Overhead Electrical Utilities Training & Certification

Linemen work on electrically energized (live) and de-energized (dead) power lines. They may perform several tasks associated with power lines, including installation or replacement of distribution equipment such as capacitor banks, distribution transformers on poles, insulators, and fuses.

There are a number of hazards associated with working on electrical utility lines. These are the most common:

Electrocution
Falls
Fires and explosions
Sprains, strains, and fractures
Environmental stress

No matter how long you’ve been on the job, OSHA requires boom truck training, a boom truck written exam, and a practical boom truck evaluation. There is no way around it. This goes for other types of mobile cranes too. The extent of the classroom boom truck training can be adapted by the instructor according to student needs. The written exam proves mental competency and understanding of the safety principles taught. And the practical evaluation proves the boom truck operator not only understands but is capable of operating the machine safely. In the opinion of many, the practical evaluation is of the greatest overall value, but all components are necessary.

There is little evidence to show that living or working near power lines increases the risk of cancer.

At least 10 feet. OHSA requires that all equipment be kept at least 10 feet away from power lines with voltages up to 50kV. The higher the voltage, the greater the required distance.

Yes. Like mobile crane certification, there is a lot of confusion about rigger signaler certification. Bottom line, you need to receive rigger training and signaler training before handling rigging in any manner. There are organizations that offer federal certification which is portable, meaning if you leave one job for another your rigging card will be accepted. However, these more expensive classes are not required. The responsibility to see everyone receives rigger Signal Person training falls on the shoulders of the employer. They can train their employees in one of three ways: by themselves in-house, using a 3rd party such as ourselves, or by purchasing rigger training materials to do it yourself.

The boom truck PowerPoint presentation in our boom truck operator training kit on USB and our online boom truck training classes cover rigging, but we also have made our specific rigger signalman training materials available on CD. They come with both a basic rigger class and an intermediate/advanced rigger class. They also have a signaler class.

Contrary to popular belief, OSHA does not dictate what a passing score entails. That is ultimately up to the employer whose responsibility it is to certify, or authorize, their employee to operate a boom truck. If you want to pass him at 80%, fine. But what if a question or two among the 20% missed could lead to an accident or death? Is it worth it? Our recommendation is that you always go over any missed questions with your trainees—even if they just missed one. Once they understand the principle missed, have them write their initials by the correct answer. That way, you are protecting them and those around them from potential accidents in the future.