Power Lineman Series: The Groundman

This is a post dedicated to those who have been directed to my site by various web search engines, looking for what it means to be an electrical lineman. For the most part, I'll draw from my personal experience. I'll also give you some links that I've found to be interesting.

Look to the bottom of this post, and others in the series, for the label. By clicking on the label "Linework" you will be able to read all the posts I have made concerning Linework and it's associated industries.

The next posts will be a series of sorts. I'd like to share what I've learned about what it takes to be a Lineman.

Often, the first step towards becoming a Lineman is to get a job as a Groundman or Utility Worker. This job is a good way for those unskilled in linework to develop the base skills needed to become a skilled Lineman. A Groundman's duties often include the following:

• Driving a Class A vehicle such as a Digger/Derrick or Aerial Lift


• Stocking the truck with material for the day's work


• Operating a Digger/Derrick to dig holes, and set poles or equipment


• Using a handline to deliver materials to a Lineman on a pole or in an aerial lift


• Anything else your Lineman or Foreman tell you to do.

For the most part, you'll be learning the names of all the tools you use in the course of your work, as well as their specific uses. Believe me, there are a lot of tools to master. One of the more difficult aspects of the job is that Linework has its own vocabulary. Not only will you be learning work techniques; you'll be learning a new language. Tools and materials seem to have several sets of names. Some names are traditional; passed down from the earliest days of linework. Some names are endemic to the company you work for. Some names are very localized; more like nicknames. My advice is that you pay the most attention to whatever names your Lineman calls his tools and materials. After all, it's your job to make sure that your Lineman has the tool he needs before he has to call for it.

This is the ultimate job of a Groundman: make sure that your linemen always have what they need to complete the job at hand. My first lineman explained it to me this way; you need to be able to look up at the pole at what your lineman is doing and read his mind. Don't worry if you aren't able to anticipate you lineman's next move when you first start working as a Groundman. If your lineman is understanding, he will remember that he had a lot to learn when he started working the lines. But remember this: he will not likely give you any slack for something he has already told you. Linework is a serious business. A mistake made here can kill.

As a Groundman you will be entering a dangerous, but rewarding, field of work. Stay "cut in", and you'll make it to the next step: Apprentice Lineman.

For now, you can read up on what other people have to say about linework.

LINE-MAN.COM

Northwest Lineman College

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers