Inspect Fault Find Remove Install Replace And Adjust A Steady Arm And Or Side Strain Insulator On Overhead Traction Equipment Ohte Under Live And Or Isolated And Earthed Conditions Training

Objectives:
• Understand the role and components of overhead traction equipment (OHTE).
• Identify safety protocols for working under live and isolated/earthed conditions.
• Explain the function of steady arms and side strain insulators.
• Recognize relevant legislation and SAQA unit standard requirements.

Topics:
• Overview of OHTE systems and components.
• Introduction to steady arms and side strain insulators.
• Safety regulations: OHS Act, SANS 10219, and Eskom standards.
• Hazard identification and risk assessment.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Documentation and permits for live and isolated work.

Objectives:
• Differentiate between live, isolated, and earthed conditions.
• Apply safe isolation and earthing procedures.
• Use voltage detectors and earthing equipment correctly.
• Understand the effects of electrical arcs and short circuits.

Topics:
• Definitions and classifications of live, isolated, and earthed.
• Isolation and earthing sequences.
• Use of voltage detectors and proving dead.
• Personal protective equipment for live work.
• Emergency response procedures for electrical incidents.
• Practical demonstration of isolation and earthing.

Objectives:
• Describe the construction and materials of steady arms and side strain insulators.
• Identify common defects and failure modes.
• Interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Explain the mechanical and electrical functions of these components.

Topics:
• Types of steady arms (e.g., rigid, hinged) and insulators (e.g., porcelain, glass, polymer).
• Mechanical properties and load ratings.
• Electrical insulation characteristics.
• Common defects: cracks, contamination, corrosion, wear.
• Failure analysis and consequences.
• Reading manufacturer datasheets and drawings.

Objectives:
• Perform visual and mechanical inspections of steady arms and insulators.
• Use inspection tools (e.g., calipers, gauges, thermal cameras).
• Identify faults such as misalignment, damage, and contamination.
• Document inspection findings and categorize faults.

Topics:
• Inspection schedules and checklists.
• Visual inspection: cracks, chips, pollution, corrosion.
• Mechanical inspection: alignment, tension, wear.
• Use of thermal imaging for hot spots.
• Fault categorization: minor, major, critical.
• Reporting and record-keeping procedures.

Objectives:
• Plan and prepare for removal and installation under isolated/earthed conditions.
• Safely remove steady arms and insulators using proper tools and techniques.
• Install new components correctly and verify alignment.
• Apply torque specifications and locking devices.

Topics:
• Work planning and risk assessment.
• Tools and equipment: spanners, torque wrenches, hoists.
• Step-by-step removal process.
• Installation: positioning, tightening, locking.
• Checking clearances and mechanical integrity.
• Practical exercise: removal and installation on a training rig.

Objectives:
• Understand the additional precautions for live work.
• Use live-line tools and hot sticks safely.
• Perform removal and installation of steady arms and insulators while maintaining safe distances.
• Apply minimum approach distances (MAD) and work procedures.

Topics:
• Live work regulations and authorization.
• Live-line tools: hot sticks, insulated platforms.
• Minimum approach distances for various voltage levels.
• Step-by-step live removal and installation.
• Communication and teamwork during live work.
• Practical exercise: live work simulation on a training rig.

Objectives:
• Adjust steady arm tension and alignment to specifications.
• Replace side strain insulators without compromising system integrity.
• Verify adjustments using measuring tools.
• Perform post-installation tests (e.g., insulation resistance).

Topics:
• Adjustment criteria: droop, stagger, tension.
• Tools for adjustment: tension gauges, alignment jigs.
• Replacement procedures for insulators with damaged threads or glaze.
• Post-installation checks: mechanical stability, electrical continuity.
• Insulation resistance testing.
• Practical exercise: adjustment and replacement on a mock line.

Objectives:
• Demonstrate competence in inspecting, fault finding, removing, installing, replacing, and adjusting steady arms and side strain insulators.
• Apply all safety protocols for live and isolated/earthed conditions.
• Complete required documentation and reports.
• Review key concepts and address knowledge gaps.

Topics:
• Integrated practical assessment: simulate a real-world scenario.
• Assessment criteria: safety, procedure, quality of work.
• Documentation: completion of checklists and reports.
• Feedback and remediation.
• Course review and Q&A.
• Issuance of certificates of competence.