Power-technician: Staying Warm to Keep Our Power On

It’s one thing when the power goes out in the summer, but as the winter freeze comes around, serving the area’s power grid in low temperatures and in a sub-zero wind chill can make you wish you chose a different vocation. The job is challenging enough depending on what caused the power outage, but chilly weather brings new problems, and you know it’s your job to ensure all your service calls run smoothly and as fast as possible, so power is returned to people’s homes.

Being a power-technician requires more preparation in the winter than summer. Keeping an eye on the weather will help you prepare in case the temperature drops dangerously. Since you’ll be standing or high up working on power lines, your risk of freezing increases. It’s always good to wear a set of long johns for women and carry a backup pair just in case, as layering will help protect you from the extreme weather.

Blizzard blackouts can make for a long cold winter, and working as a power-tech is an essential job. While losing power in summer is bad, winter outages are much more miserable. Dressing right with thermal sets for women is the first step in layering for your time repairing any lines or transformers.  

Body heat escapes through your head and feet, so wear wool socks under your work boots to keep your feet from getting frostbite. Keep your head and ears covered. Since you’ll be required to wear a hard hat, find a wool hat that’s thin enough to keep you warm and fits under the hard hat. Gloves are a critical aspect of protecting your hands. Thick gloves will make your work harder so keep hand warmers ready. 

The long johns for women will retain your body heat to keep you warm, not too mention their moisture-wicking properties will prevent you from freezing from any excess sweat or moisture. While the middle layers will help insulate and keep you nice and toasty, the chances of working in blowing snow are probable. Choosing the right outer layer is essential to keep moisture from getting inside. Choose a jacket that is wind and waterproof, like Gore-Tex, to prevent hypothermia from becoming an issue. 

Preparing for the cold is essential when it comes to choosing the right thermal sets for women. Material is everything. Cotton, though comfortable, will absorb and hold moisture. This can prove dangerous if you’re cold and wet. Thermals made of merino wool or a poly-spandex fabric are best as they retain heat, fit snug to prevent warm air escaping, and wick away moisture. 

The winter months are long enough without the power going out. Power-technicians are the unsung heroes when it comes to getting and keeping our power on during those uncomfortable moments in winter. It’s vital for you to stay warm and comfortable while you work. While it’s still rough, layering correctly and keeping something hot to drink in your vehicle will make it tolerable.