news • Fall 2008
Local 98 Political Director Bob Henon’s sons kick off the Mayfair Diner rally with the Pledge of Allegiance
UP FRONT
As you will read in our “Going Green” story, Local 98 is currently ramping up our energy conservation and ecologically-friendly workplace initiatives. The local has always been ahead of the curve on this increasingly important issue, but is now taking the effort to the next level to set an example for the next generation of union electricians and the entire labor movement. We only have one planet and it’s up to all of us to better protect Mother Earth’s limited resources. Speaking of being ahead of the curve, this local union saw the need many years ago to provide better, more focused education for future generations of union electricians. The result of this foresight is the Philadelphia Electrical & Technology (PE&T) Charter High School. Soon to be entering its seventh academic year, PE&T just received its second consecutive “Best Practice Effective Community Partnership Award” by the School District of Philadelphia. School districts and labor groups across the country are now touting the need for and advantages of more building trade charter schools. Once again, Local 98 showed others the way. On a less happy note, every one of us is feeling the pinch of a struggling national economy and weak stock market. Fortunately, as a result of our great work ethic and political activism, Local 98 has been able to maintain low unemployment in these rough times. That’s a tribute to your hard work and expertise, and a validation of the competitive edge enjoyed by Local 98 and our brothers and sisters in the unionized building trades. Our success is also attributable to great union leadership, past and present. I want to pay special tribute to recently retired leaders of this local, Harry Foy and Jim
Mink, whose contributions are immeasurable and will never be forgotten. They passed on their wisdom and work ethic to our great group of current officers, who were just unanimously re-elected to another term. I was extremely proud that Jim Mink and my daughter, Erin, nominated me for re-election as your Business Manager. I won’t blink on you and I won’t let you down! Finally, our nation faces a huge decision in November as we elect a new president. Voting is a right and privilege that all of us as Americans should cherish. Who you choose is a deeply personal decision. I will only say that I have met and conversed with Senator Obama several times now and found him to be an extremely charismatic and inspiring man. If elected president, he has vowed to protect the labor movement’s enduring principles of fair wages and benefits. I urge you to study the positions and understand the platforms of both candidates. Finally, I wish you and your family a great Fall! Yours in solidarity,
Business Manager IBEW Local Union 98
UP FRONT
To borrow a well-known slogan from a credit card commercial, membership has its privileges especially at IBEW Local 98. Despite our dismal national economy and a stock market that is down a staggering amount in 2008, Local 98 continues to maintain its strong leadership position in the industry. We are enjoying low unemployment at present, at a time when many of our union brothers and sisters in other trades are facing serious employment challenges. Our funds continue to perform well, despite the stock market’s turbulent times. Our local union has long understood that, in order to succeed in an increasingly competitive world, our workforce must be educated. Our acclaimed NECA/IBEW Joint Apprenticeship Training program is going strong. The mission of the Local 98 NECA/IBEW Joint Apprenticeship and Training program is to lead the electrical industry by providing the best possible training to secure employment today and for the future. Also, Local 98 established a unique partnership with Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) to provide continuing education opportunities for our members and their families. This initiative, known as the IBEW Applied Studies Program, was designed to help train electricians in a host of academic studies and allow them to earn college credits at the same time. This training partnership is part of a national trend which encourages community colleges to fill a gap that exists in local workforce training. Once again, Local 98 is at the front end of the trend. In addition to an emphasis on education, much of our current success is attributable to the hard work, dedication
and good old-fashioned sweat equity invested in this local union by our past leaders. I personally want to extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Harry Foy, my immediate predecessor and a man who led Local 98 with integrity for 12 very productive years. On July 23rd, Local 98 hosted a terrific tribute dinner for Harry, which was attended by nearly 300 friends, family members and well-wishers. Philadelphia City Councilmen Bill Green and Jack Kelly – two good friends of the labor movement – presented Harry with a Citation in honor of his years of service to the union and to his contributions to the city’s broader labor community. Building Trades President Pat Gillespie and AFL-CIO President Pat Eiding were also on-hand for the celebration and gave heartfelt speeches about how much Harry has meant to Philadelphia’s labor movement over the years. It was a great send-off for Harry as he enters his wellearned retirement. I also want to acknowledge the incredible contributions of former Vice President Jim Mink, who is enjoying a wellearned retirement of his own. Harry, Jim and other past leaders like Fred Compton, Tommy Langdon, Joe McHugh and many others paved the way for what we are today. The foundation for the success we are enjoying today was built on the strong backs and indomitable spirit of those who preceded us. We owe them our unending thanks.
President IBEW Local Union 98
UP FRONT
Local 98 looks to an eco-friendly future. The world has become obsessed with ecology-friendly “green” initiatives and for good reason: the world population continues to explode, creating an unprecedented strain on our natural resources. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is more than a catchy slogan; it’s become a necessary way of life for anyone who cares about the present and future of our planet.
98 WAS Among the First in the Industry to Use Solar Energy Our Apprentice Training facility in South Philadelphia is powered by a photovoltaic (solar) power station located on the roof of the building. The 9.8 Kilowatt (STC)-rated grid system generates approximately 11,800 Kilowatt hours of electric power per year—roughly the equivalent of 42 barrels of crude oil.
WE Re-Lit Boathouse Row With Energy Efficient LED Lights
The new, state-of-the-art LED lighting system Local 98 members installed along Philadelphia’s historic Boathouse Row is much safer, brighter, durable, and energy efficient than its predecessor. The new system is expected to save the Fairmount Park Commission about $57,000 a year.
Planting Trees
As part of Local 98’s ongoing commitment to “going green,” we are planting new trees at all of our locations. They not only look beautiful and provide needed shade, but trees also produce more oxygen and reduce carbon monoxide levels in the air.
New Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
We are in the process of installing energy efficient light bulbs in all of our buildings, which not only last 10 times longer than standard bulbs, but also use 75% less energy. We are also installing motion sensors in all of our offices, so that the lights are always off when the rooms are unoccupied.
Recycling
We are being vigilant about our recycling efforts with all paper, glass and plastic products we use at our various buildings.
Hybrids & Scooters
With the price of gasoline spiraling out of control, our local is in the process of acquiring hybrid cars and scooters.
Wind & water Power
Looking forward, Local 98 is at the forefront of research on wind-powered energy. We’re also researching the costs and benefits of water reuse technologies and the purchase of recycled materials.
These energy-efficient upgrades that Local 98 is undertaking – along with the continuing education of our workforce on these green technologies - come with a steep price tag. For that reason, we are exploring various government and foundation grants for companies that promote alternative energy sources and ecologically-friendly “green” initiatives. Know that your union is riding the crest of this growing “green” wave.
Find out more about our environmental initiatives at
www.GoGreen98.com
POLITICS
Throughout this great country - including right here in the Philadelphia region - union brothers and sisters from every industry and every walk of life are rallying behind the candidacy of Barack Obama for President of the United States. There are hundreds of reasons why Obama is clearly the right choice for America, but from the national labor movement’s point of view, there is one simple, yet compelling reason why Obama is our candidate: He wants to protect your hard-earned union rights and create jobs; John McCain, like Bush, wants to destroy unions and continue to ship our jobs overseas! This is, without doubt, the most important presidential election in the modern history of our country. America is hurting. Our financial markets are in ruins. We’re stuck in a war in which the death toll keeps mounting and there is no end in sight. Joblessness and despair have led to a frightening increase in gunrelated violence in our streets. Even our police officers aren’t safe. Across the country, the labor movement is under attack. America needs a new direction - now. And Barack Obama is the only one showing us the way. It shouldn’t matter that Barack Obama is AfricanAmerican. What matters is that he will stand up for all of us in the labor movement. He will fix this economic mess that resulted from Bush’s failed policies, the same “trickle down economics” nonsense that McCain embraces. Obama will help America’s forgotten middle class – me and you! He will create jobs and protect labor’s sacred principles of fair wages and benefits. He will lead America back to glory. On the other hand, it shouldn’t matter that John McCain is a war hero. He deserves our respect and admiration for his military service to our country - but that’s where our admiration should end! As Senator and the Republican candidate for President of the United States, McCain has done nothing but try to take food off our tables. His anti-union voting record rivals that of Bush. We cannot afford another four or eight years of this nightmare. We have fought too hard and come too far to allow McCain to continue Bush’s efforts to destroy America’s labor movement. This is the most urgent and important request I have ever made of you: On Tuesday, November 4th, please VOTE YOUR JOB! VOTE FOR OBAMA! If you have any questions about the location of your polling place or how to volunteer on Election Day, please call Local 98’s Political Action Hotline at 215-689-3804.
Above: Barack and Doc joke at the Constitution Center. Below: Barack hugs Doc and thanks him for Local 98’s support at the Mayfair rally.
POLITICS
THEN & NOW
THEN: Prior to being Business Manager, John J. Dougherty and Local 98 worked tirelessly to get then Governor Bill Clinton elected.
NOW: We have a chance to elect Senator Barack Obama, who will fight for you, your family, your jobs and your wage. But we need your help!
POLITICS
Thank you to all our members who helped make our issues and concerns known by proudly representing our local union at the Mayfair and Building Trades Obama rallies.
POLITICS
Pat Gillespie, John J. Dougherty and Councilman Bill Green talking with Senator Bob Casey
Barack Oba ma joking around with Local 98 Political Director Bob Henon
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INDUSTRY
At this year’s contract ratification meeting, as always, the membership won big. On Tuesday, April 15, we filled the Penn’s Landing Caterers banquet hall and unanimously ratified another impressive contract. The audience of hard-working men and women showed its overwhelming approval with applause and cheers, as President Brian Burrows revealed the largest contract increases in the history of Local 98. Last year we had a record amount of man-hours and we’re working to break that record every year going forward. More man-hours = more fund and wage increases.
Largest contract increases in the history of Local 98 The #1 rated health care plan in the country – Blue Cross Wage Increases - UP $3.50 per hour for some of the most deserving skilled tradespeople in the country
Excellent Fund Performance Health & Welfare Fund - $480 Million Profit Sharing Fund - $330 Million Pension Fund - $243 Million
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INDUSTRY
Saturday May 10, 2008 we made history as over 100 vendors gathered at Local 98 to participate in the 2nd Annual Tradeshow and Expo. The event concentrated on the latest advancements in the electrical and telecommunications fields. The vendor’s exhibits displayed a comprehensive index of the latest products and technologies available. This enabled over a thousand Local 98 members and guests, along with area high school students and a team from the Community College of Philadelphia, to stay current on, and become familiar with, our ever changing industry. Thoughout the day our members and guests were treated to many educational break-out sessions, which taught members the latest in LED lighting, dimming technologies, medium voltage splicing, high voltage metering, arc flash clothing, conduit fabrication and more. Members and guests were treated to gifts, giveaways and catered breakfast and lunch.
“The members of the trades show committee would like to thank IBEW 98, NECA, Apprentice Training, Colonial Electric, and all the volunteers who help make the day a worth while event.” — Mike Neill Apprentice Training Director
We would like to thank the participating vendors 3M Alcan Cable Arlington B-Line BRK Smoke Detectors Burndy
Caddy Colonial Electric Cooper Lighting Crouse Hinds Easy Heat Edwards Signaling
Emon Greenlee Hammond Enclosures Ideal Tools Intermatic Jefferson
Transformers Kaf-Tech Klein Tools Leviton Lighting Solutions Littelfuse
Lutron Metalics Milwaukee Tools Mulberry Nutone Omni Wire Q Mark
Rab Lighting Ramset Raychem Salisbury Square D Stonco Stout Tool
Sylvania Wiremold Universal Lighting Thomas & Betts Topaz Fittings Wheatland Tube
The membership of IBEW Local 98 spoke loudly, clearly and unanimously: they like the direction of the local and want to keep Burrows, Business Manager John J. Dougherty, Examining Board member Bob Gormley, Recording Secretary Jim Foy, Executive member Chris Owens, Executive Board member Steve Wolfe, Treasurer Todd Neilson, Executive Board member Timothy Browne Court Justice Seamus McCaffery.
Thanks to all of our participating members, IBEW 98 had another impressive representaion in this year’s Labor Day Parade. The after party/picnic was another great success, as we added more activities and...
the Dougherty team in place for a record-setting sixth consecutive term in office. The officers from left to right: President Brian Board member Kevin McQuillen, Financial Secretary Fran Walsh, Examining Board member Robert Thompson, Executive Board and Vice President Mike Hnatkowsky were honored to be sworn-in by a dear friend of the local - Pennsylvania State Supreme
The agents, again, got their heads shaved for charity!
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INDUSTRY
The Focus 2000 Job Recovery Program (better known as the Job Recovery Fund) continues to succeed in its mission. Created to recapture market share and increase man hours, the fund achieves its goals through a variety of efforts. These include, but are not limited to, marketing initiatives, charitable contributions, community involvement, and direct job subsidies. While each aspect of the fund is important, job subsidies provide the clearest examples of the fund’s success. Over the last calendar year, signatory contractors have received approximately $800,000.00 in direct job subsidies. These payments were made for high profile projects such as schools, churches, hospitals, firehouses, community centers, concerts and the City of Philadelphia Holiday Lighting program. Several of these projects are worth noting. For instance, the Police Officer Lauretha Vaird Boys and Girls Club was completed with a job subsidy. Officer Vaird was murdered in the line of duty while responding to a bank robbery. This club was established in her honor. The electrical work could not have been done without a job subsidy. This is a project that provided man hours and goodwill for local union 98. The largest job subsidy, which also produced the greatest man hours, was the renovation work at the GMAC headquarters in Fort Washington. This project created more
than half of the man hours created by the fund this year. The contractor would not have been awarded the electrical contract if not for the job subsidy. The highest profile project to receive a subsidy from the fund was the annual Cirque Du Soleil event held on the Avenue of the Arts. In collaboration with the promoters of that event, we were able to generate 1,500 man hours with a $15,000.00 subsidy. This is an excellent return on our investment. As a direct result of these subsidies, we have been able to generate approximately 53,000 man hours. This has resulted in wages and benefits to our members totaling almost $3.7 Million. The Business Manager, the Assistant Business Manager and the rest of the Business representatives will continue to aggressively pursue and recapture man hours through the Job Recovery Fund.
WHY Y
The old vacuu m image tube ca meras at WHY Y
This fall is a busy time for the technicians at WHYY TV 12 and 91 FM. They will be removing their old (vintage 1972) TV transmitter from the site in Roxborough and installing a new digital transmitter. Regular television analog broadcasts will end on February 17, 2009. The Digital transmitter will go on the air at midnight that night. Larry Del Spechio and Thad Kirk will be overseeing the installation of the new HD digital studio cameras, making sure the work is 100% union. The cameras will be installed in the studios in Philadelphia and the news studio in Wilmington, DE. They will replace the old vacuum image tube cameras from 1986.
INDUSTRY
A man like Mike “Neeko” Hnatkowsky doesn’t need words to speak volumes; he lets hard work do the speaking for him. In September of 1984, Local 98 met one of the hardest working people it has ever known. Now, twenty-four years later, Mike Hnatkowsky oversees the daily operation of the local as Assistant Business Manager and Vice President. Hnatkowsky manages fourteen business representatives and negotiates and enforces all contracts. He is one of the delegates who represents Local 98 at the IBEW International Convention, and has addressed the delegation on the hot-button issue of jurisdiction. Hnatkowsky was raised in a union household. His father, a steelworker for 40 years, taught him at an early age the importance of hard work. He brought that work ethic with him to trade school where he trained to become a line technician. After trade school, he was drawn to Local 98. Introduced to Local 98 by a friend, Hnatkowsky was inspired by what he discovered. He liked both the physical and mental aspect of the work. “Local 98 is about learning,” said Hnatkowsky. “It’s exciting and rewarding.” Plus, the benefits and pay were more appealing than what
any of the other trades had to offer. So he applied and was accepted. While in the field, Hnatkowsky enthusiastically worked on some of the largest scale projects in Philadelphia, including the construction of Liberty Two, the Convention Center and the Franklin Mills Mall. He has been a pusher, steward and foreman with some of the Local’s biggest contractors. In 1996, Hnatkowsky had some new ideas he wanted to share with the new administration of Local 98. “I had friends in other unions that were doing things I thought we should be doing,” said Hnatkowsky. “I thought I could help.” So he ran for, and won, a spot on the examining board. When he took office, the unemployment problem had already started to turn around due to a new game-plan implemented by the fledgling Dougherty administration. With Hnatkowsky on board, the situation has continued to improve every year. With him as Assistant Business Manager and Vice President, Local 98 is sure to rack up more man-hours while remaining perched on the cutting edge. As Hnatkowsky said, “Local 98 is, and always will be, part of the fabric of Philadelphia.” For Hnatkowsky, union life is, as is life in general, all about hard work, honesty and diligence. “A good union man or woman is someone who gets up for work every day, and does the best they can; works as hard as they can,” said Hnatkowsky. “And at the end of the day, everything falls into place.” “Local 98 is full of great people—the friends I have made, the relationships I have made. And to see that most of us have common goals and interests: we want to raise a family and see our kids do better than us. To me, that’s the most rewarding thing about being in the union.”
The Hnatkowsky fa mily with IBEW President Ed Hill
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— Mike Hnatkowsky Assistant Business Manager/Vice President
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EDUCATION
Every year, Local 98 awards $1,000 scholarships to eligible dependants of members who will be attending college full time. Congratulations Jennifer Bledsoe, Eric Galson, Brittany Ganther, Emily Granacher, Kelly Granacher, Caitlin Gremminger, Robyn McMaster, Rafiqah Mustafaa, Nickolas Noone, Julie Heppler, Megan Purcell and Brooke Lord on your well deserved scholarships. Keep up the great work!
In 2002, Local 98 established the Philadelphia Electrical & Technology Charter High School.
PE&T founder John J. Dougherty at the PE&T Charter High School at 1422 Chestnut St.
This May, we saw our fourth graduating class graduate in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Local 98 began the endeavor in order to prepare Philadelphia’s younger citizens with the tools and attitude to enter high-tech and electrical fields, higher education and to be productive members of society. For the past two years, PE&T has twice been recognized by the School District of Philadelphia as a Best Practice Effective Community Partnership.
GIVING BACK
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Business Manager John J. Dougherty presented the Joe Hand boxing gym a $10,000 check for the upkeep of the gym’s computer lab at the Eastern Regional Golden Gloves Tournament.
From left are Joe Hand, Jr., Laborer’s 332 representative Ryan Boyer, Cement Mason’s 592 Business Manager Mike Fera, Chase Lenfest of the Lenfest Foundation, John J. Dougherty and Joe Hand Sr.
Every year, Local 98 participates in United Cerebral Palsy’s Philadelphia & vicinity All-Star Labor Classic at the Fieldhouse at St. Joe’s University. The daylong basketball tournament benefits not only disabled children and adults, but also helps local high school athletes with scholarships. Local 98, along with other area unions, help UCP consistently break its fundraising goals. This year, on Sunday, April 13, the organized labor community presented UCP with a check for $150,000 before the tip-off of the exhibition game between Organized Labor and the Media All-Stars. The exhibition game score was close throughout, and Labor was down by only one point when a substitution with a few seconds left in the game brought in UCP client Reggie Davis to score the final goal. Davis’s basket brought Organized Labor’s official total to 58 points, enough to get past the Media All-Star’s 57.
Sprinkler F itters 692 Business Manager Wayne Miller, Building Trades Council President Pat Gillespie and Business Manager John J. Dougherty prepare the check.
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MEMBERS Even though the Braves took the win at Local 98’s Night at the Phillies on July 25, all of Local 98’s guests had a great time. Local 98 Apprentice Training Director Michael Neill’s son, Michael Jr. (pictured top right with family), threw out the first pitch.
Our teams have a cookout one night every year while playing an intramural exhibition game. This year, the A’s Kevin Lynch, Kevin Doris, Tony Sabo, Jim McCreesh and Nick Gummel lead their team to victory by a score of 9-4. The AA’s, led by Fran Mcintyre, Tim Gillespie, Kyle Unger, Chris Martin and Sean Pinkerton, played a great game, and are sure to be a strong contender next year.
Both of Local 98’s softball teams in the Building Trades league—the A’s and the AA’s—played well this year. The AA’s finished their season with a respectable 8-8 record, while the A’s finished regular season play in second place with an impressive 16-2 record. They made it to the final round of the playoffs, but lost the championship to the Glaizers.
MEMBERS
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John McDevitt of The Carr & Duff crew working on the new Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia research building has, along with his wife, been collecting and sending donations to Kirkuk, Iraq, where their son, Timothy, is serving in the 977th Military Police Company. All of the building trades working on the Children’s Hospital project have donated everything from newspapers and magazines to socks—one of the most sought after commodities out there on the battlefields in the desert. McDevitt greatly appreciates the support shown by all of the Building Trades members that have contributed to his son’s company. “On behalf of my family, and my son’s platoon,” said McDevitt. “We would like to thank everyone for their donations, especially George Novelli, who made great efforts to remind everyone about the donations at each safety meeting.”
Retired Local 98 President, Harry Foy, who retired in January, celebrated with friends and family at his Beach Bash party on July 23, at the Cescaphé Ballroom in Northern Liberties.
Councilmen Bill Green and Jack Kelly present Harry with a citation from Philadelphia City Council.
Harry with his children and grandchildren. From left: Amy Paul, Dave Paul, Rosellen Foy, Jackie Paul, Harry Foy, David Paul, Kaitlyn Foy, Heather Foy and Jim Foy.
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MEMBERS
How many of the guys can you identify in this photo taken during the construction of Two Liberty Place ? The Local 98 member who can identify the most people in the photo will win two tickets to an Eagles home game. Use the number key below to identify as many as you can and submit your answers via email to webmaster@ibew98.org. All submissions must be received by November 30, 2008.
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WE NEED Y OUR HELP! We work hard year round to keep as many of you working as we can, but we can’t do it without your help. We can always use volunteers for picket lines and rallies. Please help us help you and remember to volunteer. Yours in Solidarity, Mike Hnatkows ky Assistant Business Manager IBEW Local Union 98
THAN K Y OU LOCA L 98! I would lik e to th an k every on e at Loca l 98 wh o wa s involved with m y fu nd rai se r an d blood drive. I a m overw he lm ed by all of th e su pport an d ge ne ros ity. I would not be recoveri ng at su ch a rap id pa ce if it wa sn ’t for Loca l 98’s he lp. Th an k you, Je ff Schm idt
04 11 25 05 09 16
NOVEMBER Election Day S&C Union Meeting Electrical Division Union Meeting DECEMBER Toys & Turkeys Party S&C Union Meeting Electrical Division Union Meeting
Please call Local 98 headquarters at (215) 563-5592 for more information.
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Code Corner
Problems occur regularly on construction sites where “Messenger Supported Wiring” (triplex and quadruplex) are used for temporary power and light. The problems include, but are not limited to, shock hazards and fire. The following text is an attempt to clearly define the limitations of “Messenger Supported Wiring” and potential uses by applying the NEC and the OSHA 1926 construction standard. OSHA CFR 29 1926.402(a) & (b)
1926.402(a) clearly states that 1926.402 through 1926.408 contain the minimum OSHA requirements for temporary wiring. The Note to 1926.402(a) allows for an installation that conforms to the minimum requirements of the 1984 National Electrical Code with exceptions as being in compliance. The 1984 NEC as well as latter editions including the 2008 NEC clearly defines “Messenger Supported Wiring” as “...an exposed wiring support system using a messenger wire to support insulated conductors…” The significance here is that the NEC does not consider “Messenger Supported Wiring” as a “cable assembly,” only as a support method for cables & cable assemblies which are identified (listed) for such installations. The triplex and quadruplex in use today is a bare messenger cable and a combination of non-listed, un-insulated (covered) conductors. Note that in the 1984 NEC through the 2008 NEC Messenger Supported Wiring is prohibited to come in contact with “structural members, walls or pipes.” 1926.402(b) clearly states that subpart “K” does not apply to electrical utilities. Triplex and quadruplex are made exclusively for use by electrical utilities. The manufacturers of this product do not list or label the product. The product is intended for use by utilities as an overhead system used exclusively outdoors, spliced or terminated in open air, never entering an enclosure or structure.
OSHA CFR 29 1926.403(a) & (b)
Virtually all triplex and quadruplex is non-listed and therefore a violation of 1926.403(a). These products are not insulated. Conductors are covered with a polypropylene jacket with no voltage rating of any type. 1926.403(b)(1) requires that the “...employer shall ensure that electrical equipment is free from recognized hazards…” The insulation used for triplex and quadruplex is easily damaged with physical contact. The working environment in construction prohibits this type of product. The insulation on these conductors is brittle in cold weather and pliable in hot weather, making it extremely susceptible to physical damage.
OSHA CFR 29 1926.405(a)
The construction standard permits “runs of open conductors” for feeders or branch circuits in 1926.405(a) provided the conductors are supported every ten feet, not subject to physical damage and on insulators for feeders. Inside a structure which is under construction, all temporary wiring will be subject to physical damage. This text could only allow for open conductors on a construction site if they were listed, run outdoors, free
from physical damage (by elevation for example) and supported every ten feet. Realistically, this is not economically feasible. This is when employers attempt to use triplex or quadruplex.
OSHA CFR 29 1926.405(b)
1926.405(b)(1) requires that all conductors entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings shall be protected from abrasion, and openings through which conductors enter shall be effectively closed. This means using a connector, which in accordance with 1926.403(b)(2), must be listed for the purpose. Connectors for triplex and quadruplex do not exist.
OSHA CFR 29 1926.405(f) & 1926.404(f)(8)
Triplex is a combination of a single bare messenger wire and two covered conductors. Quadruplex is a combination of a single bare messenger wire and three covered conductors. When used for temporary wiring: Triplex is generally used on, three wire systems such as 120/240, single phase, three wire with the grounded (neutral) conductor uninsulated. Quadruplex is generally used on three phase, four wire systems such as 120/208 or 277/480 wye connected, four wire with the grounded (neutral) conductor uninsulated. 1926.405(f) requires all circuit conductors to be insulated. Allowing for an un-insulated grounded (neutral) conductor violates 1926.405(f) creates multiple current paths and represents a serious shock hazard to personnel. Dangerous installations as described above are further complicated due to the lack of an equipment grounding conductor as required in 1926.404(f)(8)(i).
Summary
The use of messenger supported wiring on a construction site represents a serious hazard for all persons and property. Listed cable assemblies are readily available and are not cost prohibitive. The only use for this product (if we were to ignore 1926.403(a)) would be for example: overhead from pole top to pole top for jobsite lighting or trailers/structures provided: (1) the installation is installed in accordance with 250-32 of the NEC, (2) the product is isolated at all times through elevation, (3) the product never enters an enclosure or structure and (4) the product is in no way subject to physical damage. This is similar to the use of this product serving as overhead service drops to buildings and structures from pole mounted utility transformers. —Jim Dollard IBEW Local 98 Safety Coordinator
DANIEL D. SPAETH ARTHUR C. BECKER MATTHEW A. GREENWALT F. RAYMOND CAMPUZANO EUGENE R. THORNTON JOHN E. WILSON JOHN J. ROHANNA BERNARD R. OLEKsA JOHN F. WHARTON DONALD S. BROSIOUS WILLIAM F. RILEY RAYMOND T. MORRIS JOSEPH D. COPPINGER JOHN J. HOGAN FRANCIS M. BIEKOWSKI JOHN B. NEILSON WILLIAM A. GERSTLEY JOSEPH L. RYAN LEN L. COPPOCK THOMAS J. PESTRITTO ANTHONY DISALVIA KENNETH SAALFRANK PAUL E. SCHAEFFLER Jack Yudof Michael D. Whalen Harry W. Schulgen Raymond A. Simpson John W. Bradshaw Robert D. Kane
12/29/07 1/11/08 1/13/08 1/18/08 1/22/08 2/1/08 2/2/08 2/4/08 2/6/08 2/7/08 2/17/08 2/20/08 3/1/08 3/8/08 3/26/08 4/1/08 5/20/08 5/23/08 5/24/08 5/24/08 6/17/08 6/22/08 6/29/08 7/28/08 8/5/08 9/2/08 9/3/08 10/3/08 10/15/08
If you have any doubt that Barack Obama is the only choice for America’s working families, just look at McCain’s track record with the labor movement: He Tried Repeatedly to Undermine Prevailing Wage Rules He VOTED TO aLLOW pERMANENT sTRIKER rEPLACEMENTS He sUPPORTED eFFORTS TO tAKE AWAY oVERTIME pAY He hELPED sEND jOBS oVERSEAS HE even admitted that his policies are wrong for working families, telling Fox News, “I understand why the AFL-CIO and maybe other unions may oppose my free market, less regulations, right to work policies.” Article and Production Credits Brian Burrows • Larry Del Spechio • Ray Della Vella • Jim Dollard • John Dougherty • Katharine Gilbert • Bob Henon • Mike Hnatkowsky • Frank Keel• Ed Kirlin • Jeff Marshall • Henry Lewandowski •Ed McBride John McDevitt • Mike Neill • Matthew Scobell • Rodney Walker
1701 Spring Garden St. Philadelphia, PA 19130