distribution safety inspection

Customer

PEC

Location

Texas

Highlights

  • Dislodged Ground Wire Detected During Routine Field Staking
  • Resolved Within 24 Hours Through Proper Escalation
  • Reinforced Value of Field Safety Training and Inspection Protocols

Field Oversight Prevents Grounding Hazard in Distribution Maintenance Project

The Challenge

While staking for a distribution line extension and collecting field data, a Think Power Solutions team member identified a safety issue at an existing pole: the ground wire had become dislodged from the ground. The wire appeared tucked away and could have easily gone unnoticed. The issue had the potential to create a hazardous grounding failure if left unaddressed. Its early detection highlighted the importance of detailed visual inspection during routine data collection in rural distribution areas. 

Root Cause Analysis 
  • Hidden Damage: The dislodged ground wire was not immediately visible and could be missed during less thorough inspections. 
  • Potential Safety Risk: Grounding failures increase the chance of equipment damage, outages, and safety hazards in storm conditions. 
  • Environmental Exposure: Rural infrastructure faces more exposure to environmental wear and tear, increasing the need for vigilance. 

The Solution

Immediate Field Escalation The team member reported the issue immediately to the project manager and included photographic evidence. Within hours, the issue was escalated to the powerline construction crew

Next-Day Resolution The following morning, the ground wire was reattached by the construction crew, mitigating the risk before it could cause disruption

Field Awareness Training in Action The team member credited the early catch to field safety training that emphasizes pole-by-pole inspection and awareness of hidden or irregular conditions. 

Key Benefits

  • Improved Safety: The hazard was eliminated before it could escalate into a failure. 
  • Client Trust Reinforced: PEC was impressed by the rapid response and safety-first mindset. 
  • Operational Continuity: The issue was corrected without delaying the broader project timeline. 
  • Training Validated: Showcased the impact of consistent field training and attention to detail. 
 

The Results

The issue was resolved quickly and efficiently, allowing the project to remain on schedule. The cooperative expressed appreciation for Think Power Solutions’ safety commitment and response protocol. The project was completed on time with no further issues and full compliance with PEC’s distribution infrastructure standards. 

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