Climbing, CPR, and Tools

Yesterday was tool day, so everyone who had to buy their tools from the school got them, in full or in part. I had to buy a "bucksqueeze" belt (saves you from falling down the whole pole if you slip),

The Bucksqueeze

channel-locks, and a few misc things.

Most guys had to buy the whole package. As one of the instructors said, "It's like Christmastime, except you have to pay for it."

Which was pretty accurate, guys were walking out of the tool fitting room with giant tool bags, and boxes stacked up to their noses. If you could see through the boxes, you would've seen a smile that was worth a million dollars. Or at least $2500.00 (estimated tool cost).

Piles Of Boots

Tool Bag Pile

  

Knot Practice, waiting for tools!

After tool fitting, were brought out to the yard and told to grab a pole. Grab we did, and it was a blast. Everyone seemed to climb very well, which was a little bit of a surprise for me. Sorry no pics, btw. I was pretty excited and didn't grab my camera.

Then we had a "skills builder" which means we had a contest. Also, a great time. We went in groups of four: one person pulling up and letting down a giant chunk of wood, tying a bowline, then relaying to the next guy. My group got second, which means, no sticker on my hard hat. Oh well, there's always next time.

Today we had CPR/First Aid training (all day). Not so fun, but very informative.

Tomorrow we're supposed to have a "field trip." All I'm going to say is that it's supposed to show how thermal imaging technology can help pinpoint potential trouble splices, ect... I'll post about that on Monday... 

-- Quote of the week --

"You'll lose at least 15 lbs out here, guaranteed. You go tell your mom she's wasting her money on that Jenny Craig stuff. Tell her to come out and climb some poles" - Gil (Instructor) on what to expect this term.