Blog Archives

Hands-On Pumps & Mechanical Maintenance Workshops - Two Dates Open!

11/29/2016

Save the Date!

Two Hands-on Pumps & Mechanical Maintenance Workshops presented by Larry Trout will be held in Ankeny on January 11th, 2017and Waverly on February 22nd, 2017.

Register online at IAMU’s website here.

Space is limited to the first 20 registrations at each location. The registration fee is $115/person (members), $160/person (non-members). Lunch will be provided.

For more information, contact Steve Marsh at 800-810-4268 or [email protected].

2017 NESC Overview & Significant Revisions - December 14th & 15th

11/29/2016

Presenter: R. John Miner, President Collaborative Learning, Inc.

John Miner is a registered professional engineer and an accomplished executive manager and educator with over 45 years of experience in the electric utility industry. He is president of Collaborative Learning, Inc. of Austin and San Antonio, Texas, a firm that presents management and technical education programs and, through Collaboration Unlimited, provides management consulting services to the electric utility industry. John is a registered professional engineer and an accomplished executive manager and educator with over forty-five years of experience in the electric utility industry. John has been a course instructor for APPA for 30 years. John is a senior member of the IEEE and past chair of the IEEE Committee on Technology Accreditation Activities.

Topics Covered
This course will address the NESC and its fundamental application to electric utility transmission and distribution systems, highlighting the important changes that are effective with the 2017 edition.
Course Highlights

NESC purpose, organization and application
Significant revisions contained in the 2017 NESC
NESC compliance, legal liability and risk management
Rule interpretations and sources of help for compliance
Recognition and correction of code violations
Integration of NESC requirements into design, construction, and maintenance practices
Safety and work rules for construction and operations personnel
Code interpretation and compliance issues contributed by course participants

Who Should Attend
Managers, safety professionals, electric utility engineers, designers, technicians, and all field personnel who are responsible for or who make decisions concerning transmission and distribution systems. The course is conducted at a practical level and is appropriate for degreed professionals, including engineers and engineering technicians, as well as skilled craft personnel, field supervisors and non-degreed high school graduates with a general knowledge of the electric utility system.

For more information and to register, please click here.

IAMU Tree Trimming for Utilities Workshop - December 8th

11/29/2016

IAMU will be offering a one-day Tree Trimming for Utilities Workshop on December 8th. This workshop is a rescheduling of the cancelled workshop from September 27th in Cedar Falls.

This workshop will provide valuable information and hands-on training for utility personnel. Classroom and hands-on topics will include:

Laws Regarding Tree Trimming
Best Practices
Rules
Procedures
Identifying
Safety

Tivon Feeley, Forest Health Specialist with the Iowa DNR and Dan Llewellyn, Electric Services Coordinator with IAMU will be the instructors for this workshop.

For more information, and to register click here.

Questions? Contact Dan Llewellyn at (800) 810-4268 or email at [email protected].

See You at the 4th Annual Energy Conference

11/22/2016

IAMU is gearing up for a packed three days of all things energy starting Monday, November 28. Conference attendees will learn the latest on what’s happening in the energy sector and have an opportunity to network, visit with vendors, and have some fun.

Here are just some of the highlights of what you can expect:

The conference kicks off with a pre-conference workshop “Planning for the Arrival of 3rd Party Distributed Generation,” from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday presented by Troy DeJoode, IAMU Executive Director. This session is open to IAMU Member Utility Personnel.
Then, for those attending the pre-conference workshop and others coming in Monday night, be sure to join us for hors d’oeuvres and drinks at the Executive Director Hospitality Suite, which opens at 6:30 p.m. The social is sponsored by Associate Member Iowa Wind and Solar.

The general conference starts at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday with a welcome followed by an enlightening talk from the esteemed Dr. Ernie Goss of Creighton University. Dr. Goss will be speaking on “The Rural and Urban Economic Outlook: What are Bankers and Manufacturers Telling Us?”
After a day of taking in the various speakers and the information they’ll be presenting, you’ll want to attend the Exhibit Hall Reception and Poker Run for chance at winning some great prizes.
Wednesday includes some more great speakers as well, including Sue Kelly from APPA and Bert Kalisch from APGA.

The preconference and conference will take place at The Prairie Meadows Events and Conference Center in Altoona. For questions, concerns, or more information, including how to register if you haven’t already, contact IAMU at (800) 810-4268 or by email at [email protected].

You may also visit the Energy Conference page of the IAMU website for more details.

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Outreach Course - December 1st & 2nd

11/21/2016

Registration is now open for the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Outreach Course, to be held on December 1 & 2, 2016 at IAMU. This course will explain OSHA’s role in worker safety and health, jobsite hazard recognition, correction and prevention methods and how to read the OSHA standards. Participants will receive a completion card from the U.S. Department of Labor OSHA certifying successful completion of this OSHA 10-Hour course. 29 CFR 1910 CFR Book & course material furnished.

This basic safety course is recommended for workers and supervisors or those who have been given the task of developing and managing their employer’s safety program.

If you hire contractors: Many cities also require their contractors to maintain a safety program to be eligible to work for them. The OSHA 10-Hour course will help those owners, managers, and employees develop a solid safety foundation at their company to hopefully avoid incidents while working for the city or utility. Hiring a contractor to perform work for the city/utility does not eliminate all liabilities to the city. A contractor’s incident could drag your city into litigation. This is why contractors you hire should have a strong safety program and city/utility should require contractors working for them to attend and have a 10-hour OSHA card.

To see charges, brochure and to register -
http://members.iamu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=870404&group=

Registration starts at 7:30 am on December 1. Class will run from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm on December 1 and 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on December 2. Materials and breaks included. Lunch on your own. Minimum of 10 participants.

OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements Class - December 8th

11/21/2016

Need flexible credit hours, PDH’s? 4 contact hours will be awarded to those in attendance.

Registration is now open for the OSHA 300 Log Illness & Injury Recordkeeping & Reporting Class, to be held on December 8, 2016 at IAMU.

OSHA has put into place an additional 1904 Recordkeeping rule which takes effect January 1, 2017. This new rule applies to certain high risk industries, including the Utilities Industry (NAICS 22), and requires employers to electronically submit their annual Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (300A) forms to OSHA. This additional rule makes it more important now than ever that these forms be correctly completed. The NAICS Sector 22 includes Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, Water Supply and Sewage Treatment Facilities, and Natural Gas Distribution and are considered by OSHA to be high-hazard industries.

This class explains the regulatory requirements of OSHA’s recordkeeping standard; Part 1904 - Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. Class attendees will learn which types of injuries and illnesses are recordable, how to make entries on the OSHA 300 recordkeeping forms and how to complete the annual summary form (300A). Utility employers (including city-owned utilities) with 20-249 employees must submit information from their 2016 Form 300A by July 1, 2017, and their 2017 form 300A by July 1, 2018. Beginning in 2019 and every year thereafter, the information must be submitted by March 2.

To see charges, brochure and to register -
http://members.iamu.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=870022&group=

This is a repeat of a class that was held in October. After the development of this class it was determined that due to the nature of the materials being covered that a webinar was not the best format for this class, so an in-person workshop will only be offered. Registration starts at 9:30, class runs 10:00 – 3:00, lunch and breaks included in cost.

Toolbox Talk - Winter Safety Tips - Slips, Trips, & Falls

11/21/2016

Let’s take a look at Slips, Trips & Falls. It is the Number One reason for an industrial injury in the United States. Here are some tips for walking outside when it’s cold and snowy or icy.

Plan ahead and give yourself sufficient time.
When walking on steps, always use the hand railings and plant your feet firmly on each step.
When walking on an icy or snow-covered walkway, take short steps and walk at a slower pace so you can react quickly to a change in traction.
Bending your knees a little and talking slower, shorter steps increases traction and can greatly reduce your chance of falling. It also helps to stop occasionally to break momentum.
Streets and sidewalks that have been cleared of snow and ice should still be approached with caution. Look out for “black ice.” Dew, fog or water vapor can freeze on cold surfaces and form an extra-thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that can look like a wet spot on the pavement. It often shows up early in the morning or in areas that are shaded from the sun.
Carrying heavy items can challenge your sense of balance. Try not to carry too much. You need to leave your hands and arms free to better balance yourself.
Be prepared to fall and try to avoid using your arms to break your fall. If you fall backward, make a conscious effort to tuck your chin so your head doesn’t strike the ground with a full force.
When entering a building, remove as much snow and water from your boots as you can. Take notice that floors and stairs may be wet and slippery. Walk carefully.
Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles. Use the vehicle for support.

Hands-On Pumps & Mechanical Maintenance Workshops - Two Dates Open!

11/14/2016

Save the Date!

Two Hands-on Pumps & Mechanical Maintenance Workshops presented by Larry Trout will be held in Ankeny on January 11th, 2017 and Waverly on February 22nd, 2017.

Register online at IAMU’s website here.

Space is limited to the first 20 registrations at each location. The registration fee is $115/person (members), $160/person (non-members). Lunch will be provided.

For more information, contact Steve Marsh at 800-810-4268 or [email protected].

2017 NESC Overview & Significant Revisions - December 14th & 15th

11/14/2016

Presenter: R. John Miner, President Collaborative Learning, Inc.

John Miner is a registered professional engineer and an accomplished executive manager and educator with over 45 years of experience in the electric utility industry. He is president of Collaborative Learning, Inc. of Austin and San Antonio, Texas, a firm that presents management and technical education programs and, through Collaboration Unlimited, provides management consulting services to the electric utility industry. John is a registered professional engineer and an accomplished executive manager and educator with over forty-five years of experience in the electric utility industry. John has been a course instructor for APPA for 30 years. John is a senior member of the IEEE and past chair of the IEEE Committee on Technology Accreditation Activities.

Topics Covered
This course will address the NESC and its fundamental application to electric utility transmission and distribution systems, highlighting the important changes that are effective with the 2017 edition.
Course Highlights

NESC purpose, organization and application
Significant revisions contained in the 2017 NESC
NESC compliance, legal liability and risk management
Rule interpretations and sources of help for compliance
Recognition and correction of code violations
Integration of NESC requirements into design, construction, and maintenance practices
Safety and work rules for construction and operations personnel
Code interpretation and compliance issues contributed by course participants

Who Should Attend
Managers, safety professionals, electric utility engineers, designers, technicians, and all field personnel who are responsible for or who make decisions concerning transmission and distribution systems. The course is conducted at a practical level and is appropriate for degreed professionals, including engineers and engineering technicians, as well as skilled craft personnel, field supervisors and non-degreed high school graduates with a general knowledge of the electric utility system.

For more information and to register, please click here.

IAMU Tree Trimming For Utilities Workshop - December 8th

11/14/2016

IAMU will be offering a one-day Tree Trimming for Utilities Workshop on December 8th. This workshop is a rescheduling of the cancelled workshop from September 27th in Cedar Falls.

This workshop will provide valuable information and hands-on training for utility personnel. Classroom and hands-on topics will include:

Laws Regarding Tree Trimming
Best Practices
Rules
Procedures
Identifying
Safety

Tivon Feeley, Forest Health Specialist with the Iowa DNR and Dan Llewellyn, Electric Services Coordinator with IAMU will be the instructors for this workshop.

For more information, and to register click here.

Questions? Contact Dan Llewellyn at (800) 810-4268 or email at [email protected].

4th Annual IAMU Energy Conference - November 29th & 30th

11/14/2016

We are excited to present the 4th Annual IAMU Energy Conference. This year’s conference will be held on November 29-30, 2016 at the Prairie Meadows Events and Conference Center in Altoona.

We kick off the conference with Dr. Ernie Goss of Creighton University covering The Rural & Urban Economic Outlook.

Immediately following lunch that day, Mike Zenker from NextEra Energy will take us through what the Iowa gas and energy market forecast looks to be.

We wrap up Tuesday’s sessions with a panel of school district superintendents highlighting how sharing executives has worked for them.

Tuesday's events end with the Exhibit Hall Reception and Poker Run.

You won’t want to miss Wednesday’s sessions where Sue Kelly, President and CEO, of APPA will start off our morning and Bert Kalisch, President and CEO of APGA will wrap up the conference.

Click here for more information and to register.

See you there!

Thank you to our 2016 IAMU Energy Conference Sponsors thus far!

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor
Altorfer Power Systems

Bronze Sponsors
Benefit Resources of Iowa
G&L Clothing
Van Wert, Inc.
WPPI Energy
Ziegler Power Systems

Conference Exhibitors
GIS Workshop, LLC
Ground Support, LLC
Iowa Public Agency Investment Trust (IPAIT)
JCG Land Services, Inc.
Jordan Transformer
Midland GIS Solutions
mPower Innovations
NAES Corporation
NextEra Energy Power Marketing
Professional Computer Systems, Co. (PCS)
Shermco Industries
US Cellular

Break & Breakfast Sponsors
Consortia Consulting, Inc.
DGR Engineering
Professional Computer Systems, Co. (PCS)

Hospitality Suite
Ziegler Power Systems

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Outreach Course - December 1st & 2nd

11/9/2016

This course will explain OSHA’s role in worker safety and health, job-site hazard recognition, correction and prevention methods and how to read the OSHA standards. Participants will receive a completion card from the U.S. Department of Labor OSHA certifying successful completion of this OSHA 10-Hour course. 29 CFR 1910 CFR Book & course material furnished.

Topics Covered

Introduction to OSHA - 2 hours
Walking & Working Surfaces & Fall Protection - 1 hour
Emergency Action Plans - 1 hour
Electrical - 1 hour
Personal Protective Equipment - 1 hour
Hazard Communication -1 hour
Machine Guarding - 1 hour
Lockout / Tagout - 1 hour
Permit Required Confined Space - 1 hour

Who Should Attend
This basic safety course is recommended for workers and supervisors or those who have been given the task of developing and managing their employer’s safety program.

If you hire contractors: Many cities also require their contractors to maintain a safety program to be eligible to work for them. The OSHA 10-Hour course will help those owners, managers, and employees develop a solid safety foundation at their company to hopefully avoid incidents while working for the city or utility. Hiring a contractor to perform work for the city/utility does not eliminate all liabilities to the city. A contractor’s incident could drag your city into litigation. This is why contractors you hire should have a strong safety program and city/utility should require contractors working for them to attend and have a 10-hour OSHA card.

For more information and to register, please click here.

EPA Releases "Lead and Copper Rule Revisions White Paper"

11/4/2016

Last week, EPA released the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions White Paper, an 18-page document that provides examples of possible regulatory options to improve the existing Lead & Copper rule.

The rule is under review now as EPA works to develop the rule’s “long-term revisions,” also known as LCR-LTR. According to EPA’s LCR-LTR website, “the paper highlights key challenges, opportunities, and analytical issues presented by these options. Options include lead service line replacement, improving optimal corrosion control treatment requirements, consideration of a health-based benchmark, the potential role of point-of-use filters, clarifications or strengthening of tap sampling requirements, increased transparency, and public education requirements.”

The White Paper is not a regulatory document, and provides possible options for the future revised rule. The proposed rule is expected to be published in 2017, and all community and non-transient non-community public water supply systems will be affected.

4th Annual IAMU Energy Conference

11/2/2016

We are proud to present the 4th Annual IAMU Energy Conference on November 29-30, 2016.

This year’s conference will be held at the Prairie Meadows Events and Conference Center in Altoona.

We have several levels of sponsorships available. You can view the options and register online here.

Thank you to this year's Gold Sponsor -

New this year we are hosting a Poker Run during the Exhibit Hall Reception the evening of Tuesday, November 29.

Each participating vendor will receive a deck of cards and can deal one out to each conference attendee who visits your booth.

Best hands during the reception will be given out at the end of the evening.

Be sure to mark this option when you register to participate.

APPA CEO Urges Review of Recent Cyber Attack

11/1/2016

In a recent memo to American Public Power Association (APPA) members, APPA CEO Sue Kelly urged municipal electric utilities to review a white paper recently posted by the Electricity Information and Analysis Center (E-ISAC). The white paper discusses the recent Internet of Things (IoT) Distributed Denial of service (DDos) attacks on computer systems, and includes mitigation recommendations. Kelly strongly recommended that public power systems read the report and take actions where necessary. The document can be downloaded here.

The “bottom line” of the paper is that the E-ISAC strongly recommends utilities examine their Internet-facing systems to ensure that:

• Internet-facing devices are inventoried and examined for vulnerabilities

• Internet-facing devices have sufficient business justification for being publicly exposed

• Utility-owned and managed systems that are exposed to the Internet have adequate protections in place to prevent the exploit described in the paper

• If you do not have the technical expertise within your utility to take these steps, you should seek assistance.