Line Technician Griffin Babb demonstrates how his fall restraint belt will catch him in the event he may slip when climbing a pole. Courtesy photo
Fullerton Public School fifth graders learned about electrical safety from Cornhusker Public Power District representatives this fall. The school was among the thirteen schools and 378 students in Cornhusker Power’s six county service area to experience the program.
Cornhusker Public Power District employees demonstrated Hazard Hamlet, an interactive electrical safety simulator. Hazard Hamlet features 16 visual scenes illustrating common everyday situations in which people can be injured by electricity.
The safety message emphasizes staying away from overhead power lines. One electrical hazard depicted in Hazard Hamlet deals with a car hitting a utility pole.
“If you’re ever in a car that hits a power pole, and an energized wire falls on the car, stay in the car until help arrives,” says Marketing Communications Specialist Jessica Kurpgeweit. “Remember, electricity is always looking for a path to ground. You do not want your body to become a direct link to the ground, or the result could be deadly.”
In addition to Hazard Hamlet scenes, a board containing samples of different conductors is shown. Students also watch a video, The Shocking Truth, which shows potential hazards associated with electricity.
The line technician shows equipment he uses when working on energized lines. He shows students a hardhat, safety glasses, rubber gloves, belt and hooks. Students always enjoy going outside and watching the technician climb a power pole.
Presenters of the program were Marketing Communications Specialist Jessica Kurpgeweit, Journey Line Technician Corey Boryca and Apprentice Line Technician Griffin Babb.