Outfitting Utility Trucks for Faster Storm Response
Today, the term “100-year storm” no longer means what it once did, with severe weather events now occurring more frequently. Because restoration efforts are vital to public safety, this uptick means utility fleet professionals are facing increasing resource constraints in their mission to ensure the timely deployment of company vehicles and equipment.
Still, providing lineworkers and other frontline employees with the tools they need to restore service remains a top priority, both for fleet managers and vehicle upfitters.
“Having the right tools and supplies on hand directly affects how quickly power and telecommunications can be restored and directly impacts community safety and well-being during recovery efforts,” said Chris Knapp, national sales manager for Altec Supply (www.altec.com/altec-supply), which provides products and services for vocational vehicles.
Training
Well-equipped vehicles that operate reliably in all weather conditions are essential to fast, effective storm response – but only if crews know how to employ them correctly. As storm season approaches, utilities must make sure each crew member is appropriately trained on the use of any fleet assets that they will operate. Fleets can also check with their equipment providers to find out if training is available to enhance operator safety during restoration efforts.
Vehicle Prep
Establishing an equipment service plan for storm support well before storm season begins aids in reducing asset downtime. Verify that fleet vehicles are serviced and outfitted with appropriately rated tires that have sufficient service life to stay on the road.
To further boost uptime, check with equipment suppliers to identify any needed inspections or repairs. Additionally, create a list of service and parts providers to ensure breakdowns can be handled quickly.
“We recommend that fleet managers contact their local service providers to ensure that all equipment inspections are up to date and that equipment is in compliance before storm season hits,” said Jason Oakley, market manager with Altec Fleet Services (www.altec.com/service/fleet-services). “This maximizes the amount of equipment in good condition available to be deployed.”
Ultimately, storm response readiness is downstream of a well-maintained fleet.
“Our fleet assets are owned, operated and maintained to be ready to respond as a normal course of business,” said Michael Donahue, fleet department manager for Omaha Public Power District. “As a result of this mentality, when it comes to fleet assets, truck equipment is ready to roll when storms occur.”
Equipment Inventory
By outfitting trucks with the right tools and accessories, fleets help to ensure crews are adequately equipped for their work when they arrive on-site.
Every vehicle and work location should be audited to confirm the ready availability of high-visibility apparel, insulating and cold-weather gear, and toolkits designed to perform in various weather conditions. Tire chains – and operators who are trained to install and remove them – can be critical. Donahue pointed out that carrying diesel exhaut fluid on diesel vehicles can help to avoid engine derating.
Technology
Technology continues to enhance fleet efficiency. For example, telematics-equipped trucks can pinpoint issues that need to be addressed before they are dispatched for storm support.
Solutions like Altec Insights enable crews to remotely diagnose equipment issues in the field, minimizing downtime and reducing disruptions to critical restoration work, Oakley said. Regardless of weather, operators can use telematics technology to monitor fuel consumption and equipment wear and tear.
Safety technology helps to protect workers even in demanding weather conditions (e.g., driving rain, falling snow), when it could be tempting to take shortcuts. Expected to become more common across platforms and retrofits, habit reminders that are built into technology – like those delivered by Terex’s Positive Attachment Lanyard (PAL) – offer a convenient method of reinforcing core safety steps. Simple audio and/or visual cues prompt the user’s correct behavior (e.g., clipping in before moving) without locking out the machine, a valuable feature in stressful storm response environments.
“Crews appreciate that it’s there when you need it and invisible when you don’t,” said Jason Rowe, product manager for Terex Utilities (www.terex.com/utilities), a manufacturer of bucket trucks and digger derricks.
Onboard cameras with object detection capabilities allow drivers to see around their truck to avoid people, vehicles and other obstacles. This feature is particularly helpful in challenging weather conditions and emergency response situations, when drivers travel where they’re needed most.
“The cameras are there to help crews avoid surprises in tight alleys and roadside work, without changing how they work,” Rowe said.
With the pace of technological advances, it’s easy to fall victim to shiny-object syndrome. Keep in mind that while certain new technology can be used immediately, other tech requires an evaluation period to determine how it can best be integrated or whether it should be integrated at all.
“Making well-rounded decisions that take in all these factors leads to vehicles and equipment that are much more prepared to serve when storms or any emergencies occur,” Donahue said.
About the Author: Gary L. Wollenhaupt is a Colorado Springs-based freelance writer who covers the transportation, energy and technology sectors for a variety of publications and companies.
*****
Must-Have Gear
Are your utility trucks stocked with these items commonly needed during storm response efforts?
- Personal voltage and current detectors
- Parallel jaw grips
- Handline rope assemblies
- Hoists
- Mechanical jumpers
- Ground assemblies
- Turf protection mats
- Cable lashers
- Battery-powered and hydraulic crimpers
- Telecommunications hardware