Lineworkers practice rescue procedures
It would take physical strength to lower a motionless body down|
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Jeff Holzer, lineworker, hangs the 175-mannequin to prepare for rescue training. |
from a utility pole. And it would take emotional courage to stay calm and work quickly—especially in knowing the body belongs to a coworker who has been seriously injured.
While the Capital Electric Cooperative line crews work with safety in mind, they know the importance of being prepared in the event of an accident. That’s why they participate in monthly safety trainings hosted by the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC).
On May 24, line crews from Bismarck and Wing attended a safety training on pole top rescue, bucket truck rescue, mayday procedures, tool inspection and safe work practices.
During pole top rescue, NDAREC Safety Instructor Paul Davis discussed different techniques on how to lower an injured person to the ground. Each lineworker practiced climbing a pole and working with a mannequin that weighs 175 pounds.
“We focus on the safety of the rescuer and victim,” Davis says. “While time is of the essence when someone needs to be rescued, it’s important to first secure the scene, to make sure the rescuer does not become a victim.”
During the bucket truck safety training, Davis reviewed the lower controls on different trucks and discussed how to perform a rescue. He also covered personal protective gear required to climb including hard hats, safety glasses, long-sleeve shirts, long-cuff gloves, and rubber gloves and sleeves when necessary.
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Paul Davis, safety instructor with NDAREC, works with Holzer to demonstrate a bucket truck resuce. |
Following bucket truck rescue, Davis reviewed mayday procedures. Employees went over what they need to do in the event of an accident, and how to communicate the accident from the field to the office.
At the end of the training session, Davis and the line crew inspected equipment for defects and reviewed safe work practices. The training ended with a 10-question quiz.
“Staying on top of safety and regularly reviewing what we already know can make the difference between life and death in a critical situation,” says Gordy Wiese, operations supervisor for Capital Electric.
“We certainly hope we never have to perform a pole top rescue. But if we do, we’ll be ready. And our line crews will be able to react quickly and efficiently, and hopefully bring that person home safely to his family.”