Overhead School

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Overhead School

Overhead School

Date: September 15-18, 2020
Time:
  • Day 1: Sep 15, 2020 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Day 2: Sep 16, 2020 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Day 3: Sep 17, 2020 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Day 4: Sep 18, 2020 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: MMUA Training Center, 1004 Michigan Road, Marshall, MN
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This event is now closed for online registration

About the School

Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA), along with our partners Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) and American Public Power Association (APPA), are pleased to offer the 2020 Overhead School.

Whether you are an Apprentice just starting out in your career or an experienced Journeyman looking to pick up some new information and sharpen your technical skills, Overhead School offers something for everyone.

When registering, participants need to select their preferred class—either the Multi-Session Class or the Advanced Class. Those who register for the Multi-Session Class will rotate through the four training sessions listed below.

NOTE: Members of MREA need to register on their site directly.

What You Will Learn 

GENERAL SESSIONS

General sessions are held on the first and last day of the School. Attendance at both of the General Sessions is required in order to obtain the full course hours.

Tuesday, September 15

Round-Table Discussion: Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Pandemic
Everyone will get involved and engage in small-group discussions covering various topics pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and response to this ongoing crisis.

Friday, September 18

Becoming a Safety Leader & Building a Safety Culture
Safety leaders come from every aspect of the job. This presentation will help develop the foundation of creating a safe working environment through understanding and communication. When you become a safety leader, the safety culture will also change. This program will assist you on the journey to creating a more positive safety culture; one that encourages open dialog about safety, including near miss discussions.

CLASS OPTIONS: Multi-Session Class or Advanced Class

MULTI-SESSION CLASS DESCRIPTION

The multi-session class is intended for lineworkers of all skill levels. Participants will rotate through the following four sessions.

Session 1:  Line Design
Understanding why overhead lines are designed the way they are can eliminate a lot of confusion and minimize questions. This session will give participants a good background on what goes into designing a stretch of line. Calculating guy lead, line angles, clearances, etc. will be covered, as well as combining new construction to existing outdated powerlines.

Session 2:  Overhead Maintenance
Participants will have the opportunity to practice several maintenance scenarios. A primary goal will be to focus on becoming proficient at system maintenance while adhering to all safe work practices and methodssuch as proper cover up and the use of tailgate forms. A number of scenarios will be presented that participants will be instructed to repair/fix. Scenarios may include suspension bell change out, cutout replacement, broken jumper replacement, tree on line, and others.

Session 3:  Rigging and Knots
Being able to utilize rigging and tying knots properly are critical skills for a lineworker. This session will cover knots and rigging used in all aspects of line construction and maintenance. Knowing the various types of knots and the best applications and safety factors of the various knots will be covered in this session. Achieving mechanical advantages with rigging principles will also be covered.

Session 4:  Advanced Rubber Gloving
This class is designed to challenge lineworkers to improve or enhance your rubber gloving skills. This session will focus on "working it hot." Class participants will be asked to develop a safe strategy to approach the task of replacing the crossarms on a double circuit 3-phase pole. Additional class objectives include:

  • Preparation for rubber glove work
  • Identifying hazards specific to rubber gloving
  • Understanding Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) and setting up a safe work zone
  • Using tailgate forms to identify hazards associated with the job
  • Demonstration of proper tools and proper use
  • Blocking automatic reclosing (hot tags)
  • Truck operation/set up

ADVANCED CLASS DESCRIPTION

The Advanced class is intended for experienced lineworkers and others who can benefit from this program.

Outage Management,Greg Calcari, mPower Innovations
This class offers participants a thorough overview of the tools and technology available to a utility in an outage scenario. Learn how the integrated technologies available today can greatly improve your utility's performance. Topics to be covered include:

  • GIS mapping
  • AMI metering
  • Outage management software solutions

Minnesota Lineworkers Rodeo - the RODEO HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Our 4th annual Rodeo takes place on Tuesday, September 15 (just ahead of the Overhead School). Registration is free to members of MMUA and any lineworker can participate—you don't have to be from Minnesota!

Individual Events include:

  • Hurtman Rescue
  • Pole Top Pin Insulator Change Out
  • Obstacle Course

(There are no team events.)

Trophies/plaques will be awarded for top three finishers in each event and each category. Plus we will award an overall trophy in the Apprentice and Journeyman categories.

NOTE: Separate registration is required - registration deadline is August 17. Sorry, no onsite registration.

Evening Activities

These optional activities are available at participant’s expense on Wednesday evening. Sign up form will be available during the school.

  • Golf 
  • Sporting Clay Shoot

Overhead School Schedule *

Tuesday, September 15
1:00 pm  Registration Check In
2:00 pm  General Session: Round-Table Discussion - Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic
5:00 pm  Reception/Rodeo Awards Presentation

Wednesday, September 16
8:30 am  Multi-Session Class & Advanced Lineworker Class
12:00 pm  Lunch (provided)
12:30 pm  Multi-Session Class & Advanced Lineworker Class (continued)
5:00 pm  Golf or Sporting Clay Shoot (at participant’s expense)

Thursday, September 17
8:30 am  Multi-Session Class & Advanced Lineworker Class
12:00 pm  Lunch (provided)
12:30 pm  Multi-Session Class & Advanced Lineworker Class (continued)

Friday, September 18
8:30 am  General Session: De-escalation Strategies
12:00 pm  Closing Comments & Wrap Up

* Schedule/program subject to change without notice.

What to Bring

ALL CLASSES:
  • Facemask
  • Hard Hat
  • Safety Glasses
  • Work Gloves
  • Work Boots
  • High Visibility Clothing/Outerwearappropriate for the weather
  • Fall Restraint (if you plan to climb). Required regardless of experience.
ADDITIONAL TO BRING—Advanced Class:
  • Note Pad and Pen/Pencil

Certificate of Attendance

Overhead School participants earn 19.5 hours for attendance and a certificate will be available online upon completion. Watch for an email notification from MMUA after the school. Please note: we must have the participant's email address on file in order to send the certificate.

Registration Information

Registration Fees

Members —$465 per person
Non-Members—$690 per person

All fees increase $50 on August 7, 2020.
Deadline to register: August 17, 2020

Registration fee includes workshop tuition, materials, Tuesday evening reception, Wednesday and Thursday lunch, refreshment breaks and a certificate of attendance.

Cancellations/Refunds

MMUA will issue a refund (less $30 processing fee per person) provided MMUA is notified of the cancellation by 4:30 pm on August 17, 2020, Sorry, no refunds issued for cancellations after August 17.

Hotel / Motel Information - Marshall, MN

For a map of hotels in Marshall, click HERE. The AmericInn and Ramada offer special pricing for participants. Just ask for MMUA's reduced rate when making your reservation.

Photographs

By registering for this event I, the attendee, authorize Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) to photograph me at this event and use such photographs in MMUA marketing materials (both electronic and print). I understand that I will not be paid for giving this consent. 

Questions?

If you have questions about the program and its content, contact Cody Raveling by email craveling@mmua.org or phone 507.530.2096.

If you have questions or problems with registration or reservations, contact Theresa Neddermeyer by email tneddermeyer@mmua.org or phone 763.746.0713 (direct) or 763.551.1230 (office).


A printable version of the Overhead School brochure is also available.