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The Human Tuning Fork: Harnessing Frequency and Vibration for Utility Safety with Bill Martin, CUSP

In this episode of the Utility Safety Podcast, host Nick chats with Bill Martin, CUSP about a concept that goes far beyond the standard safety manual: the physics of human energy. Inspired by Nikola Tesla’s quote on energy, frequency, and vibration, Bill explains why workers are like “human tuning forks” and how one person’s attitude […]

Closing the Hazard Awareness Delay – Real-Time Grid Visibility with Active Grid Response

In this episode of Incident Prevention’s Utility Safety Podcast, host Kate Wade sits down with Tim Bedford, a 36-year veteran of PG&E and current Principal Customer Success Manager at Gridware. Together, they explore a critical new category of grid intelligence: Active Grid Response.   Tim explains the concept of “Hazard Awareness Delay”—the dangerous gap in […]
Incident Prevention Magazine - Utility Safety

Managing Overload: An Essential Safety Conversation

When I consider the advancements in the construction industry over the past 20 years, the emphasis on safety is one that immediately stands out. Today, we continue to strive to elevate our safety awareness, knowledge, training and program development – but that is only one side of the coin. On the other side, our workforce […]
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Layer by Layer: Leveraging FR Clothing Systems for Hazard Protection and Comfort

Strategically layering moisture-wicking, flame-resistant garments can enhance worker comfort without compromising safety.
Layering flame-resistant (FR) clothing has long been a best practice among industrial athletes. In addition to providing critical hazard protection, this tried-and-true strategy enhances user comfort by enabling industrial athletes to add or remove clothing layers as their activity level or the weather changes. Base, middle and outer FR layers are equally important. Each serves […]
Savage 2

Cable Identification and Cutting Safety for Medium-Voltage Splicers

Robust cable identification and remote cutting practices aid utility organizations in protecting workers, preserving system integrity and complying with regulatory standards.
A medium-voltage underground splicer’s ability to safely and correctly identify, test and cut cable is more than part of their job; it is a survival skill. These splicers must be trained to make their first cut remotely – every time – whether performing routine maintenance or responding to an emergency, even when the cable has […]
Martin Art

Overcoming Safety’s Blind Spot

To expand our collective intelligence and better protect the workforce, we must treat all employee concerns as predictions of unwanted outcomes.
“If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.” -Sir Ken Robinson Innately curious and hardwired to seek order, humans often grasp onto the latest ideas and inventions that help us satisfy our need to understand the world around us. Don’t believe me? Consider geocentricism, or the now-obsolete belief that […]
Article 2 Pyramid_Final

Mental Preparation for Safer Work

Frontline employees can develop the ‘right stuff’ through training, character development and good habit formation.
Author’s Note: The first part of this five-part series (see https://incident-prevention.com/blog/when-the-system-isnt-enough-how-to-create-personal-motivation-that-saves-lives/) explored the notion of accepting 100% accountability for our safety at work. This article addresses mental preparation to reduce risk of serious injuries and fatalities. Part three will cover spiritual health, with a focus on clarifying and leveraging our own deeply held beliefs. ***** […]
Vanderlin Headshot

Batteries and the Hazard Communication Standard

Understanding how battery systems are governed under the OSHA standard is essential to ensuring employee safety.
Batteries have become a critical component of electric utility operations. Once limited to backup power in substations and control rooms, energy storage now drives innovation across the grid. As use of batteries increases, so does the responsibility to manage the unique chemical and physical hazards they introduce. Understanding how battery systems are governed under OSHA […]
January 2026 101

What’s Your Bucket IQ?

I know a lot about buckets, but it wasn’t until after I hung up my tools that I learned much of what I’m going to share with you in this article. Background I was lucky to work as a lineman when I did. The buckets we used at Florida Power & Light through the 1970s […]

Utility Safety Podcast – Deep Dive – The Evolution of Personal Protective Grounding from the Articles Written by Alan Drew

Read the articles writted by Alan Drew – https://incident-prevention.com/blog/the-evolution-of-personal-protective-grounding-part-1/ https://incident-prevention.com/blog/the-evolution-of-personal-protective-grounding-part-2/ About the Author: Alan Drew began his power industry career in 1959. While working for a local utility company, he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Drew was hired as the general superintendent for Clallam County Public Utility District in 1991. He moved to Boise, […]

The Human Tuning Fork: Harnessing Frequency and Vibration for Utility Safety with Bill Martin, CUSP

In this episode of the Utility Safety Podcast, host Nick chats with Bill Martin, CUSP about a concept that goes far beyond the standard safety manual: the physics of human energy. Inspired by Nikola Tesla’s quote on energy, frequency, and vibration, Bill explains why workers are like “human tuning…
In this episode of Incident Prevention’s Utility Safety Podcast, host Kate Wade sits down with Tim Bedford, a 36-year veteran of PG&E and current Principal Customer Success Manager at Gridware. Together, they explore a critical new category of grid intelligence: Active Grid Response.   Tim explains the concept of “Hazard Awareness Delay”—the dangerous gap in time between a grid event occurring and the utility becoming aware of it . By utilizing Gridware’s Gridscope, a mechanical sensing device installed on poles, utilities can now detect hazards like broken poles, vegetation impact, and…
When I consider the advancements in the construction industry over the past 20 years, the emphasis on safety is one that immediately stands out. Today, we continue to strive to elevate our safety awareness, knowledge, training and program development – but that is only one side of the coin. On the…
Strategically layering moisture-wicking, flame-resistant garments can enhance worker comfort without compromising safety.
Layering flame-resistant (FR) clothing has long been a best practice among industrial athletes. In addition to providing critical hazard protection, this tried-and-true strategy enhances user comfort by enabling industrial athletes to add or remove clothing layers as their activity level or the wea…

Savage 2
Robust cable identification and remote cutting practices aid utility organizations in protecting workers, preserving system integrity and complying with regulatory standards.
A medium-voltage underground splicer’s ability to safely and correctly identify, test and cut cable is more than part of their job; it is a survival skill. These splicers must be trained to make their first cut remotely – every time – whether performing routine maintenance or responding to an emergency, even when the cable has been tested and grounded. This approach ensures the worker is safely out of harm’s way if residual or unexpected energy remains in the system. Procedural Development and Training Proper cable identification supports operational efficiency, helping to minimize outage…
Robust cable identification and remote cutting practices aid utility organizations in protecting workers, preserving system integrity and complying with regulatory standards.
Martin Art
To expand our collective intelligence and better protect the workforce, we must treat all employee concerns as predictions of unwanted outcomes.
“If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.” -Sir Ken Robinson Innately curious and hardwired to seek order, humans often grasp onto the latest ideas and inventions that help us satisfy our need to understand the world around us. Don’t believe me? Consider g…
Article 2 Pyramid_Final
Frontline employees can develop the ‘right stuff’ through training, character development and good habit formation.
Author’s Note: The first part of this five-part series (see https://incident-prevention.com/blog/when-the-system-isnt-enough-how-to-create-personal-motivation-that-saves-lives/) explored the notion of accepting 100% accountability for our safety at work. This article addresses mental preparation to…

Vanderlin Headshot
Understanding how battery systems are governed under the OSHA standard is essential to ensuring employee safety.
Batteries have become a critical component of electric utility operations. Once limited to backup power in substations and control rooms, energy storage now drives innovation across the grid. As use of batteries increases, so does the responsibility to manage the unique chemical and physical hazard…
January 2026 101
I know a lot about buckets, but it wasn’t until after I hung up my tools that I learned much of what I’m going to share with you in this article. Background I was lucky to work as a lineman when I did. The buckets we used at Florida Power & Light through the 1970s were unlined, simple fiber…

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The Human Tuning Fork: Harnessing Frequency and Vibration for Utility Safety with Bill Martin, CUSP

In this episode of the Utility Safety Podcast, host Nick chats with Bill Martin, CUSP about a concept that goes far beyond the standard safety manual: the physics of human energy. Inspired by Nikola Tesla’s quote on energy, frequency, and vibration, Bill explains why workers are like “human t…

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The Human Tuning Fork: Harnessing Frequency and Vibration for Utility Safety with Bill Martin, CUSP

In this episode of the Utility Safety Podcast, host Nick chats with Bill Martin, CUSP about a concept that goes far beyond the standard safety manual: the physics of human energy. Inspired by Nikola Tesla’s quote on energy, frequency, and vibration, Bill explains why workers are like “human tuning…
In this episode of Incident Prevention’s Utility Safety Podcast, host Kate Wade sits down with Tim Bedford, a 36-year veteran of PG&E and current Principal Customer Success Manager at Gridware. Together, they explore a critical new category of grid intelligence: Active Grid Response.   Tim exp…

Incident Prevention Magazine - Utility Safety
When I consider the advancements in the construction industry over the past 20 years, the emphasis on safety is one that immediately stands out. Today, we continue to strive to elevate our safety awareness, knowledge, training and program development – but that is only one side of the coin. On the…
Web LAKE-IPArticle-ApplicationImage3 copy
Strategically layering moisture-wicking, flame-resistant garments can enhance worker comfort without compromising safety.
Layering flame-resistant (FR) clothing has long been a best practice among industrial athletes. In addition to providing critical hazard protection, this tried-and-true strategy enhances user comfort by enabling industrial athletes to add or remove clothing layers as their activity level or the wea…
Savage 2
Robust cable identification and remote cutting practices aid utility organizations in protecting workers, preserving system integrity and complying with regulatory standards.
A medium-voltage underground splicer’s ability to safely and correctly identify, test and cut cable is more than part of their job; it is a survival skill. These splicers must be trained to make their first cut remotely – every time – whether performing routine maintenance or responding to an emerg…
Martin Art
To expand our collective intelligence and better protect the workforce, we must treat all employee concerns as predictions of unwanted outcomes.
“If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.” -Sir Ken Robinson Innately curious and hardwired to seek order, humans often grasp onto the latest ideas and inventions that help us satisfy our need to understand the world around us. Don’t believe me? Consider g…

In this episode of the Utility Safety Podcast, host Nick chats with Bill Martin, CUSP about a concept that goes far beyond the standard safety manual: the physics of human energy. Inspired by Nikola Tesla’s quote on energy, frequency, and vibration, Bill explains why workers are like “human tuning forks” and how one person’s attitude can physically resonate through an entire crew. The conversation dives deep into the biology of leadership, contrasting the stress of “command and control” with the high performance of synchronized teams. Bill also challenges the industry’s reliance on caffeine and energy drinks, arguing that true high performance starts with regulating your own physiology and inputs. Tune in to learn how to move from a state of basic compliance to a state of high-frequency synchronization.

 

Key Takeaways

 

  • The Tuning Fork Analogy: Humans are like tuning forks; energy transfers between people without physical contact, meaning a single person’s mood or “vibration” can affect the safety and performance of the entire team.

  • Synchronization Over Compliance: While “command and control” works in predictable environments, high-risk utility work requires synchronization—like pushing a swing in rhythm—to maintain forward momentum and safety.

  • The Chemistry of Leadership: A leader’s approach triggers biological responses; criticism releases cortisol (stress/defense), while praise releases oxytocin (connection/higher cognition), changing the frequency at which the team operates.

  • Impact of Substances: Reliance on energy drinks, caffeine, and alcohol dehydrates the brain and lowers cognitive frequency, effectively making workers “stupid” and slower to react in critical situations.

  • The 5-Second Rule: To avoid reacting negatively to a “toxic” team member, use the 5-second rule (count down 5-4-3-2-1) to bypass your biological defense mechanism and choose a constructive response.

  • The Power of Sync (Millennium Bridge): Just as the rhythmic walking of pedestrians caused London’s Millennium Bridge to wobble violently, a team that is perfectly synchronized can generate immense power and capability.

 

Questions & Answers

Q1: How does Bill Martin explain the concept of “making your own luck” regarding safety and life?

 

A: Bill explains that prediction is simply how our brains work to make things happen, rather than a lottery ticket. He argues that we are in 100% control of our next decision regardless of the hand we are dealt, meaning we decide if our “luck” is good or bad based on our mindset and actions.

 
 

Q2: Why does Bill suggest that energy drinks are detrimental to line workers?

 

A: Bill notes that energy drinks alter physiology by spiking heart rates, which the body struggles to distinguish from fear or running from a threat. He states that caffeine dehydrates the brain (which is 70% water), slowing down brain conduction and thinking speed, which is dangerous in high-stakes work.

 
 
 

Q3: What is the “marshmallow” effect in a team setting?

 

A: Using the analogy of Newton’s cradle (pendulum balls), Bill describes a person who is out of sync or vibrating at a low frequency as a “marshmallow”. If placed in the middle of the team, this person absorbs the energy rather than transferring it, stopping the team’s momentum.

 
 

Q4: How can a worker change the “frequency” of a negative interaction immediately?

 

A: Instead of reacting defensively to a bully or an angry coworker, Bill suggests smiling or staying silent for five seconds to disrupt their predicted response. By refusing to let the other person decide your energy, and instead responding with curiosity or kindness, you change the dynamic of the interaction.

 

#UtilitySafety #Leadership #TeamSync #HumanPerformance #Mindset #LineLife

 

Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine – https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/

Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo – https://utilitysafetyconference.com/

 

________________________________

This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2026 to receive a 5% discount!

 

In this episode of Incident Prevention’s Utility Safety Podcast, host Kate Wade sits down with Tim Bedford, a 36-year veteran of PG&E and current Principal Customer Success Manager at Gridware. Together, they explore a critical new category of grid intelligence: Active Grid Response.

 

Tim explains the concept of “Hazard Awareness Delay”—the dangerous gap in time between a grid event occurring and the utility becoming aware of it . By utilizing Gridware’s Gridscope, a mechanical sensing device installed on poles, utilities can now detect hazards like broken poles, vegetation impact, and conductor vibration in real-time .

 

Listen in to learn:

  • How real-time grid visibility eliminates unnecessary exposure for linemen, drastically improving utility safety.

     
  • The role of mechanical sensing in preventing wildfires by identifying risks before they ignite .

     
  • How Gridware’s technology creates a “zero delay line break” response, potentially de-energizing falling lines before they hit the ground .

     
  • Strategies for funding safety technology through reliability and fleet maintenance budgets .

     

Whether you are in operations, safety management, or fleet logistics, this episode offers actionable insights into modernizing grid protection.

Guest Contact: Tim Bedford | tim.bedford@gridware.io Learn More: www.gridware.io

 

Key Takeaways

 

  • Defining Hazard Awareness Delay: This is the critical time lapse between an event occurring on the electrical system and the utility’s awareness of it; reducing this delay prevents outages and catastrophic events like wildfires.

 

  • Mechanical Sensing Technology: Gridware’s “Gridscope” acts like a pickup on a guitar string, detecting vibration, sound, and pole angle changes to pinpoint exact fault locations without needing to patrol the entire line.

 

  • Enhancing Lineman Safety: By providing the exact location of a fault, utilities reduce the need for linemen to patrol hazardous terrain in the dark, significantly lowering safety risks and exposure.

 

  • Rapid Installation: The devices are approximately the size of a shoebox, weigh 3.5 lbs, and can be installed in under five minutes; a single crew can install upwards of 50 devices per day.

 

  • Future “Zero Delay” Capabilities: Gridware is currently piloting technology that can detect a line break and trigger a recloser to de-energize the circuit before the wire even hits the ground.
 

Q&A: Utility Safety & Grid Visibility

Q: What is the “Active Grid Response” solution provided by Gridware?

A: Active Grid Response is a new category of grid intelligence that provides real-time visibility into the physical, electrical, and environmental conditions of the grid. It uses sensors to monitor vibrations and pole angles, allowing utilities to identify specific hazards—like a tree striking a line or a car hitting a pole—before they escalate into major outages or wildfires.

 
 
 

Q: How does this technology directly improve utility safety for the workforce?

A: It drastically reduces the “hunt and seek” method of finding faults. Instead of a troubleman patrolling miles of line in hazardous conditions (darkness, rough terrain, severe weather), the system provides a pinpoint location . This minimizes the time employees spend in dangerous environments and reduces fleet vehicle exposure .

 
 

Q: Is this technology cost-prohibitive for smaller utilities or tight budgets?

A: Tim Bedford suggests that funding often comes from shifting budgets based on the use case. For example, the technology offsets costs in fleet fuel, engine hours, and patrol time. Additionally, it can replace less effective legacy devices like standard fault indicators, and deployments can be scaled to focus only on high-risk protection zones rather than the entire system immediately.

 

Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine – https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/

Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo – https://utilitysafetyconference.com/

 

#UtilitySafety #GridModernization #LinemanSafety #WildfirePrevention #SmartGrid #ActiveGridResponse

 

 

________________________________

This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2026 to receive a 5% discount!

Incident Prevention Magazine - Utility Safety

Managing Overload: An Essential Safety Conversation

When I consider the advancements in the construction industry over the past 20 years, the emphasis on safety is one that immediately stands out. Today, we continue to strive to elevate our safety awareness, knowledge, training and program development – but that is only one side of the coin. On the other side, our workforce is experiencing concerning rates of turnover, burnout, mental exhaustion and suicide. But how can this be our reality if our jobsites have become safer in recent decades? The answer is directly tied to the way we manage overload. To help explain this, let’s look at th…
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Strategically layering moisture-wicking, flame-resistant garments can enhance worker comfort without compromising safety.
Layering flame-resistant (FR) clothing has long been a best practice among industrial athletes. In addition to providing critical hazard protection, this tried-and-true strategy enhances user comfort by enabling industrial athletes to add or remove clothing layers as their activity level or the weather changes. Base, middle and outer FR layers are equally important. Each serves its own purpose, so it is wise for lineworkers to own all three types. Base Layer: Moisture Management This next-to-skin garment layer wicks moisture away from the body, a function that becomes especially important in frigid conditions, lowering the user’s risk of chills and hypothermia by keeping the skin dry and warm. Base layers are offered in various fabric weights, with a general rule of thumb that the heavier the fabric, the warmer it will keep you – so long as it wicks properly. Keep in mind, however, that the primary purpose of an FR base layer isn’t to increase your warmth. Beyond offering hazard protection, this layer is intended to pull moisture away from the skin. So, when shopping for an optimal base layer, choose a quick-drying garment that offers permanent moisture-wicking performance. Permanent moisture management is achieved through a blend of hydrophobic/water-hating and hydrophilic/water-loving fibers. Manufacturers that make claims about their fabrics’ moisture-management benefits but don’t use this type of fiber blend typically rely on topical finishes that will wash out over time, diminishing garment performance. FR fabric blends with proven moisture-management properties are available from numerous industry vendors. As you spec and select garments, ask for this and other relevant data to help guide your purchasing decisions. Middle Layer: Insulation The middle layer of an FR clothing system also moves moisture, similar to a base layer, but its primary role is helping users retain their body heat. Essentially, the more efficiently this layer traps heat, the warmer you will be. Fabric weight can be adjusted by users to match changing conditions; this is where the art of layering truly begins. Here is just one example: Your shift starts early in the morning, when temperatures will be their lowest for the day. You opt to wear a base layer, a heavier midweight layer and a protective outer shell, all appropriately rated for the hazard exposure. As your body warms and the ambient temperature rises, you decide to swap your midweight layer for a lighter option that still provides adequate flame protection. Ideally, industrial athletes will own middle layers in various fabric weights, including a heavier FR fabric for colder weather, giving themselves the flexibility to add or shed layers for comfort. Remember to select middle layers that provide permanent moisture-wicking performance. As with base layers, this feature helps to ensure fabric stays dry even as temperatures and physical activity levels rise. Outer Layer: Wind, Rain and Snow Protection Your outer FR layer should be breathable and wick moisture, but more importantly, it must protect you from the elements. Any wind or water given the opportunity to penetrate inner garment layers can quickly chill you, making this layer especially critical during storms. One common consumer mistake is choosing an outer FR layer that’s too heavy and/or doesn’t breathe well, trapping moisture inside and providing subpar protection from wind, rain and snow. Outerwear should allow moisture to escape while being lightweight enough to allow the user’s freedom of movement. An FR clothing system that includes an outer layer with permanent moisture-wicking performance can move moisture from one layer to the next until it evaporates into the atmosphere. Conclusion Moisture-wicking technology was initially developed to enhance athletes’ performance in extreme outdoor environments, keeping them cooler and drier in hot conditions and warmer and drier in cold ones. Today, industrial athletes – like lineworkers – can take advantage of moisture-wicking, high-performance FR garments and well-designed layering systems to help keep them safe and comfortable in hazardous outdoor work environments. About the Author: Brad Sipe is the director of business development for Lakeland Fire + Safety’s HPFR Division and a 25-year veteran of the apparel industry. Reach him at bssipe@lakeland.com.

*****

Selection Tips for Base, Middle and Outer Layers Base
  • Choose a base layer with permanent moisture management, which will help to ensure full lifetime performance of the garment.
  • An optimal blend of hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers is key. This combination pulls and pushes moisture through the FR fabric so that it spreads and dries more effectively. Ask vendors for garment data – it’s available – and be sure to check labels to confirm fiber blends.
Middle
  • For flexibility, select FR middle layers in different fabric weights. These garments can be swapped out as temperatures and activity levels change.
  • Ensure middle layers provide permanent moisture-wicking performance.
Outer
  • Choose outerwear that will adequately protect you from wind, rain and snow.
  • Make sure the FR garment is lightweight, breathable and incorporates permanent moisture management.
Savage 2
Robust cable identification and remote cutting practices aid utility organizations in protecting workers, preserving system integrity and complying with regulatory standards.
A medium-voltage underground splicer’s ability to safely and correctly identify, test and cut cable is more than part of their job; it is a survival skill. These splicers must be trained to make their first cut remotely – every time – whether performing routine maintenance or responding to an emergency, even when the cable has been tested and grounded. This approach ensures the worker is safely out of harm’s way if residual or unexpected energy remains in the system. Procedural Development and Training Proper cable identification supports operational efficiency, helping to minimize outages, reduce the risk of damaging cable and equipment, and expedite the restoration process after service disruptions. Because misidentifying and/or improperly cutting a live cable can result in severe injury or death, utility organizations ideally develop and train employees on stringent cable identification procedures. Splicers must learn to use a combination of testing, grounding and electronic tracing to confirm cable identity before proceeding, regardless of the environment or circumstances. Employers are legally required to comply with OSHA standards, which outline what they must accomplish to protect employees. Utility-specific guidelines also provide direction about how work is to be safely performed. Layers of Defense Cable splicing mirrors high-risk switching operations, which means that personal protective equipment is critical to worker safety. Standard PPE for a medium-voltage splicer includes a hard hat, safety glasses with side shields, steel-toe boots and flame-resistant clothing rated for the hazard exposure. Depending on the voltage and situation, a splicer may also need to wear rubber gloves, sleeves and arc-rated garments in exposed energized environments. Insulating hot sticks and grounding equipment are equally essential. Note that all PPE and tools must bear valid inspection stickers to confirm they are safe for use. The hazards of underground electrical work leave no room for shortcuts. Lockout/tagout procedures offer another layer of defense. Once a cable has been identified, the splicer must work with dispatch to locate the nearest sectionalizing switches and isolate the line. Testing verifies the line has been properly switched out, and grounding removes any remaining induced voltage. Only then should a tag be placed on the equipment, clearly indicating that the cable must not be re-energized until the tag has been removed under the authority of dispatch and the worker who affixed it. Modern electronic cable identification methods may not be available or reliable in some cases. Corroded grounds, damaged markers and other factors could force splicers to use traditional verification techniques, such as checking duct position numbers, verifying tags and footage markers, using blowers to feel air movement through ducts, and performing tug tests. Under no circumstances, however, should a snake be run through a duct unless the cable has first been proven de-energized. Helpful Tools Various advanced tools are available to help workers improve identification accuracy. Impulse test kits help to locate and phase identify direct-buried or conduit cables up to 20 miles long, including submersible cable. Using a transmitter that sends electrical impulses combined with a clamp-on receiver that reads the signals, splicers can accurately identify both single-phase and three-phase systems. Calibration and careful use of these tools are essential to prevent false readings. Even with reliable identification tools, the process does not end once a cable is located and phased. Remote cutting is the final safeguard. No matter how certain the splicer is that a cable is de-energized, they must perform the first cut at a distance. Cutting implements can be selected based on the working environment. Grounded hot-stick cutters allow for smaller cable cuts from outside confined spaces. Bluetooth-enabled cutters can be operated remotely while secured in position to prevent accidental swings. Hydraulic cutters, with hoses and cords extending up to 40 feet, allow workers to stand clear of the cable during an initial cut. Regardless of the method, the objective remains the same: Keep workers out of the line of fire until the cable is fully severed. The tools referenced here can help save lives – but only if they are in good condition. Follow manufacturer guidelines, store tools clean and dry in protective cases, and keep them shielded from unnecessary vibration and other exposures that could upset their calibration. With its constant bumps and jolts, a splicing truck is no place for delicate instruments unless they are properly secured. Dedicated, climate-protected storage ensures these devices remain reliable when they are needed most. The Bottom Line When it comes to cable identification and cutting, one principle stands above the rest: Treat every cable as if it is energized until proven otherwise – and maintain a margin of safety even then. By creating layers of defense with PPE, lockout/tagout procedures, proven tools and remote cutting, splicers safeguard themselves, their coworkers and the communities they serve. Underground cable work is largely unforgiving, but it can be performed safely and efficiently when approached with caution, precision and respect. About the Author: Mark Savage is the owner of DeadBreak, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business providing underground distribution and transmission training, consulting and field services. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over 25 years of experience in underground construction and emergency response, Savage is a credentialed journeyman cable splicer/lineman and qualified medium-voltage splicing trainer. Reach him at msavage@deadbreak.us.

In this episode of the Utility Safety Podcast, host Nick chats with Bill Martin, CUSP about a concept that goes far beyond the standard safety manual: the physics of human energy. Inspired by Nikola Tesla’s quote on energy, frequency, and vibration, Bill explains why workers are like “human tuning…
In this episode of Incident Prevention’s Utility Safety Podcast, host Kate Wade sits down with Tim Bedford, a 36-year veteran of PG&E and current Principal Customer Success Manager at Gridware. Together, they explore a critical new category of grid intelligence: Active Grid Response.   Tim exp…
Incident Prevention Magazine - Utility Safety
When I consider the advancements in the construction industry over the past 20 years, the emphasis on safety is one that immediately stands out. Today, we continue to strive to elevate our safety awareness, knowledge, training and program development – but that is only one side of the coin. On the…
Web LAKE-IPArticle-ApplicationImage3 copy
Strategically layering moisture-wicking, flame-resistant garments can enhance worker comfort without compromising safety.
Layering flame-resistant (FR) clothing has long been a best practice among industrial athletes. In addition to providing critical hazard protection, this tried-and-true strategy enhances user comfort by enabling industrial athletes to add or remove clothing layers as their activity level or the wea…

In this episode of the Utility Safety Podcast, host Nick chats with Bill Martin, CUSP about a concept that goes far beyond the standard safety manual: the physics of human energy. Inspired by Nikola Tesla’s quote on energy, frequency, and vibration, Bill explains why workers are like “human tuning…
In this episode of Incident Prevention’s Utility Safety Podcast, host Kate Wade sits down with Tim Bedford, a 36-year veteran of PG&E and current Principal Customer Success Manager at Gridware. Together, they explore a critical new category of grid intelligence: Active Grid Response.   Tim exp…
Incident Prevention Magazine - Utility Safety
When I consider the advancements in the construction industry over the past 20 years, the emphasis on safety is one that immediately stands out. Today, we continue to strive to elevate our safety awareness, knowledge, training and program development – but that is only one side of the coin. On the…
Web LAKE-IPArticle-ApplicationImage3 copy
Strategically layering moisture-wicking, flame-resistant garments can enhance worker comfort without compromising safety.
Layering flame-resistant (FR) clothing has long been a best practice among industrial athletes. In addition to providing critical hazard protection, this tried-and-true strategy enhances user comfort by enabling industrial athletes to add or remove clothing layers as their activity level or the wea…