Power Line Installer Safety Training

More than any other discovery or invention, electricity has transformed the way that people live their lives. It’s nearly impossible to imagine going without it for a few hours, much less a day. Below, you’ll find a list of training topics that are required for most Power line installers.
OSHA Required Training
Fall Protection OSHA Regulation: 1926.503(a)
When OSHA Requires Fall Protection Training:
Required for each employee that may be exposed to fall hazards. See full OSHA regulation for more details.
Training Frequency
When there is a change in the workplace or the employer has reason to believe that a trained employee does not have the understanding and skill necessary to perform the job safely.
Downloadable Fall Protection Training Resources (free):
Electrical OSHA Regulation: 1910.332
When OSHA Requires Electrical Training:
When an employee faces the risk of electric shock that is not reduced to a safe level by engineering controls. See full OSHA regulation for more details.
Training Frequency
None specified.
Downloadable Electrical Training Resources (free):
Ladder / Stairway OSHA Regulation: 1926.1060
When OSHA Requires Ladder / Stairway Training:
Employees that are required to use ladders or stairways should be trained on the hazards associated with their usage. See full OSHA regulation for more details.
Training Frequency
Provide retraining so that the employee maintains the understanding and knowledge acquired from the training.
Downloadable Ladder / Stairway Training Resources (free):
First Aid OSHA Regulation: 1910.266 App B
When OSHA Requires First Aid Training:
In the absence of a nearby hospital or clinic (more than 4 minutes away), a designated employee should be trained to render first aid. See full OSHA regulation for more details.
Training Frequency
Retraining for life threatening emergencies should occur annually. Retraining for non-life-threatening response should occur 'periodically'.
Downloadable First Aid Training Resources (free):
Lockout Tagout OSHA Regulation: 1910.147(c)(7)
When OSHA Requires Lockout Tagout Training:
When an employee works in area that contains machinery that is locked out / tagged out. See full OSHA regulation for more details.
Training Frequency
When there is a change.
Downloadable Lockout Tagout Training Resources (free):
Manlifts OSHA Regulation: 1910.66(i)(1)
When OSHA Requires Manlift Training:
When an employee is required to operate a working platform as part of their job. See full OSHA regulation for more details.
Training Frequency
None specified.
Downloadable Manlift Training Resources (free):
Personal Protective and Respiratory Equipment OSHA Regulation: 1910.132(f)
When OSHA Requires Personal Protective and Respiratory Equipment Training:
When an employee is required to wear PPE, they must be trained on its usage. See full OSHA regulation for more details.
Training Frequency
Retraining required when the type of PPE changes, employee demonstrates inability to use PPE properly, or when the workplace changes in a way that renders previous training obsolete.
Downloadable Personal Protective and Respiratory Equipment Training Resources (free):
Industry Best-Practice Training
(Not required by OSHA)
Eye Safety
Training Frequency
Annually
Downloadable Eye Safety Training Resources (free):
Heat Stress
Training Frequency
Annually
Downloadable Heat Stress Training Resources (free):
Slips, Trips and Falls
Training Frequency
Annually
Downloadable Slips, Trips and Falls Training Resources (free):
Similar Job Titles
Injury Risk
- Very Low
- Low
- Moderate
- HIGH
- VERY HIGH

Annual Injury Rate
Power Line Installer Safety Tips
Quick Tip
Water and electricity do not mix. At all. The dangers of shock and electrocution increase so much in the presence of moisture, that it is advisable to not even work on electrical equipment in a room with condensation. That’s why power line installers must pay careful attention to the weather, and never work in the rain.
More than any other discovery or invention, electricity has transformed the way that people live their lives. It’s nearly impossible to imagine going without it for a few hours, much less a day. From convenience to absolute necessities, electricity powers our lives, and the professionals who install power lines that keep it running are a vital part of our society. This unique, labor-intensive profession is very important, which is why it is not surprising that it is also stressful and very dangerous. The risk of falling from great heights or suffering from electrocution is high, especially among power line installers who are not completely focused on the task at hand. By following just a few simple, daily safety procedures, power line installers can greatly reduce their risk of injury and even death, keeping the lights on for a long time.
Electrical safety
- Never put ladders and scaffolding within 10 feet of power lines. Always use your special equipment, such as a bucket truck to reach high up power lines. Brushing metal up against a live power line can lead to electrocution.
- Replace frayed or old electrical cables as soon as possible, and do it with care to make sure that no one is hurt by out of date equipment.
- Always have insulated gloves on hand to deal with electrical equipment.
- Always assume that every power line and circuit you approach is “live”. This will help you to avoid shock and remember to check and make sure the power has been deactivated.
Avoiding falls
- Ladder safety. Always use the right ladder for the right job. Never stand on the top of a ladder or attempt to use one that is too small to save time.
- Make sure that bucket trucks have been properly inspected and all hydraulic systems are in working order.
- Never exceed the maximum weight a bucket truck can support.
- Make sure that poles are not slippery or oily before climbing them to work on a transformer or cable line.
Limit Distractions
- Always be aware of your surroundings when backing up the truck to a power line pole. Always place markers of caution, such as traffic cones around so that traffic knows you are there working.
- Never text or talk on the cell phone while on a power line pole. Focus on the task at hand, and keeping your balance.
- Wear proper attire that won’t draw attention away from the work or get caught by any tools or wiring. That means avoiding dangling strings, flashy shirts, keeping your hair secured, and not wearing any jewelry.
- Be well rested before a shift. Get a good night’s sleep before beginning the physical work power lines demand.
- Stay in good physical shape to avoid injuries while lifting heavy equipment.
- Communicate with your co-workers! Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
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