September 2008

TailGate Safety Topics - TailGate Safety Topics

Inspecting, Cleaning and Storing Live-Line Tools

Although insulated tools are designed and tested to protect the electrical worker, dirt and other contaminants can greatly reduce the protection of live-line tools. Following is an overview of care to keep your equipment in good working condition.

Although insulated tools are designed and tested to protect the electrical worker, dirt and other contaminants can greatly reduce the protection of live-line tools. Following is an overview of care to keep your equipment in good working condition.

INSPECTION
Wipe clean live-line tools and visually inspect them for defects before use.

• Look for the following conditions:
  o Surface contamination
  o Cut or broken glass fibers on the tool. Damaged fibers reduce the strength and insulating protection of the tool.
  o Cracks running the length of the tool (caused by crushing the tool). If this type of damage is found, immediately replace the tool.
  o Surface chipping
  o Damage from high heat or physical abuse
  o Loose or broken fittings
  o Light spots accompanied by a noticeable roughness. This type of damage is from hard blows, impacting the material or carelessly dropping tools on the ground.
  o Surface ruptures caused by bending or twisting

CLEANING
There are several manufacturers of live-line tool care products. Products include silicone wipes for daily care and cleaners and waxes for long-term care.

• Cleaning in the field
  o Visually inspect the fiberglass and metal portions of the tool
  o Wipe the entire tool with silicone or other approved hot stick wipe; this will remove dust, dirt particles and oil from the surface of the stick.

• Long-term care
  o Routine cleaning with soap and water will extend the life of your tools.
  o Wash all surfaces with a wet, clean, soft cloth and approved soap.
  o Do not immerse the tool in water.
  o Take care not to damage the fiberglass surface.

WAXING
After a live-line tool is thoroughly cleaned, protect it with a coat of approved wax.

1. Use a clean, soft cloth to wax.
  o Rub briskly over the entire fiberglass surface.
  o Avoid sharp corners that may trap wax.
  o Change cloths as necessary to prevent rubbing dirt into the surface of the fiberglass.
2. Wipe off excess wax.
3. Let it dry to a dull haze.
4. Wipe off the residue with a clean, soft, dry cloth.
5. Rub to a high luster and be sure to remove all wax residue.

STORAGE
To avoid scratching your live-line tools while being stored on your truck, consider storing your tools so the finish will be protected.

• Use storage bags.
OR
• Store your sticks in a compartment dedicated to live-line tool storage.
OR
• Use PVC with end cap for live-line tool storage.

By following the basic steps of live-line tool care, you can ensure that your tools will be in good operating condition and offer you the protection for which they were designed.