Lifting and Lowering Equipment to a Work Site Doesn't Need to be a Challenge for Electrical Techs

In addition to their own climbing and descent, techs need to safely get parts, tools, and equipment to these hard-to-reach work areas. But this can be accomplished with the right personal fall protection gear, lifting hoists, and other equipment.

This article will look at some of the challenging work areas electrical techs may need to access and explain solutions for lifting and lowering materials (and people) into and out of them.

Working at Height

Electric linemen often need to climb to the top of utility poles to access systems and make repairs. Whether techs are climbing the pole or being lifted into position, techs working at height are in danger of falling. Regulation-compliant personal fall protection devices such as a safety harness, lanyard, and lifeline are essential equipment in these situations. 

Working in Confined Spaces

When electrical techs need to enter confined spaces to make repairs, it exposes them to unique hazards. From exposed wires to environmental hazards such as excessive heat or low oxygen levels, confined spaces can be dangerous in many ways. As with working at heights, personal protection such as a body harness, safety line, and connectors are necessary to keep workers safe and to facilitate rescues if needed.

Moving Tools, Supplies, and Equipment

Whether climbing or descending into a space, it's physically demanding, and sometimes impossible, for workers to carry equipment into the work site. For example, workers cannot carry a load when climbing if it would cause them to use two hands or to be off balance.  Although safety harnesses typically include belts and lanyards for tools, they only allow workers to safely carry a few small items. Lifting hoists can be used to overcome this challenge. 

Anchor Points for Safety Equipment and Hoists

Although many electric towers and poles have built-in anchor points for hoists, lifelines, and other equipment, this isn't always the case.  In some instances, there simply is no secure anchor point like in a confined space or when out in the field. In these cases, temporary, portable anchorage solutions are essential.

The Benefits of Industrial Lifting Equipment for Electrical Techs

Working at height on dangerous electrical lines requires the right equipment, proper training, and an abundance of caution. Using a manual lifting device is an infinitely safer option for several reasons:

• Wire rope pulling hoists are a lightweight, portable, and easily deployed manual lifting device that can be carried and operated by a single worker.

• Manual lifting equipment like these hoists can be used to pull or lift from any direction.

• These manual lifting hoists can be temporarily anchored for on-site versatility.

• Wire rope hoists can be used when there is no electricity available.

• A wire rope lifting device is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways.

Uses for Manual Lifting Hoists in the Field

Whether line workers are climbing to the top of a tower or pole, or they're being lifted in a crane or via a lifting hoist, safety is a top priority. Plus, work must be done quickly and that means workers must have the tools and equipment they need close at hand. Carrying things up to the work area is dangerous and impractical. Manual hoists can be the ideal way for electrical techs to lift, lower, and pull loads in the field. Common uses for wire rope pulling hoists and other manual lift hoists include:

• Lifting materials, equipment, and tools to an elevated work area

• Lowering tools, equipment, and parts to ground level when work is done

• Positioning heavy equipment during installation, repair, or replacement

• Lowering tools and equipment into confined spaces and retrieving them

• Pulling wiring and lines up to the top of power poles so techs can install/replace them

Wire Rope Pulling Hoists for Man-Riding 

A portable manual hoist system is the ideal tool for assisting linemen with moving supplies, tools, and equipment. One other benefit of industrial lifting equipment, such as wire rope pulling hoists is that it can be used to move people if it's rated appropriately. Some styles of manual wire rope hoist are approved for both equipment moving and man-riding uses. This means you won't need a separate hoist for each application. Man-riding hoists are beneficial for:

• Lifting employees to elevated work surfaces without having to climb extremely tall ladders

• Lowering employees from the top of a power pole or other structure

• Assisting workers with confined space entry, exit and rescue procedures

Manual Hoists for Emergency Rescues

Working with electricity is unpredictable and there are many real dangers that line workers and electrical technicians must face every day. Injuries can occur any time and man-riding hoists are a safe, effective way to facilitate a rescue. Since a manual lifting device can be deployed anywhere with minimal effort, they're ideal for emergency rescues. Combined with a strong anchor point, your appropriately rated equipment moving wire rope hoist can turn into a fall arrest and rescue system when needed. 

Industrial Lifting Equipment for Electrical Technicians

You're responsible for making sure the lights stay on and if things go wrong, you deploy your best electrical technicians to fix the problem. They're dedicated, hardworking, and highly skilled and you do everything in your power to keep them safe on the job. If you're looking for Canada Occupational Health & Safety or OSHA-compliant lifting and lowering equipment for your energy sector employees, contact Tractel® today. We will help you equip your crews with industry leading safety equipment that meets or exceeds the standards. You can always expect unparalleled service, and practical safety advice as you work to provide the safest work environment possible for your valuable workforce.