Maintenance, Repair & Operations

Unsafe Conditions on Cable Pulls, Part 1

June 18, 2019

Don't let familiarity lead to unsafe acts

The primary unsafe condition you might encounter on a cable pull is familiarity. Because cable pulls seem so safe, it’s easy to let your guard down.

Beware of unsafe acts, such as standing next to the cable that’s being pulled by a powered means (rather than manual). If something comes apart and you’re not there to get hurt, you don’t get hurt.

Another unsafe act is continuing the pull when there’s excess cable lube slopped in the work area. Cable lube can easily create a slipping hazard (an unsafe condition). The reason you use a cable lube is it’s slippery. That slipperiness becomes a safety problem when enough of the lube slops onto the work area instead of going into the raceway. To decrease the danger, add only as much lube at a time as the pull can use. And clean up slopped lubricant every few minutes rather than leaving a slipping hazard during the pull.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.