Two courses: Electrical Distribution and
Transmission Line and HV Substation Safety

Electric Distribution Safety

October 19, 2022 | Online :: Central Time

Electric distribution lines are the throughfare for power from the local substation to the distribution transformer which modifies it to usable power for household appliances and commercial/industrial equipment. The power is lethal in that it measures in the thousands of volts and yet it is less than 100 feet from residences and business. The course provides key insight as to how these power lines can coexist with relatively few safety-related incidents. The initial discussion covers electricity basics and power concepts then moves forward to best system design practices and industry standards (National Electric Safety Code). Topics include system maintenance, repair, system fault isolation and storm restoration. Key segments include information concerning protection devices and systems. The cost/benefit of design options, especially overhead versus underground lines, will also be discussed.

Learning Outcomes

• Thorough review of the electric power system
• Review hazards and lethal limit of exposure to electric current
• Identify and demonstrate hazards that may be encountered in overhead and underground distribution system
• Discuss causes of System Fault and Fault Isolation
• Identify and use personal protective equipment necessary for working near energized lines and equipment
• Evaluate preparations necessary before performing work at distribution work sites
• Employ the appropriate tools and equipment to use in performing overhead and underground distribution systems
• Describe the basic steps in making equipment electrically safe to work on, including line de-energization and equipotential grounding

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2022, 2022

8:00 – 8:30 a.m. :: Introductions

8:30 – 10:00 a.m. :: Electricity Basics & The Safe Power System

• Ohm’s Law
  • Voltage
  • Current
  • Resistance/Impedance
• Power
  • Real Power (kW)
  • Reactive Power
  • Apparent Power (kVA)
• Hazards associated with electric power
  • Stray Voltage
  • Contact Voltage
    • Lethal Limit – Electrocution
  • Arc Flash

10:00 – 10:15 a.m. :: Morning Break

10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: System Faults and Associated Safety Hazards

• Impedance
  • Conductor (Line)
  • Fault Impedance
• Fault Current Levels
  • System Fault Mitigation
• Overcurrent Protective Devices
  • Phase to Phase
  • Phase to Ground
  • Reach
    • Automated Restoration Schemes

12:00 – 12:45 p.m. :: Break for Lunch

12:45 – 2:00 p.m. :: Safe Electric Distribution Design

• Overhead Line Construction
  • Structural Strength per NESC
  • Clearances per NESC
    • Vertical
    • Horizontally
• Underground Line Construction
  • Clearances per NESC

2:00 – 2:15 p.m. :: Afternoon Break

2:15 – 4:00 p.m. :: Operation/Construction Crew Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment
• Regiment of Safety Practices
  • Constant training
    • Equipment
    • Controls
    • Procedures
      • Hot Line Tag
      • Applying Grounds
    • Tools
    • Instruments
  • Procedures
    • Overhead vs. Underground
• Storm Restoration Hazards
  • Extended working hours
  • Extreme Weather
• Hazards associated with Distributed Energy Resources

Transmission Line and High-Voltage Substation Electrical Safety

October 19, 2022 | Online :: Central Time

This course is designed to cover the basic safety considerations relating to performing maintenance work on high-voltage transmission systems and substations, including personal safety, electrical safety, and work site safety. OSHA Requirements 29 CFR 1910.269 and 1926.950 cover the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, control, transmission, substations, and equipment. Potential hazards in overhead, underground, substation, and switchyard maintenance will be examined. Processes involved in working on energized lines as well as safely isolating, insulating, and de-energizing a transmission line to make the line safe to work on, and restoring that line to service will be discussed. Participants will also learn the principles of equipotential grounding and how it safeguards line workers. Specific attention will be paid to communication, proper clothing, and protective equipment and to best practices in preparing to work on a variety of transmission and substation worksites. Register now to gain a better understanding of the hazards of transmission line maintenance and the precautions necessary to mitigate the risk of injury or death.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the individual’s role in safety and proper communication
• Demonstrate an understanding of hazards that may be encountered in overhead, underground, and substation and switchyard maintenance work and know how to avoid them
• Identify and use protective equipment necessary for working near energized lines and equipment
• Evaluate preparations necessary before performing work on a variety of transmission and components
• Employ the appropriate tools and equipment to use in performing overhead, underground, substation, and switchyard maintenance
• Describe the basic steps in making T&D equipment electrically safe to work on, including line de-energization and equipotential grounding
• Understand fundamental substation awareness information

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2022

Introductions

Communications

• Styles
• Basics
• Giving and Receiving Feedback

OSHA 1910.269 & 1926.950

• Requirements
  • Electrical Safety Work Practices
  • Line Clearance
  • Electric Current
  • Understanding Electrical Hazards
  • Electrical Shock, Arc, and Blast
  • Electrical Equipment 
  • Maintenance of Electrical Equipment
  • Inspection of Test Instruments
  • Working on or Near Energized Lines
• Job Briefings  
  • Energized Equipment and Circuits
  • Electrical Lockout/Tagout
  • De-energized Equipment
  • Enclosed Spaces
  • Ladders & Platforms
  • Excavations
  • Hand and Power Tools
  • Material Handling and Storage
• Demonstrated Proficiency

Transmission Safety

• Minimum Approach Distance (MAD)
• Induction
• Fall Protection

Substation Awareness

• Known Voltages
• Clearance Issues
• Grounding

Ground & Bonding

• Protective Grounding
• Equipotential
• Protective Grounding Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Fall Protection
• Hot Gloves
• Flame Resistant Clothing

4:30 p.m. :: Course Adjourns