October 27, 2009, Tacoma, Washington -- Two of Tacoma Power's employees can add “Winners of the Washington State Pole Top Rescue Competition” to their list of accomplishments. Earlier this month, Line Electricians Kevin Kelley and Ray Leske, who have represented the utility in the pole-top competition for many years, achieved a first place finish at the Governor's Industrial Safety & Health Conference. They beat seven other teams from across the state for the title.
The competition challenges teams of line electricians from the electrical utility industry to rescue a victim from a utility pole in a mock industrial accident. The Tacoma Power team made it to the finals, where they received a mock situation that made the rescue more difficult and required them to think about the safest and most effective way to rescue the victim.
Teams are scored based on several criteria, including speed of the rescue and ability to perform CPR. A licensed practical nurse evaluates the CPR portion. Criteria for the safety portion include:
· Communication
· Climbing techniques
· Handling the victim on the pole and on the ground
· Vital signs on the pole and on the ground
· Rigging
The Tacoma Public Utility Board will recognize the winning team at its 6:30 p.m. meeting on Oct. 28.
About Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power serves 168,000 customers in Tacoma, University Place, Fircrest and portions of Fife, Lakewood, Federal Way, Steilacoom, Fort Lewis, McChord Air Force Base and other portions of Pierce County. The utility includes five divisions: Transmission and Distribution, Generation, Rates, Planning and Analysis, Power Management and Click! Network. www.tacomapower.com
