APRIL 2016 | BILL INSERT
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: • April 11 is National Lineman Appreciation Day. #ThankALineman Steven Chatman, Georgia Power Tyler Dilbeck, Cobb EMC Eric Crisler, Marietta Power
• Show us your design skills for a chance to win big! • Summer’s on the horizon. Learn how you can capture your share of the sun.
WE APPRECIATE ALL OUR LINEMEN! America’s electric cooperatives have annually designated the second Monday of April as National Lineman Appreciation Day. We’re proud to recognize all electric linemen for the services they perform around the clock in dangerous conditions to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety. Cobb EMC’s team of line workers cover more than 9,000 miles of power lines for our members in Cobb, Cherokee, Fulton, Bartow and Paulding counties. Keeping our linemen safe doesn’t come easy. Dangerous situations are commonplace for this dedicated team, so making sure each is outfitted with proper safety equipment is a crucial priority. Take a look at what goes into suiting up Bobby Price, our own first class lineman—step 2:
Hard hat: A hard, plastic hat features a wide brim to keep debris out of a lineman’s face. Inside slots are universal to fit a flame-resistant liner and accessories like ear protection.
Safety glasses: These protect the eyes and deflect any debris that makes it past the hard hat, particularly materials that fly or splatter like molten metal.
Rubber gloves: A lineman first dons insulated rubber gloves for protection from electrical currents. He then layers leather gloves with vinyl cuffs to prevent cuts from sharp objects. As the voltage levels with which a lineman works increase, gloves are supplied in increasing thickness. Rubber sleeves tuck inside gloves to protect the lineman’s arms from contact with power lines as he works.
Body belt: A sturdy leather/synthetic belt is designed with utility in mind. It holds up the tool pouch and the safety belt.
Tool pouch: This leather satchel attaches to the body belt and keeps hand tools accessible.
Did you know? A lineman’s gear weighs about 50 pounds. That’s a lot of extra weight on a hot summer day!
Cobb EMC will soon offer a new rate that gives you a smart way to manage your electric bill. Thanks to this innovative rate program you will have a simple way to reduce your annual electric bill by lowering your usage during peak conservation hours. Stay tuned for more information about how to sign up in our upcoming newsletters!
Work boots: The leather boots are designed to protect the foot and include extra arch support for nimble climbing. Gaff climbers, which wrap around work boots, have triangular points that jab into poles, stabilizing a line worker as he climbs.
*Not shown: Safety harness, hinged hot stick and arctic coat
Do n th ’t m is i ne ss w ou ra t o te n
Clothing: Shirts and pants are flame-resistant and made with non-metallic buttons.
Safety belt: This belt wraps around the pole while the lineman is climbing and is secured to his waist by two metal D-rings.
A new rate option will soon be available