CommScope ConQuest Conduit Construction - Manual (Page 72)

Installation Safety
Construction of underground facilities require a substantial amount of manpower, tools and equipment.
Underground and aerial construction will expose the manpower, tools and equipment to hazards, dependent
upon field conditions and circumstances.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a qualified employee as “any worker who
by reason of training and experience has demonstrated his ability to safely perform his duties.” Only a qualified
employee should be assigned duties that could cause harm or potential harm to the construction crew, general
public, cable plant and other utilities. This manual cannot identify all the hazards that exist in the construction
environment, nor can it dictate the caution required with all tools, equipment and field conditions. CommScope
continues this manual with the assumption that the construction personnel performing the work are qualified
employees.
Three sets of national codes and standards apply to the construction of underground facilities. The OSHA Safety
and Health Standards applies to work in telecommunications and utility installations. The National Electric Code
(NEC) applies to building utilization wiring, i.e. inside plant construction. The NEC applies specifically, but not
limited to, plant that is within or on public and private buildings or other structures. The National Electric Safety
Code (NESC) generally applies to outside plant construction.
Municipal, state, county and local codes are often applied to the construction of telecommunication and utility
systems or work that involves their respective properties and right-of-ways. Pole Lease Agreements often stipulate
specific practices related to safety.
These codes, regulations and specified practices should be investigated, interpreted,
communicated and observed.
8.15 Appendix
Installation Safety