Link Stick

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I will be presenting an information session in DUCOT format on a piece of equipment known and described in the QFES as the Link Stick

DESCRIPTION

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The telescopic link stick is a portable, telescopic link stick. Or commonly referred to as a link stick or fuse puller.

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USE

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Used in conjunction with electrical gloves to de-energise an electrical authority’s low voltage power supply to structures by removing the overhead primary service fuse. FRSAQ 1990

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Safety Points

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1. Important safety point- Only QFRS personnel who have completed the relevant ‘Electrical De-energise course’ are permitted to operate this piece of equipment.

2. be aware of falling debris. Some fuses can be old – look down when pulling

3. never stand on ladder to pull fuse

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CONSTRUCTION

The link stick is constructed of 2 parts: The Pole and head

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Pole

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Made of High density fibreglass laminate wrap

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Weighs approx 4.5kg

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Has between 5&7 telescopic sections measuring between 1.2-1.5m that are slightly triangular in shape, and is 10.5m in length when fully extended

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Plastic threaded base to dismantle to allow for cleaning and inspection.

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Has a black rubber boot for base protection and stability when in use

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Lowermost section has QFRS ID# to record history, use and location; latest test date tag; testing authority and voltage tested to 15000volts tag

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Designed so that when stowed, air can circulate around sections to eliminate condensation build-up

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All sections except the bottom section have spring loaded pins & cut out sections to lock each section in place as it reaches its travel limits

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All sections except the bottom section terminate in a smooth sleeve of greater diameter that prevents over extension.

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Top telescopic section is filled with cellular foam resin to:

1.

Aid in stiffness

2.

Prevent water entry and migration

3.

Provide electrical rating of 45kVa (45000 volts) per foot

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Head

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Fixed to top of link stick

Universal fitting to allow a variety of attachments or adapters (hook)

Is fitted with a pig tail type adaptor:

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Made of metal or fibreglass

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Tapering coarse male thread to fit service fuse

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Designed to safely discharge elec current into air.

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OPERATION

To bring this piece of equipment into operation requires 5 phases:

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1. prepare link stick,

2. extend the link stick

3. connect to overhead service fuse,

4. extract fuse,

5. rehouse link stick.

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Important Safety Points for FF

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1. Second FF if available to assist at night with torch

2. Ensure Link Stick within test date IAG 6.4, section 4.3, dot point 10, Ensure all QFRS electrical equipment is safe and in current test period before using

operationally.

3. be careful not to extend link stick up into high voltage wires, it is only

a low voltage puller

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Prepare

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Ensure appropriate PPE

Identify correct fuse

Remove from protective case.

Ensure pig tail is attached and in the vertical position

Check service/safety inspection date of link stick

Stand under fuse to be removed

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Extend

Back 9

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Hold vertically in front of body with base on ground

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Extend stick upwards one section at a time starting with the smallest diameter section.

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As each section extended slowly rotate so locking pin is located in place.

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Check each is securely locked by moving that section up and down a short distance

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Continue until tip is approx 1m below fuse.

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Connect

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Lift the extended stick upwards

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Engage the threaded tip into the base of the service fuse ensuring the link stick does reach above the lower cross arm into high voltage conductors.

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Rotate clockwise with slight upward pressure to connect to service fuse.

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Extract

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Look down

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Pull down approx 300mm to extract fuse from its housing

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Re House

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In vertical pos, with base of link stick on ground.

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Push locking pin and rotate slightly and retract link stick one section at a time, Taking care not to let free fall ( pin damage)

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Grasp head with one hand, fuse with the other and rotate to remove.

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Refit protective case over link stick and restow.

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Place service fuse and any loose components at base of the pole.

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Testing

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TESTING

Visual

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TIS, monthly, after use

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Extend and examine to ensure

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Pole extends to full length

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Locking pins engage and remain firm under pressure

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Pole is in good condition

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Thread is in good condition

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Fittings are in place and in good condition

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Moving parts move freely

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Six monthly by Energex? To 100,000v (100kv) per foot and recorded on link stick

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Additional Information

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Permanent/ auxillary FF's must wear helmet and gloves and Level 2 when initially responding to an incident of this nature INCDIR 23.1 PPE

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Don’t use force to extend or collapse

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Sections falling free can cause locking pin damage.

* Fire and Rescue service act 1990, Part 6, Section 53: Powers of Authorised Fire Officer in Dangerous Situations we can shut off or disconnect power.
* Read IAG 6.4 Electricity
* Inc Dir 19.3 Electrical de-energising fuse holders

Where low voltage contact has been made, rescue can be undertaken provided special precautions are taken. (Use AC Hot stick & telescopic link stick) utilising the telescopic link stick to lift the electrical line away from the victim.

The hook tool (see image below, located in the pouch of the protective case) is used to open and close solid links (open/close circuits) on overhead lines

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Care must be taken when removing the fuses from the new black rectangular polymeric fuse holders by the use of telescopic link stick. If a strong action is used the fuse-keeping ring may break, resulting in the fuse remaining trapped in the holder.

• When removing a fuse always ensure that the fuse comes down with the fuse wedge.

• Due to poor fixing of the fuse holder to the power pole, the whole fuse holder may be pulled from the pole when attempting to remove the fuse. Unless the fuse is removed from the holder, the power supply will still be energised.

Scenario

Pulling fuse at house fire level 2 PPE, gloves , visor down etc fuse at base of pole