Lineman Safety Regulations and Compliance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 1910.269, what is the minimum approach distance (MAD) concept designed to protect against?
- Electrical shock and arc flash from energized conductors (Correct answer)
- Falls from elevated work platforms
- Tool drops onto workers below
- UV radiation from arc welding
Correct answer: Electrical shock and arc flash from energized conductors
MAD establishes the closest a qualified worker may approach energized conductors to avoid shock and arc-flash hazards.
Question 2: A lineman is working on a distribution circuit and must verify the line is de-energized. Which step comes FIRST in the lockout/tagout sequence?
- Notify the affected employees
- Identify all energy sources (Correct answer)
- Apply personal protective grounds
- Test the line with a voltage detector
Correct answer: Identify all energy sources
OSHA requires that all energy sources be identified before any isolation or lockout steps are performed.
Question 3: Which document establishes the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) that governs utility line work in the United States?
- ANSI C2 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 70E
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart V
- IEEE 1048
Correct answer: ANSI C2
ANSI C2 is the designation for the National Electrical Safety Code, the primary standard for utility construction and operation.
Question 4: When a lineman must work within the Limit of Approach for energized conductors, what personal protective equipment is required at a minimum?
- Rubber insulating gloves and sleeves rated for the voltage (Correct answer)
- Hard hat and leather gloves only
- Cotton work gloves and safety glasses
- FR clothing and steel-toed boots only
Correct answer: Rubber insulating gloves and sleeves rated for the voltage
Rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors and sleeves rated for the line voltage are the minimum PPE when contacting or approaching energized parts.
Question 5: What does the term 'assured equipment grounding conductor program' (AEGCP) require on a job site?
- Regular inspection and testing of all cord-connected equipment and extension cords (Correct answer)
- Use of GFCI protection on every outlet
- Monthly calibration of all power tools
- Annual third-party audit of electrical systems
Correct answer: Regular inspection and testing of all cord-connected equipment and extension cords
An AEGCP requires documented inspection and electrical testing of equipment and cords at prescribed intervals to ensure continuity of grounding conductors.
Question 6: A crew is establishing grounds on a de-energized 69 kV transmission line. Where should the protective grounds be placed relative to the work location?
- On both sides of (and as close as practical to) the work location (Correct answer)
- Only on the source side of the work location
- Only on the load side of the work location
- At the nearest substation bus only
Correct answer: On both sides of (and as close as practical to) the work location
OSHA 1910.269 and the NESC require grounds to bracket the work location so any induced or accidentally re-energized voltage is shunted through the grounds rather than the worker.
Question 7: Which class of rubber insulating gloves is rated for use on systems up to 17,000 volts AC (line-to-line)?
- Class 2 (Correct answer)
- Class 0
- Class 1
- Class 3
Correct answer: Class 2
Class 2 rubber insulating gloves are rated for a maximum use voltage of 17,000 V AC and are proof-tested at 20,000 V AC.
Lineman Safety Regulations and Compliance 2
Under OSHA 1910.269, what is the minimum approach distance (MAD) concept designed to protect against?