Live Working – 1000V Insulated Tools 1.0 Introduction: 2.0 ... - Haupa

To: Rodger Patterson
07 September 2004
Anglo Coal Training and Development Services
A division of Anglo Operations Limited
Private Bag X9 Leraatsfontein 1038
Tel +27 (0)13 691 5 Fax +27 (0)13 691 9250
Registered office 44 Main Street Johannesburg 2001. Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa. Registered Number 1921/006730/06
Company Secretary P A Armstrong
Directors P M Baum (Chairman) D D Barber E K Diack A W Lea W A Nairn A E Redman (British) S R Thompson (British) A J Trahar
Alternate Directors S F McAdam (British) R A Sellwood M J Gordon (British)
Anglo Coal Executive Committee A E Redman (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) P M Baum K Bell (Mrs) M D C D S de Santana
E Ford W A Nairn R A Sellwood B A St John A J Trahar V P Uren J N Wallington R S Wicks
H F Torkington (Alt. Member)
A member of the Anglo American plc group
Anglo Coal Training and Development Services
Gustav Swart
Senior Training officer
Live Working – 1000V Insulated Tools
Direct Fax +27 (0)13 6919399
Direct Line +27 (0)13 6915211
Mobile +27 (0)82 0 0
Sender e-mail : gswart@coal.anglo.co.za
1.0 Introduction:
The purpose for testing of the LIVE WORKING TOOLS obtained from SURGE
TECHNOLOGY (PTY) LTD was to determine the durability of the tools when used in
the ANGLO COAL Mining environment.
The primary purpose of the durability tests was to prove the:
- Mechanical strength of the tools.
- Mechanical strength and insulation properties of the PVC insulated handles
A secondary consideration was the mechanical strength and the insulation properties
of the insulated metal working parts/heads.
2.0 Discussion
2.1 Tools:
The following tools were received from SURGE TECHNOLOGY (PTY) LTD for
evaluation purposes,
- 2 x 6 piece Screw Driver Set
- 2 x Cable Stripping Knifes
- 2 x Combination Pliers (185mm)
- 2 x Telephone Pliers (200mm)
- 2 x Side Cutters (160mm)
The above tools were selected due to the fact that these tools can be regarded as
general tools to be used when working on LIVE LV ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS.

2.2 Tools allocated to:
The tools were allocated to:
- J L Kruger, foreman at Vlaklaagte (Goedehoop Colliery), and
- A R Lalla, foreman at Bank Colliery, 5 Plant
The tools were in use in the workplace since 25 th May 2004 till 6 th September 2004
2.3 Feedback from Artisans:
The general comments from the artisans were positive and specific comments were as
follows
a) Insulated Screwdrivers
- The screwdrivers are light, mechanically strong and comfortable to work with.
- The artisans felt confident when using the tools to work on live panels.
b) Combination Pliers, Telephone Pliers and Side Cutters
- The tools were difficult to operate with one hand (stiff mechanical action) when the
tools were new, but the mechanical action improved when the tools were used
more often.
- The tools are mechanically strong.
- All insulated handles allowed for a secure grip when using the tools.
- The artisans felt confident when using the tools on live panels.
3.0 Durability test results:
Please refer to Annexure A and Annexure B
a) Mechanical test:
- The tools proved to be mechanically strong.
- No damage was visible to the metal working parts/heads of the tools.
- No increase gaps between the metal working parts/heads were visible.
- No damage was visible to the cutting edge of the pliers.
b) Insulation on handles:
- The PVC insulation proved to be mechanically strong.
- No cracking, dents or any damage to the PVC insulation visible.
- The printing is still clearly readable on the insulation.
- The LIVE WORKING TOOLS are electrically rated for 1000V and the tools
presently in use in ANGLO COAL offers no electrical rating (See ANNEXURE A –
Fig 8).
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c) Insulation on metal working parts/heads (Secondary Consideration)
- Damage is visible on the insulation of the Telephone Pliers (See ANNEXURE B –
Fig. 3 and Fig. 4). However, it is clear that the Telephone Pliers were not used for
the intended purpose and this resulted in damage to the insulation
d) Screwdrivers
- No traces of cracks or damage are visible.
- No traces of wear or damage are visible on the tips.
- Damage is visible on the insulation on the stem of one screwdriver (See
ANNEXURE A Fig. 7). However, it is clear that the screwdriver was not used for the
intended purpose and this resulted in damage to the insulation.
4.0 Summary:
- The tools proved to be of good quality.
- When an artisan needs to work on a live panel the RISK factor of an
accident will be reduced or even eliminated.
- The artisans feel more confident when working with these tools.
- The tools must only be used for what they are designed for.
5.0 Safety Precautions:
- The required PPE must be worn when working on LIVE LV ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS.
- Ensure proper storage of the tools to prevent damage to the insulation.
- Inspect tools for damage to the insulation before use.
- Withdraw damaged and faulty tools from further use.
- Keep tools dry and clean.
- Live working areas should be kept neat and tidy.
6.0 Recommendations
- Due to the fact that the insulation can become damaged during normal work which
may lead to a false sense of security I would like to suggest that these tools are
issued as part of a permit to work system thus improving the safety and protection of
any person required to work on live electrical apparatus.
G Swart
Senior Training Officer
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ANNEXURE A – TOOLS USED AT BANK COLLIERY – 5 PLANT
Fig 1 – Tool Set Fig 2 – Combination Pliers
Fig 3 – Side Cutters Fig 4 – Telephone Pliers
Fig 5 – Screwdriver Set Fig 6 – Screwdriver Handles
Fig 7 – Damaged Insulation Fig 8 - Comparison
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ANNEXURE B – TOOLS USED AT GOEDEHOOP COLLIERY
Fig 1 – Tool Set Fig 2 – Tool Set
Fig 3 – Damaged Insulation Fig 4 – Damaged Insulation
Fig 5 – Screwdriver Set Fig 6 – Screwdriver Set
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