Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives
11/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/04/2024 13:28
October 2024 education and training wrap-up
2nd Year Distribution School
Hands-on training included proper use of personal protective apparel, installation of crossarms, insulators, lightning arrestors and transformers, pole changes on various structures, use of live line tools (3-phase hot sticking) and personal protective grounding techniques.
Line Clearance Climbing School (Basic and Advanced)
The basic course taught students the skills necessary to safely ascend, obtain optimal work positioning on and descend a tree. Job briefings, risk assessments, electrical hazards and minimum approach, as well as climbing styles, knots, equipment, safety gear and aerial rescue were also addressed.
The advanced course focused on advanced climbing systems that make work easier, safer and more enjoyable. Advanced maneuvering techniques and tree canopies, as well as different cutting options, tree removal options and safe rigging applications were also covered.
Fall 2024 Accountants' Meeting
The meeting featured standard cost education and training with Terilyn Wallis of Terilyn Wallis Consulting and dinner at Engrained Brewery sponsored by CoBank, as well as a legislative update and a CFC update with Brian Stagen.
Advanced Distribution School
Students learned how to use a variety of line fasteners and insulating equipment, troubleshoot lightning arrestors, and participate in 3-phase line pole and crossarm changes, among other skills.
Fall Member Services & Marketing Meeting
Attendees participated in sessions including "High Bills and Dealing with Complaints," with Gary Hurley of Corn Belt Energy; "Solar 101," with Cordell Miller of Wabash Valley Power Alliance; "Communicating High Rates," with EIEC's Mike Wilson; and "Diversifying Internal and External Communications," with Erin Pressley, NRECA SVP of Education, Training and Events.
Rubber Gloving School
The curriculum included rubber gloving theory, grounding and insulating vehicles, proper rubber gloving techniques for changing out electrical equipment and lines and for repairing electric equipment and lines, the proper operation of aerial life devices on utility vehicles, bucket truck rescue and the use of live line tools.
Fall 2024 HR Meeting
The meeting featured an NRECA update with Scott Black and an update on employment law with David Luebben of Davis & Campbell, LLC.
Underground Residential Distribution School
Students learned fault-locating techniques for primary and secondary cable, proper splicing of URD cable and switching procedures used in underground installations, as well as proper maintenance procedures for use with pad mount transformers.
Trenching and Shoring/Competent Person
The daylong course covered OSHA's requirements for excavations, prework requirements, personal protective equipment for trenching and shoring, the installation and removal of protective equipment, entering and exiting a trench, excavation hazards, hazardous air and emergency rescues and trench inspection requirements.
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Accident Investigation
In addition to conducting mock investigations, participants were taught confidentiality protocol, the different types of investigations, how to choose a team, what information should be gathered, how to preserve a scene, how to gather and document evidence, how to conduct an interview and how to prepare and present findings, among other topics.