Hillsdale BPU conducts pole top and bucket rescue training

HILLSDALE — The Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities recognizes that the safety of our employees is paramount, which is why on Thursday, June 10, we held a pole top and bucket truck rescue training session for our electric department personnel.

Nine BPU employees participated in the training exercises, which were held at the pole yard behind the Hillsdale Water Treatment Plant. Jim Eberly of American Municipal Power (AMP) provided the training, which lasted several hours.

What is pole top and bucket truck rescue training?

Pole top and bucket truck rescue training teaches the skills necessary to save another’s life. While lineworkers are properly trained in pole climbing and working with power lines from a bucket truck, they expose themselves to possible electrocution and other aerial hazards during the normal course of their job. Rescue of a conscious or unconscious person from an elevated structure may be required, due to illness, severe injury or electric shock.

In the event of a medical emergency, the victim may need help getting to the ground safely. Sometimes only minimal assistance is needed, other times it may require lowering an unconscious or severely injured person to the ground using a harness and rigging so they can be provided medical attention.

To simulate a rescue, BPU electric workers practiced various methods of scaling a 20-foot utility pole and lowering a 190-lb. dummy to the ground in a safe manner. Nine individuals completed rescue climbs, with several completing more than one climb.

“Our electrical workers take a lot of pride in being prepared to help their fellow employees in performing the dangerous tasks that they do on a daily basis,” BPU Safety Coordinator Ken Keasal said. “They are also ready to assist other companies and crews that are working in our area.”

Pole top and bucket truck rescue training and certification is required yearly as part of the BPU’s mutual aid agreement with other municipalities, and its membership in the American Public Power Association (APPA). Thursday’s training is just one small part of the comprehensive safety training the BPU provides to its employees.

Photos of Thursday’s training can be viewed on HBPU’s Facebook page.