This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
■ play it safe


Safety For All


Protecting the public is the right thing to do.


BYGUYDALE COORDINATOR OF SAFETY & LOSS CONTROL


service to you, our member-owners. The lengths we go to keep you, your family and our linemen safe are a point of pride for us and we don’t take them lightly.


C


From acquiring new equipment and implementing new procedures – including installation of new breaker systems that react more quickly in case of a disruption – to raising awareness of back-up generator safety within the cooperative community and supporting the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP), electric cooperatives strive to promote the highest standard of safety.


A lot has changed for the electric utility industry over the last 130 years. In the 1880s, power came to New York City through the direct current (DC) supply method. Direct current supply required generation stations to be within a mile of a consumer’s home, which was great for city residents—but not so great for those living in the suburbs or rural areas.


Because of its inability to travel long distances—and the higher cost—the DC system eventually lost out to the more economical alternating current (AC) system. The AC system allowed power to travel across greater distances through the use of transformers located at power stations. These transformers required higher voltage to pass through the stations in order to bring power to homes at the end of the wire. This increase in voltage created the need for increased electrical safety procedures.


12 | june 2014 High voltage wires and equipment pose a danger to co-op members, as well as Choctaw Electric employees.


High voltage is considered in the U.S. to be a voltage above 35,000 volts. Designations of high voltage also include the possibility of causing a spark in the air or causing electric shock by proximity or contact.


High voltage wires and equipment are a constant danger for cooperative lineworkers, but they can also pose a danger to co-op members. That’s why electric cooperatives are proud to be at the forefront of electrical safety equipment development, as well as electrical safety education.


At Choctaw Electric, all employees participate in monthly safety training sessions. These courses constantly remind our employees of the safety aspects of the job and the importance of using equipment in the safest manner possible. CEC linemen also participate in intensive statewide safety training, sponsored by the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC).


In addition to safety training for employees, Choctaw Electric tries to raise awareness of electrical safety among the general public by


presenting free demonstrations at local schools and community events. During these programs, we show people how easy it is for an accident to occur when working with electricity, and how to prevent these dangerous, and sometimes deadly, mishaps.


CPR training is a part of our service, too. We bring these life-saving classes to local nonprofit organizations free of charge. We also work with volunteer fire departments to raise awareness of electrical safety hazards they might encounter on the job. These programs keep our local service men and women, as well members of the community, safe.


It all boils down to this: The more people we have in our communities who are knowledgeable about electrical safety, the safer we all will be. We think that’s a sound business practice. More importantly, it’s the right thing to do. ■


Guy Dale is coordinator of CEC employee safety programs and CPR courses for the community. To schedule a free safety demonstration, or visit with Guy Dale about other safety matters, please call 800-780-6486, ext. 227.


hoctaw Electric Cooperative has always been dedicated to providing safe, reliable and affordable


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148  |  Page 149  |  Page 150  |  Page 151  |  Page 152  |  Page 153  |  Page 154  |  Page 155  |  Page 156  |  Page 157  |  Page 158  |  Page 159  |  Page 160