Section 125.20 - General Requirements Applying to Overhead Transmission Lines(1)Inspection and Tests of Lines.(a)Initial Compliance with 220 CMR 125.20. Transmission line construction shall comply with 220 CMR 125.20 upon being placed in service.(b)Patrols. A visual observation of exposed components of transmission lines, their supporting structures and the condition of the right of way shall be made at least twice a calendar year at intervals not less than three months and at such other times as operating experience may dictate.(c)Tests. Transmission lines shall be subjected to the following tests to determine their fitness for service: 1. Resistance Testing. Resistance of connections shall be tested at reasonable intervals, with consideration given to their age and the type of service, using a heat-sensing or other device. Conductors and connections, failure of which will require customers to be out of service until the failure has been repaired, shall be tested at intervals not to exceed three years for existing lines and 6 months, 18 months and 36 months after in-service date for new lines and extensions and at intervals not to exceed 36 months thereafter.2. Wood Pole Inspection. Tests in the vicinity of the ground level shall be made to determine the soundness of the wood within 20 years after installation and within ten year periods thereafter.3. Clearances. At intervals not to exceed five years, vertical clearances shall be measured at all crossings over water and limited access highways, permits for which were granted with designated clearances.(d)Records. The results of all patrols and tests and corrective action taken shall be recorded, and retained in accordance with 220 CMR 75.00. Records not covered by the aforesaid order shall be retained for six years. However, in all cases, the records of the last tests shall be retained until replaced by later test records.(e)Corrective Action. Appropriate measures shall be taken to correct any defects and deficiencies found on inspection.(2)Isolation and Guarding. To promote safety to the general public and to employees not authorized to approach conductors and other current-carrying parts of electric transmission lines, such parts shall be arranged so as to provide adequate clearance from the ground or other space generally accessible, or shall be provided with guards so as to isolate them effectively from accidental contact by such persons.(3)Arrangement of Switches. (a)Accessibility. All switches shall be readily accessible to authorized persons.(b)Locking. Switches with operating mechanisms accessible to unauthorized persons shall have provision for locking in both open and closed positions and locks shall be used.