Tool box talk: Lineworker explains tools of the trade

In the electrical industry, numerous tools are used to keep the power on. Cass County Electric brings you the inside scoop on the unique equipment used by our lineworkers.

This video originally created for teachers to educate children.

SAFETY GLASSES: Linemen must wear protective glasses to protect their eyes from any debris, flying objects, and protecting against bright sparks or looking up a pole with the sun beaming down.

CLIMBERS: Strapped on just below the knee, these contoured leg shanks hold gaffs in place on the linemen’s boots. They are padded for comfort and support.

FIRE RESISTANT (FR) CLOTHING: FR clothing is crucial to linemen staying safe in the field. FR clothing will self-extinguish and limit the injury in the event of an electrical arc.

HOT STICK/SHOTGUN STICK: Hot sticks help linemen safely perform a variety of tasks while working on energized lines. The stick can extend up to 40 feet and is made of insulated high-voltage fiberglass.

FALL ARREST SYSTEM (FALL PROTECTION DEVICE): This safety device wraps around the pole, and if a lineman falls, it’ll grip the pole to reduce the distance of the fall.

HARD HAT: Linemen are tough, but you will never catch them in the line of work without a hard hat. A hard hat provides insolation protection against electrical hazards and protects the head against blows or falling objects.

INSULATED GLOVES: These insulated gloves provide protection against electric shock and burns. They are tested up to 30,000 volts.

EQUIPMENT BELT: A lineman’s belt is like your suitcase; it provides them with everything they need. It has clips, loops, and D rings that provide a variety of ways to carry any tool he might need. You never travel without your suitcase, so a lineman never goes anywhere without his belt – on the ground, in the buck truck, or climbing a pole.

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