Best Practices for Using Your Aerial Device Jib to Handle Transformers
When it comes to lifting transformers, aerial devices equipped with jibs are one of the handiest tools available to lineworkers. Compared to old methods for transformer replacement – which required workers to climb the pole and use a pulley to manually lift the transformer – using a jib is safer, easier and more productive. Most […]
The Hierarchy of Incidents and Learning: Part II
The contractor’s executive team sat across the table from the client’s construction leadership. It was the client’s director who spoke first. “Let’s ensure everyone is on the same page,” he said. “Over the past six months, you’ve had numerous quality, production and schedule issues, an environmental noncompliance, two injuries and a utility contact that caused […]
Mother Nature vs. FR/AR Clothing
The company I work for receives a lot of questions about flame-resistant (FR) and arc-rated (AR) clothing, including inquiries about what should be worn on extremely hot summer days and very cold winter days. We’re always happy to answer those questions because it’s our business and – in the electric utility industry – donning FR/AR […]
Arc Flash and Face Masks
Recently I have received numerous emails and phone calls regarding respiratory air-filtering masks rated for arc flash. I’m sure everyone reading this, no matter what country you’re in, is aware why that’s the case: the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are a regular reader, you know it is my methodology to address topics by first citing […]
Opinion: Looking to the Future During an Unprecedented Time
As I sit and write this article, I’m also gazing into my crystal ball, so to speak. I realize that life as we knew it just a few short months ago has changed. COVID-19 has made its way around the world and we are now working during an unprecedented time. Utilities have been designated as essential […]
June-July 2020 Q&A
Q: Should we worry about beards in relation to arc flash? At our company, we think hair generally protects the body against extremes. Do you know of any evidence to the contrary? A: Here is what we know: Human hair is protein fiber. It will burn when exposed to a flame but stop burning when […]
Motivators: To Improve Performance, Understand What Drives Your Behavior
So far in this six-part series, we’ve talked about learning styles and the DISC assessment. In this third installment, we’re going to dive into motivators, including an assessment you can take to determine your own personal motivators. Greater self-awareness typically leads to greater personal and professional success. Self-aware people understand what their motivators are and […]
Wood Pole Fall Restriction Device
The Bashlin Patriot Wood Pole Fall Restriction Device is the most innovative, easy-to-use device of its kind currently on the market, according to the company. Independent ergonomic comparison testing was performed by a certified ergonomist with a comprehensive background in utility ergonomics. This side-by-side testing showed that the Patriot offers significant ergonomic benefits. At 3.5 […]
Project Management Safety Certification Program
Leading Safety Works, a project management safety certification program developed by Crane Industry Services LLC and Okos Partners, now includes innovative behavioral simulation tools. The program establishes critical, effective, lasting connections between project and people strategies. It is based on a practical 90-day planning system that makes problem-solving immediately effective and replicable. The system helps […]