Pulling Cables Safely, Part 1

Slipping and tripping are two obvious dangers when pulling cables. Two obvious preventive measures are:

1. Be careful with the pulling lube.
2. Keep the area clear of clutter such as packaging.

Here’s a list of tips to reduce those hazards.

First, here’s a good tip for reducing tripping hazards: rope off the area. Not only does this prevent unwelcome traffic, it creates a visible zone for you to keep clutter-free.

To reduce slipping hazards, follow these three practices:

1. Identify the correct lube for this pull. Pulling lubricants come in various formulations. If you pick the correct one for the pull you’re doing, you won’t get into the bad situation where the cable is getting stuck and you’re adding more of the wrong lubricant until it’s slopped all over the place.
2. Determine ahead of time how to add the lube. Think about a safe, effective way to get the lube into the raceway. There are appliances made specifically for the purpose, including funnels and lubrication pumps; they will save you time and money, while making the work safer.
3. Plan for cleanup. If you accidentally get a major lube slop during a pull, are you really going to stop work while someone goes off to get rags and a bucket? Have cleanup supplies on hand before starting.