RMX SERIES
1-43
R M X S e r i e s
T e r e x S o u t h D a k o t a
4 8 3 0 1 8 - 3 / 1 5
OPERA
T
ION GUIDELINES
STANDING ON GROUND CLOSE TO FALLEN POWER LINE
You must shuffle keeping feet together, do not run. The voltage is highest where contact is made and
decreases as you get farther away from the point of contact. The distance will depend on the ground
conditions and conductivity of the ground. If you run, your legs will bridge from higher to lower voltage and
current will pass through your feet and legs. Keep your feet together and shuffle to go from one voltage
gradient to the next gradually. This will decrease the chance of electrocution as you move away from the
vehicle or fallen wire.
• Never touch a fallen power line unless you are trained and properly equipped to handle it safely.
• Shuffle away using very small steps keeping feet together; do not run.
• Do not touch anything as you leave the area.
• Warn other people to stay away from the area.
• Immediately notify the proper authorities or people to correct the problem.
APPROACHING A VEHICLE THAT MAY BE ENERGIZED
In an emergency situation, it may be necessary for ground personnel to operate the Aerial Device. The
entire vehicle and any attachments must be considered energized any time the booms are in the vicinity of
power lines.
If you must approach a vehicle to perform a rescue operation, understand and follow your company policy. It
will take precedence over these instructions. You must be very careful not to touch the vehicle and the
ground at the same time or your body will be in a circuit and current may pass from foot to foot or foot to
hand. The condition of the ground and subsurface will determine the electric gradient around the vehicle.
BEFORE TRYING TO GET ON OR APPROACH THE VEHICLE:
• Is it necessary to approach the vehicle? Can the operator handle the problem from the platform?
• The best procedure is to disconnect or shut off the power to the lines.
• Do not let anyone approach the vehicle until you evaluate where the power line contacts the Aerial
Device.
• Is it above the insulated section of the upper boom?
• Is it above the lower boom insulated section?
• Is it below any insulated sections and a direct short to the vehicle?
• If the vehicle is grounded properly:
• Use a hot stick or hot line tool to perform the operation.
• Approach the vehicle using the shuffling step.
• Lay a rubber blanket down by the vehicle and step on it before attempting to jump on the vehicle.
• Do not touch the ground and the vehicle at the same time. Even a properly grounded vehicle may
have a lethal voltage difference between the truck and ground.
• If the vehicle is not grounded:
• Do not approach the vehicle unless you use insulated blankets to step on as you approach the
vehicle. Stepping from one rubber blanket to the next.
• Use a hot stick or hot line tool to perform the rescue operation while standing on the rubber
blanket.
• As a last resort, jump onto the vehicle.
• Do not touch the ground and the vehicle at the same time.
In an electrical emergency: Stay calm and think before you act. Don't become a victim
while helping someone else.
Operators make sure your ground personnel know the proper operation and emergency
procedures for the Aerial Device. Your life may depend on it if you have an accident or
are incapacitated.
