R 408.41601 Application.

Rule 1601. (1) The occupational safety and health standards contained in this part apply to the construction of electric transmission and distribution lines and equipment. (2) As used in this part, the term "construction" includes the erection of new electric transmission and distribution lines and equipment and the alteration, conversion, and improvement of existing electric transmission and distribution lines and equipment. (3) Existing electric transmission and distribution lines and electrical equipment need not be modified to conform to the requirements of applicable standards in this part until such work as described in subrule (2) of this rule is to be performed on such lines or equipment. (4) The standards set forth in this part provide minimum requirements for safety and health. Employers may require adherence to additional standards which are not in conflict with the standards contained in this part. (5) This standard does not apply to communication lines defined as the conductors and their supporting or containing structures that are used for public or private signal or communication service, that operate at potentials not exceeding 400 volts to ground or 750 volts between any 2 points of the circuit, and the transmitted power of which does not exceed 150 watts. When operating at less than 150 volts, no limit is placed on the capacity of the system. Telephone, telegraph, railroad signal, data, clock, fire, police- alarm, community television antenna, and other systems conforming with this subrule are examples of communication lines. Lines used for signaling purposes, but not included in this definition, are considered as supply lines of the same voltage and are to be so run.