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In late 2005, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) sent out a DRAFT of the new 29 CFR 1910.269 – Transmission & Distribution Electrical Safety Standard. As most of the readers of this publication are aware, the draft contained many changes that affect our industry. Specifically, there were a few significant changes that will affect line clearance tree trimming around utility lines and equipment. It was at that time, a group of Safety Professionals from 10 different tree trimming companies formed what is now known as the Utility Line Clearance Coalition (ULCC). We were officially formed in August 2005. View the current coalition members. We formed our Coalition to address specific issues that directly pertain to utility line clearance tree trimming. To date we have been very active with OSHA by providing written comment and testifying at OSHA hearings in April 2006 addressing the proposed changes discussed above. We have also provided comment on the proposed changes to the OSHA Walking and Working Surfaces regulations. In addition to working with government regulators, the coalition also believes that a great value of the organization is speaking as one “safety voice” to our utility customers. Our Coalition represents greater than 90% of all line clearance tree trimmers; which collectively, works for nearly every investor owned utility in the United States. We believe that in a cooperative spirit, there is no one better to know how to protect themselves than the workers themselves. To design and implement BEST PRACTICES for our industry, the tree trimmers are the true winners of the coalition. As we move forward, we plan to discuss many safety issues. One that is on the front burner is the issue related to ensuring that when line clearance tree trimmers must work within minimum approach distance (MAD), there is a consistent best practice related to grounding expectations and safe work practices. We believe that there is a need for a common approach to making energized lines safe before line clearance tree trimmers can work near them. We intend to formulate a best practice document to be shared throughout our industry and with our utility customers. We are very excited about our mission and about the value that we intend to add to our industry. If you are interested in learning more about the Coalition or possibly joining our efforts, please contact us via email or contact a senior safety representative of the member companies. |
