PDFWAC 296-45-355
Underground grounding.
(1) Grounding. A capacitance charge can remain in the high voltage cables after it has been disconnected from the circuit and a static-type arc can occur when grounds are applied to such cables.
(2) When work is to be done on cables or equipment of a high-voltage underground system, precautions to prevent back-feed must be taken. This must include either isolating or grounding of the secondary conductors.
(3) After grounding the cable, if the employee is to work on cable between terminations, they must first spike the cable or use other approved methods of testing. If the cable is to be cut, it must be cut only with approved hot cutters.
(4) Additional precautions. When work is performed on a cable at a location remote from the cable terminal, the cable cannot be grounded at the cable terminal if there is a possibility of hazardous transfer of potential should a fault occur.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060 and chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 19-13-083, § 296-45-355, filed 6/18/19, effective 8/1/19; WSR 16-10-082, § 296-45-355, filed 5/3/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. WSR 98-07-009, § 296-45-355, filed 3/6/98, effective 5/6/98.]