October 2025 Training and Safety Rewind

2nd Year Distribution School

Oct. 6-10

Training included the proper use of personal protective apparel; installation of crossarms, insulators, lightning arrestors and transformers; pole changes on various structures; using live line tools; and personal protective grounding techniques.

Advanced Distribution School

Oct. 13-17

Training included the use of a variety of line fasteners and insulating equipment; pole quality and safety considerations while climbing; troubleshooting lightning arrestors; 3-phase line pole and crossarm changes; accidents and near misses in electrical distribution work; and transmission line maintenance.

Line Clearance | Climbing School

Oct. 14-16

Two registration options were offered: basic and advanced climbing. The basic course covered safe ascension and descension, optimal work positioning, tree risk assessment, electrical hazards, minimum approach, knots, equipment, safety gear and aerial rescue. The advanced course focused on advanced climbing systems and techniques for maneuvering in a tree canopy, as well as tree cutting and removal options and safe rigging applications.

Lineman Leadership Program | Peer-to-Peer Introduction

Oct. 14, 15 and 16

This structured leadership development initiative was created to equip operation and line personnel to take supervisory and mentorship roles. It focuses on safety, service and community, preparing linemen to become trusted leaders. Three introductory sessions were offered.

OSHA 30-Hour

Oct. 20-24

This class provides information on employer responsibilities and how to identify, abate, avoid and prevent job-related hazards on the job site. OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards and general industry safety and health hazards were covered.

OSHA 10-Hour

Oct. 20-21

This class provides information on employer responsibilities and how to identify, abate, avoid and prevent job-related hazards on the job site. OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Standards and general industry safety and health hazards were covered. This version included classroom and field training.

Rubber Gloving School

Oct. 20-24

This course covers rubber gloving theory; grounding and insulating vehicles; proper rubber gloving techniques for changing out and repairing electrical equipment and lines; operation of aerial life devices on utility vehicles and bucket truck rescue; and skills for using live line tools.

NRECA SMDP 752 | NEST Approach for Leading Others to Success

Oct. 28

This interactive leadership development training helps co-op supervisors and managers better support their team members by applying the NEST Approach (Needs, Environment, Strategies, Trajectory), including how to identify the needs of individuals and the organizational environment and develop strategies to meet those needs and determine the trajectory for success. Topics covered included the impact of workplace well-being on productivity, how different personality types affect team synergy, and how to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy characteristics of the work environment. Presented by Michael Dorsey.

Underground Residential Distribution (URD) School

Oct. 28-30

Hands-on training included fault-locating techniques for primary and secondary cables; proper splicing of URD cable; and switching procedures used in underground installations and proper maintenance procedures for use with padmount transformers.

Trenching and Shoring/Competent Person

Oct. 29

Training included OSHA requirements for excavation; prework requirements; personal protective equipment; installation and removal of protective equipment; entering and exiting trenches; excavation site hazards; air and emergency rescues; and trench inspection requirements.