SELCAT Spotlight
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Qualified Observer
A qualified observer is required when work is being done on any exposed conductor or exposed part of equipment connected to a high-voltage system. A qualified electrical worker, or an employee in training, shall be in close proximity to the work site.
A qualified observer does the following:
Acts primarily as an observer to help prevent accidents. Renders immediate help in the event of an accident. Ensures that "effective cover up" is being used on energized jobs when the workers are within reaching distance.
Ensures safe movement, positioning and clearance of equipment like digger derricks, bucket elbows, and cranes that are in the work zone.
A member of the crew can be identified to act as an observer. The observer shall be capable of identifying nominal voltages, energized components, minimum approach distances, and proper safe work practices while other crew members are working on energized lines. Also, the observer is not allowed to perform other duties when workers are present within the primary zone, near energized equipment, ascending or descending either climbing or using an elevated platform or any time powered equipment is active.
BEING A SELCAT APPRENTICE IS A VERY REWARDING CAREER PATH. YOU GET TO SEE ALL OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS THROUGHOUT YOUR APPRENTICESHIP AND YOU GET PAID TO LEARN. I HAVE DONE THINGS THAT I NEVER THOUGHT I WAS CAPABLE OF DOING. IF YOU DO DECIDE TO CHOOSE THIS CAREER, I PROMISE YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED.
In this issue
Know Your Knots
Learn how to tie a Catspaw Knot.
Words from the Executive Director
Check out a few words from SELCAT'S Executive Director!
Important dates:
May 31-June 2, 2023
OSHA ET&D, 1st Aid & CPR @ SELCAT
June 6-8, 2023
OSHA ET&D, 1st Aid & CPR @ Moore Haven Office
June 8, 2023
Math Online Class
June 12-13, 2023
EICA Proctor Training
June 14-15, 2023
Coyne TTT (Gold Card) Class
June 26-30, 2023
EICA Crane Certification Course
June 30, 2023
Online Mandatory Orientation
FAMILY PATTERNS MATTER FAMILY PATTERNS MATTER FAMILY PATTERNS MATTER
On Friday, June 2, 2023, SELCAT had the privilege of hosting a field trip at our office for the Family Patterns Matter group in Newnan, GA. Family Patterns Matter is a non profit organization that helps at risk families with children. The FPM group ranged in ages from 6 to adult and we had about 45 people in attendance! They met at the SELCAT office and from there it was outside to the pole yard and warehouse. Thanks to Casey Darden (Assistant Business Manager from IBEW Local 84) for demonstrating how to climb poles, Scott Galladay (SELCAT Instructor) showing them how to change out bells on a crossarm and Jennifer Gibbons (SELCAT Marketing, Outreach & Business Development Manager) having a "Big Glove" challenge for the group. After the outside activities, everyone headed inside for a Zaxby's lunch! Field trips such as these, help expose not only children but also adults, to opportunities in registered apprenticeships! We hope to help many more learn about our apprenticeship and our amazing outside power line trade!
A Message from the Executive Director
This month, I really would like to remind everyone of the importance of reporting incidents related to apprentices or that concern apprentices Also, to understand our duty to report unsafe work methods to SELCAT
We have a process in which we work with the local Union and the contractor to investigate all reported incidents, safety, or worksite harassment We have instructors that are assigned to look into and investigate complaints
While it may seem hard to speak up as an apprentice, it is very important that you do If you see unsafe acts, you’re being asked to work in an unsafe matter, or you are being harassed The first thing to do is speak up and say no, bring it up to your immediate supervisor, if that does not resolve the issue, bring it up to your general Forman, project manager, senior manager, or human resources. If the complaint does not get resolved, then contact SELCAT and make a report.
Safety and respect is a culture woven into the fabric of any organization, we must hold those around us to high standards and accountability, we cannot sit and ignore the fact that this happens, I believe that the overwhelming majority of all of our crews work safely and professionally and we need to bring attention to and help those that don’t. Thank you and God Bless
"TheTrailerPark" "TheTrailerPark" "TheTrailerPark"
May is mental health awareness month. A great way to help fight off moments of uncertainty is to have a great support system. Thanks to Bryanna Cash, wife of an apprentice, it made me think recently about what a great support system Eddie and I found during our time in the campgrounds and RV lots, or as I call it, "The Trailer Park."
If you work in the power line industry, chances are you have spent some time in The Trailer Park. Over the last six years, I have been married to a Journeyman Lineman; we have spent almost every one of those days in a trailer park somewhere in the country. During that time, we met and made some of the most amazing lifelong friends in the trade that you could ever ask for. Even though we ' have had to travel as much anymore (it only took 6+ years, holler!) I know that if we called any of the friends we have met along the way in those many trailer parks, they would drop what they were doing to come to help us out! I can't think of a better support system than that! So while you are traveling and maybe away from the family, and perhaps you need someone to talk to, or whatever the case may be, call on one of your trailer park buddies! They can be a huge resource and asset at times when you may need it. Many families travel together for this line of work, and they often stay in trailer parks! Be your brother's/sister's keeper and be there if they ever need anything. And not only for the power line industry but also so many traveling workers! From all different trades! Follow The Cash family on Instagram @cruising with the-cashes, and if someone needs a little help from time to time, be there for them! We are all in this together.
