Editing Lineworker (section)

==Safety==
[[File:Lineman Rescue.JPG|thumb|right|[[Ameren]] lineworker practicing a utility pole rescue]]
Lineworkers, especially those who deal with live electrical apparatus, use [[personal protective equipment]] (PPE) as protection against inadvertent contact. This includes rubber gloves, rubber sleeves, bucket liners, and protective blankets.

When working with energized power lines, powerline workers must use protection to eliminate any contact with the energized line. The requirements for PPEs and associated permissible voltage depends on applicable regulations in the jurisdiction as well as company policy. Voltages higher than those that can be worked using gloves are worked with special sticks known as hot-line tools or [[hot stick]]s, with which power lines can be safely handled from a distance. Powerline workers must also wear special rubber insulating gear when working with live wires to protect against any accidental contact with the wire. The buckets powerline workers sometimes work from are also insulated with [[fiberglass]].

De-energized power lines can be hazardous as they can still be energized from another source such as interconnection or interaction with another circuit even when they appear to be shut off. For example, a higher-voltage distribution level circuit may feed several lower-voltage distribution circuits through transformers. If the higher voltage circuit is de-energized, but if lower-voltage circuits connected remain energized, the higher voltage circuit will remain energized. Another problem can arise when de-energized wires become energized through [[Electrostatic induction|electrostatic]] or [[electromagnetic induction]] from energized wires nearby.

All live line work PPE must be kept clean from contaminants and regularly tested for di-electric integrity. This is done by the use of high voltage electrical testing equipment.

Other general items of PPE such as helmets are usually replaced at regular intervals.