The 2020 hurricane season began on June 1.  Over the coming months, hurricanes, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms will batter many parts of the country.  Inevitably, power outages will result from fallen trees, poles and wires.  Electric utilities will dispatch line crews, patrollers and site safety employees to identify, make safe and repair these hazardous conditions.  While utility employees are trained to recognize the hazards, nothing can eliminate all job site dangers.  A commitment to personal safety is the last line of defense to prevent electrical contact incidents.  Employees are provided with personal protective equipment including gloves, hard hats, boots, eye protection, Personal Voltage and Current Detectors (PVCDs) and, of course, the training for their  proper use.  PVCD reliability has significantly improved with the advent of digital technology.  These essential workplace safety tools allow employees to be proactive rather than reactive to electrical threats.

This webinar will be presented by Bob Behrens and Brady Hansen of Safeguard Equipment.  Safeguard Equipment is a company that addreses the global need for improvements in electrical safety and they will discuss the use and benefits their innovative, new Compass™ product.   The Safeguard Equipment Compass™ is a safety sensor device that securely attaches to the brim of any standard hard hat and provides 360° of job site risk detection.  Using advanced digital technology, it provides both proximity and directional audio and visual alerts for unseen electrical threats.  Whether assessing downed lines after a storm, checking meters or installing new lines, Compass™ can help keep utility professionals safe.

Bob Behrens, VP of Sales and Journeyman Lineman has a 12-year history in the electric industry.  His positions have included Journeyman Lineman, Operations Manager, Director of Safety and Environmental Operations and Director of T&D Operations.  Bob holds a B.S in Environmental Science with a Minor in Business from Central Washington University.  Brady Hansen, a Journeyman Lineman and Certified Utility Safety Professional, achieved Journeyman Lineman status in 2006.  He worked for Potelco, Wilson Construction and Bonneville Power Administration before accepting a position as a Journeyman Lineman with Avista Utilities, where he taught in the lineman-training program and worked in various lineman roles.  After eight years at Avista, he started his training business, Written in Red.  Brady’s dedication and commitment to the industry resulted in his nomination as Journeyman Mentor of the Year by the IBEW in 2018.