Overhead High Voltage Power Line Safety Training Program

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

The Fairfax County, Virginia, Risk Management Division (RMD) launched a comprehensive Overhead High Voltage Safety training program on 26 June 2012 that immeasurably enhanced existing employee safety awareness training. In keeping with Virginia Code, the Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act was enacted to promote the safety and protection of persons engaged in work or activities in the vicinity of overhead high voltage power lines. RMD established an aggressive campaign focusing on overhead high voltage awareness with the primary goals of protecting employees from risks associated with electrical emergencies, to include loss of life, equipment and/or infrastructure damages due to electrical arcing and fire. Risk Management partnered with Dominion Virginia Power (Dominion) to provide a live demonstration utilizing a mobile overhead power line mock-up that visually depicts numerous scenarios in which employees may be exposed to the destructive power of uncontrolled electrical energy. Training was provided at strategic locations throughout Fairfax County allowing for a wider audience participation of employees, citizens, other local governments and jurisdictions throughout the Northern Virginia region. Organizations participating include: • Office of Emergency Management • Council of Governments • Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) • Virginia State Police • Public Schools • Loudoun and Prince William Counties • Cities of Alexandria and Falls Church Police, Fire and Public Works • Volunteer Groups such as Fire, Police Auxiliaries and Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) Under this program, 41 training sessions have been completed with over 1,450 individuals trained to date.