On April 30 the Keep the Clearance peer initiative had their 3rd annual safety stewards conference at the Vacaville union hall. There were 52 participants, including 8 prospective safety stewards. The companies represented were Davey Tree Service, Trees Inc., Utility Tree Service, City of Lompoc, Family Tree and Synergy Tree. The summit agenda included a review of the previous and current year’s activities which included visits to and recruitment of Family Tree Service workers, a review of the tree trimmer intervention program, the IBEW/PG&E/ Tree Supervision Roundtable and a survey breakout on worksite lighting and safety. The new Close Call hazard recognition program was reviewed in the afternoon.
A high-voltage demo (7,200 volts) was conducted outside.
The highlight of the summit was a high voltage demonstration performed by Truckee Donner PUD linemen Bob Springer and Ed Adkins. Many tree trimmers had never witnessed the true power of high voltage and they were able to see close up the danger and learn the principles behind how high voltage contacts occur and the potential to injure and kill workers. The demonstration board was energized to 7200 volts and the set up simulated a common high voltage circuit with real equipment mounted on a portable trailer. Training also involved other dangers from being trapped in a car with wires down to protecting children from electrical hazards around the home. The demonstration was well rounded, interesting and fun.
