.4 incl.

3.12 Trafif ic Precautions-Warning Signals and GuardsNOTE: State and local laws relative to traffic control, warning

signals, guards, etc. must be complied rvith. The general prac-tices outlined below are to be modified to conform to thepractices specified for each locality.

(a) Tools and materials should be so placed as to form no in-cumbrance on highways or thoroughfares used by others

(1)) W h e n work o f any type invo lves encroachment upon thetraveled portion or the shoulder of a highway, the publicmust lx warned. The following warning devices are avail-able :

(c)

( (1 )

(e)

Addit ional warning devices such as wooden barricades, rc-flectors electric flashing signals and floodlights may be re-quired under some conditions. Police in u n i f o r m may bedesirable at times to afford proper protection.

Make sure t h a t ample w a r n i n g devices arc available befores ta r t ing any work on the highway. Do not fail to remove

warning devices when the work is completed.

Do not leave warning device in place when not required.

The daytime warning d e v i c e i s t h e "Man Work ing" signwith a red flag attached. The fluttering of the flag attractsattention.

(ii( :2 )

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At night l ighted r e d lanterns or flares shall be used.

State and l o c a l requirements as t o t h e n u m b e r type, a n dlocat ion of warning devices should be met.

Local condit ions are a major factor in the placing of warn -ing devices. How ever, where a warning sign is required, atIcast two warning devices must be placed.

If traffic is required to stop or p r o c e e d very slowly. flag-men shall be placed at both approaches to the work.

W h e r e it is necessary to deflect traffic a sufficient numberof signs shall be used.

Place signs close enough together so that a driver does notassume that the work covered hy the signs has been passed.

W h e n a number of signs arc used the distance between themshall not exceed 300 feet .

Place all warning devices as follows :1 . After t ruck has been parked on shoulder of road.’ Before “ spo t t ing”-. t r u c k where i t may interfere with

traffic.

Safety Code

unless u n a v o i d a b l e i n which case p r o p e r warning s i g n a l sshall be displayed or 3 Watchman should be placed to warn traffic.

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3. The leaves grow on stalks having from scvcn to thirteenlong l ea f l e t s oppos i t e each o the r in pa i r s . They a reorange in spring, glossy green with scarlet ribs and alighter green underside in summer and gaudy hues inthe fall.

(d) Precautions to Avoid Plant Poisoning1. Wear gloves and keep the arms and legs well covered

when exposure cannot be avoided.2. Tools, material or clothing which have been in contact

with the plants carry the poison. Be careful when han-dling these items.

3. Avoid t he smoke coming from the burning plants in sofar as possible, since exposure to it may cause poisoning.

3. No one should consider himself immune from poisoningalthough individual susceptibility and immunity varies.

(e) Care Following Exposure1 . Wash thorough ly as soon as p rac t i cab le . Work up a

heavy la ther wi th ye l low laundry soap using warmwater if available.

2. Rinse thoroughly several times.3. Use running water if possible or change it after rinsing.-I. Do not rub skin with anything rough, including abrasive

soaps.

3.14 W e a t h e r Condi t ions

(a ) Work ing under unusual weather condit ions, such as ons torm breaks and in floods, p r e sen t more than o rd ina ryworking hazards and extra precautions must be taken torecognize and overcome them.

(1~) Whenever there are indications of an approaching electricalstorm all work on poles or work involving contact withopen wire, messenger strand, or cable conductors shall bestopped immediately and not resumed until the storm haspassed.

3.15 Use o f Dynami te

(a) l’he use or possession of dynamite or blasting caps is pro-hibited to all employees unless authorized by the DivisionPlant Superintendent.

( 1, ) Where blasting is done u n d e r the above special authority,Bell System Practices shall be carefully reviewed prior tostarting the work.

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3.16 Working from Boats and Rafts

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Rowboats, motorboats, rafts, canoes and barges or similarcraft shall not be used by employees in the performance ofthei r dut ies unless author ized by the Super intendent in-volved, and used under the direct supervision of the super-visor in charge.Where boats -are used in normal activities, continuing au-thority may be granted by the Superintendent involved.Experienced boatmen shall be secured when it is necessaryto use boats in swift currents, turbulent water, etc.The clothing and shoes worn should be as light as practi-cable.Employees working in boats shal l be equipped with ap-proved standard life preservers.Life preservers shall be worn by employees in bloats exceptwhen in the judgment of the supervisor it is impracticable.Be alert at all times and anticipate movements of the boat,apparatus or tools while working.All heavy equipment and apparatus should be made secureto the boat and a minimum number of tools carried on theperson of an employee.Employees should be warned when it appears that the mo-tion of the boat may be changed, such as from swells of apassing boat.Hazards pecul ia r to the v ic in i ty , such as shark- infes tedwaters, swift treacherous currents, deep water, etc. maynecessitate special working precautions.Provide a boat when working over deep water.

3 .17 St range Animals- Insects-Poisonous Snakes

(a)

(1))

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While working on private property where a vicious dog ispresent, arrange to have the animal chained or confined ifpossible.On farm land, take precautions against being molested bylivestock.Many insect bites or stings cause irritation, swelling andin f l ammat ion Infection frequently occurs.1. Learn to recognize insects that are peculiar to the sec-

tion in which you are working.2 . Be on the a ler t for wood- t icks , chiggers , sp iders and

other stinging or biting insects. Apply only standardremedial measures. Consult the First Aid Textbook forcare.

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((1) The poisonous snakes of the United States are the coralsnake, rattlesnake, copper-head a nd cotton-mouth moccasin.

1. Learn to identify these snakes.7 Be on the alert when working in snake-infested regions.I.3. About 7 5 % of snake bites are in the lower extremity.

Wear high-topped shoes, boots or he av y le ggin gs forprotection when working where snakes are known orbelieved to exist.

3.18 Electrical Fences

(a? All electrical fences should be treated on thestructure is alive with a hazardous voltage.

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(b) Where it is necessary to work around this ty pe of fe nc e,every effort shou ld be ma de to have the current turned off.Otherwise contact should be avoided.

3.19 Wearing Apparel

(a) All employees engaged in outside plant work shall wearproper clothing as a protection against the sun, weather,insects, poisonous plants, etc.

This includesand hats.

shirts with sleeves rolled down, high s h o e s

(c) Gloves should be used where required.

3.2 AERIAL PLANT WORK

3.21 Power Hazards and Protective Devices - This section con-tains general precautions and safety directions to be followed whileworking near any structure or equipment used for the transmissionof electricity for power or light.

(a) Plan and perform telephone work in the vicinity of powerstructures on the basis that any metallic part of the powerstructure is alive with a dangerous voltage. In additionto recognized power systems and parts of such systems thisincludes :1. 110 volt circuits.2 Street lighting circuits., .3. Guys, trolley hangers, street lamp span wires and other

structures not normally energized.4. Railroad signal circuits. (These may carry up to 5000

volts.)

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Avoid all contact, direct or indirect, with any metallic partof the power system.

110 not ride past a power crossing in a cable car unless it isdefinitely known it can he done without making contact withthe power leads. If there is any doubt ride up to the cross-ing from the pole on either side.

110 not climb power or railway poles or joint poles of othercommunications companies where the power circuit is locatedunder the telephone line.

High vol tages may be set up in the t e l ephone p lan t byl ightn ing or stat ic discharges. ear th cur ren ts , AuroraBoreal is and by abnormal induct ion due to surges orgrounds on power systems. (See 3.21 (f) that follows).

If unusual shocks are experienced due to lightning, static,or earth currents, work involving contact with wires shouldbe stopped immediately.

On lines subject to abnormal induction special protectiveequipment shall be used as required by :

1. Standard instructions.7 Field working specifications.-.3. Any other special instructions relating to individual job

conditions.

Approved spec ia l pro tec t ive equipment furn ished by theCompany include the following :

1. Rubber gloves.7 Rubber blankets.-.3. Rubber line hose.

\Vhenever any changes in power lines or temporary pro-tection of power lines are required, arrangements shall bemade to have all such work done by the power company.In some cases it may be necessary for telephone employeesto cease all wire work while power company changes arebeing made.

When a lineman is dispatched on trouble which appears toinvolve contact between telephone and power wires, thelineman will be so advised by the testboardman. The line-man shall not climb into the wires nor call in except froma local telephone until the power condition has been cor-rected.

Outside PlantI Safety CodeP'z3.w 11 3.2

(k) Any employee observing or being informed of a dangerousor unsatisfactory plant condition shall immediately reportsame to the nearest testboard. The Chief Testboardmanshall take all possible means to warn all employees whomight be exposed to the dangerous condition.

(1) Local telephone lines, which feed from or might affect ourline, should be covered for a distance of about 2 or 3 milesback for power interference before work is done on the lineafter storm breaks.

(m) Linen tapes with interwoven metallic strands are danger-ous to use in aerial lines or where they might come in con-tact with “live wires” and their use is prohibited.

(11) Inspect any linen tapes you receive to make sure they donot contain metal strands. In a new tape the metal strandscan be detected as dark lines by looking at a section of thetape against a strong light.

(o) The use of steel measuring tapes aloft, that is, on poles orfixtures, or in any other place where there is danger ofcontact with a “live” wire or th i rd ra i l i s s t r ic t ly pro-hibited.

(1,) S E E S E C T I O N 3 . 2 - O P E N W I R E .4ND S T R A N D .

3.22 Rescue and Removal-Aeria l Plant

(a) Bell System Practice G10.210 describes in detail the pro-cedure for removing an unconscious employee from a pole.

(I,) Bel l System Pract ice G10.211 descr ibes in deta i l the pro-cedure for rescuing a person from live power wires on theground.

3.23 Tree and Brush Cutting-Most of the injuries received intree work or trimming operations are caused by :

1. Breaking and falling limbs.2. Improper climbing and working methods.3. Swinging branches or underbrush.

(a) See that there is ample swinging room when using axesand bush hooks.

(1)) Be careful that twigs and smal l branches do not in jureyour face or eyes. Wear goggles when necessary.

cc) W h e n fe l l ing a t ree in c lose quar ters , guy i t so tha t i tmust fall the right way.

( d )

( c )

( f )

Whcn fell ing trecs tltc rvorktrtetr sltoulcl, rvlterc practicable,be scattered.

If men must work close together. each shall lrc responsiblefor seeing that all otl-rer rvorknretr and b1'standers retire toa safe clistance before he completes a fell ing.'I-rces

shall be clinrbccl cither rvith latlclcrs or l lv the ropescat ntethod. Stanclard pole c l inrbers SHAi-L NOT RI iU S E D .

(s) \ \ , 'hen rvork ing alof t in t rees:

1. Use the rope s l ing, the rope seat , or a ladder lashed tothe t ree t runk or large l imbs.

2. Use a saw or t ree t r i tutuers.3. Be sttre that a l imb is strottg etrt-rttglt for supl>ort bcfore

yr-rur weight is applied.4. Look out for cleacl l imbs.5. hr cutting off a l irnb tnake certain that no one rvil l be

struck tro nratter hc-rw a limb swings or {alls rvheu cutfree.

6. If use is ntade of a laslrecl laclder, the employee must besecured to it.

(h) Three ropes (but t rope, top rope, and guide rope) shal l betused rvhen lorvering large limbs or sections of the trunk.

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(i) Watch for poison ivy. (See Section 3.13).

(j ) Place any necessary barricades when working along high-ways. (See Section 3.12) s

(k) Avoid contact with or damaging any part of a foreign linewhich may be in or near the tree.

(1) Use extreme caution in burning brush, particularly whenkerosene is used to start green brush afire.

(111) S E E S E C T I O N 3.43 - SHARP EDGED TOOLS ANDG U A R D S .

3 .24 Poles-A number of acc idents have occurred in connec-t ion wi th pole l ine work . All employees shal l be thoroughlyfamiliar with precautions in doing th i s k ind of work as coveredhere and in Bell System Practices.

Before climbing any pole make sure that it is in safe con-dition, otherwise place temporary guys.

Test each pole before climbing unless it carries after andduring the work in progress any of the following:

1. One or more messengers attached not more than 10 feetbelow the top and not having excessive down-pull.

2. Ten or more line wires 104 gauge or larger attached topoles 35 feet or shorter, and which will remain in placeduring the course of work on the pole.

3. Four-way storm guys.

Test each pole before climbing if it:1. Does not carry a load such as in (1)) above.2. Has excessive up-pull.3. Has excessive down-pull.4. Appears in any way questionable.i. . Is adjacent to a span of 250 feet or more.

The pike pole test should be used where practicable. Tncases where the pole should be t es ted but t he p ike po lemethod cannot be applied, such as at corners, properly guythe pole.

Jointly used poles carrying power circuits shall not be giventhe pike pole test.

Avoid standing on a crossarm, but if it is necessary, makesure it will support you.

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( o ) If necessary to stand on a crossarm do rrot stand furtherfronr the pole than the point where the brace is attached.'fhen,

as an aclded precaution, place safety strap aroundthe arm above betrveen the pole and brace.

NIIVtrR trust your rveight to pir.rs or crossarm braces.

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3.25 Open Wire and Strand

(a) Placing and removing open wire or strand is subject tothree particular hazards which are:1. Contacts with power wires.2. Broken poles resulting from unbalanced loads.3. Flying ends.

(b) Every metallic part of a power structure sha'Il be con-sidered alive with a dangerous voltage. (See Section 3.21).

(c) Placing and dismantling operations should be planned sothat adequate clearance with any metallic part of a struc-ture shall be maintained at all times.

(d) Do not depend upon the insulation of power wires-regardthem as bare wires and dangerous.

(e) Do not climb poles or structures of non-associated com-panies if such poles or structures carry power or lightingcircuits.

(f) All rope used near power structures shall be dry and freeof metallic strands. (The sketches following illustrate 4uses of rope as a protective device.)

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2 Hall Hitches

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Handline or othersuitable Rope

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Handline or othersuitable .Rope

Take'Half Hitch around Crossarmhere if desirable

2 Half Hitches

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2 Half Hitches

(g) Wear rubber gloves when handling rope or wire nearpower crosslngs.

(h) Remember that a crossing having standard clearance doesnot guarantee safety duiing wire stringing or removingoperalions. There is- frequently danger of untied- or brokenrvires flipping into the power wires unless special precau-tions are taken.

(i) When dismantling in sections near power crossings alwaysremove open wirE or strand at the crossing first. Similarprecautions are necessary at highway and railroad crossings.

( j ) Where practicable, a handline being carried aloft shall besecurely coiled and the coil looped over the pliers or someother tool in the body belt.

(k) When in use the end of the handline shall be attached tothe pole or crossarm and not to the body belt. The freeend shall be kept clear of traffic or moving objects.

(l) In dismantling make sure that the pole you are on andadjacent poles will stand or are properly guyed. (See Sec-tion 3.24).

(m) Never remove the wires from a terminal pole without firstadding temporary guys.

3.26 Aerial Cable Placing and Splicing-Reels of cable now incommon use weigh up to 6 tons and many load coil cases weighmore than I ton. Thev should be handled with care at all times.

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( c )

( d )

In unloading cable or loading coil cases fromtal<e every precautiou against the possibil itymoving while the unloading is going on.

When transporting cable reels by truck makeare securely anchorecl in position so that theyt ip, or break loose.

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Place ond, Block Cable Reels Properly(e) Spotted ",able reels shall be properly placed and blocked to

prevent them from rolling or tipping.(f) When cable reels or loading cases are placed on snow or

f.rozen.ground, protect them from tipping or rolling overlvhen the snow melts or the frost thaws out.

(g) When setting up a reel of cable do not use steel .lags toconstruct a base on which to set the jack.

(h) f'xercise.care.to preve't injury when removing steel lagsfrom cable reel.

(i) Whg" pulling cable up steep grades make sure the grip istirmly placed so the cable will not run back. It mav benecessary to use a core hitch on extremely steep gradei.

(i ) -Wg"t gloves when handling winch line to avoid cuts fro,mbroken strands.

(k) Keep hands off winch while it is in motion under load.(l) Never straddle a winch rope.(m) Fplicers shall inspect platforms and associated ropes ancJ

hooks each time before -using-

They shalr t. putt.J'rp i"ioplace by means of the standard airial hand'line.- Db nottry to carry them up ladder.

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(4 Make sure that platforms are properly supported and guyedbefore starting work. Keep entrances from ladder to plat-form clear.

(0) It is necessary that paraffin be frequently removed fromplatforms to prevent them from becoming slippery. Keepall loose tools off platform and in proper containers.In getting on or off platforms use ladder. Don’t slide downropes.Get down from aerial platforms during electrical storms.Goggles shall be worn if the carbon electrode method ofrepairing aerial cable is used.Make sure that proper warning s igns and guards are inplace before any operation is started. (See Section 3.12).Aerial tent heaters must not be operated:

1. If unattended.2. With the wick in contact with the flame spreader.3. In tent where heated paraffin is being used.

Keep lighted torch or furnace far enough away from mes-senger strand to avoid heating or annealing the strand.Always secure tent flaps so that they cannot come in con-tact with an open flame.Keep children and bystanders at a safe distance.

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In climbing over fences, trees o r o the r obs t ruc t ions , o rwalking over right-of-way, use part icular caution to avoidtripping or stumbling while carrying material.S E E S E C T I O N 3.42-LADDERS, P L A T F O R M S A N DCABLE CARS.S E E S E C T I O N 3 . 3 - U N D E R G R O U N D C A B L EPLACING AND SPLICING.

Radiotelephone Transmitting AntennasWarning signs shall be hung at all antenna transmissionline grounding switches, or as close thereto as possible.The ground-switch must be operated whenever work isdone on any part of the antenna system-including selectorswitches associated with the switch. The sign shall be ap-proximately 7” x 10” with the wording :

W A R N I N G

(b)

O P E R A T E G R O U N D S W I T C HI N C O N N E C T I O N W I T H

A N T E N N A S Y S T E M M A I N T E N A N C EAvoid contact with radio frequency voltages to safeguardagainst a serious burn or an involuntary movement whichin turn may cause a fall or other accident.

(c) Engineering advice and special arrangements shall be madebefore performing work when unusual antenna conditionssuch as ineffective static drains, no grounding switch, etc.are encountered.

(d) Before any work operations are performed on an antennasystem, an employee shall :1 .3Y.

3 .

Know the antenna and antenna switching arrangements.Make ce r ta in tha t the sys tem i s i so la ted f rom ALLtransmitters and cannot be reconnected except under hispersonal control.Inspect the antenna system for hazards and make cer-tain that conductors of other systems are not within theworking space.

4 . Make a “buzz stick” test for induced radio frequencyvo l t ages AT THE POINT WHERE WORK IS TOBE DONE.

5 . Grounds, shorts, or other protective devices, should beapplied to eliminate such voltages as may exist at thepoint of work.

6 . Assume and maintain a safe working position.

3.3 UNDERGROUND AND BURIED PLANT WORK

3.31 Tests Before Entering Manholes-The Bell System Prac-tices give complete instructions for testing all types of gas condi-tions in manholes. These instructions shall be observed by em-ployees.

(4 Every manhole to be entered for the first time during theday or reopened after having been closed during the dayshall be tested.

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If the test indicates gas, ventilate the manhole 10 minutesand test again. If gas is still indicated blower ventilationmust be provided continuously until the work operation iscompleted.

When using a blower to ventilate a manhole do not assignmen to work in adjacent unventilated manholes since gasmay be forced through the conduit.

A heater shall be used for the carbon monoxide detectorampoule if the temperature inside the manhole is 40” F orlower.

Do not lower the suction gas indicator into a manhole-anexplosion might result.

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3.32( a )

3.33(a)

(b )

Rescue and Removal From ManholesBell System Practices G10.209 describes in detail the oro-cedure for removing an unconscious employee from a rian-hole.

_ nemovlng anc x,eptacmg ryIanhote LoversBefore opening a manhole p_lace suitable warning devicesor barricades as reqlrired. (See Section 3.lZ).

-or barricades as reqlrired. (-See Section 3.12i.Bel.l System Practice G10.220.1 describes

'in detail the

Removing and Replacing Manhole Covers

methods to be followed in removing and replacing manhole

MANHOLES

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Where practicable, two men shall be assigned to remove amanhole cover.

Stand facing trafhc when removing a manhole cover toavoid the poss ib i l i ty of suddenly backing in to a movingvehicle.

In general, one man may replace the manhole cover butwhere condi t ions requi re the serv ices of two men, the i refforts should be properly coordinated.

Underground Cable Placing and Splicing

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3. Tent heaters shall not be permitted in manholes.4. Use only electric lights of a type having a wire guard

and no switch inside the manhole.5. When using electric soldering coppers, the switch shall

be located outside of the manholes.6. Test sets which may emit sparks shall not be placed in

manholes.7. No smoking shall be permitted inside or in the immedi-

ate vicinity of the manhole.

If, when pulling cable, the winch line tension becomes ab-normally high, further pulling shall be done cautiously andthe workmen shall leave the manhole if practicable.

Always use a ladder for entering or leaving a manhole.

Before lowering or raising tools or material in the man-hole, notify the man working below and receive an acknowl-edgment to proceed.

Before passing hot lead or paraffin, remove the ladle andpass it as a separate operation.

Manhole gua rds shall be used whenever practicable to keepunauthorized persons from the vicinity of an open manhole.

Separate pot hooks shall be used for paraffin and solderpots to avoid the possibility of paraffin falling into moltensolder and igniting.

Care shal l be taken in handl ing and passing solder andparaffin pots so that no water will come in contact with theheated contents or container.

Before using catch pans, paraffin troughs, solder or paraffinladles? etc. they should be heated to remove moisture andto bring them to a temperature near that of the solder orparaffin.

When leaving a manhole the cover of which is normallyburied below the surface of the ground, replace the cover,restore the ground surface and tamp it thoroughly so asnot to present an obstruction to traffic, or display a red flagor lighted lantern to warn the Public.

Place hot ladles, soldering coppers, paraffin or solder wherethere will be no likelihood of burning anyone.

If paraffin should get on fire, smother the flames with lid,blanket, sand or dirt. Do not use Pyrene or water as thesewill scatter the flames and not quench them.

(s) Don’t test the temperature of a soldering copper by hold-ing it alongside of your face.

(t) Don’t flick solder from the soldering copper. Use a cloth.

(u) S E E S E C T I O N 3.26 - AERIAL CABLE PLACINGAND SPLICING.

3 .35 Condui t Cons t ruc t ion and Rear rangements

P lace appropr ia te warn ing signs and barricades beforestarting conduit work. (See Section 3.12).

Loosen boulders only from a position above. See that noone is below.

Keep your feet well in the clear of air hammers.

Wear goggles when using air hammers and drills.

3 .36 Shor ing Excavations--It is not practicable to give spe-cific rules for determining when an excavation requires shoring.Local conditions and experience are of major importance in mak-ing the decision.

(a j All factors shall be considered of which the following arelisted as an aid toward determining the proper action:1 . S tudy the condi t ion of the so i l to de te rmine i f i t i s

uniformly hard from top to bottom. Consider how itwill hold after a heavy rain.

” As the digging progresses watch for signs of crumblingu.

that may result in a “cave-in.”3. If there is any vibration sucli as f rom

heavy traffic, shoring may be required.street cars or

4 . A heavy weight such as a t rac tor o r a ree l o f cab leplaced near the edge of the trench may dislodge the sidewalls.

5. T rencheso c c u r s .

dug in frozen ground may crumble if a thaw

6. The slope of the wall is a determining factor in placingshoring.

(b) Place shoring wherever there is the least doubt about theholding quality of a wall.

(c) Screw jacks should be used i f pract icable on a l l shor ingwork.

(d) Properly brace all shoring.

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When removing shoring the following precautions shall beobserved :1. Proceed cautiously.2. Work from above.3. Back-fill promptly.

Abandon shoring in place if necessary to be safe.

Carry on the excavation of a manhole or trench within abar r icade wherever necessary to pro tec t employees , thepublic or livestock. This barricade should carry red flagsby day and lighted red lanterns by night placed far enoughapa r t t o avo id t he e f f ec t of a blur and be individuallydistinct.

3 .37 Buried Cable---Buried cable placing involves the use ofheavy equipment such as tractors, trailers and plows not commonlyused in other phases of telephone work. Each job shall be plannedcarefully and all employees shall use care to perform their worksafely.

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Employees shall be familiar with all sections of this Codeand with other standard instructions.

Special supervision and training shall be given to employeesengaged in this work.

Tractors shall be operated only by authorized drivers.

Tractor drivers should shield themselves behind the heavywire screens placed behind the seat. This is to protect themfrom flying objects resulting from broken winch lines, etc.

Employees should be warned agains t ge t t ing in f ront orbehind tractor equipment while it is standing. If it is nec-essary to get in such positions. the tractor drivers attentionmust be called to their presence in order that he will notstart the equipment while they are in a dangerous position.They must cooperate with the driver in connection withtheir movements so he will know they are in the clear.

One more authorized driver than the number of tractorsshall be provided in planning jobs requir ing two or moretractors.

When tractors have to be maneuvered through woods thedriver shal l wear goggles and watch out for brancheswhipping back.

Keep a l l spec ta to r s a t a sa fetions.

distance f rom work opera-

Frequent inspections should be made of all winch lines toinsure their being in good condition. Eyes in winch linesused with heavy dutv winches shall be properly prepared ascovered by standard-instructions.

Trailer tongues shall be raised by means of a winch lineor suitable jack.

No employee shall get on or off any part of the train whileit is in motion except in emergencies.

No person shall be allowed to walk between any two unitsof the train when it is in motion nor make a last minuteadjustment after the “all clear” signal has been given.

Never walk so close to the equipment that an involuntarymovement will place you into the path of a moving tractoror trailer.

Stay at sufficient distance from the rooter plow when inoperation since obstructions may cause it to overturn.

A sui table p la t form with handrai ls shal l be provided onthe plow train for employees who are required to ride thetrain during plowing operations. The platform provided isthe only place on the plow train, other than the tractors,where employees are permitted to ride. Employees shouldno t be pe rmi t t ed to r ide on the p l a t fo rm i f t he g roundcontour is such that there is any possibility that the plowor trailer might upset.

When anchoring cable and if circumstances permit, threadthe plow share with suitable rope, wire or small winch linebefore the plow is run over the starting trench.

In transferring reels from the auxiliary loading trailer tothe winch loading trailer, employees shall not get betweenthe trailer, or stand where they might be injured if anypart of this equipment breaks or gives way.

Keep c lea r o f the t r a i l e r when t h e winch loading armmechanism is operated.

A metal bar, hook or short wrecking bar shall be used inoperating the spindle latches and in placing or releasingthe track lock on the trailers.

At least two men shall be assigned to lift a reel spindle.

Due to noise of the operating machinery, and the possi-bility of considerable separation between the individual

units of a train, the system of approved visual or soundsignals shall be used as covered in standard instructions.

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If sound signals are used the signaling device shall be:

1 . Loud enough to be heard over the noise of the ma-chinery.

2. Distinctive enough to avoid confusion with other sounds.

3. Arranged so that it may be safely operated.

All signals shall be given as follows :1 . In general a l l s ignals shal l be given by the man in

charge of the train.

3. Only the man in cha rge of the train shall give the signalto start.

3. Before giving the signal to start the man in charge ofthe train shall make sure that all employees are clearof the train.

4. In an emergency any employee may give a signal tostop.

All employees shall be familiar with the approved signals.

Where plows are equipped with pneumatic tires, employeesshould not stand opposite the tires when the plow share isbeing raised because of the danger of blow outs due toincreased pressure.

When it is necessary to dig pits or trenches in order tostart the cable through the plow, an anchor line can bepassed back under the trailer to an anchorage point behind,without men being under the loaded trailer. Under no con-ditions are employees to go under equipment unnecessarilyand none are to remain in pits when the equipment is inmotion. The man in charge should make absolutely certainthat all men are out of the pits and are in the clear beforehe gives the signal to proceed.

3.38 Coaxial Cable Spl icing

(a) The ends of the metal tapes around the coaxial tubes arevery sharp. To protect the hands the ends of these tapesshould be covered with several turns of scotch tape or otherprotective material.

(b) In releasing these tapes use the scissors not the fingers.

(c) Avoid being struck by short lengths of inner conductors andcorners of the metal tapes during preparation of the coaxialsfor splicing.

3.39 Coaxia l Cable Tes t ing

(a) Before proceeding with any coaxial cable testing work theemployee must become thoroughly familiar with all thetesting procedures outlined in Bell System Practices 71.1872and 74.440. This is necessary because of the dangerous highvoltages used in this work.

(b) Coaxial and control pairs in service shall be opened onlyafter receiving specific instructions from the controllingtestboard.

3.4 TOOLS AND STORAGE-SEE SECTION 4.6 - TOOLS-CENTRAL OFFICES

3.41 Body Tools

(a) Body Bel ts and Safety Straps

1. Body belts shall be of correct size to fit the employee.

2. Body bel ts and safety s t raps shal l be examined eachtime before they are used.

3 A DETAILED inspection of these tools shall be made. .at least once a week.

-J. -Any defective body belt or safety strap shall be removedfrom service at once.

i The supervisor shall see that thorough inspections areC.made at proper intervals.

0. The safety strap shall be placed around the pole so thatit rests flat against the surface without turns and twists.

i. E M P L O Y E E S S H A L L N E V E R R E L Y O N T H ECLlCK O F T H E K E E P E R I N T H E S N A P - H O O KWHEN A T T A C H I N G A S A F E T Y S T R A P T O AD E E RING AS INDICATION THAT THE FAST-ENING IS SECURE: IN ALL CASES WORKMENS H A L L L O O K T O M A K E S U R E T H A T T H ES N A P H O O K A N D D E E R I N G A R E P R O P E R L YE N G A G E D B E F O R E T H E W E I G H T O F T H EBODY IS PLACED ON THE STRAP.

8. The keeper of the snap hook on a safety strap shallface away from the body when engaged in the Dee ring.

0. Bo th snap hooks sha l l NOT be a t t ached to the sameDee r ing when a safety s t rap is in use , except whenworking on a platform

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Improvised substitutes of rope, wire, etc., shall never beused for safety straps or body belts.

When a ladder has been made secure to suspensions t rand , t r ee t runks , l a rge l imbs o r o ther suppor t s , aworkman should increase his safety by placing his line-man’s safe ty s t rap around one rung, or be tween tworungs and around one side rail of the ladder. This doesnot preclude the use of a rope sling or rope seat in lieuof the body belt and safety strap.

When not in use both ends of a safety strap shall besnapped into the same Dee ring.

When ascending or descending care shall be exercisedto see that the safety strap does not catch on pole steps,etc.

The end of the belt shall not extend into the Dee ring.Cut it back when necessary.

The end of the belt when in use shall always be placedin its keeper.

Safety straps shall never be used as a means of ridingsuspension strand.

The body belt or safety strap shall not be used to assistin piking poles.

Make sure that safety strap is not placed so that it canslip over the top of a pole.

Avoid climbing past a fellow employee on a pole but ifit is necessary special care should be exercised to pre-vent striking him or his safety strap with gaffs.

The body belt shall never be unbuckled while aloft.

1 . Rope sl ings shall be looped around l imbs suff icientlystrong to support the weight of the man and care shallbe taken that the snaps are securely fastened.

2. Rope slings shall not be used as a substitute for safetystraps on regular pole work.

3. The inspection of rope slings is similar to that describedfor safety straps. [See (a) above].

4. Slings showing signs of weakness at any time shall notbe used.

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( c ) Climbers

1 . Cl imbers shal l be se lec ted so as to f i t the employeeproperly.

3 Climbers shall be examined each time they are used.L.

3. A DETAILED inspection of climbers shall be made atleast once each week when in daily use.

3. Climbers having any indication of weakness shall notbe used. Mark them “defective” at once and dispose ofas soon as possible.

5. Climber straps shall be carefully inspected to determinethe condition of the leather and shall not be used ifthey are in an unsafe condition.

6. The points of climber gaffs shall be kept sharp to insurea safe grip, when climbing or working on poles.

7. ,4 file only shall be used for sharpening gaffs.

8. Straps for affixing the climber to the foot shall be wornon the OUTSIDE of the leg iron.

9. The ends of all straps shall be placed in keepers whenin use.

10. The inspection of climbers and straps and the sharpen-ing and measurement of climber gaffs shall be done inaccordance with standard instructions.

3 .42 Ladders , P la t forms and Cable Cars

(a ) Extens ion Ladders

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Ladders shall be inspected visually for defects each timebefore using.

A complete inspection for s t rength reducing defec tsshall be made each week in accordance with standardinstructions.

The use of defective ladders is prohibited.

When used for aerial work, ladders shall be lashed inthe standard manner.

A ladder of sufficient length should always be selectedfor the work to be done. It is desirable that the ladderbe long enough so that the work can be performed fromat least the fourth rung from the top.Painted ladders are prohibited. Use only clear varnishor shellac for finishing.

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7. Place the foot of the ladder on the ground or otherstlpport so that the distance from the base of the ladderto a line dropped vertically from the top support is ap-p rox ima te ly one - four th o f the l eng th o f the l adde rmeasured from the top support to the bottom support.

S . When working on an extens ion ladder tha t has beensecure ly fas tened, the employee must secure h imsel fto the ladder using body belt and safety strap or ropesling.

9. Ladders shall he kept free from dirt, paraffin, etc.

10. Ladders shall be properly secured when transported ontrucks or other motor vehicles.

11. When ladders must be used in loca t ions where thereis a possibility of interference from traffic of any sort,an employee shall be assigned to act as guard.

12. Employees shall always face the ladder in ascending ordescending.

13. Ladders shall not be ascended or descended without freeuse of both hands.

14. Make sure the ladder locks are engaged before ascend-ing. When climbing by the locks always inspect thembefore you pass.

15. Never “walk” a ladder; get off and move it.

(b) Aer i a l P l a t fo rms1. Splicers’ platforms shall be kept clean and free from

defective parts.2. Platform guy ropes shall be arranged in a fixed posi-

t ion so as to reduce the poss ib i l i ty of a c c i d e n t t o aminimum.

3. Knots and fastenings shall be secured in a manner toavoid s l ipping or in ter ference f rom sources such aspassing vehicles or pedestrians.

3 . Two men and the i r equipment sha l l be the maximumload placed on one unit consisting of a platform and oneladder.

5. Guy ropes shall not be attached to fire plugs, or mova-ble objects such as motor vehicles.

6. If left unattended day or night, the guy ropes shall beattached high enough to he out of reach of children andunauthorized persons.

7. Loops and ends of excess rope shall be securely fastened.

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Tools or equipment shall not be left on platforms overnight.The correct method of inspecting suspension strand be-fore placing and guying splicers’ platforms shall be fol-lowed as covered in standard instructions.W h e n t h e n a t u r e o f t h e work requires i t , addi t ionalsafety for the workman should be provided by wearingthe standard body belt and safety strap with the straparound the strand and cable.

(c) Cable Cars1. Only approved cable cars shall be used for riding sus-

pension strand.2. Cable cars shal l not be used without cable car s t raps

properly secured to the body belt and cable car.3. ‘4 careful inspection of the cable car shall be made each

time before it is used.4. Only cable cars in good condition shall be used.5. When entering or leaving a cable car and when passing

a pole, a lineman’s safety strap shall be used.6. When r iding rusty s trand, goggles shal l be worn.7. Use hand line to control the movement of the cable car

when riding strand on steep grades.

3.43 Sharp Edged Tools and Guards

(a) Sharp edged and pointed tools shall be kept in approvedguards or racks at all times when not in use.

(b) Such tools shall be stored, transported and handled so thatthey do not cause personal injury.

[c) P r o p e r t ools should be used and the correct tool selected1and used for the particular cutting job to be done.1. Bush hooks are used to cut al l underbrush and small

trees up to about one inch in diameter.2. Axes are for trees from one inch to six inches in di-

ameter, depending upon cutting conditions.3. Crosscut saws are used to cut all trees larger than six

inches in diameter and for smaller ones when cuttingconditions make the use of an axe inadvisable.

(d) Always use the safe carrying procedure when carrying toolsto and from the job.1. Guards should be left on tools to be carried.2. Axes and bush hooks are carried with the hand close up

to the head of the axe or brush hook.

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Leazte Guaril's on Tools to be carried

3. Take special precautions to'avoid stumbling.4. tfse care in passing tools from one to another.

Know and use the correct, safe method for the tool youare using.1. Du{l tools are dangerous. Keep axes, bush hooks and

saws prop€rly sharpened.2. Watch out for cracked or dried out handles.3. Remove vines and low hanging limbs which might catch

axes or bush hooks.4. Be sure footing is firm and feet are well braced and

apart.5. Never cut toward feet.6. Trees should be notched properly.7. Clear brush, vines, etc. away from the base of the tree

to be felled to allow safe getaway.8. One man should be assigned to remove the saw when

the tree starts to fall.

When using sharp edged or pointed tools in close quartersbe cireful of yourself and fellow workmen. Never sland infront of or in line with the swing of an axe.

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(g) See tha t defec t ive too ls a re removed f rom serv ice , andeither repaired promptly or disposed of.

3.44 Safety Goggles

(a) Safety goggles shall be worn by all employees who are do-ing work in which chips, dust or other flying particles maystrike the eyes.

(b) Examples of such operat ions where goggles should beworn are :1. Chipping operation.2. Drilling of hard materials such as rock, concrete and

metal.3. Using emery wheels for grinding.4. During sand or dust storms or where serious dust con-

ditions are created by the equipment used.5. Working under motor vehicles.G. When cutting winch lines.7. Any operation involving heavy striking such as hand

drilling in rock.8. When pneumatic hammers or other air pressure equip-

ment is used.9. When handling molten metal and other heated liquids.

3 .45 Furnaces and Torches(a ) When starting a portable gasoline or kerosene furnace when

the burner is cold:1. Do not have excessive pressure.2. Open hand valve slightly so that fuel will fall back in

drip cup.3. Close hand valve when the drip cup contains the proper

amount of preheating fuel.4. Do not permit fuel to overflow on the tank.5 . Igni te fue l in the drip cup with the doors o f the fur-

nace open.0. When burner i s sufficiently p r ehea t ed open the hand

valve to desired position.(1~) When s ta r t ing a por tab le gasol ine or kerosene furnace

when the burner is warm :1. Pour preheating fuel directly into drip cup.2. Ignite the fuel in the drip cup with the doors open.3. When the burner is sufficiently heated open the hand

valve to the desired position.

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Precaution shall be taken to prevent children or other per-sons from coming in contact with furnaces in operation.In use the furnace shall be placed 10 feet from the manholeopening on the down grade side in order that the hot ma-terial will not run into the manhole should it be upset.Heat all materials to proper temperature-Use thermometerwhere required.Place furnaces level on a secure footing to prevent tippingor upsetting.Standard folding windshields should be used for protection.Before refilling a furnace the flames should be extinguished.Use a funnel to fill and be careful that no fuel spills oroverflows.When a furnace is not in use the air pressure shall be re-leased.When preparing a furnace for storage or for shipment bycommon carrier the fuel shall be removed.Pots and kettles shall be removed from the furnace beforepumping air or making any other adjustment.Furnaces shall never be taken into manholes.

3.46 Ropes, Knots and Hitches(a) Al l rope shal l be inspected in accordance wi th s tandard

instructions.

(b) The s t rength of mani la rope i s shown in the fo l lowingtable :

DiameterInches

BreakingStrength

New Rope

S a f e L o a dNew Rope Used -Rope Six Mnts.-Avg.

700 lbs.1 4 5 0 lbs.

4000 lbs. 4900 lbs.8200 lbs.

1 2 5 0 0 lbs.17500 lbs.

200 Ibs. 1 0 0 Ibs.400 lbs. 200 lbs.700 lbs. 400 Ibs.

1 1 0 0 lbs. 6 5 0 lbs.1 4 0 0 lbs. 750 lbs.2300 Ibs. 1 2 5 0 lbs.3000 lbs. 1 8 0 0 lbs.5000 lbs. 2 8 0 0 lbs.

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Sisal rope of equal size is approximately 75 per cent asstrong as manila rope as shown in the above table.

There is no satisfactory way for field forces to distinguishsisal rope from manila rope, particularly after it has beenin use . Therefore , un less the type of rope i s def in i te lyk n o w n , N E V E R E X C E E D T H E S A F E W O R K I N GLOAD OF SISAL ROPE.

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Rope spl icecl as c lescr ibed in Bel l System Pract ices hasabout 80 per cent of ncr tnal st rength of unspl iced rope.

Rope rvhich inclucles a kuot under teusion has about 60per cent of strength rvithout knots since the ber-rd in theiope places most of tl-re tensiott on the outsicle fibers'

Als'ays use goc-rcl ropc for lashing snatch ll locks ancl tackleblocks.

The types of ktrots tnost f requently usecl in telephonework aie showtr below. \ '[ake sttre tltat yotl t lse the rigl-rtknot for the job at hand.

1. Bowline knot provides a loop rvhich will not slip ortighten under load and is easy to untie.

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2. Bowline onare fast.

Rozt, l inc I { t tot

bight is used where both ends of the rope

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Bozul i r tc on a Bight

a The runningis reclu i red.

bowl ine is excel lent rvhere a s l id ine noose

1. I Ia l f h i tch is shorvn for i l lustrat iou only anr l is r rot safcto use a lone . A lu 'ays n ta l<e a t l cas t t r vo l ra l I l r i t chcs ,u l r i c l r i s so r r re t imes knou 'n as a c lovc l r i t c l r .

5 . Rouncl turnoll a rope.po\ \ 'er .

LIalf Flitclt

anrl trvo half hitcl-rcs areI lx t ra turn arouncl support

rused to snub pul lincreases hold ing

Jiortncl Turn ttnd '[ 'u,o

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6. Running knot or slip noose is used when rope must fitt ightly aronnd the object to be lifted. If the load isheavy, add one or two half hitches to make sure knotwi l l not s l ip.

Run;ing Knot7. Timber hitch is suitable for raising an object short

distances where use will be brief.

Tinfuer Hitclt'I'he square knot is used to tie together two ropes of thesame size. It will not slip and is easy to untie.

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Storerooms

Materials or boxes in storerooms whether placed on plat-forms, shelves, or on the floor shall be neatly arranged,clear of ais les and passageways and in such order as toavoid falling.

Sharp or pointed tools or materials shall be stored so asto prevent persons from striking them.

Wear gloves and use care when handling sharp items suchas broken insulators, junk wire or strand.

Guy rods, guy shields, digging bars, nitrogen cylinders andsimilar long items shall preferably be stored flat. lf thisis not practicable, they may be s t o r e d vertically if tied tothe wall so that they cannot fall.

Cable reels, whether in storeyards or on the job, shal l besecurely blocked and lashed if necessary so that they willnot roll, tilt or fall. Whenever conditions indicate it to bedesirable empty cable reels should he upset to prevent theirmovement by unauthorized persons.

Where practicable use power equipment or proper tools tomove heavy objects.

If necessary to lift by hand sufficient help to avoid strainsshould be obtained.