Section 535.10  Definitions

"Act" means the Public Utilities Act [220 ILCS 5].

"Commission" means the Illinois Commerce Commission.

"Confirmed reading" means a mercury vapor sample test result that was obtained in the absence of any interference or one that was obtained by an alternative mercury vapor analyzer in those cases where an interference exists.

"Emergency" means a potentially life-threatening situation.

"Independent contractor" means any sole proprietor, partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, or corporation subject to a contract or other agreement regarding the performance of work, as defined in this Section, on public utility equipment.

"Pertinent safety law" refers to federal pipeline safety regulations and Occupational Health and Safety Administration standards associated with the construction, installation, maintenance, or operation of underground utilities or natural gas distribution facilities.

"Pertinent environmental law" refers to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency standards, Illinois Department of Public Health standards, and federal environmental standards associated with the construction, installation, maintenance, or operation of underground utilities or natural gas distribution facilities.

"Public utility" means the same as that term is defined in Section 3-105 of the Act [220 ILCS 5/3-105].

"Violation" means any final order issued by any federal or State court or agency of competent jurisdiction or written stipulation, admission, agreed settlement, or consent order containing an admission of liability for the violation, entered into within the last five years prior to the hiring, promoting, or transfer date as set forth in Section 535.100.

"Work" means any maintenance, replacement, or inspection of public utility equipment by a public utility or by a contractor for a public utility.  "Work" shall not include meter readings and inspections of public utility equipment that only involve observations or taking readings.