Pennsylvania Code
Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Part I - Department of Labor and Industry
Chapter 39 - SAFETY STANDARDS-GENERAL
Subchapter B - ELECTRIC SAFETY
OVERHEAD LINE OPERATION-SIGNAL SYSTEMS
Section 39.537 - Stringing wires

(a) Employes shall not string wires near live lines except by means of suitable insulating handlines or other appliances and shall avoid the use of wire or twisted pair as a substitute for a hand line.

(b) Wires should not be strung above live lines operating at over 750 volts, unless the wires being strung are effectively grounded or otherwise suitably protected, or in handling them the precautions are observed as provided in §§ 39.364 and 39.365 (relating to voltages between 750 and 7,500; and voltages above 7,500), for work on parts at the voltage of the lines concerned, and the spacings maintained.

(c) Employes shall not change the strains on a pole by adding or removing wires until assured that the pole is able to stand the altered strains.

(d) When wires are being pulled up on corner poles employes should stand in such a position that they cannot be struck by the wire in case it slips.

(e) Where it is necessary to remove signal wires below which are supply lines, power should be shut off of the supply lines where possible, and if this is not practicable, rope cradles and suitable guards should be erected. Extraordinary care should be exercised to prevent the signal wires from sagging into the supply lines.

(f) When running wires, cables, cable strand, span wires or guys across streets, sidewalks or highways, the coil or reel shall not be left unattended nor shall the center of any span be permitted to sag sufficiently to come into contact with vehicles or pedestrians unless a helper is stationed to warn passersby until the slack is removed.

(g) When stringing wires for long distances, precaution shall be taken to prevent the possibility of vehicles or pedestrians coming into contact with the wire at the intersecting streets or highway crossings.