Underground School
Underground School
| Date: | October 6-9, 2020 |
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| Time: |
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| Location: | MMUA Training Center, 1004 Michigan Road, Marshall, MN Get Directions |
This event is now closed for online registration | |
THE DATE OF THIS SCHOOL HAS CHANGED to OCTOBER 6-9.
Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association and our partners—Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) and American Public Power Association (APPA)—are pleased to offer the 2020 Underground School.
The Underground School offers a hands-on training track with a variety of training sessions and an advanced technical course. Whether you are a seasoned Journeyman looking to stay current or are an Apprentice just starting out, this school offers something for everyone.
Individuals registered for the Multi-Session Class will rotate through six different sessions, covering a variety of topics that can enhance safety and improve efficiency.
NOTE: Members of MREA need to register on their site directly.
What You Will Learn
GENERAL SESSIONS
The General Sessions are held on the first and last day of the School. Participants must attend these sessions to receive full credit for course hours.
Tuesday, October 6
Tick and Lyme Disease Prevention
Brian Anderson (aka The Tick Terminator)
Annually in the US, approximately 30,000 cases of lyme disease are reported annually by health professionals to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Several states—including Minnesota & Wisconsin—fall into the CDC’s “High Incidence” category. Whether you’re working or enjoying outdoor activities it’s important to understand the facts about ticks and how to avoid and even prevent bites to help minimize the risk of lyme disease.
Understanding the New FMCSA Clearinghouse Rules
Ryan Mihalak, MMUA
The recently implemented Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin. (FMCSA) Clearinghouse has caused confusion and created some misconceptions for employees. In this session we’ll go over key points of the Clearinghouse and how it affects you as an CDL employee. Bring your questions as we will help you understand this mandatory program!
Friday, October 9
The Power of a Minute
Scott Meinecke, Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives
In today’s hectic world we often lose track of time. We are continually trying to multi-task just to keep our heads above water. This program will help you focus on the true value of a minute--as it pertains to getting our brothers and sisters home.
CLASS OPTIONS: Multi-Session Class or Advanced Class
MULTI-SESSION CLASS DETAILS
Note: This Multi-Session Class is intended for lineworkers of all experience levels. Registrants will rotate through each of the following six sessions. (The Advanced Class does not rotate.)
Session 1: 3-Phase Riser Construction
Participants will be instructed on the proper construction of 3-phase risers. Terminating, proper clearances, and B.I.L. will all be discussed and practiced. Procedures for properly grounding the phases will be covered along with underground splices.
Session 2: Directional Drill Operations
In this session, participants will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience operating a directional drill, as well as the equipment needed to complete a project. Whether you have experience working with a directional drill or not, this class will be beneficial.
Session 3: Locating & Fault Finding URD Cables
This session is designed to give individuals a better understanding of locating URD cables. Participants will be able to work with various brands of locators with the most up-to-date styles available. Using different techniques in locating will be taught, along with demonstrating and using an A-frame locator for locating bad secondaries.
Session 4: Introduction to GIS/GPS Data Collection
As your electric system becomes more complex, it is critical that map changes are quickly updated. This session is designed to demonstrate how to collect and edit data in ESRI Collector for ARC GIS and Map Viewer. Participants will learn the equipment for sub-meter data collection and procedures to collect and edit data on a digital map.
Session 5: Leaking Transformer Change-out
Being prepared for when an oil spill happens is crucial. This session will cover the information and skills necessary to properly change-out a leaking transformer. After removing the transformer, participants will be taught what needs to be done with the contaminated areas, as well as materials and tools, and what to do if the oil has PCBs.
Session 6: Proper Cable Pulling Techniques and Benefits
Students will learn how to properly prepare cables for pulling. In this session, instructors will cover topics such as marking cables, lubrication, cable protection, as well as to discuss some techniques to ensure leaving enough tail for termination. Additionally, cable pulling tensions will be discussed, and cable pulling machines will be demonstrated by the equipment representative.
Schedule*
Tuesday, October 6
12:00 pm Registration Check In
1:00 pm Welcome
1:15 pm General Session: Tick and Lyme Disease Prevention
2:45 pm General Session: Understanding the New FMCSA Clearinghouse Rules
Wednesday, October 7
8:30 am Instruction: Multi-Session Class
11:45 am Lunch Served
12:30 pm Instruction: Multi-Session Class
4:00 pm Wrap-up
5:00 pm Optional activities (at participant's expense):
- Golf at Savanna Oaks Golf Course
- Sporting Clay at Shooters
Thursday, October 8
8:30 am Instruction: Multi-Session & Advanced Class
11:45 am Lunch Served
12:30 pm Instruction: Multi-Session and Advanced Class
Friday, October 9
8:30 am General Session: The Power of a Minute
12:00 pm Wrap-up
*Schedule/program subject to change without notice.
Lineworker Rodeo Mystery Event
This mystery event is open to all classes of lineworker, from first-year apprentice to the advanced journeyman. This is a fun event which demonstrates safe working practices and a little speed. A trophy will be awarded to the person with the best time and fewest infractions.
Optional Evening Activities
Tuesday, October 6
Pizza Reception
The reception offers participants an opportunity to connect with friends old and new after hours and enjoy free pizza and a beverage. Location: The Gambler in Marshall.
Wednesday, October 7
Sporting Clay Shoot or Golf
At participant’s expense, we will arrange a fun evening of golf at one of the local golf courses in the Marshall area or an evening of sporting clays at Shooter’s Gun Club.
Certificates
Participants will receive a certificate of achievement. Watch for an email notification from MMUA after the event.
Hotel / Motel Information - Marshall, MN
For a map of hotels in Marshall, click HERE. The AmericInn by Wyndham and Ramada have special pricing. Just ask for MMUA's reduced rate.
Registration Fee
Registration fee includes: workshop tuition, materials, refreshment breaks, pizza reception, two lunches, and a certificate of achievement. Participants are responsible for their own transportation and lodging.
Deadline to register is September 1, 2020.
Cancellations/Refunds
MMUA will issue a refund on advance registrations (minus $30 processing fee per person) provided MMUA is notified by 4:30 pm on September 1, 2020. No refunds after September 1.
Photographs
By registering for this event I/we 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/we understand that I/we 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).
Updated REGISTRATION FORM Here. The brochure HAS NOT been updated with new dates.
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