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619 Materials Handling Safety
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Moving Trailing Cables

Trailing cables are used for carrying electricity from a permanent line or trolley wire to a movable machine, such as used in mining or quarrying. They are heavily insulated and protected with either galvanized steel wire armoring, extra stout braiding hosepipe, or other material.

Pulling cable off a truck.
When pulling cable, always wear proper PPE.

When moving trailing cables, slips, trips, and falls can occur, and the cables may be damaged, or they may cause damage to other objects. If improper handling is used to move cables, back injuries may result. Be sure to use the following precautions when handling trailing cables:

  • Wear protective rubber gloves when handling energized trailing cables.
  • Use nonconductive hooks designed for cable handling, or other protective devices, to reduce bending and lifting and to prevent cables from contacting the body or clothing.
  • Examine cables for damage before handling.
  • Ask for help when necessary. Use mechanical help, such as slings attached to a powered industrial trucks or bulldozers, as appropriate.
  • Make sure work area is free of tripping hazards. Be especially careful in mud, snow, and icy areas.
  • Maintain safe distance from loose and unconsolidated material.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-10. What should you do if the trailing cables are too heavy to manually move them?