Eric Eriksen, VP, Engineering Operations, Northwest Lineman College
Promoting avian safety is a critical part of our business. Utility companies recognize that birds flying into power lines can cause wildfires, damage equipment, and interrupt service. Mitigating these power line hazards and protecting our birds of prey have become an essential part of utilities’ design plans.
Electric utilities recognize that promoting avian safety is a critical part of their business. When birds fly into power lines, they can cause wildfires, damage equipment, and interrupt service. T&D World magazine reported in 2015 that 25% of distribution line outages were caused by birds connecting with power lines. Over the years, mitigating these power line hazards has become an essential part of utilities’ design plans.
I never imagined how important avian protection would be for my career. Fresh out of college I started as a utility engineer in Alaska during the mid-90s. This was about the time the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC) released its 1996 edition of Suggested Practices for Avian Protection on Power Lines. Alaska, known for natural beauty and wildlife—including the bald eagle—took to heart that power lines were a detriment to avian wildlife. It was time to pursue better power-line design practices. In the following years, countless innovations would lead to more avian-friendly power lines. Protective polymer coverings now shield energized high-contact points from avian collisions and save power companies from outages while simultaneously protecting local wildlife.
In April 2021, while campus president at Northwest Lineman College, I received a call from Heather Meuleman, the vice president for development with The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey. “Have you heard about The Peregrine Fund and the new Idaho Power Flight Lab hawk exhibit we’re building?” Heather asked as she introduced herself. “I think there might be great synergy with NLC’s mission.” I hadn’t heard of the organization but listened as she passionately explained her ties to the World Center for Birds of Prey, APLIC, and avian power line research pioneers Morley Nelson and Dr. Tom Cade.
The Birds of Prey exhibit tells the story of power companies working with lineworkers to keep birds safe on the lines.
Heather explained a plan to build a hawk flight exhibit around a model power line for a new STEM-learning opportunity. She asked if I thought NLC students would be interested in a tour to learn more about avian safety in the power industry. I did, as I know NLC is constantly working to provide learning opportunities for pre-apprentice lineworker program students.
Soon after, in June of 2021, a group of NLC students, instructors, and curriculum developers toured The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey for the first time. Red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, vultures, and even an intense-looking harpy eagle were just a few of the many birds available to see. Along the tour were informational narratives and graphical renderings showing the future hawk flight exhibit. “This exhibit will tell the story of local falconer and conservation hero, Morley Nelson, and our local energy company, Idaho Power, working together to stop a common threat to birds of prey— electrocution,” said Tate Mason, director of the World Center for Birds of Prey, “not only here in Idaho but around the world.” Engaged students were asking questions about birds and the safe power line construction model.
Northwest Lineman College visits the exhibition.
They were excited to learn that their new career would have a positive impact on both the public and the environment. Over the next several months NLC supported the partnership between The Peregrine Fund, Idaho Power, Kaddas Enterprises, APLIC, Hatch Design Architecture, and Jordan-Wilcomb Construction.
It was a cold 21°F the morning of February 4, 2022, when everyone gathered to observe the installation of the model power poles, crossarms, insulators, conductor, transformer, and avian protection equipment. Idaho Power crew foremen directed NLC students as they climbed higher up the poles. It was their first public service opportunity to demonstrate newly acquired knowledge and skills. Students worked steadily as observers struggled to stay warm.
Birds value these power line structures that provide a high perch to keep an eye out for predators or prey, among other qualities. However, they are unaware of related hazards.
What do birds and power lines have in common? We can find them both as we look up toward the sky. Their symbiotic relationship is not a surprise considering they share the same airspace and commanding views. Birds value these power line structures that provide a high perch to keep an eye out for predators or prey, among other qualities. However, they are unaware of related hazards. The hawk flight lab exhibit at the World Center for Birds of Prey will help educate people about avian-safe power line design and construction.
The crowd cheered as a final step was completed: a piece of tie wire held the conductor to an insulator. Everyone gathered around, overwhelmed with accomplishment, knowing countless global visitors for years ahead will be pausing to observe and support a safe coexistence with raptors like the red-tailed hawk named Phoenix who will call the new exhibit her home.
The Handline Magazine This story was originally published in Northwest Lineman College’s The Handline Magazine, Summer 2022 issue.
Annual tribute celebrates skills, pride, and passion of America’s lineworkers
Alan Drew, Author of The American Lineman, Retired SVP of Research & Development at NLC
Cliff Bosch is shown in the inset receiving a certificate from the McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company for exceptional performance in supporting the Skylab repair mission. Cliff is also pictured on the far right with other A.B. Chance hot-line demonstrators.
Deservedly so, the lineworker profession is now he founded the National Association of Journeymen more widely recognized and appreciated by the public than ever before. To honor and celebrate our trade, the United States recognizes the efforts of lineworkers in an annual Lineman Appreciation Day.
Lineworkers have been playing a vital role in the advancement and well-being of our country since the telegraph era of the mid-1800s. Over the years they have continued to make herculean efforts in the construction and maintenance of telecommunications and power systems, and their efforts in restoration of service from major disasters are legendary.
The importance of the lineworker profession and the work lineworkers perform became readily apparent around the year 2000. In 1997, Colorado lineworker Byron Dunn launched the PowerLineman website and magazine, which were instrumental in spreading the word about the lineworker profession. Later that year, Andy Price, the vice president of American Safety, opened the International Lineman Museum and Hall of Fame in Shelby, North Carolina. Around this time, lineworker rodeos gained popularity, spreading awareness of the industry and demonstrating lineworkers’ skills, pride, and passion.
Founder Andy Price (right) with Murray Walker in the International Lineman Museum.
The United States was also hit by several major disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, Super Storm Sandy, and the Joplin tornado. The destruction left in their wake required massive repair efforts and put lineworkers in the public eye. With the increased awareness of the lineworker profession in this time, it only made sense that lineworkers began to receive more recognition as well.
BILL BOSCH SEEKS CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION OF LINEWORKERS
Around 2009, journeyman lineworker Bill Bosch decided that he would make a significant effort to see that lineworkers received the recognition they deserved. A former lineworker for Nevada Energy, Bill served in management positions with several power companies and Northwest Lineman College before ultimately stepping into his role as the vice president of training and workforce development with Centuri Group, Inc. In 2011, he founded the National Association of Journeymen Linemen and was subsequently inducted into the Lineman Hall of Fame. Bill and his wife, Karen, went all-in with their efforts to pursue congressional recognition for lineworkers.
Bill and Karen Bosch speaking at a Lineman Appreciation Day ceremony in Georgia.
SENATE RESOLUTION MAKES LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY OFFICIAL
Bill and Karen spent considerable time and effort drafting the proposed legislation for a lineman recognition day. Bill’s father, Cliff Bosch—also an accomplished lineworker—passed away on April 18, 1982, and, as such, Bill proposed that date as the day of recognition. All their efforts paid off and a congressional bill was established and read before Congress. Senate Resolution 95 was passed on April 10, 2013, making April 18, 2013 the first official Lineman Appreciation Day.
RECOGNITION INCREASES
The establishment of National Lineman Appreciation Day spawned a new era of recognition for lineworkers. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers established July 10 as their lineworker recognition day in honor of their first president, Henry Miller. In 2015, Northwest Lineman College published The American Lineman, which highlighted the evolution of lineworkers and their accomplishments. Power companies and line contractors embraced Lineman Appreciation Day and began hosting celebrations on April 18.
EFFORTS REWARDED
Thanks to those like Bill and Karen Bosch, Andy Price, Byron Dunn, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, lineworker recognition is becoming only more prevalent. The increase in appreciation has only fueled lineworkers’ pride and passion and prompted more men and women to pursue a career in linework. Stop and think about how often lineworkers are in the news and social media as they continue their efforts to construct and maintain our power systems under any conditions. Lineworkers are critical to the well-being of our country and deserve every bit of the recognition they receive.
The Handline Magazine This story was originally published in Northwest Lineman College’s The Handline Magazine, Summer 2022 issue.
Traci Jensen, Ed.D., Education and Museum Director, Lineworker Museum
The Lineworker Museum showcases tools, teams, and treasures related to linework of the past and the present.
Tucked outside a small Texas town along the square-foot building. Our small collection grew quickly Colorado River sits a new museum dedicated to collecting the objects and artifacts—and telling the stories—of an underappreciated trade. The Quanta Services Lineworker Museum at the Lazy Q Ranch just north of La Grange, Texas, celebrates the courage and fortitude of the men and women of linework. Spanning from the early days of the telegraph to the modern robotics used for high-voltage work, the newly completed museum highlights the unique individuals who built America one pole at a time.
The museum was the vision of John Colson, the founder and former CEO of Quanta Services and a former lineman, and Duke Austin, the current CEO of Quanta Services. John and Duke saw an opportunity to educate the industry and the general public about the life and work of lineworkers past and present. Their solution was to create a museum that coupled education with recruitment, celebrating the heritage of a 180-year-old profession that still faces high demand for workers.
In telling the lineworker story you have to go back to the early to mid-1800s. It was a dangerous time for the men who joined a linework crew. There was no training and no rules. These telegraph and early electrical power lineman lived like cowboys. And just like the cowboy, it was the perfect lifestyle to write about in books, songs, and movies. The museum features some of those cultural artifacts that show the lineworker’s influence on society as well as how society viewed those contributions.
Beyond pop culture, the displays demonstrate the lineworker’s historical significance to the country. The exhibit about the transcontinental railroad shows how vital the railroad was in connecting the telegraph, and then powerlines, from the East to the West. The need to build also meant the need to develop better tools and equipment. All the clothing, safety gear, and tools in the museum reveal the tremendous progress the industry has made in safety and technology.
I was hired as the museum director and curator when the museum was a dream and an empty 5,800-square-foot building. Our small collection grew quickly with the arrival of hundreds of insulators, tools, and equipment generously donated by Northwest Lineman College (NLC) in Idaho. The organizing and cataloging were truly a team effort. Founder John Colson, linework historian Alan Drew, and veteran lineman and Lazy Q instructor Greggory Bell, among others, were indispensable in identifying mystery objects or giving a donated artifact a story.
While NLC donated the largest number of artifacts, it was the dozens of individual donors who helped write the human stories woven throughout the exhibits. We received family photos, personal effects, and individual stories that painted a clearer picture of what it was like to be a lineworker before the days of cell phones and internet. A great example comes from Duke Austin himself. He is the son, grandson, great-grandson of linemen. His photos and family stories personalize the hard work and determination involved in being a lineworker. I also contributed a family artifact, belonging to my lineman grandfather, and used my mother’s words in describing her life as the daughter of a rural lineman.
Although the museum is both an educational tool and a vehicle for appreciating the industry, founders John Colson and Duke Austin want the museum to be much more. They want to inspire young people to join the linework family. Videos of lineworkers on the front lines during wars and building back lifesaving powerlines after catastrophic weather events send a clear message: You, too, can become a hero to thousands of people.
A museum’s collection is never really “complete.” The Quanta Services Lineworker Museum will always be open to donations of pictures, clothing, tools, equipment, and stories. Many experienced lineworkers I’ve spoken with do not think that what they have is important enough or old enough to go into a museum. But we have shown in our exhibits that a simple personal item or tool could be the missing piece in telling an all-new story. You never know what your contribution could inspire.
The Handline Magazine This story was originally published in Northwest Lineman College’s The Handline Magazine, Winter 2021 issue.
Mark Groves Inducted into the International Lineman Hall of Fame
Aaron Howell, NLC Founder and Quanta Chief Learning Officer
Mark Groves demonstrates the Buckingham OX Block in action.
On a cool spring day in 1996, Mark Groves prepared to demonstrate proper technique installing an insulated platform. He was enrolled in NLC’s Electrical Lineworker Program and knew he would be scored on his climbing technique, positioning, and fluidity while installing the platform. True to form, Mark practiced with the discipline of a professional athlete for days in advance, driving out all potential mistakes and wasted moves. He intently observed others performing the competency and learned from their mistakes. To him, nothing but “exceptional” would be acceptable. He was ready.
With flawless performance, Mark installed the insulated platform, but he did something no one else did. With the insulated platform suspended from the handline, he used his body weight and the positioning of his skid to hold it in perfect position while he tightened the chains. It was very inventive and something one would expect from an experienced lineworker, not a pre-apprentice student with zero trade experience. With a perfect score Mark celebrated his victory with those around him.
This event was not a one-off. Mark entered the trade and rapidly progressed through his apprenticeship program in the same fashion he approached all of his work, like a professional athlete in constant pursuit of victory. He also had the remarkable quality of being humble and always viewed the world through a positive lens. In Mark’s mind, everything is possible when innovation and creativity are leveraged.
While working in the trade, Mark would regularly remain in touch with Alan Drew and me at Northwest Lineman College. As he gained experience, he began inventing tools to make the work more efficient. One early invention was a small square piece of steel with a hole in the center and an oversized nut welded on one side that was used to tighten threaded 5/8-inch lip washers on insulator pins. It fit simply in the Lowell Wrench and sped up the task of tightening lip washers.
Over the years the inventions never stopped. It seemed Mark had a new idea every quarter—and each was amazing. Early attempts to commercialize his inventions were a challenge because he worked a lineworker’s life (plenty of overtime and on-call responsibilities) and had a family. Although gains were made, the Great Recession of 2008 silenced all the manufacturers who just a few days before were highly interested.
At about the same time, Northwest Lineman College itself was planning to expand its offerings by manufacturing training components—especially those things that helped lineworkers learn or that improved safety. The industry was ripe for these components and NLC was the perfect environment to conceive, build, and test. What NLC lacked, though, was a person to lead that manufacturing, someone who could dedicate their full attention to the task at hand. After multiple discussions and several meetings over many months, Mark, his wife Leah, and their two children made the jump to NLC and helped launch NLC Manufacturing.
The first project was what was to become the Buckingham OX Block®. It had long been viewed at NLC that a handline block was needed that could serve its intended purpose, but also be used for pole-top rescue. If the block did not have to be dropped out during rescue, more than 30 seconds could be saved—and an injured lineworker would reach emergency services 30 seconds sooner. After the first meeting, Mark rushed home to his shop and leveraged his “gadgeteering” brilliance. The next morning he had a crude prototype. More than 16 revisions later, the OX Block was born. Buckingham Manufacturing earned the license to produce and distribute the product, largely due to their strong leadership team and manufacturing and distribution moxie.
The TransBanker, a transformer banking simulator, is another of Mark Groves’ successes.
With another victory behind him, Mark moved on to what became Northwest Lineman College’s TransBanker®, a unique transformer banking simulator that enabled trainees to install, bank, and connect transformers to single-phase and three-phase loads. The incredible success of the TransBanker led to two more simulators—the EPZGrounder, where trainees can install personal protective grounds on overhead and underground systems, and the GasTech mobile lab used to assist in gas operator qualification (OQ) evaluation and training.
In 2019, Northwest Lineman College staff submitted a nomination for Mark Groves’ induction into the International Lineman Hall of Fame (ILHOF). In April, we received notification that Mark Groves was selected and will be a member of the ILHOF class of 2021.
Alan Drew wasn’t surprised. “Mark Groves’ superlative contributions and accomplishments have significantly improved safety and training for the power industry. His unwavering commitment to developing the benchmark level of training delivery facilities is glaringly visible with his accomplishments such as the TransBanker and EPZGrounder. Throughout his career he continually exhibited the pride and passion of being a lineman along with a special ability for innovation. No one is more deserving of being inducted into the Hall of Fame than Mark.”
The master with his invention.
Considering Mark’s unwavering commitment to excellence and the impact his inventions have had on lineworkers in the areas of safety, training, and productivity, it is fitting that such a remarkable person be honored. This is another victory with a beautiful trophy. Hopefully he has room in his victory case.
The Handline Magazine This story was originally published in Northwest Lineman College’s The Handline Magazine, Winter 2021 issue.
Alan Drew, Author of The American Lineman, Retired SVP of Research & Development at NLC
More than 1,000 people attended the service installation event.
Since the beginning, American lineworkers have enjoyed demonstrating their skills and competing with each other. An example of this occurred in Chicago, Illinois, in 1915 when three “line gangs” (line gangs was the term used for today’s line crews) from Commonwealth Edison squared off in competition at an annual company outing. In attendance were more than 1,000 employees and their families, all anxious to watch the event.
The three participating line gangs were determined by prior competitions between line gangs in each of the three operating divisions of Commonwealth Edison. The same competitive event that was used for determining the finalists would be used at the outing. The event consisted of installing a transformer and providing a service to a simulated customer’s lighting load. Each gang consisted of a foreman, two linemen, and a groundman. The foreman was to supervise the work but not perform any physical tasks. Each member of the winning gang would receive the sum of one dollar. A bonus payment was available for each gang member of the winning team if the gang completed the project in less than 20 minutes. The payment would be tabulated based on one cent for each second under 20 minutes.
Event Setup and Tasks
Prior to the event, a single-phase, 4,160 V pole line with 8-ft crossarms was installed and energized. A horizontal wood service board was attached to three poles to simulate a point of attachment for providing customer service. Three service outlets were installed, and their load-side wiring connected to a group of lights that were readily visible on the top of the platform.
The event started with each line gang aboard their line truck parked a short distance from their assigned poles. When the commence signal was given, each crew headed to their pole with their trucks to begin the work, which included the following tasks:
Cut a gain and bore a hole for the buck arm.
Install the buck arm, braces, and cutouts.
Hang a 5 kVA transformer connected to provide 120 V service.
Install a secondary rack and run a two-wire service to the customer termination at the service board.
Connect the service to the customer’s wiring by soldering and taping the connections using a ladder at the customer service board.
Connect the primary and secondary sides of the transformer, soldering the secondary leads to the service.
Install and connect a ground wire.
Close the plug cutouts, energizing the transformer and service.
Ensure the light switched to “on” to confirm successful completion.
Rules
Any failure to complete the job in accordance with the company’s standard practices was to result in a three-minute penalty.
Any violation of a company safety rule would result in the disqualification of the gang.
Winners
The results of the contest were:
Northern District, Foreman Liesberg—15 minutes, 49 seconds (including a 15-second penalty for spilling solder). Each gang member received one dollar plus a bonus of $2.51 for completing the project 251 seconds under 20 minutes.
Central District, Foreman Crawford—18 minutes, 44 seconds.
This exciting event was the showcase of the day and thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance. H. E. Wulfing, superintendent of the Overhead Division, was sure to note how proud he was of all the gangs and could see that each had increased his skills as a result of the competition.
Today lineworkers showcase their skills and teamwork by competing in various lineworker rodeos across the country. This is yet another place where the lineworker profession gains the important status it deserves. NLC encourages employers and their lineworkers to participate in these rodeos whenever possible both to showcase what they already can do, and to improve those skills along the way.
The Handline Magazine This story was originally published in Northwest Lineman College’s The Handline Magazine, Winter 2021 issue.
Alan Drew, Author of The American Lineman, Retired SVP of Research & Development at NLC
Northwest Lineman College has always focused on providing our Electrical Lineworker Program students with the fundamentals that will get them started on a path to a long and rewarding career. As potential students embark on this journey, one question frequently surfaces: “What does the future look like for lineworkers?” This question isn’t at all unexpected because lineworkers have always appreciated and looked to linework as a lifelong career.
The electrical power and communications systems are vital components of the nation’s critical infrastructure and serve as an essential foundation for the American way of life. The power grid generates, transmits, and distributes electric power to hundreds of millions of Americans in homes, schools, offices, and factories across the United States.
The average age of the existing plant is 40 years old, with more than 25% of the existing plant are 50 years old or older. While the grid’s sheer longevity is a testament to the engineering expertise of our forebears, that aging infrastructure is long overdue for a major overhaul. The push to decarbonize the grid will drive more transmission line construction to deliver the renewable sources of energy to where they are needed.
For the foreseeable future power will be delivered via conductors supported on structures or underground installations as it has been for many years. The possibility of wireless delivery of substantial amounts of electric power is beyond the practical planning horizon. This will mean that the lineworkers of the future will not be distinctly different from lineworkers today. Still, there are several considerations that may affect the future of linework, all of which focus on installing and maintaining a resilient grid for the future.
Training Today
Maintaining an adequate and highly skilled workforce will continue to be vital to ensuring the reliable operation of the power grid and communications networks. Effective training for new individuals entering the trade as well as existing workers will be essential, especially as we consider training millennials who learn very differently than those baby boomers who are retiring.
Hand Tool Use
The use of hand tools will remain a key skill for lineworkers. Northwest Lineman College training specialists indicate that a significant number of students enrolling in our Electrical Lineworker Program have rarely, if ever, used hand tools such as wrenches and screwdrivers. With this in mind, potential lineworker students are encouraged to engage in activities that will expose them to the fundamental use of hand tools. This basic understanding of how tools are used will make their training that much easier.
Robotics
Robotic arms like the Quanta LineMaster Robotic Arm have been productively in use to hold and reposition energized conductors on transmission lines for some time. So far, the majority of robotic implementation has been in the transmission area, although there will likely be more distribution tasks—such as the use of robotics for traffic control to assist line crews—evaluated for robotics.
Communications
Power companies are expanding, and will continue to expand, the internal use of fiber optics and cellular technology while providing broadband internet service to their customers. Some companies may even choose to include the installation of fiber optics in the duties of their power lineworkers.
Training Tomorrow
The need for skilled lineworkers will continue far into the future, especially considering the new technologies that will be incorporated into updating and maintaining the electric grids of tomorrow.
Virtual Reality
Look for the expansion of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology to improve the effectiveness of training. This technology is well suited for the power and communications industries. It combines the virtual world with the real world by overlaying the digital interactive content on the existing system using three-dimensional images to interface with the end user. A number of key job tasks can be simulated effectively using this technology.
The headset is the key component of AR/VR training.
Aerial Devices
The use of unmanned aerial devices (drones) is already exploding in the lineworker industry. But in the future, there will be considerable development and enhancements with higher capacity models, which allow the transportation of tools and materials along with other activities. Power companies and line contractors will likely increase the number of lineworkers who are certified to operate unmanned aerial devices. Without question, future lineworkers will be operating and working around more robotics.
An unmanned aerial vehicle being used to pull in a sock line on a conductor stringing project.
Direct Current
The use of DC for underground, undersea, and overhead facilities also will increase in the future and all aspects will require training for lineworkers performing certain duties. The majority of the work will be transmission-related, including more advanced methods for performing live- line maintenance.
To improve and make the main power grid more resilient, while at the same time developing microgrids where they are a fit, will take considerable efforts. Likewise, storage will become a major element for both the main grid and microgrids. And lineworkers may become involved in the installation and operation of certain storage-related devices. All of this will require a well-trained, highly skilled force of lineworkers.
A record-breaking 1,100 kV DC, 2,046-mile long transmission line being constructed in China.
Safety and Stewardship
As it should, safety will continue to be the number-one priority for power companies and line contractors. There will be an increase in underground work in many areas with the conversion of more overhead lines to underground lines in areas for aesthetic reasons and to withstand catastrophic events.
Environmental stewardship will become a more important responsibility for lineworkers, particularly in areas confronted with endangered species listings.
Lineworkers installing bird diverters to mitigate midspan bird collisions.
A New Generation of Lineworkers
Maintaining an adequate number of highly skilled lineworkers will continue to be the key to success for power companies and line contractors. Of paramount importance is the challenge to provide a continued stream of new lineworkers, as the lineworker profession continues to be recognized as a highly valuable and essential contributor to the well-being of our country.
Northwest Lineman College is committed to playing a key role in training new generations of lineworkers. We are excited about what the future holds as NLC works to exceed the expectations of our customers in providing training for the lineworkers of the future. Let’s work together to promote the lineworker profession to the younger generations at every opportunity. The road ahead for the lineworker leads to a bright future with a long, rewarding, and exciting career.
The American Lineman Alan Drew is renowned in the industry for his leadership, knowledge and the ability to plan. His book, The American Lineman, is a testament to those attributes.
The Evolution of Personal Protective Grounding Part 1
Alan Drew, Author of The American Lineman, Retired SVP of Research & Development at NLC
Cluster style grounds with removable wooden handles— the clamps are parked on the metal hanger that is attached to the handline when they are not in use.
This article is intended to cover some of the key improvements in personal protective grounding that have occurred over the years. Today’s linemen must work on de-energized lines for many of the same reasons as the pioneers—repair storm damage, upgrade existing lines, install new lines adjacent to energized lines, etc. Effective personal protective grounding is a challenge for today’s linemen as adjacent lines are heavily loaded, there are more sources of energy to guard against, and providing a safe work site can be challenging. It is hoped that this article will elevate the knowledge and appreciation of how much improvement has been made over the years. One thing for sure: Personal protective grounding has always been and remains a major element that can impact the safety of the lineman.
The Early Years
The lineman’s job quickly became one of the most hazardous occupations at the turn of the century. In these early days of electric power systems when lines needed to be worked on they were simply “killed” at the source of power. There were no lock out/tag out procedures to insure that inadvertent re-energization could occur. As might be imagined, serious accidents began to occur when lineman contacted energized lines that they thought were “dead” or had been “killed.” With considerable trial and error linemen discovered that grounding the conductors in some manner would improve their safety.
Some of the early lines were built with parallel lines that allowed one line to be taken out of service when maintenance needed to be performed. Linemen soon figured out the hazards of induction as they would experience being shocked when working on the de-energized line.
Lightning also presented a hazardous threat to linemen working on lines that had been de-energized. Lightning arresters were in their infancy and offered limited protection. It is easy to imagine the hazard to the linemen working on de-energized lines with no personal protective grounds installed, and a lightning strike occurred on the phase they were working on. After several serious accidents linemen learned not to work on lines during lightning storms.
As might be imagined, serious accidents began to occur when linemen contacted energized lines that they thought were “dead” or had been “killed.”
The Beginning of Protective Grounding
The beginning of protective grounding started in power stations. Around 1885, the first power systems were installed in larger cities to supply arc lamps for street lighting purposes. These early systems were comprised of direct current series circuits supplied by dynamos in power stations. These circuits frequently needed to be worked on and accidents occurred when circuits were inadvertently energized when being worked on.
The use of ground switches was one of the first measures used to protect workers when working on lines that were de-energized. Grounding switches were installed in power stations and were operated by the station operators. Lineworkers relied on these grounding switches as a means of ensuring the circuits were de-energized.
Early Methods
Portable grounding devices consisting of a grounding jumper and clamps that could be applied with a wooden handled stick. They were developed for use in power stations to ground equipment that needed to be worked on.
One of the early methods of protective grounding on lines was developed in the early 1900s. Lineworkers would lay out a length of wire long enough to reach the conductors on the pole and attach one end of it to a fire hydrant or water pipe. A rope was thrown over the conductors and attached to one end of the wire. The lineworker would then pull the wire over all the conductors, apply tension and secure the rope to the base of the pole or some nearby object. The concept was to create a short-circuit, which would trip out the protective equipment and provide a path to ground.
The next improvement was to utilize the same concept but the wire was replaced with a copper or brass chain. It was found that the chain would “bite” into the conductor and make better contact. This method was used for several years with some improvements made with the use of portable ground rods and connections to the grounding chain. The first edition of the Lineman’s Handbook stated that dry hand lines should always be used when installing grounding chains.
There were some efforts to test the lines and equipment to assure it was safe to apply protective grounding. A variety of homemade testers were developed and utilized. The “buzz” testing of using a larger mass of metal on the end of a wooden handled stick began being used. Testing before grounding was not widely done in the industry at this early stage.
Photo of the Hubbard grounding chain and electrode from their catalog. (NLC Collection)
Standardization Begins
The method of using portable wooden handled grounding devices in power stations was extended to lines and equipment in the field. Various homemade grounding devices with wooden handles were developed and used by power companies. Manufacturers such as the James R. Kearney Company also started to manufacture protective grounding devices.
The basic concept that became the standard was to always have a set of grounds between the work site and source of power. It was believed that in the event of the line becoming energized, the flow of current would be blocked from getting to the work site.
As the number of serious accidents continued to occur, it elevated the importance of protective grounding. Power Companies started to issue safety rule books and include requirements for the use of protective grounding. In these early days, it was not mandatory but left up to the discretion of the line foreman as to whether any grounds would be used or not. By the 1940s the use of protective grounds had become a common practice for most power companies as they realized that they could prevent serious injuries.
LEFT: Lineman installing a set of Tips Tool Company cluster-type protective grounds—note the use of the cluster grounding block. (The Tips Tool Company was acquired by A.B. Chance in 1937). RIGHT: The J.R. Kearney Company of St. Louis, Missouri was one of the first companies to manufacture protective grounding sets. (Both images are part of NLC Collection)
Research and Development
Prior to the 1940s, there had been no recognized studies regarding the severity of electric shock with respect to voltage and current levels along with their effect on the human body. Charles Dalziel (1904–1986) was a professor of electrical engineering and science at the University of California. In the 1940s and 50s he performed considerable research regarding electric shock involving humans and animals. Dalziel’s research resulted in valuable information, which became widely recognized in the industry and utilized to evaluate protective grounding methods. Two of his key conclusions were:
The minimum current detected by the human body is 1.2 milliamperes.
Ventricular fibrillation threshold is likely to occur when the current flow is above 1,000 milliamperes for 0.03 seconds.
Thanks to Dalziel’s research, the industry now had credible information for evaluating and optimizing effective protective grounding methods. Dalziel’s research is still referred to in today’s understanding and training regarding electric shock. Research and development was also being done by manufacturers related to grounding clamps, connections, and cables with regard to their ability to withstand fault currents that were increasing on many power systems.
In 1954 the Bonneville Power Administration con- ducted comprehensive testing of protective grounding on their systems. The following conclusions resulted from the study:
The current practice of installing protective grounds on adjacent structures to the one being worked on, may not provide adequate protection for linemen if the line became energized.
The short-circuiting and grounding of all conductors at the work location, using jumpers and clamps of adequate current carrying capacity, will likely provide sufficient protection for linemen if the line became energized.
Additional testing and studies were done by other organizations including Puget Power, Western Area Power Administration and American Electric Power. The A.B. Chance company also conducted various studies and testing on their way to becoming one of the key contributors to advancement of protective grounding.
This research and development resulted in more effective methods and higher-quality equipment. Studies also brought to light the hazard of step and touch potential, which had not been considered in the earlier days. It became obvious that effective training was needed for linemen to properly apply protective grounding.
1978 A.B. Chance bulletin cover showing the lineman applying the equipotential zone method—note the title using the terms “grounding” and “ jumpering.” (Photo courtesy Hubbell Power Systems)
Improved Methods and Equipment
With more experience to draw from along with the results of various studies, the industry made some significant improvements in procedures and equipment. Methods and procedures would now be established for protecting workers on the ground. OSHA began in the early 1970s and they developed regulations for protective grounding. The term Personal Protective Grounding slowly evolved into the standard term that would be used in the industry.
In 1990, IEEE Standard 1048 provided the first comprehensive guide for protective grounding of power lines. It included theoretical information on various applications. It also covered voltage detectors, ground set components, vehicle grounding, ground electrodes and testing of grounding sets. The standard was updated in 2003 and again in 2016. This standard is an excellent source of valuable information.
Two additional standards that enhanced the area of protective grounding included: ASTM F 855- Standard Specification for temporary protective grounds to be used on de-energized power lines. This is a comprehensive standard covering the design, materials, ratings and testing of clamps, ferrules, and cables. ASTM F 2249 -03- Standard specification for in-service test methods for temporary grounding jumper assemblies were used on de-energized lines and equipment. Experience had shown that protective grounds were not receiving the care they needed to ensure they remained in satisfactory working condition. This valuable standard provided excellent guidelines for inspecting and testing protective grounds.
The seventh edition of the Lineman’s and Cableman’s Handbook (1986) stated, “The protective grounds are installed in a manner to short-circuit the conductors so that the lineman and everything in the work area will be at the same potential.”
In 1994, OSHA issued a final ruling in the form of Standard 1910.269 Electric Power Generation, Trans- mission and Distribution—Rule (n)(3) “Temporary protective grounds shall be placed at such locationsand arranged in such a manner as to prevent each employee from being exposed to hazardous differences in electric potential.”
Over time several methods and terms were used in the industry such as worksite grounds, master grounds, bracket grounds, single- point grounding, double-point grounding, etc. Equipotential zone grounding emerged as the standard term and method that the industry would adopt for the most part. Grounding and bonding were now used in a variety of ways to protect lineworkers in the air and on the ground. The importance of protective grounding training now became more widely realized than it had in the past.
Manufacturers continued to improve grounding clamps, connections, conductive mats, voltage testers, jumpers, etc. that allowed equipotential zones to be established under the various work site situations.
LEFT: Protective ground testers such as this Hubbell Power systems model allowed linemen to confirm the condition of protective grounding sets. (Photo courtesy Hubbell Power Systems) RIGHT: The equipotential zone concept established the use of the cluster bracket mounted below the lineman’s feet. (Photo courtesy Hubbell Power Systems)
Conclusion
Like everything we have come a long way with improvements in the methods, tools and equipment associated with protective grounding. Protective grounding remains a key area of safety for electrical power systems workers. Today’s power grid has experienced considerable expansion and upgrading, which has affected protective grounding. Lines are more heavily loaded, fault current levels have increased and there are more energy sources on the transmission and distribution segments.
The various T&D projects that are being done on the grid can create some unique situations where the proper application of protective grounding can be challenging. We should all feel good about how far we have come and the methods, tools and equipment that are available to make the job safe. We also have come a long way in the training area. For any of the readers who are involved with training, NLC encourages the use of this article as a means for your trainees to understand how we got where we are today—it didn’t just happen!
The American Lineman Alan Drew is renowned in the industry for his leadership, knowledge and the ability to plan. His book, The American Lineman, is a testament to those attributes.
Juan Vargas, Director of Luma College for Technical Training
In 2017, in a period of only two weeks, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico was hit with two category 5 hurricanes that wiped out 100% of its power grid. Six weeks later, power had been restored only to 30% of the population. Puerto Rico needed to find a way not only to rebuild its electrical system in the short term, but also find a long-term solution that would ensure their grid could survive hardships in the future.
Enter LUMA Energy, a joint venture between Canadian utility ATCO and U.S.-based Quanta Services, that had the vision for an electrical grid that could support Puerto Ricans far into the future. After a rigorous 18-month bidding process, the venture was awarded the historic 15-year contract to own and operate the Puerto Rican transmission and distribution system.
Part of winning the bid was the emphasis placed on education and the continual training that would be paramount to the successful maintenance and operations of the newly proposed grid. Together, ATCO and Quanta Services, which had acquired Northwest Lineman College, the leader in power delivery training with more than 25 years’ experience in the United States and abroad, were well positioned to design and implement a new campus in Puerto Rico.
This new campus, LUMA College for Technical Training (LCTT), would be the island’s very first accredited and Department of Labor–registered school to to focus specifically on the development and continuing education of a utility worker. The creation of LUMA College, for both LUMA Energy and their employees, will be the key to transforming the island’s grid into a resilient and reliable system to support the people of Puerto Rico.
However, like any new venture, the process hasn’t been easy. Building a new college and working to completely transform a new electrical system through privatization was unprecedented. Initially, many employees from PREPA (Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority), the previous T&D administration, were worried about their jobs, union resistance, retirements, and other issues. Add to those worries the complications of securing construction permitting and understanding governmental affairs, and the task felt daunting.
These hurdles, though, only encouraged Puerto Ricans and joint-venture employees to work even harder to see LUMA College come to fruition. With our minds always set on doing what’s bestfor the student, we are proud to say that since commencement on June 1, 2021, LUMA College for Technical Training has trained and evaluated more than 800 people using curriculum from Northwest Lineman College. All of the trainees have received employment or credentialing opportunities, or both.
On July 26, 2021, LUMA College started the island’s very first Utility Lineworker Program with the inaugural class consisting of 16 geographically diverse students from every corner of the island.
One of the best parts of having the opportunity to train Puerto Ricans is their willingness to push through red tape and union polarization in order to receive training and education. As of August 2021, LCTT has made significant strides in attaining the necessary construction permits. Our team is hopeful we will complete our campus in the city of Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, and begin educating even more students in our own building by the first quarter of 2022.
LUMA College is tasked with training all those who are working to rebuild Puerto Rico’s electric power infrastructure
In the first year of LUMA College, our training will focus on those who have been in the trade for several years but require “upskilling” or refresher training to get back to the journey-level status, something that has been impossible on the island due to not having a Department of Labor–registered program. Then, beginning in 2022, the focus will be on driving LUMA Energy’s apprenticeship program, which focuses on the next generation of employees who will manage and maintain the new grid system. In addition to apprenticeship, there will be several advanced trainings ranging from Aviation Human Extraction Cargo (HEC) to EPZ Grounding and Bonding. These initiatives could result in hundreds if not thousands of employees being trained year to year, something that has not happened in decades on the island.
As campus director, I’ve had the privilege of discussing with each student their career aspirations and how each can be the best apprentice after they graduate from our program. Our mission—for LUMA College to provide industry-leading educational experiences for companies and individuals tasked with rebuilding Puerto Rico’s electric power infrastructure—inspires me to ensure that we are operating at the highest level and are doing whatever it takes to help transform our students, employees, and, ultimately, the island. For that, I am deeply honored to be a part of such a wonderful consortium of ATCO, Quanta Services, and Northwest Lineman College to bring world-class training opportunities to Puerto Ricans.
The daunting task of creating a new campus is well on its way to completion. Digital rendering of proposed campus shown above
The Handline Magazine This story was originally published in Northwest Lineman College’s The Handline Magazine, Winter 2021 issue.
Alan Drew, Author of The American Lineman, Retired SVP of Research & Development at NLC
One of the first photos showing a lineman wearing climbers cutting a wire on a Civil War telegraph line in the early 1860s. (Photo NLC collection)
The birth of the Linemen dates to the beginning of the telegraph in the 1840s when the first lines were installed on short wood poles. In this period of infancy, linemen would typically ascend wood poles by shining them or by using rope or wooden ladders. The use of a piece of steel with some sort of sharp point attached was soon developed and would go on to be referred to as a climber, hooks, leg irons, gaffs, etc. This article is intended to present the evolution of the climbers including significant improvements along the way.
THE BEGINNING 1860s-1880s
Information about the first pole climbers is limited and is best understood by looking at old pictures or examples of the early climbers. There is a connection with the logging industry for the development of pole climbers as several homemade climbers can be seen in logging pictures. From all indications, it appears that logger tree climbers predated pole climbers by several years. There is some indication that during the revolutionary war tree climbers were used by soldiers to climb trees to observe the enemy.
In these early days, the majority of the work was construction and linemen did not have to stay on poles for lengthy periods. In many cases, they were installing and securing conductors to insulators which did not take long. With the evolution of power lines and more communications circuits, the work of maintaining lines became a reality and in many cases linemen were required to work on poles for a longer time.
Old photographs indicate the first use of pole climbers with leg irons and gaffs seems to be around the 1860s. From all indications, the very first climbers were individual made by the lineman or the telegraph companies using a local blacksmith. A few of the telegraph supply companies also manufactured some lineman tools including pole climbers. The major companies that manufactured pole climbers were L.G. Tillotson Telegraph, Western Electric and Western Union.
Climbers were attached to leg without pads by anything that worked such as leather straps, wires and leather thongs. The angle of the gaff in many cases was much greater than the modern angle of 16 degrees and it is hard to imagine how linemen could have climbed with them.
This is the oldest set of climbers known to exist as they apparently were used during the Revolutionary War Period of 1775 -1783. They are made from wrought iron and have double gaffs on each leg iron. (Photo NLC collection)
MANUFACTURING BEGINS 1880s-1920s
During this period, the introduction of the telephone and power systems greatly expanded the need for linemen and linemen tools. To some degree pole climbers were still manufactured by a local blacksmith using a homemade design from some previously made climber.
Mathias Klein started the Klein Tool Company in 1857 with the development of the Lineman Pliers. Klein would go on to expand its lineman tool line to include pole climbers, which they introduced in the late 1800s. In 1896, Wilmont Stephens founded the Stephens Company in Binghamton, New York and started handcrafting linemen’s climbers. They would go on to become the Buckingham Tool Company around in 1913.
Caspar Henry Dicke founded the Dicke Tool Company in Downers Grove Illinois in 1886. Dicke would go on to manufacture various lineman tools including pole climbers. Some of the pole climber manufactures were Oshkosh, the Cincinnati Tool Company, Cronk & Carrier, Hargrave, D.A. Jones, and Smith & Hemenway. The use of climber pads started to become popular and a variety of homemade pads were used. Some of the manufacturers stamped their name on the leg iron and some would also stamp the length of the climber.
Climbers were frequently designated as “Eastern Style” or “Western Style.” The “Western Style” had the gaff on the opposite side from the leg iron and the “Eastern Style” had the gaff on the same side as the leg iron. The “Eastern Style” soon became the most popular and the “Western Style” became obsolete.
A pair of J. Donelly were patented in 1912 and featured a small leg pad. They were manufactured by the Blakeslee Forging Company of Plantsville, Connecticut (Photo NLC collection)
STANDARDIZATION 1920s-1970s
The use of the local homemade blacksmith climbers faded away as several manufacturers started designing and manufacturing pole climbers that made pole climbing easier and safer. Manufacturers of climbing tools obtained input from linemen and gradually improved the quality of their tools. Most manufacturers provided climbers in different lengths to better fit the lineman. The fixed gaff stayed standard for many years and some companies offered a regaffing service for climbers whose gaffs became too short. The offset climber, which brought the gaff in alignment with the lineman’s center of gravity kept the climber from twisting and sliding back on lineman’s leg was introduced in the early 1940s. The majority of the climber pads were a smaller square type attached with leather straps.
Bashlin Industries was founded around 1930 and would go on to be a major manufacture of pole climbers. Two of the major enhancements to the climber was the introduction of the adjustable climber and the replaceable gaff. The L-shaped pad was also introduced which significantly improved the comfort for linemen. Several companies such as MSA, Brooks, Miller, Buckingham, Klein and Bashlin all manufactured pole climbers.
A Bashlin catalog showing their new adjustable aluminum climber with replaceable gaffs that had new nonshifting triangular bottom strap ring. (NLC collection)
MODERN ERA 1970s-2017
Moving into this era Buckingham, Klein and Bashlin would emerge as the major manufactures of high quality pole climbers. They would make climbers stronger and lighter using a variety of high-performance metals such as titanium, aluminum alloy and steel alloy. Additional enhancements such as offset shanks, twisted shanks, contoured shanks, and rounded foot stirrups improved the comfort and ease of climbing for the linemen. Specially designed gaffs to combat the hardness of Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) and other types of treated poles were introduced and became popular with many linemen.
Buckingham Manufacturing made several enhancements to their climbers, including the addition of a three-degree angle to the gaff position allowing the tip to always be aligned with the center of the pole. This change has been well received by linemen and has reduced gaff-outs. Buckingham offers a very nice high visibility, strong magnetic gaff guard. They also make a climber foot plate that is makes long stays on a pole more comfortable. They now color code their climbers to identify the different metals used.
A variety of enhanced climber pads and straps have been developed with the most popular using the Velcro method for attachment. Buckingham now has a Velcro foot strap that is very easy to use. NLC offers the Buckingham BUCKALLOY climber to our Electrical Lineworker Program Students.
Climbers were now made stronger and lighter using a variety of high-performance metals such as titanium, aluminum alloy and steel alloy.
Klein pole climbers with their Hydra-Cool climber pads. (Photo Courtesy Klein Tools)
CONCLUSION
Like everything else we have come a long way with improvements in pole climbers. It is noteworthy that the concept of using a metal leg iron a gaff attached to the leg of the lineman remains the fundamental method of climbing wood poles today as it was in the late 1800s. While the evolution of the aerial lift truck has reduced the need for pole climbing, linemen continue to climb poles on a frequent basis. Pole falls have certainly been mitigated as free-climbing has faded away since the new fall restriction equipment has become the standard. Linemen still show passion for and take pride in “hitting the wood.” The majority of today’s linemen still own and care for their “Hooks.”
The American Lineman Alan Drew is renowned in the industry for his leadership, knowledge and the ability to plan. His book, The American Lineman, is a testament to those attributes.
The Capacity Model® is bringing our lineworkers home safely
MATTHEW COMPHER, Vice President, Safety, Health, Environmental & Quality at Quanta
When thinking about STKY (Stuff That Kills You), how many hazards can you see in this photo?
In any industry, the most important asset of a company is its people. But this is especially true in our industry as our lineworkers are responsible for so much—the American way of life. They keep our lights on and our electricity flowing. Linework, though, is a hazardous field, and every job comes with risks. Several years ago, on a late-night flight commuting home to Houston, our CEO, Duke Austin, challenged me. He said, “Matt, we cannot have our clients pulling us along. We need to be leading our clients, our customers, and the industry in safety.” I began consulting industry thought leaders, formed an expert team, and got to work thinking about how Quanta would lead the way.
During the last several decades, we have seen that injury and illness prevention programs have helped reduce the number of occupational injuries but have done little to reduce the number of life-ending workplace events. We needed a way to help our lineworkers anticipate possible hazards and be able to make mistakes safely on the job site so that their chances of becoming harmed—or worse—could be reduced if not eliminated entirely. In 2019, this thinking, in partnership with Northwest Lineman College (NLC), gave birth to The Capacity Model. We embarked on a journey to start thinking about safety differently with a vision of eliminating life-threatening, life-altering, and life-ending events.
At the core of The Capacity Model is a human and organizational performance philosophy, which recognizes the fact that error is normal, and people will make mistakes. That acknowledgment, along with the work we are doing to increase understanding of how people interact with their work environments, enables our crews to identify hazards more effectively and put in place targeted protections (controls) so that mistakes can be absorbed without major injury or death.
We aim to help our workforce identify any hazards that are life-threatening, life-altering, or life-ending.
The Capacity Model is not a program or initiative but a different approach to how we plan, execute, and learn from work. This includes consistent identification of hazards and effectively controled exposure to those hazards to protect our employees, the environment, and the people in the communities in which we work.
The Capacity Model uses elements of the Energy Wheel (a hazard-identification tool that crews use to identify 10 hazard sources such as motion, gravity, mechanical, or electrical) and STKY (a term that helps lineworkers notice “stuff that kills you”) to help our workforce identify and describe the hazards that are life-threatening, life-altering, or life-ending. Once those hazards are identified, the crew will have STKY discussions about what to do “when” their work process or system fails (not “if,” because we know mistakes happen). The crew then determines the controls that need to be in place beforehand to prevent a catastrophic consequence.
The Energy Wheel, a hazard-identification tool that crews use to identify 10 hazard sources such as motion, gravity, mechanical, or electrical
Establishing these controls is critical to the success of this new approach. But doing so will take deliberate planning and training. Quanta’s corporate safety team, along with NLC, is working to provide various training courses on The Capacity Model. At the operating unit level, Quanta is integrating the concepts of hazards and controls into the day-to-day work practices like enhanced job briefings and JSA (job safety analysis) forms that include STKY and the Energy Wheel.
For decades, safety professionals have been taught that achieving zero incidents is possible. That is a noble aspiration but the reality is that mistakes happen. We cannot reasonably expect that incidents will never occur. However, with a focus on building the capacity to fail safely into our work, we can strive to eliminate stuff that can kill you.
ABOVE, L to R: Examples of gravity, temperature, and biological hazards that could be present at a work site.
Quanta’s expectation is that every operating unit adopt The Capacity Model so that, over time, it will simply be a part of how we do business. We are early in our integration across the company and each operating unit will be at a different place in their journey of understanding and application. That’s OK. Our main goal is to meet each part of our business where they are now and to support them in the journey going forward.
We have refocused on the need to spend more time with leadership, onboarding them with the foundational concepts, principles, and methods that make integration of The Capacity Model successful. While we continue to offer courses for management and crews at Quanta companies, each operating unit has at least one “TCM lead” who is responsible for championing the approach locally.
The concepts behind The Capacity Model aren’t new. In fact, many organizations around the world are moving in the same direction as this new way of thinking. But Quanta is leading the way in the construction industry, and we are receiving very positive feedback from our peers and industry associations alike. The entire approach is aimed at bringing our lineworkers home safely each and every day.
If you are interested in learning more about The Capacity Model, reach out to: [email protected].
The Handline Magazine This story was originally published in Northwest Lineman College’s The Handline Magazine, Winter 2021 issue.
