Although unofficially dubbed by instructors as “Arcs & Sparks” training, employees in each of our operating companies have been learning how to operate the new Live Wire Electrical Safety trailers to officially become members of the Live Wire Safety Squad. As members of the squad, they’ll be entrusted with educating the public about how to stay safe around electricity.

When the call went out to employees to learn to conduct the demonstrations, the response was overwhelming, according to Candy Webb, consultant, Public Safety. “We’ve had up to 50 employees at several of the training sessions,” she said. “Interest in the program has been so strong that we’ve had to schedule additional classes.”

The trailers were created to host safety demonstrations across our service territory, specifically for first responders, high-risk contractors and other groups that have a greater chance of encountering electrical hazards. The training is divided into two segments – hands-on instruction for employees who will operate the safety trailer, and a session for facilitators who will explain what is happening during the demonstration. The segments take place simultaneously so participants can learn how the two roles must work together for the benefit of those watching the presentation.

Employees from External Affairs, Engineering, and several other groups have completed the facilitator portion of the training so they can assist with this important initiative.

Employee response to the Live Wire Electrical Safety Trailer training has been strong, as shown in this group photo taken during a recent session at a Met-Ed service center.

Learning from the Experts

Leading the training for the hands-on portion of the demonstration are the West Penn Power employees who helped to design and build the trailers – Jack Cole, supervisor, Regional Operations; and Substation electricians Phil Carter and Chad Toulouse from Boyce Service Center. Facilitator sessions are being conducted by Candy and Shelley Baber, manager, Contractor & Public Safety.

Phil, Chad and Jack agreed that being involved in the design and construction of a quality demonstration trailer – and having the opportunity to meet people from across the company – was a rewarding experience.

Shelley said that the West Penn Power employees are well-qualified to give the technical portion of the training since they constructed nearly all aspects of the trailers. “Phil, Chad and Jack should be proud knowing that their efforts are going to have an impact – not only within the company but throughout the communities we serve. The entire project team was great to work with, and we appreciate all the support we have received from various company departments.”

​A Collaborative Effort

When it comes to putting together the entire Electrical Safety Trailer Training program, Candy said the phrase “it takes a village” definitely applies. “In addition to Contractor & Public Safety, employees from the FirstEnergy Utilities (FEU) Safety & Human Performance group, all of our utility companies, and multiple other departments – including Communications – worked together to make our trailer program a reality.”

Members of the Electrical Safety Trailer Team (see sidebar) assisted with many aspects of the project, including designing and building the trailers, developing an instruction manual and script for the demonstration, and scheduling training sessions. For the manual, the team created step-by-step instructions for various aspects of the demonstration, such as preparing the speakers and establishing a safety zone for the audience.

Candy added: “I can’t thank the members of the Electrical Safety Trailer Team enough for everything they did to ensure the success of this initiative. It’s exciting to have employees from all over the company working together to help keep the people who live and work in our service territory safe.”