Overhead Electrical Utilities Training & Certification

Three Different Types of Trainings

Whether you want training and certification in as little as two hours with our online training or a more robust, customizable option like you get with our DIY training kits or on-site training, we can help you get the training certificate you need in the way you want it and at a price you can afford.

Online Training

Online is for those who prefer self-paced training from any location or for employers who need to assign and monitor employee training progress and exam scores. Online training is also eligible for bulk pricing discounts for groups of 16+ trainees.

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Training Kits

The kit is for those who want to do the training themselves. It’s a reusable training presentation that is used to train groups of people all at one time in one location. If you need to train a trainer to use the kit we offer a train the trainer online course.

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Train the Trainer

Train the trainer courses are online and meant to certify a single individual to use the training kit to train others. The kit is included with the train the trainer online course for no additional cost and is reusable. The result is a lifetime certification.

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What's in the Training?

Our Overhead Electric Utilities training course is regulation compliant, and our online version fulfills classroom training requirements.
During this training, we will be taking a look at proper grounding procedures; equipment you may work with or around when working on overhead electrical utilities, including cranes and bucket trucks; best practices for working safely on site; pole-top and tower-top rescue; and we will present some case studies that will help illustrate the topics in the training.

NOTE: This training is not intended as a competent climber/rescuer training.
This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam as required by Canada.
Though you will still need to familiarize yourself with all other applicable federal, state, and local standards, this training encompasses the following laws and regulations:

Canada Standards

NFPA 70E - Standard for Electrical Safety in the workplace, National Fire Protection Association
NEC Article 110.16 - Arc Flash Hazard Warning/ Article 240.87 Arc Energy Reduction, National Electric Code
CSA Z462 - Workplace Electrical Safety
Alberta - CSA C22.1-18 Canadian Electrical Code Edition 24
B.C. - OHS Guideline Part 19
Manitoba - Manitoba Electrical Code 13th Edition
Nova Scotia - CEC C22.1, Canadian Electrical Code
Saskatchewan - 2018 Saskatchewan Interpretations on Canadian Electrical Code
Ontario - Ontario Electrical Safety Code 27th edition
Quebec - B-101, r.3 Safety Code Chapter II
Newfoundland and Labrador - NLR 120/96

Why Do I Need Training?

In line with regulations, anyone who operates on or near overhead electrical power lines must receive training prior to working on their own.

When it comes to refresher training, the standards in some instances (like forklifts) are very specific: operators must be re-evaluated every three years to see if they are still competent to operate the equipment. Best practices say to apply this same rule to all types of equipment.

A so-called “free-pass” cannot be awarded based on experience, age, or time on the job. The extent of the evaluation is to be determined by the employer but should include a written and practical examination that prove continued competency.

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Stay Informed On All Things

Did You Know?

Utility line work is one of the top-10 most dangerous jobs in America.

Utility line works have more than twice the fatality rate of police officers and firemen. (Source: T & D World)

Safety Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does an electrical lineman do?

Linemen work on electrically energized (live) and de-energized (dead) power lines. They may perform several tasks associated with power lines, including installation or replacement of distribution equipment such as capacitor banks, distribution transformers on poles, insulators, and fuses.

What are the hazards of being a lineman?

There are a number of hazards associated with working on electrical utility lines. These are the most common:

Electrocution
Falls
Fires and explosions
Sprains, strains, and fractures
Environmental stress

What is the death rate for linemen?

On average, the fatality rate for power line workers is 56.3 deaths per 100,000 workers. To put that in context, the fatality rate for construction workers is 13 per 100,000 workers.

Do linemen get cancer?

There is little evidence to show that living or working near power lines increases the risk of cancer.

What is the minimum safe distance from energized overhead power lines?

At least 10 feet. OHSA requires that all equipment be kept at least 10 feet away from power lines with voltages up to 50kV. The higher the voltage, the greater the required distance.