Line Clearance

[PTS]

How many of you are doing line clearance. A city here has contacted us to do Primary Line Clearance. I am sending several staff members to EHAP (electrical hazard awareness program) Certification on Monday but really think that they need more hands on training before messing with Electricity.

So I guess I am curious who is doing it and what I should know to begin to look into taking our company in this new direction. Equipment, protection, certifications, and anything else.

 

[dayman]

You need more than EHAP to work around electric lines depending on the voltage. EHAP is a good start though.

In TX and CO only line clearance tree trimmers can work upstream from the transformer, EHAP or not.

 

[clearance]

Up here in B.C. Canada everyone who works in close proximity to energized conductors must have fairly extensive training. People are allowed to do this work by the utility company only if they are certified utility arborists or apprentice utility arborists working under direct supervision of a c.u.a.. To become a c.u.a. it takes 6 weeks of school (4weeks first year, 2weeks second year) and 1200 hours of pratical experience working in close proximity under supervision. Most of this training is about working safely around power, it is assumed that you can already use a saw. Equipment that is used in close proximity has to be dielectrically tested (booms, pruners, trimsaws) and at least up here the utility has thier own rules that meet or exceed compensation board rules. Thier are lots of rules and procedures, emergency and otherwise. Its great that you care about your crew enough to know that a 1 day course isnt realy adequate. Dont know what the deal is in your area, maybe talk to someone from Asplundh or someone from another company that does utility work. Good luck

 

[duartebigmex]

EHAP is a very good start but please don't think that is enough. Did some body attend the EHAP in Des Moines.

 

[PTS]

We had three guys at the EHAP in Des Moines. And to respont to all others concerns, I am aware ehap isn't enough. I think my first post may have been misleading. Currently I am looking into hiring a certified line clearance professional who works for the utilities company to moonlight for us.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Here in WI you must be High Voltage Certified, which is different and more pricey then EHAP, to do clearance contracts on transmision lines

 

[topnotchtree]

Been doin line clearance for over 12 yrs. It is very hard to give advice or tips online because I have found there to be misunderstandings sometimes. There is just a whole different approach to trimming when high voltage is added. If you have more specific questions I will be happy to share my experience.