Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers
Chapter 30 - Electric Utilities
Subchapter 00 - General Administration
Part 1 - Standards for Electric Utilities
Section 815-RICR-30-00-1.8 - Equipment and Facilities

1. In determining standard practice, the Division will be guided by the provisions of the NATIONAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY CODE, the NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE, and such other relevant codes as shall be approved by the American Standards Association, except as any of the foregoing may in any particular case be modified by statute, ordinance, orders, rules or regulations by governmental bodies or agencies having jurisdiction.

1. Each public utility shall construct, install, operate and maintain its plant, structures, equipment and lines in accordance with standard practice as defined in paragraph 1 above, and insofar as practical, in such a manner as best to accommodate the public, and to prevent interference with service furnished by other public utilities.

1. Except as otherwise permitted by the Division for cause shown, all installations making use of poles either for single or joint occupancy shall conform to standard practice, and current joint-owned pole agreement between various utility companies.

1. Each public utility shall adopt comprehensive instructions for the safety of employees, and shall supply a copy thereof to each employee before assignment to duty in generating stations, substations, on overhead or underground lines, and shall be satisfied that such employees have been properly informed of safe practices and are cognizant of all hazards involved, as per OSHA standards, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.260, et seq., as the same from time to time are amended.

1. Each public utility shall instruct its employees engaged in electrical work in the practice and use of accepted rules for resuscitation from electrical shock, as per OSHA standards 29 C.F.R. § 1910.260, et seq., as the same from time to time are amended. Copies of such rules shall be furnished to each such employee. Electrical work as used herein shall be construed to mean work on live electric conductors and equipment energized at potential exceeding 150 volts line to ground.

1. Each public utility shall report to the Division as soon as possible after each accident happening in connection with the operation of its property, facilities or service, wherein any person shall have been caused an injury requiring hospitalization in excess of 24 hours. The first report may be preliminary, but, if so, shall be followed later by as full a statement as possible of the cause and details of the accident and the precautions taken, if any, to prevent similar accidents. In case of fatal accidents, immediate notice shall be given by telephone to the Division, (Form E-3, Appendix "D").