Barehanding is a dramatic, but safe technique used by specially trained electric transmission linemen to work on high-voltage power lines while attached to a fully energized conductor. SDG&E, which was certified the Cal/OSHA Standards Board to perform this work, is one of the few utilities in the state authorized to perform barehanding. Developed in 1960, this technique enables electric transmission workers to perform maintenance on live energized lines while maintaining electrical separation from other conductors and the ground. This method is the most effective way to maintain an expansive transmission system with the least amount of disruption.

Employees performing live line barehand work are insulated from the other conductors and from the earth so the workers are, in effect, suspended in space. The employees make contact with the line by placing themselves at the same electrical potential as the line, while being isolated from ground potential by means of an insulated aerial lift or ladder. The work is then performed with the employees’ “bare hands” rather than insulating tools.