It has a busy few weeks for training at the McPherson BPU!
Line crews recently completed annual pole top and bucket truck rescue training.
The bucket truck rescue training exercise simulates a situation where a lineman is injured while performing work from the bucket. The linemen going through the training exercise are working to rescue the injured crewmember. To do this, they must override the bucket controls with the truck’s base controls to first bring the bucket down and then tip the bucket to get to the injured crewmember. To successfully complete the training, crews must complete this exercise within four minutes.
Pole-top rescue training simulates a situation where a lineman is injured while performing work from the top of a utility pole. During the training exercise, the lineman is required to climb a pole, hook a dummy up to a rope, then cut their belt to release the dummy, all within a four-minute time frame. Pole Top Training was completed at the Kansas Municipal Utility’s training facility.
Bucket Truck and Pole Top Rescue training exercises were conducted under the direction of Lenny Swaim, BPU’s Superintendent of Electric Operations.
Also, this week, employees completed their biennial fire extinguisher training under the direction of the McPherson Fire Department. This training allows BPU employees to practice the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the trigger, and Sweep the fire from side to side.
These exercises instill the confidence and skills required for BPU employees to act and to be successful in an emergency situation.