Grounding in a high voltage yard

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godwin electric

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Is it necessary to ground mobile equipment such as JLG's and weld tractors when working in the high voltage yard? The circuit we would be working on would be d energized and grounded but there may be energized lines running overhead. Voltages are 138,000 to 69,000 VAC.
 
There are all sorts of grounding requirements for working in a switchyard and requirements for your equipment also if any part of the yard is energized.

You need to be qualified per OSHA 1910.269 for this type of work, based on the question you asked I am guessing you are not qualified to do this work.
 
zog said:
There are all sorts of grounding requirements for working in a switchyard and requirements for your equipment also if any part of the yard is energized.

You need to be qualified per OSHA 1910.269 for this type of work, based on the question you asked I am guessing you are not qualified to do this work.
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Not to be a stick in the mud, but that didn't seem all that helpful. My gut reaction to this question would be "no" - if that's incorrect, you'd be doing us all a service in elaborating on your response.
 
Who owns the high voltage lines? They would be a good resource to ask. They may even cover them up for you. I know that it is common practice to ground bucket trucks when working on energized lines, but since your work will be on de-energized lines...I don't know. :confused:
 
I am with zog on this. The safety issues are critical. I don't see how an "Industrial maintenance technician" is qualified to work in a switch yard with 138kV circuits even where the circuit he is working on is de-energized and grounded.
 
georgestolz said:
Not to be a stick in the mud, but that didn't seem all that helpful. My gut reaction to this question would be "no" - if that's incorrect, you'd be doing us all a service in elaborating on your response.
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Well I used to teach a 16 hour class on just this topic, I dont feel like typing it all out.

Here is a good start, http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9868

After that refer to the NESC which covers the safety requirements to follow when working in that switchyard, including the rating required for the vehicles that are to be used, including the required certifications of those vehicles.

After that the AB chance website has some good information on "Equipotential grounding" ,which is the most important concept for this job.
 
My company has a rule for substations . ALL VEHICLES , TRAILERS , MANLIFTS , ETC . WILL BE GROUNDED . The exception is pickups and small vans . This applies to all contractors and even the phone company . We had a leased communications circuit that needed to be repaired and the Telco guy had to set up his bucket truck in the yard near the fence . He gave me a load of crap when I told him that he was required to ground his truck . He didn't even have one on his truck . Had to call somebody to bring him one . :D
 
zog said:
Well I used to teach a 16 hour class on just this topic, I dont feel like typing it all out.

Here is a good start, http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9868

After that refer to the NESC which covers the safety requirements to follow when working in that switchyard, including the rating required for the vehicles that are to be used, including the required certifications of those vehicles.

After that the AB chance website has some good information on "Equipotential grounding" ,which is the most important concept for this job.
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Yeah, in addition to the OSHA rule Zog mentioned, 1926.952 and 1926.955 would also be applicable to your situation. These directly relate to mechanical equipment and/or machinery near energized equipment and/or overhead lines.

Most utilities have strict rules about entering and working within energized substations (as djohn mentioned). I'm surprised the utility with whom you're working for hasn't given you guidance in this regards or will even allow you to work within one without having an inspector and/or safety personnel present. Talk to them if you're unsure.
 
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