# Utility Safety Podcast - Deep Dive - The Zero Trust Protocol - Surviving the Underground Vault

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/utility-safety-podcast-by-incident-prevention-magazine-3553918/utility-safety-podcast-deep-dive-the-zero-trust-protocol-surviving-the-underground-vault.md
Podcast: [Utility Safety Podcast by Incident Prevention Magazine](https://stenobird.com/podcast/utility-safety-podcast-by-incident-prevention-magazine-3553918)
Published: 2026-03-11T14:28:33+00:00
Episode link: https://utilitysafety.podbean.com/e/utility-safety-podcast-deep-dive-the-zero-trust-protocol-surviving-the-underground-vault/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/u8g3xnpq3aeqe7t9/Utility_Safety_Podcast_-_Deep_Dive_-_The_Zero_Trust_Protocol_-_Surviving_the_Underground_Vault_016q06g.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1328

## Resource

In this episode, we go beneath the surface into the high-stakes, ”unforgiving” world of medium-voltage underground cable splicing. Drawing from Mark Savage’s expert insights in Incident Prevention Magazine, we explore why cable identification isn’t just a technical task—it’s a survival skill. We break down the ”Zero Trust” philosophy where every cable is treated as lethal until proven otherwise, and even then, safety margins remain non-negotiable. From arc flashes hotter than the sun to 40-foot remote hydraulic cutters, learn how elite utility professionals engineer redundant systems to eliminate single points of failure. Whether you are in the trenches or the boardroom, this episode offers a masterclass in total risk mitigation. Read the article here: https://incident-prevention.com/blog/cable-identification-and-cutting-safety-for-medium-voltage-splicers/ Key Takeaways: The Zero Trust Mindset: Workers must assume every cable is energized and lethal, even after a ”green light” or testing indicates otherwise. The Physics of Failure: An arc flash in a medium-voltage environment can reach 35,000°F—hotter than the surface of the sun—instantly vaporizing copper and creating concussive pressure waves. Redundant Layers of Defense: Safety is achieved through overlapping layers: validated PPE (arc-rated clothing and dielectric gloves), administrative lockout/tagout (LOTO) with dual authority, and sophisticated electronic identification tools. Induced Voltage Risks: Even a disconnected ”dead” cable can become lethal by picking up energy from live parallel cables, acting like a giant transformer; this necessitates strict grounding protocols. The ”Remote Cut” Rule: The most critical safeguard is that the first cut into a cable must always be made remotely—using hot sticks, Bluetoo…

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## Transcript

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