carefull hiring Pike Electric may be shocking

[topgroove]

Electrical Surge Fries Appliances In Hundreds of Arlington Homes

Dominion Contractor Claims Responsibility




By Leef Smith
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, September 30,

Catherine Jamieson had costly surge protectors safeguarding her most precious electronics. So, she said, she was one of the "lucky ones" when a power surge heaved through her East Falls Church neighborhood this week, frying computers and damaging appliances in hundreds of homes.
Still, Jamieson said her home suffered a stunning amount of trouble, starting with a $1,500 alarm system that was still smoking when the security company arrived, a fried phone line and a busted furnace. Her neighbor discovered her refrigerator aflame, Jamieson said, noting that her own situation "could be worse."
"It makes me want to cry," Jamieson, 57, said. Her home was one of more than 200 affected in the Arlington County neighborhood when Pike Electric, a contractor for Dominion Virginia Power, was doing repairs Tuesday and allowed two power lines to touch, Dominion officials said. The contact sent a rush of power into as many as 600 homes, some of them on Sycamore Street, Washington Street and Lee Highway. It still has not been determined how many homes suffered damage, they said.
Today, many of those homeowners are still waiting to hear from power company officials about whether and when they will be compensated for the damage, residents said.



Although Dominion officials said they and Pike immediately dispatched crews to talk to affected homeowners, many residents said they went days without knowing they had damaged appliances -- such as furnaces that had not yet been switched on and other appliances that weren't in use.
Others thought their home's troubles were isolated. They said they learned of the incident not from the power companies, but from neighborhood word of mouth.
"To leave us hanging, to not contact us, that's just not acceptable," said Elizabeth Yoder, 53, who lost an alarm system and whose circuit breaker that runs her washing machine broke. "We feel like we're at the mercy of a fourth party."
Anderson initially said customers would have their appliances replaced. But later, she said Pike representatives will "look at each claim and determine what they think is fair."
Pike officials said yesterday that they are still waiting for reports to come in from adjustors and have not determined how reimbursement will be handled , so they do not have a policy on how to proceed.

[LINCRW]

Is Pike the only company to ever get something together?

[topgroove]

Johnson County native
overcomes tragic accident
Double amputee explains how his lifestyle has changed
By Deidre Ledford
ohnson County native, Josh
Perkins, performed a feat many
would not deem possible ... he
killed a deer. What makes Josh’s act
so extraordinary is the fact that he is
a double amputee with no arms.
Josh was born and raised in John-
son County. In August 2001, at age 28,
while working as a Class A Lineman
with Pike Electric in Metter, a freak
accident changed his life forever.
While working on the transmis-
sion system outside a substation, he
was hit with the blunt force of 46,000
volts of electricity. Even though he
was wearing the proper protective
clothing, the current came in through
the underside of his gear.
Josh sustained third-degree burns
on 34 percent of his body, resulting in
the amputation of both of his arms at
the shoulder joints. But, Josh didn’t
let the loss of two of the most impor-
tant parts of the human body stop
him from doing the things he wanted
to do. He has participated in many
Adaptive Living sessions across the
United States where he has learned to
reach his goals and has encouraged
others to reach theirs.
“It’s all a mental thing, really,”
says Josh. “You’ve got to understand
that it has happened and that you
can’t change it. You have got to learn
to make the best of what you’ve got.”
Josh explained that since his acci-
dent he has met many different peo-
ple and some with the most positive
attitudes of anyone he has ever met.
One such person was wheel-chair
bound with only the use of his head
for mobility.
“It’s amazing what you can do if you
only apply self-dedication,” says Josh.
“There is a way to do anything you want
to, you just have to figure it out.”
It seems Josh does have it all fig-
ured out. He still participates in the
things he loves to do, he just does
them a little differently. Hunting,
fishing and playing with his hot rods
are still his favorite hobbies

[Pootnaigle]

years ago Red Simpson who was bought out by Pike built a bank on a routine reconductoring job. Red Simpson hands now staff Pike in this area. In any case they never bothered to make up a ground on the Wye bank and managed to burn up the stuff of virtually every customer on the bank.Many didnt realize until several days later when they spoke with neighbors. Simpson never notified em.I had to go and troubleshoot the initial call .Took all of 2 minites to see it from the ground and inform the Rat Contractor on the pole that the neutral was open on both the primary side and the secondary side. I understand the the utility I worked for paid all the claims and billed em back to Simpson. My question is where was the foreman, why wasnt voltage checked before hooking up the customers and why did it take me longer to explain to their general foreman why it wouldnt work than it did to spot the problem. On the same job they set a brand new pole directly through a customers sewer line on the day before Thanksgiving.They had to know by the smell what they did yet they contacted it and left. We had to put those people up in a hotel for several days because sewer was backing up into their home.Based on my experience Those people only thought they were linemen , they sure didnt do anything to enhance our trade on that job. In fact I bleve they paid out more in claims that they made on the entire job or thats what our claims people told us.

[heelwinch]

Syracuse, New York (WSYR-TV) This week’s wind storm not only knocked out power to more than 40,000 homes, it also caused power surges in some areas, frying expensive electronics. What’s worse is some say that National Grid’s response is less than satisfying.

A surge hit Stew Smith’s house while crews were working to restore power.

He says what he saw was frightening. “My kids ran down the stairs and said the TVs were popping and smoke was pouring out of two television sets.”

Smith says both televisions were turned off at the time and plugged into a surge protector, but it didn’t stop them from being destroyed. Besides the televisions, Smith lost all the smoke detectors in his house, and his neighbors say their stereos and microwaves were destroyed too.

When they called National Grid to report the damage, a spokesman claimed it’s up to your homeowner’s insurance to foot the bill, not them.

National Grid says:

“In storm events that do not represent negligence on the part of the company, they don't typically cover damage caused by a power surge. But if a customer believes they have a claim due to negligence on National Grid's part, they should file a claim with the utility company.”

Stew's surge happened after the storm, so he's going to try it, but he's not too confident Grid's going to write him a check.

The Public Service Commission says they have no legal authority to assess damage. That means if Grid denies your claim, you'd have to take them to small claims court.

It's also important to note that the standard homeowner's insurance policy does not cover electronics of any kind that are damaged by a power surge. If you want that coverage, you normally have to pay extra to add it to your policy.
Copyright 2008 Newport Television LLC All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

[heelwinch]

(1888PressRelease) March 10, 2009 - Chloride has taken this initiative following worrying reports from CapGemini, which have confirmed the growing fears of the business community regarding power availability, stating that electricity output has fallen by 2.2%, the lowest level in 10 years.

Power cuts are a real and increasingly likely threat to business continuity throughout the UK, due to an ageing energy generation infrastructure and reduced capacity to meet energy demand. During 2007-2008, the National Grid reported over 600 events where transmission circuits were disconnected automatically, or by urgent manual switching.

Chloride carried out an analysis of its 2,300 UPS systems currently connected to its unique LIFE.net monitoring system and found that, during an average month, the system recorded more than 450,000 voltage spikes, dips, irregularities and breaks in the electricity supply, all of which can be harmful to mission critical equipment and processes. Additionally, Chloride found that power failures occurred every 832 hours and alarmingly, brownouts occurred every three hours.

“By analysing the information from our LIFE.net system, we found that each of the 2,300 UPS systems monitored in the UK protect organisations from disturbances 200 times a month, or seven times per day,” confirms Chloride’s Technical Support Manager, Rob Tanzer. “Last year the National Grid reported 49 single events of power loss to customer premises. While this highlights the potential risk to business continuity, it must be remembered that brownouts, spikes and surges can all harm sensitive electronic equipment.”

Chloride’s LIFE.net supervises over 2,300 of its UPS systems across the UK. The service allows Chloride to monitor the AC supply as well as disturbances and quality of power, which are logged in the system with all other power related events.

In recent studies by the University of California, it was estimated that an hour of downtime could cost some organisations up to $2 million. The study revealed the extent of fiscal damage caused by power outages, not mentioning the long-term consequences of lost reputation, customer loyalty and damage to brand image. Businesses must pay attention to the following stages when implementing a power protection infrastructure:

· Design: By determining the load and the operating environment, businesses can determine the appropriate design for their backup power solutions. Many standby systems installed are incapable of fulfilling emergency roles, so it is vital that organisations should consult a trusted supplier when designing a critical power support system. It is important to keep designs simple to minimise potential points of failure, and, by selecting the appropriate solution, it is possible to reduce operating costs
over the lifetime of the product. Businesses need to consult reputable experts, such as Chloride, to gain expert solution design advice.

· Installation: A common mistake made by many organisations is compromising quality for price. Often poor quality of components, low quality workmanship, under sizing of cables, incorrect settings on adjustable components and circuit breakers can significantly increase the likelihood of a failure. Businesses should look to install solutions that have a proven track record of reliability and scalability.

· Maintenance and remote monitoring: Regular maintenance is vital. Once a company has made a commitment to protecting its data, and made a significant investment in products to do this job, then it is false economy to fail to properly maintain a UPS system. It’s worth remembering that even though there might not be any outward signs, the UPS system is still performing its task, just as it was when it was first installed. It is essential that it is maintained in optimum condition for when it is required most, during a power failure. Remote monitoring solutions provide businesses with a competitive advantage. Some of the leading solutions monitor power consumed by the UPS system as well as the quality of power being fed into the system. By partnering with a UPS supplier, businesses can drastically improve the reliability of their systems through consistent level of service support. Additionally, when choosing a UPS system or supplier, it is important to make sure that the chosen vendor is able to provide maintenance and service to third party equipment. This approach allows businesses to use a single company to service all their critical power equipment and provides cost effective service architecture.

“There is more to back up power than simply installing a UPS or a generator,” adds Tanzer. “Facility Managers are often employed by organisations to look after backup power systems, but often lack the in-house resources or technical expertise to carry out appropriate maintenance. Clearly, it is important to work with a power protection specialist to ensure that systems are designed, implemented and maintained appropriately. Where mission critical applications exist, serious consideration needs to be given to backup power systems as a critical element of business continuity plans.”

###

[heelwinch]

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- About 1,000 National Grid customers were still without power at noon Thursday after as many as 12,000 customers lost power in the morning as a result of a line of severe storms pounding the area.

Those still without power were grouped in Warwick and Richmond, National Grid spokeswoman Debbie Drew said at noon. The power failures had been widespread throughout Rhode Island, company spokesman David Graves said earlier.

The community of Narragansett was hardest hit, with 2,500 customers losing power at about 8:20 a.m., Graves said.

Click to Enlarge

In East Providence, 2,300 were without electricity, as were 2,000 in Coventry, 1,000 in Warwick, 1,000 in North Kingstown and 250 in South Kingstown, Graves said.

In Providence, 48 customers were affected, including The Providence Journal, where power was restored shortly before 9 a.m. after the newsroom went dark about an hour before that.

The number of outages peaked at about 12,000 between 8:20 a.m. and 8:40 a.m., Graves said. Within an hour, power for all but about 2,700 customers had been restored, he said.

As of 9:53 a.m., there were 1,000 customers without power in North Kingstown, 340 in Warwick, 260 in Cranston, 125 in Coventry and 167 in Richmond, Graves said.

The outages, Graves said, were likely caused by lightning strikes. National Grid's distribution network, which provides power to about 474,000 customers in Rhode Island, has safeguards built in to protect it from lightning.

Lightning causes fuses within National Grid's power network to "blow," Graves explained.

"It doesn't have to make a direct hit on the power lines," he said. When there is a surge of electricity, the fuses are designed to burn out, he said.

Power can usually be restored quickly because crews need to replace only the blown fuses.

The power company also has lightning arrestors, he said, that are designed to divert the lightning and power from the lightning out of the system and into the ground.

Earlier Thursday morning, the National Weather Service reported that lightning had struck structures and power lines in several communities in the area, causing chimney damage to a Cumberland building on Abbott Run Valley Road and widespread power failures in Coventry.

-- With reports from Journal Staff Writers Kate Bramson, Thomas J. Morgan and Timothy C. Barmann

[heelwinch]

National Grid Told To Improve Storm Response
Posted on Thursday, 18 of June , 2009 at 3:19 pm

ALBANY—The New York State Public Service Commission has received a report from staff of the Department of Public Service with recommendations to improve Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation dba National Grid, New York State Electric and Gas Corporation’s (NYSEG), and Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation’s restoration and customer service performance during future storm events.



PSC staff will coordinate a collaborative process with the utilities to help develop guidelines and protocols to help ensure timely release of estimated time of restoration of service to the public following a storm event.



“The assessment process undertaken by staff after a major storm is an invaluable tool that enables us to identify opportunities to improve response and restoration procedures,” said PSC chairman Garry Brown. “Determining how we can improve storm response and restoration efforts is a critical part of our mission to ensure safe and reliable service.”



The evaluation of the utilities’ performance in response to storms during the last quarter of 2008 reveal that all customers’ electric service was restored within three days from the end of the October snow storm and eight days for the December ice storm. While National Grid and Central Hudson performed the restoration of service well, NYSEG’s estimates of restoration times and crew deployment were deficient for the October storm.



In its report to the commission, staff indicated that the utilities responded adequately, for the most part, to the December 2008 ice storm. National Grid was slow in releasing information about estimated restoration times to the public. Central Hudson did not provide the most accurate information available to its customers during the December ice storm. Staff also noted that NYSEG’s crew deployment for restoration of service was deficient for the December storm, as it was in the October storm.



Staff made a series of recommendations, including, but not limited to:



All Utilities:



Information gathered by patrols performed ahead of line crews should be acknowledged and accounted for in the damage assessment procedures, whether patrols were performed by a surveyor, line crew supervisor, or other personnel.

To ensure that estimated time for restoration (ETR) of service are made public in a timely manner, ETR guidelines and expectations shall be developed through a collaborative process involving all investor-owned utilities. The resulting guidelines shall apply to all utilities.



All utilities’ Emergency Plans should be modified to require that at least one representative participates in all state and regional mutual aid conference calls in anticipation of and in response to a storm, even if the utility is not expected to be affected by the associated storm.



National Grid:

National Grid should modify its emergency plan to clarify its preference for performing damage assessment from a central location to maximize the accuracy and effectiveness of Office of Management Services and limit the conditions where decentralized surveys should take place.



National Grid should assign a small number of line crews to the Wires Down organization to assist in making repairs or making areas safe to the public in a timely manner.



National Grid should modify its emergency procedures to acknowledge the list of retirees that may be used during a storm and require that the individuals be contacted prior to expected storms to determine availability. Additionally the list should be used when conducting emergency drills.



National Grid should establish additional procedures and protocols to ensure that its automated call message system, as well as the information provided by Call Center representatives, is up-to-date and accurate and that it will enable customers to make informed decisions.



NYSEG:



NYSEG should develop a procedure that deploys a sufficient number of wire guards based on the magnitude of calls it receives.



NYSEG should develop more proactive protocols and procedures for seeking external mutual aid to ensure that crews are requested and acquired prior to and during storm events. The protocols should reflect appropriate actions based on conditions applicable to each of the three storm event classification described in its Emergency Plan.



Central Hudson:



Central Hudson should retain hourly data on average speed of answer rates for a longer time period than current practice, with special consideration given to retaining information involving unusual events, such as storms.



Staff’s assessment of the utilities’ performance in responding to the October and December 2008 storms was based on a combination of factors, including: a thorough review of the self-assessment reports filed by the utilities as required by the Commission’s rules and regulations, discussions and interviews with public officials, and evaluation of complaint data filed with the Commission’s Office of Consumer Services.



On Oct. 28, 2008, an early snow storm brought 10-20 inches of snow to the mid-Hudson Valley and Adirondacks affecting approximately 25,700 customers of National Grid, 17,000 customers of NYSEG and 11,000 customers of Central Hudson. Final restoration occurred on Oct. 29 for Central Hudson, Oct. 30 for National Grid, and Nov. 1 for NYSEG.



On Dec. 11, 2008, a severe ice storm, followed by high winds, caused extensive outages in New York State affecting approximately 229,000 of National Grid’s customers primarily in the Capital District and Northeast divisions. NYSEG had approximately 38,800 customers without power, primarily in the Liberty, Oneonta, and Mechanicville service areas. Central Hudson reported about 62,000 customers without power. Final restorations of service occurred on December 17 for Central Hudson, and December 19 for National Grid and NYSEG.

[topgroove]

Hey thanks for posting old man. Now put your reading glasses on. if you notice the voltage problems were caused by a storm and not incompetent lineman wanabees pretending to play lineman.

[heelwinch]

Electrical Surge Fries Appliances In Hundreds of Arlington Homes

Dominion Contractor Claims Responsibility




By Leef Smith
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, September 30,

Catherine Jamieson had costly surge protectors safeguarding her most precious electronics. So, she said, she was one of the "lucky ones" when a power surge heaved through her East Falls Church neighborhood this week, frying computers and damaging appliances in hundreds of homes.
Still, Jamieson said her home suffered a stunning amount of trouble, starting with a $1,500 alarm system that was still smoking when the security company arrived, a fried phone line and a busted furnace. Her neighbor discovered her refrigerator aflame, Jamieson said, noting that her own situation "could be worse."
"It makes me want to cry," Jamieson, 57, said. Her home was one of more than 200 affected in the Arlington County neighborhood when Pike Electric, a contractor for Dominion Virginia Power, was doing repairs Tuesday and allowed two power lines to touch, Dominion officials said. The contact sent a rush of power into as many as 600 homes, some of them on Sycamore Street, Washington Street and Lee Highway. It still has not been determined how many homes suffered damage, they said.
Today, many of those homeowners are still waiting to hear from power company officials about whether and when they will be compensated for the damage, residents said.



Although Dominion officials said they and Pike immediately dispatched crews to talk to affected homeowners, many residents said they went days without knowing they had damaged appliances -- such as furnaces that had not yet been switched on and other appliances that weren't in use.
Others thought their home's troubles were isolated. They said they learned of the incident not from the power companies, but from neighborhood word of mouth.
"To leave us hanging, to not contact us, that's just not acceptable," said Elizabeth Yoder, 53, who lost an alarm system and whose circuit breaker that runs her washing machine broke. "We feel like we're at the mercy of a fourth party."
Anderson initially said customers would have their appliances replaced. But later, she said Pike representatives will "look at each claim and determine what they think is fair."
Pike officials said yesterday that they are still waiting for reports to come in from adjustors and have not determined how reimbursement will be handled , so they do not have a policy on how to proceed.

Really, any lineman that would post such baloney as this, hasn't been around to long or is just plain ignorant. As you can see from my above posts, it's not too hard to dig up huuey on this subject.

Cmon, Topgroove if that's all you got, it's time to throw it in.

[heelwinch]

Hey thanks for posting old man. Now put your reading glasses on. if you notice the voltage problems were caused by a storm and not incompetent lineman wanabees pretending to play lineman.



See that's the problem with your posts, where does it say anything about the cause???????

It's all propaganda until you give some facts.

Half hearted, propaganda, at its best.

You're not unlike most the youngins these days, wanna prove a point, just don't wanna do work.

[topgroove]

True but apparantly you are not the least upset or concerned about the apprentices killed by pike over the last few years. If you've read my posts or do a google search you'll see for yourself the dozens of young men killed on the job while working for pike.I see you 72 years old and most likely worked non-union. Thats OK there's plenty of respectable non-union companies out there. The fact of the mater is Pike hires fresh apps out of linemans college and throws them in the primary alone in a matter of weeks. Do a workers compensation claim search and see what happens to workers who get hurt. Before you get on the Pike bandwagon see for yourself how many have been died. Here's the worst part.... when talking to the family of these young men I've found out pike prommises the world to these young widows and than bails out after time runs out on litigation.

[heelwinch]

True but apparantly you are not the least upset or concerned about the apprentices killed by pike over the last few years. If you've read my posts or do a google search you'll see for yourself the dozens of young men killed on the job while working for pike.I see you 72 years old and most likely worked non-union. Thats OK there's plenty of respectable non-union companies out there. The fact of the mater is Pike hires fresh apps out of linemans college and throws them in the primary alone in a matter of weeks. Do a workers compensation claim search and see what happens to workers who get hurt. Before you get on the Pike bandwagon see for yourself how many have been died. Here's the worst part.... when talking to the family of these young men I've found out pike prommises the world to these young widows and than bails out after time runs out on litigation.

Once again you have no facts... 72 years old, 39 years IBEW 1249

[topgroove]

do a search on this site or google and you will see for yourself the facts.

[MI-Lineman]

I'm confused? Are you, Heel so upset with your FORMER Union (YEP FOR 39 YEARS) that you have taken it upon yourself to try and DEFAME the whole IBEW?:confused:

Why didn't you take that nice "cushy" job somewhere else RAT! Why don't you figure an average of what you would have received in pay and benefits as a nonunion linehand all those years and subtract it from what you ACTUALLY GOT BEING UNION AND PAY IT BACK!

I don't care what Edge says about you having problems with your FORMER Local, I'm not lettin you spew your bullsh!t just because you think we all owe you something because your 72 and have something against one of the best Unions to belong to! Why don't you tell us how we are supposed to take your word seriously when you hid for 39 YEARS in the shadow of the IBEW and sucked up everything they fought for you?:mad:

Groove has a problem with Pike (And who wouldn't) like you got some unknown:rolleyes: problem with that Union you hated for 39 YEARS!:cool:

[MI-Lineman]

You are confused Punk MI.

The man's TWICE your age + 2 years punk dude...

Linemen like you, and your disrespectful shit, are the problem with this trade.
You should be talkin to this 39 Year IBEW lineman with some god damn respect you fu$kin punk.:mad:

You weren't EVEN shittin yellow... when Mr. Heel was in Tools. Fu$in punk ass...

I wondered how long it would be until you two love birds HOOKED UP?:D

Funny how ya never shown any other TRUE IBEW Lineman respect lately?

I only respect those who are themselves deserving of such respect! Not FREELOADIN CAPITALISTIC WANNA BE'S like you!:cool: You two have a lot in common seeing how ya both took advantage of the fruits of others LABOR!:eek:

KEEP IT UP OLD MAN! The more you type the more you show your ignorance!

[heelwinch]

I'm confused? Are you, Heel so upset with your FORMER Union (YEP FOR 39 YEARS) that you have taken it upon yourself to try and DEFAME the whole IBEW?:confused:

Why didn't you take that nice "cushy" job somewhere else RAT! Why don't you figure an average of what you would have received in pay and benefits as a nonunion linehand all those years and subtract it from what you ACTUALLY GOT BEING UNION AND PAY IT BACK!

I don't care what Edge says about you having problems with your FORMER Local, I'm not lettin you spew your bullsh!t just because you think we all owe you something because your 72 and have something against one of the best Unions to belong to! Why don't you tell us how we are supposed to take your word seriously when you hid for 39 YEARS in the shadow of the IBEW and sucked up everything they fought for you?:mad:

Groove has a problem with Pike (And who wouldn't) like you got some unknown:rolleyes: problem with that Union you hated for 39 YEARS!:cool:

I guess you're a man that can't keep his word either. That doesn't suprise me.
I have yet to say one deflamatory thing about the IBEW in this thread. If you can't figure out what is taking place then keep your little snot nose out of it. I can see your just a lost pup grabing on, at any set of shirt tails that smell good to you.

Don't you have a meter to reset or some secondary to glove???

[topgroove]

This is what we're tring to prevent. This is a post from the wife of Pikes most recent fatality.


#26 (http://www.powerlineman.com/lforum/showpost.php?p=73186&postcount=26) http://www.powerlineman.com/lforum/images/buttons/report.gif (http://www.powerlineman.com/lforum/report.php?p=73186)
http://www.powerlineman.com/lforum/images/statusicon/post_old.gif 12-10-2009, 12:55 AM
tammyrvaughn (http://www.powerlineman.com/lforum/member.php?u=10739) http://www.powerlineman.com/lforum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 1


http://www.powerlineman.com/lforum/images/icons/icon1.gif Gary Wayne Vaughn
Hi Guys (& Gals too?)
I joined this forum because I have been very interested in reading what was being said about the accident that happened on 10/29/09 in Jackson County, NC where a PIKE employee was electrocuted. That employee was my husband! No he wasn't just my husband; he was my best friend, my lover, & the daddy to our three children...Summer 17, Koty 13, & Dylan 11...the tragedy in this story is that my husband shouldn't have been on that pole. Gary just had went to work with PIKE on August 3rd of this year...yes! & 80 days later he was killed on the job. He was a groundsman & should have never been allowed in that position! Gary had been a truck driver all of his adult life and hated being away from me & the kids after we married in 2007 & wanted a career he could advance in so when his best friend told him about this job he was very excited. This was suppose to be a job that you could work your way up the ladder in and he was thrilled about it. He had the CDL & the desire to learn so they had him climbing poles in a month on the job. He never had any kind of training other than fellow coworkers & the lineman he was training under. There were three other workers there that day...two lineman & a groundman...& yet no one knows "exactly" what happened. I'm a registered nurse & one question I have is why aren't there AED in all the trucks? He was down a very long time and although the medical examiner stated it was instant---an AED can potentially save a life if used within minutes. As for PIKE...I've read many things negative about them & sorry to say I can't find anything positive to help them out. My husband was dead nearly 2 hours before I even received a phone call from them notifying me he was even injured & I was told over the phone he was dead & I live 117 miles, yes, over 2 & a half hours away from the site where it happened. I have found nothing positive to come from this situation but I do pray every day that no one ever has to experience the pain I feel right now. I've lost the love of my life and it could have been prevented! May God Bless You ALL!

[MI-Lineman]

I guess you're a man that can't keep his word either. That doesn't suprise me.
I have yet to say one deflamatory thing about the IBEW in this thread. If you can't figure out what is taking place then keep your little snot nose out of it. I can see your just a lost pup grabing on, at any set of shirt tails that smell good to you.

Don't you have a meter to reset or some secondary to glove???

Keep my word? What was that? I respected Edges wishes but that gives you no right to continue with the whole "I'm 72 so I know everything attitude"!:rolleyes:

With the way you berate Union hands ON THIS SITE AS A WHOLE you do make insinuations that there is something wrong with the IBEW! Maybe thats why you had a bad experience for (YEP 39 FREELOADIN YEARS) with your Union cause you missed the whole solidarity thing there one-way!

I didn't say you are defaming them but rather asked if that was your plan! If you can't see that from your behavior on this site how one could perceive you as a UNION HATIN KNOW IT ALL BROKE D!CK FREELOADIN ORNERY OLD MAN then maybe you should get someone other than your"grandkids" to post for you and stop playing games AND GET TO YOUR POINT FREELOADER! It's just to bad you didn't do more to fix your Locals problems!:rolleyes:

So how does Swampies shirt tail smell old man?:D Trust me old man, I'll hold my own! I don't need a key board to make myself look like a BAD ASS!:cool: But you just keep comin with the youngen jokes when ya get out gunned SMART GUY!

Oh! I almost forgot....MERRY CHRISTMAS FREELOADER!

[heelwinch]

Keep my word? What was that? I respected Edges wishes but that gives you no right to continue with the whole "I'm 72 so I know everything attitude"!:rolleyes:

With the way you Berate Union hands you ON THIS SITE AS A WHOLE you do make insinuations that there is something wrong with the IBEW! Maybe thats why you had a bad experience for (YEP 39 FREELOADIN YEARS) with your Union cause you missed the whole solidarity thing there one-way!

I didn't say you are defaming them but rather asked if that was your plan! If you can't see that from your behavior on this site how one could perceive you as a UNION HATIN KNOW IT ALL BROKE D!CK FREELOADIN ORNERY OLD MAN then maybe you should get someone other than your"grandkids" to post for you and stop playing games AND GET TO YOUR POINT FREELOADER! It's just to bad you didn't do more to fix your Locals problems!:rolleyes:

So how does Swampies shirt tail smell old man?:D Trust me old man, I'll hold my own! I don't need a key board to make myself look like a BAD ASS!:cool: But you just keep comin with the youngen jokes when ya get out gunned SMART GUY!

Oh! I almost forgot....MERRY CHRISTMAS FREELOADER!



Callin me names is being outgunned?? I call it like I see it and I have a feelin that you, although you claim to be a JL might be the one that needs training.

And I really don't think it was necessary for you to take this topic off thread, just so you could flame me, for something you ass-umed.

SO it's TG's fight to take out Pike on hear and You are going to take me out.

GL to both of you, niether one of you has what it takes, but TG is a hell of a lot closer to his goal than you.

TG I respect ( like I said before) your enthusiasm, but play the cards your dealt not the ones from the bottom. And I'm not saying that mosts of your posts don't have merit, it's the ones that don't that make the rest just a bunch of BS.

I have read more than I care to on the subject of Pikes business practices, and from that, I have come to agree they are less than admirable. I also feel that they must do things right, the majority of the time and that they have honest hard working Americans trying to support their families in a time when any job is a good job.
And I will give them credit for that.

[topgroove]

fair enough... In my vengence I may have posted some articles from the bottom of the deck. I will stick to the facts from now on. I'll even go on further. If CEO Eric Pike gets on this board and posts his plan to reduce fatalities and keep apprentices out of the primary I'll end this crusade.

[Edge]

You are confused Punk MI.

The man's TWICE your age + 2 years punk dude...

Linemen like you, and your disrespectful shit, are the problem with this trade.
You should be talkin to this 39 Year IBEW lineman with some god damn respect you fu$kin punk.:mad:

You weren't EVEN shittin yellow... when Mr. Heel was in Tools. Fu$in punk ass...

just cuz he's older don't make him better you should know that Swimpy.... theres a ton of JL's I've worked with that are half my age and I respect the hell outa 'em...
but you do bring up a DAMNED good point... there is not enuff respect in this trade for other JL's... same thing on this site...

hell Swipmy I don't agree with of even like half the shit you post but I respect ya cuz your passionate about it... and you do so genuine concern... sometimes I wonder if your just chiming in to bump your post count though...

Groove... I heard about this accident... don't have all the details yet... sounds like they mighta droped some 19.9/34.5 on a 7.2 or 7.6 circuit... if thats the case it wouldn't supprise me... that how DC area is a train wreck... some complicated shit up there with loop feeds and 2ways and all... hell theres places where there are 2ways that double deadend with an open point and they are different feeders with different voltages... it can be a nightmare even for the cats that know their area...

I'm off for the rest of the year... but if I work somemore OT or get the chance in Jan to find out what went down I'lll try to remember to post it for you guys...

for what it's worth...

Edge

[scratchpad]

working for pike is death waiting to happen. pike came to nlc when i was there and told us how good their saftey rating is and their apprenticeship and that they couldnt remember the last time they laid anybody off. they had this hr puke doing this great power point. well it was all a big lie. tgroove is right, keep it up brother. i know i was blind at nlc, i just wanted to get in the trade. pike flew in their private jet, set up a catered lunch to all, told us they wanted to take the whole class, made us feel like a million bucks.

i have two good friends that worked for them for a year right out of lineschool. the horror stories are endless from them. yes, they were subject to working primary early on in that year. they worked with substandard equipment and sometimes not the proper equipment to get the job done in very unsafe manners. the "lineman" over there that they worked with wouldnt make good groundman out here on the west coast or anywhere union for that matter. the majority of there lineman they worked with never climbed or owned a set of climbers. pay raises were few and far between. i think one of them got 50 cent raise in a year and the other got $1.00. they started at like $15 or $16 an hour. both of them are hard fu(kin workers too. neither one are slouches. 3rd day on the job they had to rescue one of their "lineman" as he burned himself up. turns out he wasnt a lineman he lied about his expeience on his resume. i believe some of their forman were never lineman.

both are now IBEW and getting excellent training. good thing they made it through and can laugh about it now. i wish theyd come on here and tell about their experiences. i probably dont even know the half of it.

[heelwinch]

just cuz he's older don't make him better you should know that Swimpy.... theres a ton of JL's I've worked with that are half my age and I respect the hell outa 'em...
but you do bring up a DAMNED good point... there is not enuff respect in this trade for other JL's... same thing on this site...



Edge


Respect is earned not given. I been trying to shake that damn MI off my leg for a week now, course I can't shake my legs so we can see how that's working out for me.:)

First time a saw a JL hang a ladder to change out a string I pretty near pissed myself laughing. Well it wasn't long we were all on em. The first time I clumb down one, I apologized to the man the next time I saw him, for it was at that point that my sarcasm turned to respect. It was a lot easier to work off but there was a little getting used to. The strings never moved when you climbed down them.

I retired from this trade with all ten digits, a handfull of scars and some bones spurs. And I was in the air pretty goddamn near every day I was drawing a check.

You can razz me till your pecker falls off, it won't change my opinion of you, nor will it run me off. If you want my respect than show me what you can do. That's my way of thinking and no one is going to change it at this point in my life.

[Edge]

yeah... I think that was my point bub...

for what it's worth...

Edge

[MI-Lineman]

Respect is earned not given. I been trying to shake that damn MI off my leg for a week now, course I can't shake my legs so we can see how that's working out for me.:)

First time a saw a JL hang a ladder to change out a string I pretty near pissed myself laughing. Well it wasn't long we were all on em. The first time I clumb down one, I apologized to the man the next time I saw him, for it was at that point that my sarcasm turned to respect. It was a lot easier to work off but there was a little getting used to. The strings never moved when you climbed down them.

I retired from this trade with all ten digits, a handfull of scars and some bones spurs. And I was in the air pretty goddamn near every day I was drawing a check.

You can razz me till your pecker falls off, it won't change my opinion of you, nor will it run me off. If you want my respect than show me what you can do. That's my way of thinking and no one is going to change it at this point in my life.

I don't Know what GRAND DELUSIONS you have of us (younger JLs) having to prove anything to you so far you've done nothing to prove to me you were ever a Line man and don't get confused here, I don't want the respect of a sh!t stirring freeloadin washed up wannabe LIKE YOU! I'll just keep fightin all the f$cked up so-called "safety rules" idiots like you brought on this trade (If you were actually in this trade?)!

You show me something for once! You're obviously never going to tell us what it is that makes you so unhappy with YOUR, YES YOUR UNION but I'll try once again! Was it due to some discipline that kept you from crew leader? Did ya f$ck up and get someone hurt smart guy? Is that why you think crew leaders should be responsible for the mistakes made by the crew? Yours didn't take the brunt of the punishment for your mistake? Oh that's right ya didn't want to "babysit anyone"! Yea, I've learned you don't respond well to pressure! Why do we have to prove anything to someone with such a mysterious past?

Unlike you I've got thick skin so bring it PHONY! You're getting the respect from me you deserve and nutting more until you loose the GOD complex!

BTW you keep using the old "Everything I say is Gospel cause I'm older than you" card and I'll keep callin ya names!:D To think....it's free to be this damn young AND THAT DAMN OLD! SO WHAT!

Sorry Edge but I've got a lot of UNION PRIDE and I know what I've done and what I can do and there isn't anybody gonna get my respect who can't even reply to HONEST QUESTIONS!

[west coast hand]

You always have the older hands giving the younger guy s&%t its part of the trade but there is a fine line there sometimes older guy try to treat you like a app because you are a younger guy and thats the fine line and yes I'm a younger JL been topped out 7 years and i'm 30 but some guys are just dickheads and thats all they know is how to yell and scream and that s&%t don't fly we will be going to the dirt...I show respect when it is shown to me i'm a 3rd generation lineman so i have been around lineman my whole life and i can tell you there are alot more s%&tty hands then good ones it don't madder how many years you got in the trade.put the tools on and lets see what you can do??????

[MI-Lineman]

You always have the older hands giving the younger guy s&%t its part of the trade but there is a fine line there sometimes older guy try to treat you like a app because you are a younger guy and thats the fine line and yes I'm a younger JL been topped out 7 years and i'm 30 but some guys are just dickheads and thats all they know is how to yell and scream and that s&%t don't fly we will be going to the dirt...I show respect when it is shown to me i'm a 3rd generation lineman so i have been around lineman my whole life and i can tell you there are alot more s%&tty hands then good ones it don't madder how many years you got in the trade.put the tools on and lets see what you can do??????

Look! It's like in your signature! "United We Stand..." Nows the time for Unions to clean up and shine and fight back against the machine! Just because ya gotta beef with your Union ya can't come on here claiming us "Union guys are screwed"! He had just as much capability of doing something about it when he was there (FOR 39 YEARS)! If he thinks he's gonna teach us "youngens" something then what kind of message is that? I don't care how old you are or how long you been here your not impressing me with the Clint Eastwood attitude! Egos like that get people killed! AND MR (YES MR) HEELWINCH IT MAY BE THAT ATTITUDE THAT'S INFECTING THE MEN AT PIKE! AND IF WE SEE IT THEN MANAGEMENT SHOULD HAVE SEEN IT LONG AGO AND DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

That's how what I say relates to Tops thread!:cool:

I'm sure you were a good line hand and I wouldn't mind hearing about the good ole days some day! Until then while I'm here I will defend all unions (EVEN MY UNION WHOM I DON'T AGREE WITH MOST OF THE TIME) until the day I'm forced to greet shoppers at...well you know where!:D

[heelwinch]

Look! It's like in your signature! "United We Stand..." Nows the time for Unions to clean up and shine and fight back against the machine! Just because ya gotta beef with your Union ya can't come on here claiming us "Union guys are screwed"! He had just as much capability of doing something about it when he was there (FOR 39 YEARS)! If he thinks he's gonna teach us "youngens" something then what kind of message is that? I don't care how old you are or how long you been here your not impressing me with the Clint Eastwood attitude! Egos like that get people killed! AND MR (YES MR) HEELWINCH IT MAY BE THAT ATTITUDE THAT'S INFECTING THE MEN AT PIKE! AND IF WE SEE IT THEN MANAGEMENT SHOULD HAVE SEEN IT LONG AGO AND DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

That's how what I say relates to Tops thread!:cool:

I'm sure you were a good line hand and I wouldn't mind hearing about the good ole days some day! Until then while I'm here I will defend all unions (EVEN MY UNION WHOM I DON'T AGREE WITH MOST OF THE TIME) until the day I'm forced to greet shoppers at...well you know where!:D

You're my hero.

[MI-Lineman]

You're my hero.

AND THERE IT IS! 72 YEARS OF KNOWLEDGE AND YA CAN'T GIVE AN INTELLIGENT REPLY!:rolleyes:

I'm not interested being a hero! You though, that's obviously all you want! GOOD LUCK PHONY!!

DON'T BOTHER LETTIN ME KNOW HOW THAT ONE WORKS OUT FOR YA! I'LL PROBABLY BE DEAD OF OLD AGE BY THEN!:D

[west coast hand]

Look! It's like in your signature! "United We Stand..." Nows the time for Unions to clean up and shine and fight back against the machine! Just because ya gotta beef with your Union ya can't come on here claiming us "Union guys are screwed"! He had just as much capability of doing something about it when he was there (FOR 39 YEARS)! If he thinks he's gonna teach us "youngens" something then what kind of message is that? I don't care how old you are or how long you been here your not impressing me with the Clint Eastwood attitude! Egos like that get people killed! AND MR (YES MR) HEELWINCH IT MAY BE THAT ATTITUDE THAT'S INFECTING THE MEN AT PIKE! AND IF WE SEE IT THEN MANAGEMENT SHOULD HAVE SEEN IT LONG AGO AND DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

That's how what I say relates to Tops thread!:cool:

I'm sure you were a good line hand and I wouldn't mind hearing about the good ole days some day! Until then while I'm here I will defend all unions (EVEN MY UNION WHOM I DON'T AGREE WITH MOST OF THE TIME) until the day I'm forced to greet shoppers at...well you know where!:D

Well said bro

[MI-Lineman]

[QUOTE=Swamprat;73781]I hope it's sooner than that.
And...that ya die of a "Healthcare shortage".:D In whatever "service" you need at the time...Punk.

Fu$k us old bastards...and all our opinions and knowledge.

It's a "Different DAY"...Move on young punks!! Mo
Your punk ass'es...just to young to Understand that. Carry on "boys"...."

Well that's real nice Swamp! Apparently your OLD ASS MISSED THE POINT TOO!:cool:

You and Winch gotta lot in common! You both play the age card when you have no REAL REPLY! Ya both have or will have taken advantage of something and not put your fair share back into it!( YES F$CK YOU I WILL BRING THAT ONE BACK UP THEN PUNK!) Ya both can't admit when someone "Younger" than you has a POINT!

That's alright, "Two Birds of a Feather....." You know the rest "OLD PUNK"! :D

Hey look! It's Swimpies and Heelbitches song!:D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs38lKxmtI4

[Bull Dog]

This is how it works. First a young guy right out of line school try's to tell you he has all the answers. The more experienced guy that has been there and done that tells the new punk you do it my way or the highway. One of two things then happens. The new know it all, that thinks he is all that, either listens or he leaves. Now if he leaves good riddance, and another new guy takes his place. If he listens then for a while the more experienced guy will say no to all his ideas. After a while maybe a couple of years the new guy might have a good idea, and the more experienced guy will say ya lets try that and see how it works. This is not rocket science its simple as that. You got to have confidence in the new guy before you can let him go. I don't know what the controversy is on this board. Seems silly to be arguing about something like thats. Most CL, Formans in Union shops do not get promoted until they have shown the right stuff. I don't know about other situations. I suppose unfairness could lead to tension. Young guys usually think they can do it better and know it all. The exceptions that know they need to listen, and learn, in my experience make the safest linemen and best leaders.

[heelwinch]

[QUOTE=Swamprat;73781]I hope it's sooner than that.
And...that ya die of a "Healthcare shortage".:D In whatever "service" you need at the time...Punk.

Fu$k us old bastards...and all our opinions and knowledge.

It's a "Different DAY"...Move on young punks!! Mo
Your punk ass'es...just to young to Understand that. Carry on "boys"...."

Well that's real nice Swamp! Apparently your OLD ASS MISSED THE POINT TOO!:cool:

You and Winch gotta lot in common! You both play the age card when you have no REAL REPLY! Ya both have or will have taken advantage of something and not put your fair share back into it!( YES F$CK YOU I WILL BRING THAT ONE BACK UP THEN PUNK!) Ya both can't admit when someone "Younger" than you has a POINT!

That's alright, "Two Birds of a Feather....." You know the rest "OLD PUNK"! :D

Hey look! It's Swimpies and Heelbitches song!:D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs38lKxmtI4

Don't know about you Swamp, but I used to date a girl with a daddy complex like MI has.

She was a few years my junior, she use to scream the same words MI uses when addressing me, during sex. It's all good though, she eventually choked on her own vomit, in a motel after a one nighter with a local bar fly.

I'll tell you one thing, when she took her teeth out... well you can fill in the blanks.

[MI-Lineman]

[QUOTE=MI-Lineman;73791]

Don't know about you Swamp, but I used to date a girl with a daddy complex like MI has.

She was a few years my junior, she use to scream the same words MI uses when addressing me, during sex. It's all good though, she eventually choked on her own vomit, in a motel after a one nighter with a local bar fly.

I'll tell you one thing, when she took her teeth out... well you can fill in the blanks.

Again you can't contribute anything useful to the "young guys"! Just like your supposed career in line work! Hey glad ya made friends with Swampy! Wow what an accomplishment for a 72 year old!

Still dodgin me though! Huh? Must be the same thing ya did when the "Big Tower Jobs" came up huh FREELOADER! Was that one she called ya when ya didn't tip her or was it BROKEDICK? What?

Is that how ya treated the new guys when ya sent'em up in the primary their first day Mr. Pike? Like whores?

39 years (SUPPOSEDLY) in the trade and all you remember was a night with a whore! KEEP TALKIN PHONY YOUR DOIN ALL THE WORK FOR ME!:D

I've given ya a chance to plead your case against Unions and contribute somethin useful to this site! You just keep dodgin?

Oh your just hear cause ya thought ya heard Swamps zipper rattling?:cool:

[electriklady]

I hope it's sooner than that.
And...that ya die of a "Healthcare shortage".:D In whatever "service" you need at the time...Punk.

As for you wch....

heh, heh, heh....:p

Well Said "Bro".

Take your 'Bro'...and put it where the sun don't shine.:D Cause THATS what it's worth.

Guys like you and MI...ARE the "new breed" of what USE to be called.....linemen.

Fu$k us old bastards...and all our opinions and knowledge.

It's a "Different DAY"...Move on young punks!! Move on.:D

"Ya plant what ya can....ya reap what ya sow. And...sooner or LATER, what ya Sow....comes BACK TO ya."

Your punk ass'es...just to young to Understand that. Carry on "boys"....

Stephen King. Pet Semitary.

Swamp, I try to respect you guys by not chiming in the linework threads(not being a lineman, and all)....but I am pi$$ed off.....I will make it brief and leave you guys to your thread....and please excuse the intrusion..

You stating that you hope MI dies before old age. WTF kind of statement is that for you to make, anytime, let alone at Christmas time? That was totally uncalled for..... a terrible thing to say......to anyone. You dont agree with him and you wish him a "sooner death"? Pitiful, I have to say.

I am done, again guys, sorry for the intrusion.

[west coast hand]

[QUOTE=MI-Lineman;73791]

Don't know about you Swamp, but I used to date a girl with a daddy complex like MI has.

She was a few years my junior, she use to scream the same words MI uses when addressing me, during sex. It's all good though, she eventually choked on her own vomit, in a motel after a one nighter with a local bar fly.

I'll tell you one thing, when she took her teeth out... well you can fill in the blanks.

The funny part is that in the story that was his sister and his dad????why go down the street when you can go down the hall....sick F&%K...Oh ya swamp there you are cyber lineman talking smack.Its chrismas go get yourself a big block of cheese you ratty F%&K

[Edge]

[QUOTE=heelwinch;73799]

Again you can't contribute anything useful to the "young guys"! Just like your supposed career in line work! Hey glad ya made friends with Swampy! Wow what an accomplishment for a 72 year old!

Still dodgin me though! Huh? Must be the same thing ya did when the "Big Tower Jobs" came up huh FREELOADER! Was that one she called ya when ya didn't tip her or was it BROKEDICK? What?

Is that how ya treated the new guys when ya sent'em up in the primary their first day Mr. Pike? Like whores?

39 years (SUPPOSEDLY) in the trade and all you remember was a night with a whore! KEEP TALKIN PHONY YOUR DOIN ALL THE WORK FOR ME!:D

I've given ya a chance to plead your case against Unions and contribute somethin useful to this site! You just keep dodgin?

Oh your just hear cause ya thought ya heard Swamps zipper rattling?:cool:

HEY MI watch your mouth....

check your pm's..

Edge

[Highplains Drifter]

Guys like you and MI...ARE the "new breed" of what USE to be called.....linemen.

Fu$k us old bastards...and all our opinions and knowledge.



Partner, you must have spent way to much time in Saudi and really got away from line work. These young lineman know line work and know it well. No it is not all Cadillacs , Harleys, Levis and 18 inch line boots on the right of way, but Army fatigues and rock climbing boots. The wire and amperage are way much larger in distribution then when you and started and it really is a way different ball game. You see I respect the young lineman and there fore they give me respect and do pick my brains for my knowledge and we still “ Get Er Done” and go home with all our body parts!

[MI-Lineman]

[QUOTE=MI-Lineman;73801]

HEY MI watch your mouth....

check your pm's..

Edge

Will do Edge!

[Edge]

Partner, you must have spent way to much time in Saudi and really got away from line work. These young lineman know line work and know it well. No it is not all Cadillacs , Harleys, Levis and 18 inch line boots on the right of way, but Army fatigues and rock climbing boots. The wire and amperage are way much larger in distribution then when you and started and it really is a way different ball game. You see I respect the young lineman and there fore they give me respect and do pick my brains for my knowledge and we still “ Get Er Done” and go home with all our body parts!

That is solid shit!

well said Drifter!