Training Prepares Linemen For The Unexpected

GARLAND, Texas, May 18, 2004 - Although GP&L's Line Technicians do all they can to maintain safety and avoid accidents, GP&L prepares for all contingencies, even an accident where a co-worker may be rendered unconscious.

GP&L's 48 Line Technicians took part in a series of half-day training sessions staged at the training field behind the Newman Power Plant. During the sessions, each Line Tech practices rescuing a colleague from atop a pole, bucket and in a confined space.

"This training is excellent for providing our lineworkers with the latest techniques for rescue," said Training and Safety Coordinator Jessica Reece. "And even though we use a training mannequin, it seems real enough when the mannequin weighs almost as much as a grown man."

The goal is to get the "coworker" down from the pole, bucket, or out of the confined space within four minutes, for earliest possible medical attention.