Opsaf 10 016

PSSI 16
OPSAF-10-016
High Voltage Overhead Lines Work on Towers,
Issue No. 2
Poles, High Structures and Earthwires
FOREWORD
This Safety Instruction details the safety requirements for working on towers, poles and high
structures carrying Live conductors where the work does not require the infringement of Safety
Distance to any phase conductors, insulators or associated fittings. It also specifies the safety
precautions for working on earthwires.
The Attachments to this Safety Instruction give in detail the requirements for providing and
maintaining earthwire continuity and bonding, particularly when changing earthwire fittings, and the
Safety from the System requirements for the continuous tension stringing of earthwires.
The requirements for the provision and maintenance of Equipotential Zones are specified in Appendix
B to PSSI 4.
Mention is made of the management considerations that shall be addressed with particular reference
to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 for working on earthwires in proximity to Live conductors.
1. SCOPE
This Safety Instruction applies the principles established by the ScottishPower Safety Rules
(Electrical and Mechanical) and the Company Safety Instructions to enable personnel to maintain
Safety from the System when working on towers, poles, high structures and earthwires.
Attachment A to this Safety Instruction gives in detail the requirements for applying and removing
Permanent Earth Bonds or Temporary Earth Bonds to meet certain work requirements.
Attachment B covers the Safety from the System requirements for continuous tension stringing of
earthwires, under single circuit outage conditions, on double circuit 132/275/400kV overhead lines.
Work on, or within the Safety Distance of, phase conductors, insulators and associated fittings is
outside the scope of this Safety Instruction and is covered in PSSI 4.
2. ISSUE RECORD
This is a Reference document. The current version is held on the EN Document Library.
It is your responsibility to ensure you work to the current version.
Issue Date Issue No. Author Amendment Details

October 1998 1 Initial Issue
September 2015 2 Phil Currie Foreword re-worded; reference to line patrols removed;
reference to optical cables removed.
Definitions some removed as now covered in Part D,
Appointed Wiring Observer added.
10.1 removed reference to conductive footwear.
10.2 provision for single Person working at height in
limited circumstances.
11.2 fixing of red pennants or bands and tower painting
requires Immediate Supervision.
12.1 added requirement for a Permit for Work.
12.2 Re-worded and new requirement added to remedy
defective Earth Bonds before continuing other work.
14 change to Control Persons responsibilities re
lightning.
Attachment A Scheme 3 reviewed and updated.
Attachment A Scheme 4 withdrawn.
Attachment B reviewed and updated.
Attachments C, D and E removed.
SP Power Systems Limited Page 1 of 29 PSSI 16

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3. ISSUE AUTHORITY
Author Owner Issue Authority

Name: Phil Currie Name: Phil Currie Name: Colin Taylor
Title: Operational Compliance Title: Operational Compliance Title: Director, Engineering
Manager Manager Services
Digitally signed by Colin
Taylor
DN: cn=Colin Taylor, o=SP
Energy Networks,
ou=Director of Engineering
Services,
email=colin.taylor@scottishp
ower.com, c=GB
Date: 2015.10.14 13:04:05
+01'00'
4. REVIEW
This is a Reference document which has a 5 year retention period after which a reminder will be
issued to review and extend retention or archive.
5. DISTRIBUTION
This Energy Networks Safety Instruction is maintained by EN Document Control and is part of the
ScottishPower Safety Rules which is published to the SP Energy Networks Internet site.

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6. CONTENTS
FOREWORD.................................................................................................................................................... 1
1. SCOPE ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
2. ISSUE RECORD ...................................................................................................................................... 1
3. ISSUE AUTHORITY ................................................................................................................................. 2
4. REVIEW.................................................................................................................................................... 2
5. DISTRIBUTION ........................................................................................................................................ 2
6. CONTENTS .............................................................................................................................................. 3
7. DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 4
8. APPARATUS IDENTIFICATION .............................................................................................................. 4
9. DANGERS ................................................................................................................................................ 4
10. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK ON TOWERS, POLES AND HIGH STRUCTURES ............ 5
11. WORK ON TOWERS, POLES AND HIGH STRUCTURES CARRYING LIVE CONDUCTORS WHERE
THE WORK DOES NOT REQUIRE THE INFRINGEMENT OF SAFETY DISTANCE TO ANY
CONDUCTORS, INSULATORS OR ASSOCIATED FITTINGS (EXCLUDING WORK ON EARTHWIRES) .. 6
12. WORK ON EARTHWIRES ....................................................................................................................... 6
13. MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR WORK ON EARTHWIRES .................................................. 7
14. ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS ...................................................................................................... 7
15. EQUIPOTENTIAL ZONES ....................................................................................................................... 7
ATTACHMENT A EARTH BONDING SCHEMES ........................................................................................ 8
1. General Principles ......................................................................................................................... 8
2. General Requirements for Earth Bonding ................................................................................... 8
3. Earth Bonding Schemes ............................................................................................................... 8
ATTACHMENT A SCHEME 1 REMAKE/REPLACE EARTHWIRE PERMANENT EARTH BONDS AND
REPLACE EARTHWIRE SUSPENSION CLAMP ASSEMBLIES ................................................................. 10
ATTACHMENT A SCHEME 2 REMAKE/REPLACE EARTHWIRE PERMANENT EARTH BONDS
AND/OR JUMPER CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................................. 12
ATTACHMENT A SCHEME 3 EARTHWIRE REPLACEMENT USING CONTINUOUS TENSION
STRINGING METHODS UNDER SINGLE CIRCUIT OUTAGE CONDITIONS ON DOUBLE CIRCUIT
132/275/400KV OVERHEAD LINES ............................................................................................................. 14
1. Prepare Section of Overhead Line for Pulling New Earthwire ................................................. 14
2. Sagging and Landing the New Earthwire .................................................................................. 19
ATTACHMENT A SCHEME 4 INSTALLATION OF OPTICAL EARTHWIRE USING CRADLE BLOCK
TECHNIQUE ON DOUBLE CIRCUIT 275/400KV OVERHEAD LINES WITH BOTH CIRCUITS LIVE ........ 22
ATTACHMENT B SAFETY FROM THE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUOUS TENSION
STRINGING OF EARTHWIRES UNDER SINGLE CIRCUIT OUTAGE CONDITIONS ON DOUBLE CIRCUIT
132/275/400KV OVERHEAD LINES ............................................................................................................. 23
1. Scope ............................................................................................................................................ 23
2. Basic Safety Requirements ......................................................................................................... 23
3. Basic Requirements to Safeguard Personnel ........................................................................... 24
APPENDIX A: CHECKLIST OF KEY EARTHWIRE PULLING ACTIVITIES FORM .................................... 29

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7. DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Safety Instruction and Attachments the following definitions apply:
7.1 Appointed Wiring Observer a Person with sufficient technical knowledge and experience of
the work to be undertaken, the techniques to be employed and the Safety from the System
implications. He shall be specifically nominated by the Senior Authorised Person on
Appendix A to Attachment B: Checklist of Key Earthwire Pulling Activities Form. He shall be
present on site during the work with his attention dedicated to this task. His role is as a back-
up observer of the work being carried out, to ensure that all appropriate measures required by
this Safety Instruction are being complied with by the Working Party. Responsibility for
maintaining Safety from the System remains with the Safety Document recipient who
retains full responsibility for the safety of the Working Party.
7.2 Earth Bonds Approved bonds for the purposes of providing:
(i) Earth continuity for the earthwire;

(ii) An earth connection between the earthwire and the tower;
(iii) A connection between the earthwire and the general mass of earth.
7.3 Temporary Earth Bonds

Permanent Earth Bonds All being forms of Earth Bonds.
Running Earth Bonds
7.4 Field Equipment Earths Approved connections for bonding items of field equipment to
earth. Field Equipment Earths are distinctively marked to identify them from Drain Earths
and are not included on an Earthing Schedule.
7.5 Equipotential Zone Bonds Approved connections for the purpose of bonding tensioners,
pullers, reel winders, drums and associated equipment together, and to footplates, to ensure
that the operators and the equipment are at the same potential.
7.6 Upper Portion of towers, poles and high structures are those parts which are:
(a) Within the Safety Distance from HV conductors; and/or

(b) Within 300mm of unearthed steelwork supporting HV conductors or bonded to
unearthed steelwork supporting HV conductors; and/or
(c) Above a horizontal line through the lowest HV conductor.
Terms printed in bold type are as defined in the ScottishPower Safety Rules (Electrical and
Mechanical).
8. APPARATUS IDENTIFICATION
Apparatus on which work or testing is to be carried out shall be readily identifiable or have fixed to it
a means of identification which shall remain effective throughout the course of the work or testing.
9. DANGERS
The main Dangers to personnel working on overhead lines and towers are electric shock, burns or
falls, arising from:
(i) The possibility of personnel mistaking overhead line HV Apparatus on which it is

unsafe to work for that on which it is safe to work;

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(ii) The application of Earthing Devices to Live HV Apparatus;

(iii) Inadvertently infringing Safety Distance;
(iv) Inadequate precautions to suppress or safely discharge any induced or other
impressed voltages in the conductors and associated fittings;
(v) Inadequate precautions to provide and maintain an equipotential environment for the
operators of tensioners and pullers and personnel working on associated equipment;
(vi) Badly connected or insecure Earthing Devices or Earth Bonds;
(vii) Insecure hand and footholds;
(viii) Failure to make proper use of fall arrest equipment.
10. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK ON TOWERS, POLES AND HIGH

STRUCTURES
10.1 All Persons working on towers, poles and high structures shall wear and make proper use of
Approved PPE which is provided for their safety and protection. This equipment shall be
examined on each occasion before use.
10.2 Any Person working on a tower, pole or high structure shall be in visual range of at least one
other Person except where that work is of a minor nature and of short duration, covered by
an Approved procedure and can be completed from a restricted height of up to 2 metres
(distance from ground to Persons feet).
10.3 Before any wood pole is climbed it shall be sounded, and the condition of the foundations and
the effectiveness of any stays examined. No pole badly impaired by decay or damage or
considered unstable shall be climbed until it has been supported by Approved means.
10.4 Where a Person is working on a tower, pole or high structure no work shall be carried out
which may affect its stability.
10.5 The release of tension in, and the lowering of, earthwire conductors and stays shall be carried
out in a controlled manner in accordance with Approved procedures.
10.6 In assessing Safety Distance, consideration shall be given to insulator and conductor
movement due to wind conditions.
10.7 Step bolts may be used provided that Safety Distance to any part of the climber's body, or
anything being carried, is not infringed. Where the Safety Distance cannot be maintained
whilst using step bolts, climbing shall be within the body of the tower or on the face of the
tower at right angles to the conductors.
10.8 At tee-off, terminal and large angle towers, reduced clearances to Live conductors can occur.
When work is being carried out on such towers, the Senior Authorised Person preparing the
Safety Document shall decide what special arrangements are to be undertaken and whether
the work shall be carried out under the Personal Supervision of a Senior Authorised
Person.
10.9 Anti-climbing guard gates shall be secured and effective when work is completed or when
Persons have descended from the tower, pole or high structure and the site is left
unattended.

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11. WORK ON TOWERS, POLES AND HIGH STRUCTURES CARRYING LIVE CONDUCTORS
WHERE THE WORK DOES NOT REQUIRE THE INFRINGEMENT OF SAFETY DISTANCE
TO ANY CONDUCTORS, INSULATORS OR ASSOCIATED FITTINGS (EXCLUDING
WORK ON EARTHWIRES)
Painting, inspection and other work on towers, poles or high structures not involving the infringement
of Safety Distance to HV conductors, insulators or associated fittings shall only be carried out under
the conditions given below.
11.1 Work outside the Upper Portions of towers, poles or high structures, may be carried out by an
Authorised Person on any tower, pole or high structure carrying Live HV conductors
provided that:
(i) there is no infringement of Safety Distance; and

(ii) a distance of 300mm is maintained from unearthed metalwork which is outside the
Safety Distance, but bonded to metalwork that is within the Upper Portion.
11.2 Work on the Upper Portions of towers, poles or high structures in close proximity to, but
outside Safety Distance from Live HV conductors may be carried out by an Authorised
Person provided that:
(i) If necessary to avoid infringement of Safety Distance, the Senior Authorised

Person preparing the Safety Document shall specify the positions at which red
pennants or a red marker band shall be fixed to define the limits of access. Before
any Person is allowed to start work the Authorised Person in charge of the work
shall ensure that the red pennants or red marker band are so fixed. The Authorised
Person(s) fixing the red pennants or red marker band shall be under the Immediate
Supervision of another Authorised Person who shall communicate with him to warn
of any possible infringement of Safety Distance. This Authorised Person may be a
member of the Working Party positioned on the ground or on the tower, pole or high
structure;
(ii) Where painting of towers or high structures is taking place, the Person(s) involved
shall be under the Immediate Supervision of an Authorised Person who shall be
able to communicate with those Persons to warn of any possible infringement of
Safety Distance. This Authorised Person may be a member of the Working Party
positioned on the ground or on the tower, pole or high structure. The work shall be
carried out under a Limited Work Certificate. Any restrictions shall be stated on the
Limited Work Certificate.
12. WORK ON EARTHWIRES
12.1 Work on earthwires involving the erection or lowering of the wires, or any other work likely to
cause a significant increase in the normal sag of the earthwire in any span shall, where
reasonably practicable, be carried out with all associated circuits Isolated and Earthed and a
Permit for Work issued. Where, due to special circumstances, it is not reasonably
practicable to isolate and earth circuits, the work shall be carried out in accordance with an
Approved procedure.
12.2 For any work other than that referred to in 12.1 and where Safety Distance can be
maintained, a Limited Work Certificate shall be issued. Any restrictions shall be stated on
the Limited Work Certificate. The connection to earth of the earthwire by way of earthwire
bonding and the electrical continuity of the earthwire at the point of work shall be maintained.
Temporary Earth Bonds shall always be fitted before Permanent Earth Bonds are
disconnected or removed. Defective or missing Earth Bonds shall be replaced before any
work continues on the Upper Portion of a tower.

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13. MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR WORK ON EARTHWIRES
13.1 In accordance with the requirements of 12.1 and 12.2 of this Safety Instruction consideration
shall be given to the nature of the work to be carried out on the earthwire and the
consequential need for circuit outages.
13.2 Management considerations for work on earthwires in proximity to Live conductors are
detailed in OPSAF-11-020 (MSP 2.9).
14. ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS
In the event of, or the near approach of, a lightning storm, all work on overhead lines shall cease
immediately and the Control Person shall be notified.
If the Control Person becomes aware of a lightning storm (or risk of lightning) he shall, where
reasonably practicable, communicate this to all relevant parties.
Attachment B has a specific section relating to weather conditions.
15. EQUIPOTENTIAL ZONES
The requirements for the provision and maintenance of Equipotential Zones to protect the operator of
a tensioner or a puller/winch and the personnel working on reel winders, drums and associated
equipment against the effects of any rise in potential of the machines and equipment in respect to the
ground they are standing on are specified in Attachment B to PSSI 4.

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ATTACHMENT A EARTH BONDING SCHEMES
1. General Principles
1.1 The Schemes detailed in this Attachment indicate the requirements for the application of
Earth Bonds in preparation for various work procedures. The methods detailed are for normal
requirements and may be supplemented if necessary in particular work circumstances. In
applying the Schemes, the requirements of PSSI 16 and the Attachments shall be met.
1.2 Where there is no Scheme to cover a particular work situation, a combination of Schemes or
a modification of a Scheme to suit the different circumstances may be used. The Senior
Authorised Person shall ensure that the recipient of the Safety Document is aware of the
requirements of the modified Scheme.
2. General Requirements for Earth Bonding
2.1 Earth Bonds shall have a cross-section of not less than 25 sq mm copper equivalent, and
shall be effectively applied between the bonding points indicated in these Schemes.
Temporary Earth Bonds should be no longer than necessary and normally no longer than 1.5
metres.
2.2 Earth Bonds shall be applied in accordance with the following:
(i) Before uncoiling Temporary Earth Bonds at the tower top position, each earth end
clamp shall first be attached to the tower steelwork and tightened so that the tip of the
clamping screw penetrates any paint film and provides a good electrical and
mechanical connection. When the earth end clamp is secured, the Temporary Earth
Bond can then be uncoiled and the conductor end clamp firmly applied to the
conductor using an Approved earthing pole;
(ii) If an Earth Bond is found to be defective in service a further Earth Bond shall be fitted
in parallel with the defective earth. When this has been done the defective Earth
Bond may be removed, taking care not to disturb the effective Earth Bond;
(iii) The removal of Temporary Earth Bonds shall be carried out in the reverse sequence
to (i) above.
3. Earth Bonding Schemes
3.1 Temporary earth bonding is unnecessary when replacing earthwire dampers where the
integrity of the Permanent Earth Bonds has been confirmed before work starts.
3.2 The safety precautions detailed in PSSI 16 and the Attachments shall be specified on any
Limited Work Certificate issued to carry out the specific task.
3.3 Index of Earth Bonding Schemes
Scheme 1 Remake/replace earthwire Permanent Earth Bonds and replace earthwire

clamp assemblies.
Scheme A On terminal towers.
Scheme B On suspension towers.

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Scheme 2 Remake/replace earthwire Permanent Earth Bonds and/or jumper

connections.
Scheme A On pointed peak tension towers with bolted jumper connections.
Scheme B On square peak tension towers with wedge tap connected

jumpers.
Scheme 3 Earthwire replacement using continuous tension stringing methods under

single circuit outage conditions on double circuit 132/275/400kV overhead
lines. (Attachment B refers).
Note: The drawings within the Schemes are representative of typical tower peaks. The
actual configuration of tower peaks, earthwires, shoes, fittings and bonds may vary
with the type of tower, but the principles will remain the same.

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AND REPLACE EARTHWIRE SUSPENSION CLAMP ASSEMBLIES
A ON TERMINAL TOWERS
A 1.1 Apply a single Temporary Earth Bond before remaking or replacing the earthwire Permanent
Earth Bond (Fig. 1).
A 1.2 Remove the Temporary Earth Bond on completion of the task.
PERMANENT
TEMPORARY
EARTH BOND
EARTH BOND
SCHEME 1 FIG. 1

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B ON SUSPENSION TOWERS
B 1.1 Apply a single Temporary Earth Bond before remaking or replacing the earthwire suspension
clamp assembly (Fig. 2).
B 1.2 Remove the Temporary Earth Bond on completion of the task.
PERMANENT
EARTH BOND
TEMPORARY
EARTH BOND
SCHEME 1 FIG. 2

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AND/OR JUMPER CONNECTIONS
A ON POINTED PEAK TENSION TOWERS WITH BOLTED JUMPER CONNECTIONS
A 1.1 Apply two Temporary Earth Bonds before remaking or replacing the earthwire Permanent
Earth Bond and/or bolted jumper (Fig. 1).
A 1.2 Remove the Temporary Earth Bonds on completion of the task.
THROUGH JUMPER
PERMANENT
EARTH BOND
ALTERNATIVE WEDGE
TYPE CONNECTION
TEMPORARY
EARTH BOND
TEMPORARY
EARTH BOND
SCHEME 2 FIG. 1

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B ON SQUARE PEAK TENSION TOWERS WITH WEDGE TAP CONNECTED JUMPERS
B 1.1 Apply two Temporary Earth Bonds before remaking or replacing the earthwire Permanent
Earth Bond and/or wedge tap connected jumper (Fig. 2).
B 1.2 Remove the Temporary Earth Bonds on completion of the task.

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ATTACHMENT A SCHEME 3 EARTHWIRE REPLACEMENT USING CONTINUOUS TENSION

STRINGING METHODS UNDER SINGLE CIRCUIT OUTAGE CONDITIONS ON DOUBLE CIRCUIT
132/275/400KV OVERHEAD LINES
1. Prepare Section of Overhead Line for Pulling New Earthwire
1.1 No work that could possibly affect the mechanical integrity of the earthwire shall take place
unless the phase wires of the Isolated and Earthed circuit are continuous between the
towers either side of the section to be pulled and Drain Earths are fitted to all phase
conductors on the Isolated and Earthed circuit at all towers in the section to be worked on
and at the nearest towers on each side of the section. The Drain Earths shall remain in
position for the duration of the work in the section.
1.2 At Nearest Towers Each Side of Section
Permanent Earth Bonds shall be checked and confirmed to be in good and serviceable
condition. This shall take place before any break is made in the continuity of the earthwire at
puller/tensioner towers or intermediate tension towers.
1.3 At Intermediate Tension Towers
(i) Apply two Temporary Earth Bonds before removing dampers and earthwire
Permanent Earth Bonds and through jumper connection (Fig. 1);
(ii) Catch-off and cut out each termination in turn.
PERMANENT
EARTH BOND
PERMANENT
EARTH BOND
TEMPORARY
EARTH BOND
THROUGH JUMPER
TEMPORARY
EARTH BOND
SCHEME 3 FIG. 1

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(iii) Fit running block, join earthwires together using an Approved method and pass
through running block;
(iv) Transfer one Temporary Earth Bond to running block spigot. If in a section with no
sensitive crossings, and only with the agreement of the Senior Authorised Person,
remove catch-off rigs and the remaining Temporary Earth Bond ready to pull (Fig. 2).
The Senior Authorised Person may stipulate that the catch-off rigs are only
removed on the day that the earthwire will be pulled.
TEMPORARY
EARTH BOND
SCHEME 3 FIG. 2

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1.4 At Each Suspension Tower in the Section
(i) Apply two Temporary Earth Bonds to the earthwire (Fig. 3);
(ii) Fit running block, support the earthwire whilst removing the dampers, Permanent
Earth Bond and suspension clamp assembly;

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(iii) Place the earthwire in the running block and transfer one of the Temporary Earth
Bonds to the running block spigot (Fig. 4);
(iv) Remove the remaining Temporary Earth Bond from the earthwire.
1.5 At the Puller End Tension Tower
(i) Set up Equipotential Zone for the puller, drum winder and associated equipment in
accordance with PSSI 4 Attachment B (see Fig. 7);
(ii) Apply two Temporary Earth Bonds (only one required if terminal tower) before
removing appropriate damper, earthwire Permanent Earth Bonds and through
jumper;
(iii) Catch-off appropriate side and cut out termination;
(iv) Fit running block and apply additional Temporary Earth Bond to the running block
spigot;
(v) Pull reeving rope/pulling bond though the puller, raise up tower and pass through
running block. Join to old earthwire using Approved method. Where a square rig
arrangement is being used, a Temporary Earth Bond shall be applied to the running
block at the bottom of the tower before the reeving rope/pulling bond is passed
through it and raised up the tower;
(vi) Remove Temporary Earth Bond from old earthwire to be replaced. Leave the
Temporary Earth Bond in place on the old earthwire not being replaced (Figs. 5 and
7);
(vii) The catch-off rigs shall only be removed from the earthwire when the Senior
Authorised Person gives the instruction to do so. This instruction shall only be
given once the Senior Authorised Person has carried out the appropriate checks
and issued the Permit for Work to run the new earthwire.

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1.6 At the Tensioner End Tension Tower
(i) Set up Equipotential Zone for the tensioner, drum stand and associated equipment in
accordance with PSSI 4 Attachment B (see Fig. 6);
(ii) Apply two Temporary Earth Bonds (only one required if terminal tower) before
removing appropriate damper, earthwire Permanent Earth Bonds and through
jumper;
(iii) Catch-off appropriate side and cut out termination;
(iv) Fit running block and apply additional Temporary Earth Bond to the running block
spigot;
(v) Pull new earthwire through tensioner, raise up tower and pass it through the running
block. Join to old earthwire using an Approved method. Where a square rig
arrangement is being used, a Temporary Earth Bond shall be applied to the running
block at the bottom of the tower before the new conductor is passed through it and
raised up the tower;
(vi) Remove the Temporary Earth Bond from the old earthwire [applied in (ii) above] and
apply a Running Earth Bond to the new earthwire adjacent to the tensioner (Fig. 6);

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(vii) The catch-off rigs shall only be removed from the earthwire when the Senior
Authorised Person gives the instruction to do so. This instruction shall only be
given once the Senior Authorised Person has carried out the appropriate checks
and issued the Permit for Work to run the new earthwire.
1.7 Pulling New Earthwire
(i) Ensure all Temporary Earth Bonds throughout the section have been transferred from
the old earthwire to the running block spigots;
(ii) Pull in new earthwire in accordance with Attachment B of PSSI 16;
(iii) When the new earthwire has been pulled into position, in preparation for sagging,
apply Temporary Earth Bonds to the new earthwire at the towers where back-hanging
will take place.
2. Sagging and Landing the New Earthwire
2.1 At the Back-Hang End Tension Tower
(i) Catch-off and back-hang the new earthwire;

(ii) If there is a conductor tail down the tower, usually present when installing OPGW, clip
to tower steelwork using Approved metallic clamps;
(iii) De-rig the tower and the Equipotential Zone around the puller;
(iv) When the earthwire has been replaced, fit a new jumper and Permanent Earth
Bonds. Remove the two Temporary Earth Bonds.

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2.2 At Each Intermediate Tension Tower
(i) Apply Temporary Earth Bonds to the new earthwire on either side of the tower. Sag
the new earthwire towards the back-hang end section tower and land it;
(ii) When the earthwire has been sagged on both sides of the tower, fit a new Permanent
Earth Bond. Remove the Temporary Earth Bonds.
2.3 At the Sagging End Tension Tower
(i) Apply a Temporary Earth Bond to the new earthwire. Sag the new earthwire and land
it;
(ii) If there is a conductor tail down the tower, usually present when installing OPGW, clip
to tower steelwork using Approved metallic clamps;
(iii) De-rig the tower and the Equipotential Zone around the tensioner;
(iv) When the earthwire has been replaced on both sides of the tower, fit a new jumper
and Permanent Earth Bond. Remove the two Temporary Earth Bonds.
2.4 At Each Suspension Tower in the Section
(i) After the earthwire is sagged and landed, transfer the Temporary Earth Bond from the
running block spigot to the new earthwire. Clip-in the new earthwire in the
suspension clamp assembly and fit the Permanent Earth Bond and dampers;
(ii) On completion remove the Temporary Earth Bond and running block from the tower.

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ATTACHMENT A SCHEME 4 INSTALLATION OF OPTICAL EARTHWIRE USING CRADLE

BLOCK TECHNIQUE ON DOUBLE CIRCUIT 275/400KV OVERHEAD LINES WITH BOTH
CIRCUITS LIVE
This Scheme has been withdrawn.

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ATTACHMENT B SAFETY FROM THE SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUOUS

TENSION STRINGING OF EARTHWIRES UNDER SINGLE CIRCUIT OUTAGE CONDITIONS ON
DOUBLE CIRCUIT 132/275/400KV OVERHEAD LINES
1. Scope
This Attachment details the Safety from the System requirements for the continuous tension
stringing of earthwires, under single circuit outage conditions, on 132/275/400kV double circuit,
overhead line towers designed pre 1991. Towers designed post 1991 shall be assessed as individual
cases and appropriate working methods shall be determined and Approved.
The Senior Authorised Person in charge shall determine if work on 132kV construction overhead
lines and on tee-off towers, junction and terminal towers, certain large angle towers, high river
crossings, towers of special construction and future designs, require special consideration and
additional documented procedures.
The raising or lowering of complete spans of earthwire from or to the ground and the handling of long
tails of optical earthwire, are not covered by PSSI 16. These activities shall be undertaken in
accordance with an Approved procedure.
Appendix A of this Attachment is the Approved Checklist of Key Earthwire Pulling Activities.
2. Basic Safety Requirements
2.1 The senior location manager or his delegate shall consider the need to undertake the work
with one circuit Live. Management considerations for work on earthwires in proximity to Live
conductors are detailed in OPSAF-11-020 (MSP 2.9).
2.2 The Senior Authorised Person shall have sufficient technical knowledge and experience of
the work to be undertaken, the techniques to be employed and the Safety from the System
implications to enable him to make the necessary assessments and decisions for the planning
of the work. He shall also issue the appropriate Safety Documents.
2.3 Prior to agreement that the work can be undertaken under single circuit outage conditions, the
Senior Authorised Person referred to in 2.2 above shall be provided with, in the light of
these safety requirements, an assessment of all sections of the overhead line. Taking into
account that the new earthwire may require special considerations, e.g. optical earthwire, the
Senior Authorised Person shall identify those towers or sections requiring special working
arrangements, the requirements for double circuit outages or any restrictions on the
positioning of plant or on the equipment to be used for the work.
2.4 A survey shall be carried out to assess the integrity of the old earthwire having regard to the
mechanical stresses that can be imposed during the tension stringing process. This shall
take into account the age of the earthwire, type, manufacturer, environmental aspects, known
history of abnormal mechanical loading, damage and repairs, and the position and type of
mid-span joints, repair-sleeves, displaced dampers and bird flight deflectors. Particular note
should be taken of the condition of the earthwire at clamping positions. Should conductor
corrosion be a serious concern, then a more detailed assessment shall be carried out. The
results of the survey shall be documented and passed to the potential Contractors.
2.5 Prior to installing earthwires over roads, motorways, railways, navigable waterways or power
lines, the Senior Authorised Person shall satisfy himself that all necessary precautions have
been taken and that the Appointed Wiring Observer is aware of all such requirements.

PSSI 16
OPSAF-10-016
Issue No. 2
2.6 The Senior Authorised Person, and the Appointed Wiring Observer involved in the field
implementation of these safety requirements, shall have access to the Contractor's Method
Statements and Project Quality Plan.
2.7 The Senior Authorised Person shall, prior to issuing the Safety Document, prepare a
Checklist of Key Earthwire Pulling Activities (Appendix A) and each activity shall be signed
and dated.
3. Basic Requirements to Safeguard Personnel
3.1 Earth Bonding
(i) At substation terminal towers the integrity of the earth connection to the substation
earth mat shall be checked prior to the work commencing. If this is found to be
defective or missing, a permanent repair shall be made before continuity of the
earthwire is broken;
(ii) The integrity of the Permanent Earth Bonds on the earthwire shall be checked at the
nearest towers on each side of the sections to be restrung, and on the earthwire that
will not be disconnected on the tension towers at each end of the sections to be
restrung;
(iii) To protect the operator of the tensioner, and the operator of the puller and personnel
working on the reel winders, drums and associated equipment, against the effects of
any rise in potential of the machines and equipment in respect to the ground they are
standing on, an equipotential environment shall be provided. This shall be in
accordance with Attachment B to PSSI 4. Access to the machines, operators, other
personnel and equipment in the Equipotential Zones shall also be controlled in
accordance with Attachment B to PSSI 4.
When the earthwire is square rigged up the tower at puller or tensioner positions, the
outer perimeter of the Equipotential Zone shall, where reasonably practicable, extend
to the tower such that it prevents access to the earthwire between the machine and
the tower.
3.2 Drain Earths
(i) Drain Earths shall be fitted to all phase conductors on the Isolated and Earthed
circuit at all towers in the section to be worked on and at the nearest towers on each
side of the section. The Drain Earths shall remain in position for the duration of the
work in the section;
(ii) Work shall not be undertaken on the phase conductors, insulators or associated
fittings in the sections being worked on unless the earthwire is tensioned and
permanently made off at both ends and electrically bonded to the towers in the
section, thus ensuring earthwire continuity throughout the route;
(iii) No work that could possibly affect the mechanical integrity of the earthwire shall take
place unless the phase wires of the Isolated and Earthed circuit are continuous
between the towers either side of the section to be pulled and Drain Earths are fitted
in accordance with 3.2 (i) above;
(iv) Prior to use, Drain Earths shall be inspected, with particular reference to the contact
faces of the line end clamps, to ensure low impedance connections between the
conductors and the tower steelwork;
(v) The earth continuity of the earthwire shall be maintained at all times during the
restringing operation. This can be achieved by adopting the principles contained in
the Earth Bonding Schemes in Attachment A of PSSI 16 and 3.2 (i) above.

PSSI 16
OPSAF-10-016
Issue No. 2
3.3 Engineering Considerations
(i) Continuous tension stringing relies upon a secure mechanical connection between
the old and new conductors and at other positions where conductor has been cut and
jointed. Consideration shall be given to the type and condition of the conductors
being connected and a decision taken as to whether and how a secure mechanical
connection can be made. The method proposed shall include a Quality Assurance
Procedure for the condition of the components used;
(ii) All joints shall be made by a jointer, specifically trained for this task and nominated in
writing by the Contractor;
(iii) Any damage deemed as non-prohibitive to tension stringing found on the existing
earthwire shall be securely taped over using high visibility reinforcing tape;
(iv) The work associated with the tension stringing of the earthwire shall not overload the
supporting towers. Where necessary specialist advice shall be obtained;
(v) The Senior Authorised Person shall obtain confirmation from the Contractor that he
has designed and positioned any scaffolding, self-supporting systems or Skycradles
such as to be effective for the purpose. Tension shall not be released in any section
until the Senior Authorised Person has been satisfied that appropriate measures
have been taken in this respect;
(vi) The Senior Authorised Person shall agree the positioning of machinery and
equipment to ensure that Safety Distance is maintained between the erection
equipment or earthwire and the Live circuit. The positioning shall be arranged such
that the operators of the puller and tensioner have a clear view, terrain permitting, into
the sections being restrung;
(vii) All machinery and equipment to be used shall be suitable for the work and be
appropriately maintained. The Contractor shall have available on site all documented
information necessary to ensure the correct and safe use of the equipment. The
Contractor's methods of work shall ensure that the equipment, particularly the swivels
used in the joints between old and new conductor, are not subjected to excessive
loads by severe bending. The Contractor's Project Quality Plan and Method
Statements shall ensure that only equipment fit for the purpose is used and any faulty
equipment is immediately withdrawn from use and quarantined;
(viii) When failure of a component, e.g. a running block or means of attachment at angle
tower peaks, could allow the earthwire to move towards the Live circuit, the method
of working shall ensure that, in the event of such a failure, the earthwire is restrained
and Safety Distance is not infringed;
(ix) The method of work shall ensure that the earthwire does not run uncontrolled off the
drum, thereby causing loss of tension at the tensioning machine;
(x) Before personnel leave site the earthwire section shall be pulled through and brought
to approximately normal erection tension and clamped-in at appropriate towers to
prevent excessive sags appearing.
When, due to unforeseen circumstances, this cannot be achieved, the earthwire shall
as a minimum be tensioned, to a position where, under all conditions, Safety
Distance from the phase conductors will not be infringed. It shall be clamped at
appropriate towers, specified by the Senior Authorised Person to minimise the
dependence on the temporary joints and the tensioner/puller machines and to prevent
excessive sags;
(xi) All earthwire jointing shall be carried out without lowering the complete span of
earthwire to the ground;

PSSI 16
OPSAF-10-016
Issue No. 2
(xii) Subject to the exceptions in this paragraph, the stringing tension of the earthwire shall
be kept as low as possible whilst ensuring the earthwire does not sag below the top
phase conductors in the longest span in the section. The only permitted exceptions
are that the sag may be allowed to drop below the top phase conductors in order to
avoid exceeding the safe working load of any components or when a temporary joint,
mid-span joint or repair sleeve is passing through a block at a large angle, tension
tower.
Close attention shall be given to weather conditions in which conductor movement
may result in Safety Distance to the Live circuit being infringed (see 3.6);
(xiii) The Contractor shall only use equipment that meets the following criteria and the
Contractors engineer shall confirm this immediately prior to the restringing work by
signing appropriate sections of the Checklist of Key Earthwire Pulling Activities Form
(Appendix A).
The restringing equipment is suitable for the conductor being pulled;
Pulling tensions and overload device settings are compatible with the types of
conductor involved;
The overload device setting does not exceed the safe working load of any
component in the earthwire pulling system;
The equipment has been properly maintained and overload device settings have
been checked.
(xiv) During restringing the running tension shall be indicated by instruments on the
tensioner/puller machines. The required pulling tension shall be carefully controlled
and the overload prevention device shall be in service;
(xv) The Senior Authorised Person shall agree the positions of the puller and tensioner;
(xvi) The handling of long tails of earthwire, not captive within the body of the tower, shall
be carried out under a documented procedure;
(xvii) During the tension stringing operation, the earthwire and each running block shall be
continuously monitored by trained staff, using binoculars if necessary, in
communication with the tensioner/puller operators. If damaged earthwire, earthwire
joints or repair sleeves are to be pulled through the running blocks, the puller operator
shall be advised of the progress of the obstruction and pulling speed reduced as
necessary.
3.4 Delayed Auto Reclose Equipment
(i) Before tension stringing commences or re-commences the Appointed Wiring

Observer shall request the Control Person to switch out the Delayed Auto Reclose
(DAR) equipment on the Live circuit. At the end of the restringing the DAR may be
restored. This will be carried out and recorded in accordance with local procedures.
In the event of the circuit tripping during the work the Control Person shall not
reclose the circuit until he has obtained the agreement of the Appointed Wiring
Observer on site.
3.5 Supervision and Competency of Staff
(i) The Contractor carrying out the tension stringing shall implement a satisfactory
system of supervision which identifies the Person in charge of the work and the
responsibilities of all other staff. The Authorised Person in charge of the pulling
activities shall be nominated by the Contractor and named on the Checklist of Key
Earthwire Pulling Activities Form (Appendix A);

PSSI 16
OPSAF-10-016
Issue No. 2
(ii) The method of work shall be agreed by the Senior Authorised Person. He shall be
satisfied that all appropriate measures to maintain Safety from the System are
applied. General Safety is the responsibility of the Contractor engaged to carry out
the work;
(iii) Earthwire tension stringing shall not proceed until the appropriate Permit for Work
has been issued and the Checklist of Key Earthwire Pulling Activities Form (Appendix
A) has been completed to the satisfaction of the Senior Authorised Person;
(iv) The Appointed Wiring Observer shall be present in the section to be worked on with
his attention dedicated to the task. He shall not, in any sense, exercise supervision of
the work, the arrangements for which are the responsibility of the Contractor;
(v) Persons engaged in work under this Attachment shall be suitably authorised, and
trained and instructed by the Contractor, to ensure that they understand the safety
and emergency procedures which are relevant to their work and that the work shall
be done in accordance with the instructions and rules which have been laid down;
(vi) The Contractor shall provide The Company with documentary evidence that all his
staff employed on this work have been assessed and nominated by his management
as being competent for this specific work.
3.6 Weather Conditions
(i) Prior to work under this Attachment, the Appointed Wiring Observer shall ascertain
the forecast on wind speed and lightning risk. The Control Person shall inform the
Appointed Wiring Observer using the communication channel [see 3.7 (ii)] of any
change in lightning risk or other weather condition which could adversely affect the
work;
(ii) Work shall not commence or shall be stopped if the weather conditions are such that
conductor movement could cause the Safety Distance to be infringed if conductor
tension was lost during the stringing. Work shall not proceed if the wind speed is 15
mph or more, measured at a height of 10 metres above ground level;
(iii) In the event of, or the near approach of, a lightning storm, all work on the earthwire
shall cease immediately. The Control Person may request the Appointed Wiring
Observer to suspend all work in order that the DAR can be restored on the Live
circuit for the duration of the storm or until such time as it is agreed work can resume.
The Appointed Wiring Observer shall inform the Working Party and the Senior
Authorised Person and confirm to the Control Person that all personnel are clear.
Personnel shall remain well clear of the overhead line and the stringing equipment
whilst a lightning storm is in the area;
(iv) Work shall be discontinued if fog or poor visibility prevents the Appointed Wiring
Observer, or other observers positioned at every tower, from fulfilling their role.
3.7 Communications and Control
(i) An effective communication system shall be used by the Contractor during the
stringing operations;
(ii) The Appointed Wiring Observer shall ensure that effective communication is
established and maintained between the site and the Control Person;
(iii) Immediately before the stringing operation is commenced or re-commenced following
a suspension the communication system shall be checked and the test recorded on
the Checklist of Key Earthwire Pulling Activities Form (Appendix A), by the Appointed
Wiring Observer. If work spans more than one day, the communication system shall
be checked each day immediately before the start of work and recorded again by the
Appointed Wiring Observer. Tension stringing shall be stopped immediately if the
communication system becomes defective.

PSSI 16
OPSAF-10-016
Issue No. 2
3.8 General Precautions
(i) During the tension stringing process personnel shall not be positioned underneath the
earthwire being restrung;
(ii) During the tension stringing process, personnel positioned on the tower shall retreat
to a safe position before the wire starts moving. The safe position shall be agreed
with the Senior Authorised Person;
(iii) Access into the work area by people, vehicles, farm machinery, animals etc. shall be
effectively controlled. Any unprotected access tracks shall be closely observed.
3.9 Emergency Procedures
(i) In the event of an unplanned action whereby the earthwire or any other equipment or
material infringes or may infringe Safety Distance the Appointed Wiring Observer
shall immediately arrange for the Live circuit to be switched out by the Control
Person. When it has been confirmed that the Live circuit has been switched out, the
Appointed Wiring Observer shall contact the Senior Authorised Person in order to
recover the situation;
(ii) The senior location manager or his delegate shall have an Emergency Plan which
caters for liaison with all other Utilities, Emergency Services, and the Control
Person;
(iii) The Contractor shall have a written on-site Emergency Plan and shall instruct all his
staff in the actions to be taken should the earthwire or any other equipment or
material come within Safety Distance of the Live circuit. The plan shall include the
following:
How Persons shall be withdrawn safely to a safe position;
How the immediate area shall be secured and controlled to prevent
unauthorised access;
Details for the senior location manager or his delegate to liaise with all other
Utilities, Emergency Services, and the Control Person;
The stipulations in 3.9 (i) above.
(iv) The Senior Authorised Person shall assess the situation and, if necessary, issue a
Permit for Work for the activities associated with the recovery work. The recovery
work shall only commence once this Permit for Work (if necessary) has been issued.

PSSI 16
OPSAF-10-016
Issue No. 2
APPENDIX A: CHECKLIST OF KEY EARTHWIRE PULLING ACTIVITIES FORM
Route: Tower Numbers: ........................................
Isolated and Earthed Circuit: ..............................................................................................
Circuit Colours: .......................
Print Sign Time Date

Senior Authorised Person
Appointed Wiring Observer
Permit for Work recipient
CONTROL MEASURE TIME SIGNATURE

1 Suitable local and long term weather forecast
Suitable wind speed and direction measured at Location
Suitable visibility for activities
2 Earthing applied in accordance with Permit for Work
3 All towers being monitored by trained & Authorised Persons
All Authorised Persons fully understand their roles
Arrangements in place to control all traffic at unprotected
crossings
4 Only work associated with pulling activities to take place
All Permit for Work recipients have signed below
acknowledging the Permit for Work recipient in charge of the
earthwire pull
5 Equipotential Zones checked by SAP or SAP delegate
Local communications system suitable and operational
Puller and tensioner settings checked
6 Control Person contacted for:
Establishment of communications with Appointed Wiring
Observer
DAR on adjacent circuit switched out of service
Lightning risk level and weather warnings
7 Senior location manager or delegate informed of pull by SAP
8 All staff aware of emergency plan and procedures
9 Operation start time tension released
Operation end time conductor secured
10 Control Person informed of completion for restoration of DAR
All Authorised Persons in receipt of a Permit for Work for the section being worked on confirm that they and
all members of their Working Parties:
1. Have been informed of the appointment of the Permit for Work recipient in control of the earthwire pull.
2. Agree that only work under the Permit for Work for the earthwire pull shall be undertaken.
Name PFW No. Signature Date/Time

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PSSI 16

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Issue Date Issue No. Author Amendment Details

SP Power Systems Limited Page 1 of 29 PSSI 16

Author Owner Issue Authority

SP Power Systems Limited Page 2 of 29 PSSI 16

SP Power Systems Limited Page 3 of 29 PSSI 16

7.2 Earth Bonds Approved bonds for the purposes of providing:

(i) Earth continuity for the earthwire;

7.3 Temporary Earth Bonds

(a) Within the Safety Distance from HV conductors; and/or

(i) The possibility of personnel mistaking overhead line HV Apparatus on which it is

SP Power Systems Limited Page 4 of 29 PSSI 16

(ii) The application of Earthing Devices to Live HV Apparatus;

10. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK ON TOWERS, POLES AND HIGH

SP Power Systems Limited Page 5 of 29 PSSI 16

(i) there is no infringement of Safety Distance; and

(i) If necessary to avoid infringement of Safety Distance, the Senior Authorised

12. WORK ON EARTHWIRES

SP Power Systems Limited Page 6 of 29 PSSI 16

13. MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR WORK ON EARTHWIRES

14. ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS

Attachment B has a specific section relating to weather conditions.

15. EQUIPOTENTIAL ZONES

SP Power Systems Limited Page 7 of 29 PSSI 16

ATTACHMENT A EARTH BONDING SCHEMES

2. General Requirements for Earth Bonding

2.2 Earth Bonds shall be applied in accordance with the following:

3. Earth Bonding Schemes

3.3 Index of Earth Bonding Schemes

Scheme 1 Remake/replace earthwire Permanent Earth Bonds and replace earthwire

Scheme A On terminal towers.

Scheme B On suspension towers.

SP Power Systems Limited Page 8 of 29 PSSI 16

Scheme 2 Remake/replace earthwire Permanent Earth Bonds and/or jumper

Scheme A On pointed peak tension towers with bolted jumper connections.

Scheme B On square peak tension towers with wedge tap connected

Scheme 3 Earthwire replacement using continuous tension stringing methods under

SP Power Systems Limited Page 9 of 29 PSSI 16

ATTACHMENT A SCHEME 1 REMAKE/REPLACE EARTHWIRE PERMANENT EARTH BONDS

A 1.2 Remove the Temporary Earth Bond on completion of the task.

SP Power Systems Limited Page 10 of 29 PSSI 16

B 1.2 Remove the Temporary Earth Bond on completion of the task.

SP Power Systems Limited Page 11 of 29 PSSI 16

ATTACHMENT A SCHEME 2 REMAKE/REPLACE EARTHWIRE PERMANENT EARTH BONDS

A ON POINTED PEAK TENSION TOWERS WITH BOLTED JUMPER CONNECTIONS

A 1.2 Remove the Temporary Earth Bonds on completion of the task.

SP Power Systems Limited Page 12 of 29 PSSI 16

B ON SQUARE PEAK TENSION TOWERS WITH WEDGE TAP CONNECTED JUMPERS

B 1.2 Remove the Temporary Earth Bonds on completion of the task.

SP Power Systems Limited Page 13 of 29 PSSI 16

ATTACHMENT A SCHEME 3 EARTHWIRE REPLACEMENT USING CONTINUOUS TENSION

1. Prepare Section of Overhead Line for Pulling New Earthwire

1.2 At Nearest Towers Each Side of Section

1.3 At Intermediate Tension Towers

SP Power Systems Limited Page 14 of 29 PSSI 16

SP Power Systems Limited Page 15 of 29 PSSI 16

1.4 At Each Suspension Tower in the Section

SP Power Systems Limited Page 16 of 29 PSSI 16

1.5 At the Puller End Tension Tower

SP Power Systems Limited Page 17 of 29 PSSI 16

1.6 At the Tensioner End Tension Tower

SP Power Systems Limited Page 18 of 29 PSSI 16