During work on power lines without the use of an aerial platform, personnel use claws and manholes to climb the poles. These fairly simple devices allow for high worker safety and reduce the cost of maintaining power lines. They are easy to use, but before starting work, you need to conduct a visual examination to identify defects.
Content
- Design features
- Purpose and types
- Operating rules
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Test and survey
- Visual inspection
- Load test
Design features
Due to the reliability and simplicity of the design, the claws and manholes are widespread. These devices ensure a high level of personnel safety while working on power transmission line poles. The main elements of the devices are:
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Steel parts - are perpendicular to each other or bent in a semicircle. - Studs - are attached to steel elements and provide adhesion of the device to the surface of the post.
These structural elements are connected to the foot platform, which is equipped with special straps to fix the feet. In addition, electrical claws are equipped with slings and a harness. These elements allow you to keep the body in an upright position, and also prevent the worker from falling during the descent or if the structure of the device is damaged.
Purpose and types
Monter's claws differ in their design, depending on the type of power transmission line supports. Nowadays, most often the pillars are made of concrete and differ in shape. There are also round wooden supports. There are two main types of claws.:
- Crescent - used for climbing wooden posts, their design has standard dimensions.
- Monter's manhole - the working element of the device, bent at a right angle, allows you to climb the concrete supports. The design assumes the ability to adjust to the size of the post.
When choosing a device, you should decide on which supports it will be used. The most popular are the adjustable claw-claws, as they allow you to work on all standard poles.
Operating rules
Each enterprise engaged in the operation and maintenance of power lines must develop its own instructions for the use of manholes. However, the main sections of the rules do not differ significantly. The main message of the instruction is that personnel must be able to operate tools and devices, which include claws. Among the basic rules should be highlighted:
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The devices should only be used on the types of poles specified in the instructions. - Before starting work, you must make sure that the claws are working.
- During the check, all joints, pins and clips should be inspected.
- Personnel performing work at heights using manholes must undergo training and then pass an exam. After that, a permit for independent work is issued.
- Devices must undergo a mandatory check once every six months.
- Upon detection of a structural malfunction, claws and manholes must be removed from the working fund.
- Before starting work, the employee must check not only the device itself, but also the safety belt.
Test and survey
All devices operated by the organization must be examined and tested. Foot straps are only visually inspected as required. It should also be remembered that the service life of manholes and claws is no more than 7 years.
Visual inspection
At this stage, device checks visible damage to structural elements is detected. If they were found, then the device must be discarded. During a visual inspection, you need to check the technical condition of all structural parts and their connections. Particular attention should be paid to the quality of sharpening of removable plates, as well as the reliability of their fastening.
If a universal model is checked, then it is also necessary to monitor the state of the adjustment mechanism. During the study of the cable loop, the degree of wear of the wires, as well as the branches of the spring tape, and the quality of its connection to the cable are determined.
Visual inspection of welds is necessary to detect cracks and mechanical deformations. Spikes with heavy wear or damage must be replaced with new ones without fail.
Load test
After a visual inspection devices must be subjected to a static load test. The device is located in the working position and is loaded at the point of the weakest section. A special stand is used for the test. After completion of the check, the device is again inspected to identify signs of permanent deformation, damage and serviceability of the adjustment mechanism.
The most common mistake when using rigging devices is choosing the wrong model. Therefore, it is recommended to give preference to universal holes. Often, those responsible for operating the devices forget to conduct a routine test or do not hang up a tag with the date of the last inspection. Work at heights can pose a serious danger to humans. To avoid accidents, the selection and operation of manholes must be approached with full responsibility.
