Paul,
I also agree with OSHA. Causing a tool to make contact with a live part or letting the tool or any part of the person to be within the prohibited approach distance is "exposed to live parts". I don't see any way that you can do this work in compliance with the safety rules other than having the line side shut down by the utility. Even after the utility is shut down, you would still need the same PPE to prove the absence of voltage.
Don
