EPTC trains Basin crews

EPTC Instructor Gary Zevenbergen displays the EPTC’s transmission line model to show how and where electrical shock hazards can occur while performing maintenance on deenergized high-voltage transmission lines. (Photo by Dennis Schurman)

Western's Electric Power Training Center took training on the road again in October to teach grounding and hazard recognition to more than 60 North Dakota and Wyoming Basin Electric maintenance staff.

EPTC Manager Dennis Schurman said, "We taught 45 crew members in Mandan, N.D., on Oct. 1 and 2 and 18 more at Basin's Laramie River Station in Wheatland, Wyo., Oct 8 and 9. The class addresses electrical shock hazards that exist on and in the vicinity of high voltage transmission lines and substations.

"When customers have so many employees with the same training needs, it makes economical sense for us to go to the site. Customized on-site training is a service the EPTC offers to help customers meet their safety and regulatory requirements," Schurman explained.

Evaluating possible hazards

EPTC Instructor Gary Zevenbergen teaches the class regularly at the EPTC in Golden, Colo. He said, "The class stresses that there are no recipes in handling these hazards. Rather, every work location is different and crews evaluate possible hazards.

"By knowing the theory behind ground potential rise and what creates electrical shock hazards, employees can make decisions and initiate work procedures mitigating hazards at the work site," he explained.

Keeping training current

The training includes discussion of actual data collected from Western fault tests conducted in the late 1980s and early 1990s and stresses worksite hazards. Zevenbergen updates the training periodically to provide participants with current information and the latest on safety equipment to help further mitigate electrical shock hazards.

Utilities interested in Personal Protective Grounding and Hazard Recognition training may contact Schurman at 1-800-867-2617.

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