BELCO & Regiment Hold Joint Training Session
[Updated with photos] BELCO staff recently participated in a hurricane restoration electrical safety training session with members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment as part of their “regular hurricane preparedness and safety planning and training.”
A spokesperson said, “Kevin Masters, BELCO’s Manager, Operational Excellence, led the training held at Warwick Camp which included electrical power line and cable identification, hazards of overhead and underground power lines, injury prevention techniques and a protective equipment demonstration.
“The presentation was designed to help RBR soldiers identify potential hazards associated with BELCO equipment including downed power lines when they are clearing up after a hurricane, and to provide them with information about what to do if they encounter a hazard. The training included a class-room presentation as well as a practical demonstration delivered by Jason DeRoza, BELCO’s Overhead First Responder.
“In addition to the BELCO electrical safety training, BELCO staff participated in a chainsaw authorisation training session with RBR staff. The training was designed to increase BELCO’s disaster response capabilities in the specific areas of route clearance and vegetation reduction.
“Upon successful completion of the training, BELCO staff were presented with Chainsaw Authorisation Certificates. BELCO staff who completed the training included: Gabriell Cabral, OHSE Coordinator, Chad Brimmer, Overhead Foreman , Stevon Trott, Linesman Grade 1, Jason DeSilva, Work Methods Coordinator and Phillip Woods, Fire Services Officer.”
BELCO President Wayne Caines said: “At BELCO we recognise the responsibility we have to Bermuda as a critical service, and we constantly strive to improve our disaster response capabilities. We are always willing and able to partner with Bermuda’s emergency services and first responders to ensure they are familiar with and can work safely around our electrical infrastructure. On behalf of our team, I would like to thank the RBR staff for their participation as well as their expertise and partnership in training BELCO staff to become chainsaw authorised.”
