Section 39.544. Avoiding flames

(a) Employes shall not smoke in manholes, and avoid as far as practicable open flames or torches in or near manholes.

(b) If it is necessary to illuminate a manhole, electric lights only should be used. When doing this, it should be known that the leads, sockets, and connections are well insulated and in good condition in order to avoid the possibility of a spark. Special attention should be paid to the sparking of any motors used for ventilating purposes.

(c) Employes shall avoid sparks in handling live parts or cable sheaths, and avoid igniting the flux in soldering and wiping joints. In using hot paraffin they shall see that it does not reach a temperature at which it may ignite.

(d) In central office cable vaults tests shall be made for the presence of gas before using exposed flames, and such flames shall not be used in vaults where gas collects.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 39.435 (relating to avoiding flames); and 34 Pa. Code § 39.501 (relating to general requirements).