Power Transmission Lines
Before watching this video, try to figure out why birds and squirrels do not get electrocuted when they stand on power transmission lines?
Why Don’t Birds Get Electrocuted on Power Cables? (First 1:16 only)
Overhead power lines carry very high voltages, as well as large currents. This makes them very dangerous, as can be seen from the lichtenberg burn patterns created by a downed power line.
Because of the electrical power flowing through power lines, it is very important to follow safety rules when working near overhead lines. Here is a WorkSafeBC video about a worker who died on the job in BC.
Worker on Scissor Lift Electrocuted (2:47)
To safely work on an energized power line, lots of specialized equipment is needed to ensure the safety of the lineworkers.
PG&E Teaches Lineworkers How to Work on Energized Power Lines (1:59)
This is a video of a lineworker training to replace the insulator on a high-voltage power line.
Insulator Changeout On H-Structure NLC (11:40)
At the end of Sea View Drive in Furry Creek, BC, there are high voltage electrical transmission lines across the mountainside. As a result, it is possible to get fairly close to the towers.
In BC, there are many types of power transmission and distribution lines. BC Hydro has a useful infographic.
Being a lineworker is a well-paid job that involves lots of work outdoors. In the aftermath of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, they are some of the first relief workers brought to the area, as they attempt to restore the functioning of the electrical grid.
However, as seen in the video below, the industry has a very high death rate due to companies and workers not following proper safety procedures. The following video contains multiple safety violations, including misinformation/disinformation in the text overlays. How many can you spot?
Stairway to Heaven (7:47)
In reply to the previous video, Safety One Training Inc. released a video showing two workers doing the same job safely.
Stairway to Safety - Climbing to the top of a 1700 foot tall tower to change a light bulb (8:13)