Apprentice Events

12kV Running Angle Poly Bell Change Out - Download PDF

Event Summary:

This event consists of replacing a 35 kV polymer strain insulator on a 12kV de-energized single phase
line with approximately 50’ spans at a 35 degree of angle. The primary conductor will be #2 aluminum
and will be attached with an angle shoe (¾”nut). The primary will be de-energized and NOT grounded.
This event must be worked with rated rubber gloves.

Event Specifications:

• Conductor will be #2 aluminum
• No cover is required however ANY incidental contact with the conductor will be a 10 point deduction.
• 2 points of control must be maintained at all times while the conductor is not permanently attached.
• All proper rigging technique’s and rated rigging tools must be used ( Hoist/blocks cannot be ran
  around the back of the pole, Hoist hooks SHALL NOT be put directly on wire).
• All material and tools will be pulled up/down on a handline.
• All pins must be facing the same direction.
• New poly bell must be changed out (there will be a new poly bell at each event station).
• Climbers must wear class II rubber gloves or higher.
• Apprentice will be allowed 5 minute set up time.
• Time will start on judges signal with fall arrest detached from pole.
• Time will stop when the Apprentice has both feet on the ground.
• All general rules must be followed.
• All tools and equipment must be properly taken care of.
• Judging will continue until area is returned back to its original form.

Apprentice Hurtman Rescue - Download PDF

Event Summary:

 This event will be simulated dead. Time starts at the judge’s signal with apprentice standing at least an arm’s length from pole in any direction.

Note: The lineman’s belt, hooks and rubber gloves in bag will be lying on the ground at arm’s length from the pole.

(You may tool up bare handed).

Event Specifications:

• Looking at the pole from the 8’ cross arm side, the hand line will be hung on the right side simulating an injury to a right-handed person. The hurt man will hang on the cross arm side of the pole with both ends of the safety straps through the braces. The neutral will be on the opposite side of the pole of the hand line. Note: The “OX Block” will be utilized with a minimum of two and a half wraps or three clicks on the fiction bar. The OX Block will be attached to the arm just outside of the cross arm brace.
• Mannequin will be tied under arms with three half hitches. Note: (splice cannot be used as part of the hitches). The half hitch is the only acceptable knot. A 4" conduit will be used to measure tightness of knot.
• Apprentice must call out “headache” loudly when you drop out the split hand line. 
• A Buckingham rescue trainer safety will be used on the mannequin. You must cut the orange safety rope. There will be a 10-point deduction for cutting the belt in the wrong place.
• Mannequin must be lowered smoothly to the ground without coming into contact with the pole and must be completely stopped within 5 feet of the ground then laid gently on the tarp. If the mannequin is not completely stopped there will be a 2 point deduction. 
• Time will stop when the mannequin is on the ground and there is slack in the hand line. Note: There must be one gaff in the pole at all times when climbing down the pole and proper belt adjustment maintained as you will be judged until you leave the event.
• The mean time for this event is 4 minutes. The drop dead time is 5 minutes.
• The apprentice must use the hand-line provided.
• Rubber gloves will be required for this event. Gloves must be worn ground to ground.
• Deductions will be subtracted from 100, resulting in the final score.

Pole Top Pin Relocate - Download PDF

Event Summary: 

The apprentice will climb a 40-foot pole with three phases and a neutral. The conductor is considered dead and grounded. They will untie the top conductor, move the pole-top pin 180 degrees to the opposite side of the pole, reinstall the pin, and tie the conductor back in. The wire may be floated as needed.

Event Specifications:

• Time starts at the judge’s signal.
• Work/Leather gloves must be worn at all times
• All material must go up and down on the handline.
• The only insulator being relocated is the pole top pin.
• New preform tie wire and rubber grommet must be used.
• Pole top assembly including locknuts will be removed and replaced on the opposite side of the pole.
• The old rubber grommet can be dropped if “headache” is called.
• The handline must be properly rolled up and laying on the tarp before time stops. 
• All general rules apply.

Event Summary: 

This event will represent mutual aid storm restoration. Each team will be composed of two apprentices
and one journeyman, all three from different companies. The apprentices must climb and the
journeyman must be thegroundman. This is a MANDATORY event and failure to participate will result in
the APP and/or JM team to receive a 10-point deduction to start their competition day (unless signed off
on by both Master Judges).

Event Specifications:

1. You must be at your assigned event station at 8am ready to compete
2. Time will start on Master Judge’s signal (Shotgun style start)
3. May only use provided hand tools
4. Competitors use their personal PPE, climbing gear and handline (all other equipment and tools provided)

Material and Tools Provided:

• Will be announced in your registration packet.
  
  

Apprentice 2027 Written Test - Download PDF

Event Specifications: 

1. The written test will take place Friday afternoon at 4:00 PM
2. There will be 25 questions worth 4 points each.
3. The questions will come from the 17th Edition of the APPA SAFETY MANUAL.
   • Definitions
   • Section 114: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid, and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
   • Section 115: Training
   • Section 401- 411: Personal Protective Equipment
   • Section 503.1 – 503.12: Vehicle Operations
   • Section 507: Overhead Distribution and Transmission
   • Section 509: Underground Lines and Equipment
   • Section 513: Switching Control Procedures
   • General Rules and the Competitor Packet
4.  This will not be an open book test.
5. No notes, cell phones or other electronic devices will be allowed.
6. Your test score WILL count towards overall rank with the events on Saturday.
7. NO time awards (time deductions for overall) will be given to competitors

If the apprentices’ utility does not currently use the APPA Safety Manual, copies may be purchased by contacting APPA’s publications department at (202) 467-2926 or by visiting APPA’s Product Store at www.PublicPower.org/Store.