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firesafety101  
#1 Posted : 19 April 2011 09:52:15(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

Hope you don't mind me asking for some ideas of the hazards associated with a live 110 v cable across a roadway.

There is a 20 mph speed limit in force and traffic ranges from private cars to heavy plant i.e MEWP, FLTs etc. Not a busy route as the road is closed to the public.

The cable is to power a drilling operation (into concrete) working at height on the platform of a MEWP.

I'm off out now but will let you know the reason I ask this evening.

Thanks
Ron Hunter  
#2 Posted : 19 April 2011 12:11:28(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

I'm reminded of the fairly common and similar approach adopted at temporary traffic lighting of interchange/complex junction road works. I guess then that there is a cable protector out there considered robust enough to protect that type of cable from LGV traffic.
That said, the more modern approach to traffic signalling involves remote radio control which does away with the cables.
In your particular situation, I guess I have to ask why a power pack or generator can't be positioned on the same side of the road as the drilling operation? Is voltage drop not going to be a problem here?
firesafety101  
#3 Posted : 19 April 2011 15:11:19(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

I'm surprised at the lack of response, is there not a safety issue with live cable on a roadway?

Ron,

The work is inside a road tunnel, diesel generator not acceptable due to the exhaust fumes. Lots of power points but the nearest to the work are out of commission.
MB1  
#4 Posted : 19 April 2011 15:17:00(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
MB1

Road tunnel?

can the generator not be placed at the entrance with cables on the right side of the road where it won't be run over?

Tunnel?
can you not consider running something on the roof that will require prep work obviously?

Final Q 110v Is this sufficient supply to power the tools to be used for the concrete drilling without power fluctuation?
Whitehouse28112  
#5 Posted : 19 April 2011 15:43:06(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Whitehouse28112

I ride a motorbike and things across roads add additional hazards, let alone a live cable :(
What's the visibility like when entering the tunnel? How much interference would it cause to a bike or even cyclist (if they are allowed)?
Cheers, Rhea
Muiryden  
#6 Posted : 19 April 2011 16:14:33(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Muiryden

Well it is "only" 110 volts, will likely have some form of electrical leakage protection, I guess the drill operators will quickly identify if there is a problem (no power) and vehicle tyres are a good electrical insulator. "Bump" hazard will be nothing compared to the horrendous pot holes encountered (and not at 20 MPH) on the public highway currently (fellow biker).
firesafety101  
#7 Posted : 19 April 2011 16:52:18(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

The work is about 1 mile in, power no problem.

I was thinking (potentiel worst case), of a vehicle collecting the cable which then wraps around the wheel/axle etc. and then pulls the drill operator off the MEWP.

Am I OTT?
Chris c  
#8 Posted : 19 April 2011 21:55:01(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Chris c

Chris ,
You can now get MEWPS they have a internal 11ov power sockets within this would reduce the hazard of trailing cables getting caught up i
firesafety101  
#9 Posted : 20 April 2011 00:09:49(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

Chris, that's interesting, battery or diesel MEWP?

Chris c  
#10 Posted : 20 April 2011 00:22:46(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Chris c

Chris ,
not to sure about that as I only found out from a rep a few days ago but if I find out any more I will let you know

Chris
Wizard  
#11 Posted : 20 April 2011 07:27:50(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Wizard

Hi Chris,

Sorry not to have replied earlier, but access to the internet is a little intermittent.

Cable management is important, and therefore you are right in seeking as many general opinions as possible as they, opinions, will vary. I am of the opinion that electrical cables should in this situation be adequately protected from mechanical and chemical attacks. Can you string it above the road way or bury it in a protective manner across the road.

Can I respectfully ask why the nearest power points to the work front are out of commission. Will it be a great task to get them working again ?

Regards


Wizard



paul.skyrme  
#12 Posted : 20 April 2011 07:55:01(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paul.skyrme

If the supply is via a “normal” “yellow” 110V site plug & socket then there is 110V between live conductors and 55V to earth, (CTE), thus the shock hazard is very small as long as the equipment is correctly maintained.
IF you are really worried then a reliable 30mA RCD on the supply side will help, but is not essential IMHO.
If you want RCD’s on the 110 side then you cannot use “normal” devices they must be rated for the 110V CTE supply.

You can get cable protectors for these applications, if this were stretching past the traffic areas then I would expect this to eliminate the minimal possibility of entanglement.
There will always be a “bump” though!
I would presume that traffic is speed controlled?

The MEWP I did my training in last year had a 110V inlet on the base and a 110V outlet in the basket with the wiring between within the MEWP.
This eliminates the need to run extension leads up to the basket.
Also, should the cable get pulled I doubt that the force would be sufficient to move the boom base before the cable coupling failed.
Well let’s say the incidents I have seen the cable has failed well before the boom operator even realised it had been pulled!

bod212  
#13 Posted : 20 April 2011 08:18:35(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
bod212

You can hire MEWPs now with power yokes in the basket. We have used them although not recently and they elminate the need to have trailing cables.
Whitehouse28112  
#14 Posted : 21 April 2011 14:31:49(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Whitehouse28112

ChrisBurns wrote:
The work is about 1 mile in, power no problem.

I was thinking (potentiel worst case), of a vehicle collecting the cable which then wraps around the wheel/axle etc. and then pulls the drill operator off the MEWP.

Am I OTT?


I only ride a 650....don't think he'd be capable of doing that!!! A really big bike perhaps with a really big rider and perhaps a big pillion and perhaps lots of luggage. that might do it. Be a comedy moment though wouldn't it :)
Whitehouse28112  
#15 Posted : 21 April 2011 14:34:44(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Whitehouse28112

Muiryden wrote:
Well it is "only" 110 volts, will likely have some form of electrical leakage protection, I guess the drill operators will quickly identify if there is a problem (no power) and vehicle tyres are a good electrical insulator. "Bump" hazard will be nothing compared to the horrendous pot holes encountered (and not at 20 MPH) on the public highway currently (fellow biker).


Yes, I was thinking more of the BUMP especially when tour not expecting it!!! Pot holes???? More like 'craters from the moon holes' :/

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