Trainers meeting held at NEPPA on November 20

In late November each year the Northeast Public Power Association trainers meet as a group to discuss pertinent issues and express concerns they face as they conduct safety and technical meetings throughout the northeast. This year three main policy issues were presented and discussed.

1. Fall Protection: NEPPA strongly recommends the use of fall protection for everyone while practicing pole top rescue. Apprentices in training are required to use fall protection.

2. Ground to Ground: NEPPA requires (during training) that all employees leaving the ground wear rubber gloves. Rubber sleeves are highly recommended.

3. Extendo Stick: NEPPA does not recognize the extendo stick exception published in the 2012 APPA Safety Manual (15th Edition) page 97 Section 407 e (8). Gloves and other protective gear/clothing are to be worn.

These three policies are under review and final policies will be issued very shortly. The stance of all the NEPPA trainers is consistent with their sincere desire that NO ONE get hurt while working on the job. All of NEPPA’s trainers expressed a commitment to provide the best safety and technical training available anywhere.

Finally, it was with bittersweet emotions that the NEPPA training staff bid a final farewell to Dave Fabrizius. By the time this edition is released Dave should be well on his way back home to California. Dave retired after 25+ years of service to NEPPA. We wish him well in his future endeavors and he will be missed.

Stay safe.