Ladders on the ground? Nah.

So about the coolest thing we did this week was stand to on a ladder, suspended from an "h structure".

Let me take that back.

About the coolest thing I've ever done was to stand on a ladder, suspended from and "h structure." I know it looks crazy, and trust me, it is.

But it's perfectly safe. 

NLC practices 100% attachment, which means at no point can I fall far enough to become seriously hurt. Which is good, and calms the nerves to a point, but still a little unsettling at first for sure.

Here's the photographic evidence.

 

Those glass insulators are pretty heavy, btw.

Also, a video! Notice the flip around...

Anyway, been having all kinds of fun learning the trade and quite frankly, learning a lot about myself. Until next time, be safe!

Quote(s) of the week,

"I wouldn't eat that sandwich!" - Turner, as I grabbed my lunch off the rack...

"I didn't pack a sandwich" - Me, as I sat down.

"Oh, man. I totally thought I was going to trick you!" - Turner

"Hahahahaha" - Me, as I pulled out my sandwich.

So much good stuff...

Yesterday I volunteered at the Andrew York Lineman Rodeo. I had a whole lot of fun, and had a chance to observe some of the best linemen in the northwest! I left SUPER early from my house, so about an hour and a half into my drive I snapped some pictures of the early morning sunrise, over transmission lines, and a small substation. Check 'em out!

When I got there, they had guys up a pole, with the flag then being passed up and installed. We recited the pledge, sang the national anthem, and said a prayer. A solid beginning to a sweet day!

Then the fun began! My job was "check-in, check-out" for the 230kV Corona ring changeout (De-energized).This is what it looked like...

 

Here are some pictures a few of the other events!

Hurt man rescue

So that's the lineman rodeo. I have just a few pictures from school this week...

Changing out a transmission insulator...

Don't forget your hard hat!

And one final picture - I took it coming home from school this week somewhere in Oregon...

Generation!

Words. Pictures. Videos.

First off, let me apologise. It's been a week + since I've updated. The good news is - instead of periodic updates, I will now update once a week, on the weekend.

This week we started climbing two types of transmission poles, stream-line and H structure.  In climbing, we're starting to learn "hurt man rescue" and cross-arm change-out, also we started changing out insulators in distribution. So a lot going on as far as new stuff, also it's very exciting being up on the transmission poles!

As far as book stuff, we started Electrical theory this week (atomic structure - Valance electrons, magnetic induction, etc.), and continue to learn about "Working On Lines and Equipment." (working on de-energised equipment)

The other thing is, I brought the "good camera" in on Wednesday, and got some fantastic photos. Check them out!

 Also, I Have Videos! Here's Kinzy and Clark crossing each other on the H structure.

 And here I am, on top of the streamline!

Have a great week!

Edison? STRONG!

Well, we're back to it after a long weekend. Yesterday was the first day of class for the week, we then had evaluations. It's nice to hear positive feedback for things that you do, and the evaluations were a chance to do just that! Also, this blog was specifically mentioned :-D.

One thing I've been working on a little bit is a t-shirt design. Before you see my design you should know that our "little" chant is one person shouting EDISON and then everyone shouting STRONG! And the full chant is, Who are we? EDISON What are we? STRONG! IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME! EDISON *grunt* So he's my template for a shirt... so far.

Edison Strong

What do you think?

So at some point this week, we're going to be working with cross arms, and handlines. Send up a cross arm, installing it, Send up a drill, making holes, etc... I'm really looking forward to that. Tomorrow we're working in underground completing our competency for primary elbows, but today we did what I consider the most essential training a entry level apprentice lineman can get.

We dug hand holes. 

6' deep, 20" across, ready for poles!

The spade and the spoon....

The abyss...

McCormack and Meyers

Then the skills builder was a contest to see what crew could put on all their gear that fastest. We won! So we got another "skills builder" sticker! here's a video of a couple of the crews' turn.

Well, that's it for now. I'll do an update in about a week!