UETTDRRF08 Perform EWP Controlled Descent Escape

IDENTIFYING LV OVERHEAD CONDUCTORS

Utility poles can carry both low-voltage and high-voltage conductors (power lines), as well as communications lines,
such as cable television and telephone.

High-voltage conductors are always installed at or near the top of the utility pole.

Low-voltage bare conductors are usually installed as single conductors mounted on a cross arm which consists of an
“A”phase, “B”phase, “C”phase and an earth wire. Unless it is ABC Aerial Bundled Cable. If there is a transformer on
the pole, lines from the high-voltage conductors feed the transformer, which reduces the voltage for distribution
through low-voltage lines to homes and commercial and light industrial buildings.

Electricity travels through the low-voltage distribution lines to street lights, or to the service wires (located on the
building), taking power to individual customers.
UETTDRRF08 Perform EWP Controlled Descent Escape
RECAP: Safe Approach Distances (SAD)

Designated approach distances are one way of keeping people separated from electrical hazards. The table below
provides the minimum safe working distance for CAVC certified persons. (Insulated EWP, ground line and climber).

Nominal Voltage CAVC certified Insulated Insulated Vegetation clearance

(kV) personnel mobile plant tools below / beside /
clearance (m) clearance (m) clearance above #
(m) EWP and ground
line
LV (insulated) 0.5 Physical 0.3 No No
clearance (no clearance clearance

LV (bare) 1.0 contact

Physical 0.3 Norequired Norequired
clearance (no clearance clearance

11 1.2 contact
0.7 0.3 required
0.1 required
0.7

22 1.2 0.7 0.3 0.15 0.7

33 1.5 1.0 0.3 0.2 0.7

66 1.5 1.0 0.3 0.4 1.0

# Cutting vegetation above live high voltage mains and apparatus is only permissible when working
from an insulated EWP

EWP Hazards And Controls

The most common EWP incidents happen when reversing, slewing, elevating or escaping near an obstruction, or
from unexpected movement of the boom near an obstruction, such as communication wires, electrical wires or from
an obstruction related to your descent rops, such as a knot.

Boom-type EWPs have additional risks because the boom raises in an arc shape rather than straight up. These risks
must be managed using the following controls:

 Before starting work, visually check the work area for hazards and complete & understand a risk/ hazard
assessment.
 Conduct a pre-start maintenance check
 Fill in the EWP Log Book
UETTDRRF08 Perform EWP Controlled Descent Escape
 Have the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
 Understand the company’s emergency response procedures
 Operators must be competent and provided with adequate training, including familiarisation training for
each specific make and model of EWP they use. Other workers should know how to use the ground controls
and emergency descent devices for the type and model of EWP being used and are checked before an
incident occurs
 Safe work method statements are required for all high-risk construction work.
 In some situations a building fixture may need to be installed after the main structural members are installed
and it can be extremely difficult to operate an EWP safely. In these situations alternative means of safe
access should be considered.
 Supervisors and safety observers should be trained and on site when an EWP is in use to help the operator
navigate difficult obstructions. A Safety Observer should not be responsible for observing more than one
task at a time.
 Movement of the EWP should always be slow, deliberate and planned, with careful use of the EWP’s
proportional controls. Start with the large movements of driving and elevating the EWP, and finish with finer
movements when closer.
 If the EWP has a boom of 11 metres or longer, the operator must hold a high-risk work licence.

What are the main provisions I require in an EWP?

 Carry a spill kit in the EWP

 MSDSs (Material Safety Data Sheets) and Fire Extinguisher to be carried in all vehicles
while
 Ensure fire extinguisher has been tested and MSDS

Controlled Descent Escape from an EWP using an Controlled Descent Device

Working at heights is a dangerous practice. Controlled Descent Devices (CDD) must only be used in an
occupation/workplace where the user receives appropriate training under the respective government workplace
legislation or from an approved supplier.

Users of CDDs must check the condition of the equipment before and after each use. Do not use equipment if there
is any doubt about its ability to perform as required.
UETTDRRF08 Perform EWP Controlled Descent Escape
10 Step process for safe Controlled Descent Escape using an Emergency Descent Device

1. Conduct a inspection of CDD karabiner and the anchor point to ensure the connection is safe.
2. Check the area between the EWP bucket and the ground for dangers or obstacles
3. Pull the “R” clip to release the CDD.
4. Remove any tools & equipment that will impede your escape.
5. Connect CDD to sternal anchor point (chest) on Harness.
6. Take up any slack in the CDD rope so that it is firm between you & the anchor point on the bucket. Always
confirm the action and engagement of the hook latches.
7. Disconnect from EWP anchor point
8. Slowly and carefully climb out of EWP bucket and establish a standing position.
9. Use one hand to hold the rope below the CDD, use other hand to steady yourself & slowly transfer your
weight onto the CDD
10. Slowly and in a controlled manner, carefully lower yourself to the ground

You MUST remember the following steps when using an CDD

 Only one person at a time is to be connected to the equipment.

 Any equipment involved in sustaining a fall must be withdrawn from service.
 The user must be aware that forces experienced during the arrest of a fall or prolonged suspension may
cause bodily injury.
 To gain any benefit from fall protection equipment it must be worn correctly and be connected to a
suitable anchorage point (see AS/NZS 1891-4 for information on anchorage points).
 Always confirm the connection visually and by loading the connection in the likely direction of load.
 If any fall protection equipment is exposed to hazardous chemicals or atmosphere, the manufacturer
should be consulted to determine whether the equipment is suitable for continued use.
 When connecting this equipment to your harness always confirm the action and engagement of the hook
latches.
 Do not allow rope or webbing to come in contact with high temperature surfaces, welding, heat sources,
electrical hazards or moving machinery
 The compatibility of all components in a system should be checked and inspected by a competent person

Harness Inspection:

Australian Standards recommend the life of a harness to be 10 years from the date of manufacture, if no damage has
been sustained prior or in the meantime.
UETTDRRF08 Perform EWP Controlled Descent Escape
Inspection by a competent person is recommended every 6 months in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations. The harness is to be withdrawn from use if it shows any form of degradation during this
inspection. Refer to AS/NZS 1891.4:2009 for further guidance on harness selection, use, inspection and maintenance.

Before and after each use, inspect your harness for any signs of ageing or damage.

1. Run your hands over the straps and ensure all webbing is free from abrasion, dirt, cuts, tears, burns and pen
marks, overspray, chemical and UV damage, worn or crushed fibres, discolouration and knots.
1. Check the harness’ sewn areas for damaged stitch patterns, broken or loose threads, heat damage or
stretching.
2. Check each buckle, D-ring or attachment point is in perfect working condition with no distortion, cracking,
corrosion, rust, abrasion or missing components.
3. Ensure all labels and tags are present and clearly legible. If any defects are found during this checking process
you should remove the harness from service immediately and tag it “Out of Service”. If more than 10% wear
is determined, tag the unit and remove it from service.

Retiring your harness or lanyard

If there is a reason to believe a harness or lanyard has sustained a free fall, the equipment is to be
removed from service and service and destroyed immediately. Each harness of lanyard is labelled
with a “withdraw from service tag” hence the equipment is not to be used beyond this date.
UETTDRRF08 Perform EWP Controlled Descent Escape
Harness Fitting

Whether you ever actually fall or not, you must treat the harness as if it is going to save your life every time you put
it on.

 
Step 1: Locate rear dorsal Fall Arrest D ring. Ensure Step 2: Bring harness over other shoulder and clip 
harness is hanging freely and webbing isn’t twisted. the chest Quick Connect buckle. Adjust the chest
Visual check of harness, fittings and labels. strap to fit.

   
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Step 3: Identify the front fall arrest loops. Place the
karabiner through the front fall arrest loops and
tighten the screw gate, to create the rated front Fall
Arrest point.
Step 5: Correct fit on leg straps should allow a flat
hand to be placed behind the leg strap.
Step 7: Adjust the shoulder webbings so that when
the front fall arrest point is lifted, it is level with the
Step 4: Pull the leg strap up between the legs and
connect with buckle. Repeat on other side. Tighten
the leg straps to fit, tucking any excess webbing into
holders.
Step 6: Correct chest fit should allow a fist to be
placed behind the chest strap.
Step 8: Back Fall Arrest D ring point should be
correctly sitting between the shoulder blades. Check
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sternum. final fit.

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