The OPCA Business Initiative Is Now in the Final Stages and We Can with Pride Announce

Newsletter 3

The OPCA Business Initiative is now in the final stages and we can with pride announce that all ten Candidates have passed their Foundational Learning Competency (FLC) “Mathematics” and “Communication in English” Exams. All of the candidates have also completed and passed their ARPL Theory Test and Practical Readiness Assessment Tasks. The Association is currently busy with the Trade Test Application so that each one of the candidates can go and attempt to pass their Electrical Line Mechanic (ELM) Trade Test.

The Association is currently busy with the application to be accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This is a lengthy process but a necessary one if the Association wants to become a legal entity and be recognized as a Professional Body in the Industry.

Member Certificates have also been sent to all of our Members and the Association would like to take this opportunity in welcoming our first Business Member – SHB2Y Contracting CC in Klerksdorp. The OPCA has now a total of seventeen (17) members.

The Association was requested to attend two of the Powerline Association of South Africa (POLASA) meetings, where presentations were given to their members. At the last meeting, OPCA was asked to give a presentation at their POLASA SHEQ meeting which was held towards the end of June at the Johannesburg Country Club.

The Association also attended the Eskom SCOT Line Construction Care Group Meeting which was held at Midrand towards the end of June. At this meeting OPCA was asked to become a member of their Workgroup which has been tasked to develop the training curriculum for the HV and EHV Overhead Power Line Industry.

The main objectives of this Workgroup, which will meet for the first time at the beginning of August, will be to:

·  Develop atraining curriculum

·  Identify the process required for the development of the training material

·  Identify if any relevant training material is available and if it can be used

·  Formulate the work group (What must be done and how will it be accomplished)

·  Set time lines for actions required

·  Clarify and agree on the responsibilities of the work group and members

·  Pilot the training curriculum

·  Register the training curriculum qualification with the relevant authorities

Overhead Line Inspections:

Assets such as Overhead Lines require a formal approach in terms of maintenance planning and procedures. Effective maintenance planning has as its main input, information about the condition of the plant. Such information can be obtained by a number of methods, of which line inspections, by physically visiting the line route, remains the most accurate and informative. Line inspections are carried out by utilities for four main reasons:

·  To verify that the line was built to specification before commissioning.

·  To determine the “As Built and Maintained” status of the line being handed over from one owner to the next if it is not a new line.

·  To do fault finding for maintaining optimum operational serviceability.

·  To do condition monitoring to extend the lifespan of the overhead line (pro-active step).

Tools Techniques used by Line Inspectors:

·  A geo-based map system to download tower and pole positions (for planning purposes)

·  Use of GPS for location of roads, towers and poles

·  Communication Equipment (Cellphones)

·  An Earth Resistance Tester and Kit

·  A spade for digging around earth straps

·  A tick sheet booklet (prepared with maps and identified areas for inspection)

·  A pair of binoculars

·  Recovery equipment for the 4x4 vehicle (winch)

·  A sufficient supply of water

·  A medical emergency kit and First Aid Training

·  A means of recording the information obtained (a paper or electronic system could be used)

Safety Cardinal Rules:

These are non-negotiable rules that have been developed around activities that have historically and still presently do cause deaths and disabling injuries in the Industry:

·  TEST BEFORE TOUCH - Any person who performs work on the electrical network shall ensure that the network has been OPENED, ISOLATED, SAFETY TESTED and EARTHED as per Regulations. All work must be performed between two visible working earths.

·  WORKING AT HEIGHTS - Any person who performs work at a height MUST either take steps to prevent a fall, or wear a Fall Arrest System, and be attached to an anchor point at all times.

·  BUCKLE UP - Seatbelts are always compulsory when you drive or are a passenger in a vehicle.

·  STOP SUBSTANCE ABUSE - No person is allowed to be under the influence of drugs or liquor whilst on duty and/or driving a vehicle.

· 
SPEED KILLS - Always obey the speed limits when you are driving any vehicle.