The Importance of Proper Safety Gear for Power Linemen

It takes a certain type of person to climb poles, work on energized power lines, and open switches day in and out. Power linemen are generally knowledgeable about the many types of hazards that occur in their line of work because so much can go wrong. 

Even will all the knowledge and training possible, a good power lineman and their employer understand the importance of having the proper tools and safety gear for the job. Without these, the job can turn dangerous and deadly fast. 

Proper Tools and Safety Gear for Power Linemen

Working as a power lineman is consistently rated as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Each year, thousands of power linemen are injured and dozens killed due to two risks inherent in this occupation — working at heights and working with high-voltage electricity. Add to this the fact that these workers are often called out in the middle of the night or in the worst weather imaginable to deal with downed powerlines or blown transfer stations; it’s a risky occupation. 

Fortunately, many of the hazards associated with this job can be mitigated or even eliminated entirely by using proper safety practices, tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Here are some of the tools and safety gear power linemen need to stay safe while doing their important work. 

1. Hard hats

Hard hats not only protect a power lineman’s head from falling objects but they are also designed to reduce electric shocks, which can save an employee’s life. 

2. Safety Glasses and Face Shield

Safety glasses and face shields can protect a person’s eyes from the risk of arc flashes and facial burns resulting from them. Fortunately, there are face shields that can connect to a hard hat. 

3. Climbing Harnesses and Spikes

Many power linemen work from bucket trucks. However, when these aren’t available, they might have to climb power poles. The only way to stay safe during these activities is by using special harnesses and climbing spikes, which prevent dangerous falls from heights. 

4. Fall Protection Gear

Some power linemen work at heights up to 120 feet in the air. Whether they are working from a bucket truck or are wearing a harness, it’s essential they use lanyards as lifelines and fall protection. 

5. Dielectric Gloves, Sleeves, and Boots

Electric shock is a serious risk when working with electrical currents. Power linemen should wear electrical insulating gloves with rubber on the inside and leather on the outside. Linemen should also wear slip-resistant boots with safety toes made from electric-shock-resistant material. 

6. Arc and Flame-Resistant Clothing

Arc flashes can cause severe burns, hearing loss, blindness, and even death. Arc and flame-resistant clothing will protect anyone who is in close proximity to an arc or explosion as it resists flames and melting. 

7. Insulated Tools

In addition to wearing the proper clothing and having personal protective equipment, power linemen must also be equipped with the right tools. Specifically, they should have rubber-insulated tools as an extra precaution against electrical hazards. 

8. Electrical Meters and Current Detectors

Since electricity cannot be seen, it’s critical that power linemen have the proper tools on hand to measure and detect dangerous currents. The purpose of tools like multimeters and voltmeters is to determine whether a circuit is energized and then know what levels of current are present. Power linemen also use grounding cables and kits to divert electrical current from the cables they need to work on so they remain safe. 

Electrical Workers Have Rights

Employers of power linemen involved in the installation, maintenance, repair, and cleanup of powerlines should recognize that the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) provides many rights for these workers, including:

• The right to working conditions that do not pose a serious risk of harm
• The right to receive training, education, and proper information about workplace hazards, OSHA standards, and hazard mitigation strategies relevant to the work environment
• The right to review relevant records of work-related injuries and illnesses
• The right to request workplace inspections or file complaints with OSHA if the employer is believed to not be following proper regulations and standards without fear of retaliation

If you’re a power lineman who has been injured on the job, it’s critical to understand your rights and your employer’s responsibilities. Specifically, your employer must provide a safe workplace for its employees, which includes proper training and safety gear. The mission of a lineman injury attorney is to offer authoritative and knowledgeable information to workers regarding OSHA’s guidelines. Their goal is to help workers understand their rights before and after a workplace injury.