All posts by Tanner Rader

Projects

Project Spotlight: Emergency Repair of 138kV HPFF Transmission Line

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InfraSource crews were recently mobilized to respond to an emergency leak on a high-pressure fluid-filled (HPFF) underground transmission line. The situation required immediate action to prevent further damage and restore service safely and efficiently.

The team executed both civil and electrical scopes of work, including excavation of freeze pits, installation of protective structures, and restoration of the transmission line. Electrical crews performed freeze operations, welded sleeve repairs, valve replacements, and fluid refills to bring the line back to full service.

Throughout the project, InfraSource coordinated closely with local businesses to minimize disruption. Custom signage was installed to maintain safe access to nearby storefronts and parking areas.

This project demonstrates InfraSource’s ability to respond quickly to critical infrastructure needs while maintaining safety, precision, and community awareness.

Projects

Project Spotlight: Michigan Solar Farm

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InfraSource crews are contributing to the development of a major renewable energy initiative in Michigan. The project involves directional drilling operations to support underground conduit systems, which are essential for solar panel connectivity and energy transmission.

Despite challenging ground conditions and intense summer heat, the team has completed 71 directional drills totaling over 20,000 feet. These operations are laying the groundwork for efficient and reliable solar energy distribution across the region.

Crews utilized a Vermeer 40×55 drill rig to install conduit ranging in diameter from 4 to 8 inches. The longest drill reached 960 feet, while the shortest measured 130 feet—each contributing to the infrastructure needed to power thousands of homes with clean energy.

This work reflects InfraSource’s commitment to supporting sustainable energy solutions through safe, precise, and resilient field operations.

Projects

Project Spotlight: Failed Conductor on Railroad Bridge

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InfraSource crews completed a vital infrastructure restoration project on a Railroad Bridge. The team was tasked with replacing a failed conductor that maintained the electrical tie between two substations.

Due to the bridge’s active rail traffic and strategic location, the project required close coordination with railroad personnel. Crews used rail-certified equipment and flagging support to safely access and work on the bridge.

Specialized equipment, including an Altec 55MH and an Altec AT48 outfitted with rail gear, allowed the team to perform elevated work and conductor handling directly on the bridge structure.

Protective measures were implemented to safeguard the river environment and ensure crew safety during operations near active rail lines. The successful restoration of the electrical tie-point improved system reliability and load balancing across the region.

News

Good Catch: Melted Shoe Discovered on Storm-Damaged Line

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Good Catch Overview

While responding to a storm-damaged single-phase LBD, the IFS crew initially found no visible damage. However, a closer inspection revealed a black burn mark below the tap dead-end, tracking toward the pole-to-pole guy wire.

Action Taken

An apprentice discovered that the dead-end insulator had flashed over, and the dead-end shoe was melted. The crew replaced both components and safely re-energized the line.

Had this gone unnoticed, the line could have continued tracking, potentially burning the ground or energizing the guy wire—posing a serious risk to future personnel.

Kudos to the IFS crew for their vigilance and dedication. Their actions reflect the core values of our safety culture—where every team member is encouraged to observe, question, and act to prevent hazards before they become incidents.

News

Good Catch: Dual Hot Legs Discovered During Streetlight Maintenance

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Good Catch Overview

While replacing and straightening streetlights, the IFS crew discovered a hazardous wiring issue. Upon opening the transformer, they noticed both hot legs were connected to the streetlight—despite the lights only requiring one hot leg at 120 volts.

Action Taken

The crew initiated a Stop Timeout, de-energized the secondary, and tested the light pole. Upon opening the streetlight door, they found the second hot leg exposed and untaped. They safely terminated the wire ends and re-energized the system after verifying voltage.

If the crew had not verified the transformer setup, the energized pole could have caused electric shock or arc flash, posing a serious risk to both workers and the public.

Thanks to their vigilance and adherence to safety protocols, the crew prevented a potentially dangerous situation.

Kudos to the IFS Crew for their vigilance and dedication. Their actions reflect the core values of our safety culture—where every team member is encouraged to observe, question, and act to prevent hazards before they become incidents.

News

Local Lineman Hailed as Hero After Life-Saving Act at Gas Station

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What began as a routine fuel stop quickly turned into a life-or-death situation—and thanks to the swift actions of Connor, a Journeyman Lineman with InfraSource, a life was saved.

While waiting in line at a local gas station, Connor witnessed an elderly man suddenly collapse, striking his head on the counter. Without hesitation, Connor sprang into action. He immediately assessed the man’s condition, determined he was unconscious, and directed the store attendant to call 911.

Relying on his First Aid and CPR training, Connor administered life-saving care, monitoring the man’s condition and keeping him stable and comfortable until emergency medical services arrived. His calm, decisive response ensured the man received critical care during those crucial early moments.

Witnesses and first responders praised Connor’s quick thinking and readiness to help. “All parties involved are thankful Connor was present, willing to help, and is well trained for this circumstance,” said a spokesperson from InfraSource.

In recognition of his extraordinary actions, Connor was awarded the Quanta Commitment Coin—a prestigious honor reserved for individuals who exemplify exceptional safety practices and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.

Connor’s actions not only reflect his personal courage and preparedness but also embody InfraSource’s core values and commitment to safety. His story is a powerful reminder of how one person’s training and willingness to act can make a life-saving difference.

News

Good Catch: Mismarked Gas Main

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Staying Vigilant in the Field

Our Good Catch Program continues to spotlight employees who demonstrate exceptional awareness and commitment to safety. This month, we recognize a crew whose quick thinking and decisive action prevented what could have been a serious incident. Their use of stop work authority and attention to changing jobsite conditions exemplifies the proactive safety culture we strive to uphold.

Recognizing the Hazard

While trenching on Glenside Avenue, approximately 160 feet north of Greenwood, an IFS Civil Crew noticed a change in ground conditions. Rather than proceeding, they immediately halted excavation and began hand digging to investigate further. Their caution paid off—they uncovered a 6-inch plastic gas main crossing the trench diagonally, which had been mismarked by the locator as being 56 feet north of its actual location.

Verification and Response

An inspector was on site and verified the discovery. The crew’s decision to stop and reassess the situation not only prevented a potential dig-in but also safeguarded the surrounding community and infrastructure from a potentially dangerous gas line rupture.

Empowered to Act

This incident is a powerful reminder of the importance of empowering our teams to speak up and take action. The crew’s confidence in using their stop work authority, combined with their experience and adherence to safety protocols, made all the difference.

Kudos to the IFS Civil Crew for their vigilance and dedication. Their actions reflect the core values of our safety culture—where every team member is encouraged to observe, question, and act to prevent hazards before they become incidents.

News

Good Catch: Defective Gloves Identified

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Our Good Catch Program continues to highlight our employees who stay vigilant and identify potential hazards. By utilizing the energy wheel, our team thoroughly inspects and identifies STKY (Situations That Kill You) scenarios, leading to countless safety success stories. Our commitment to safety and precision continues to shine through the diligent efforts of our teams.

Coordination and Communication

Recently, an InfraSource NE Small Job Foreman (SJF) was performing an air test and inspection on his Class 2 rubber gloves when he discovered a defect in the rubber. These were new gloves, straight out of the box. The SJF initially performed an air test with an inflator and found no air leaks. However, during a subsequent visual check, the defect was detected.

Identifying and Resolving the Defect

This discovery underscores the importance of thorough testing and inspection of safety equipment before each use. The defect in the gloves could have posed a significant risk if not identified. Thanks to the vigilance and attention to detail of our team, this potential hazard was caught and addressed promptly.

Preventing Safety Hazards

This incident highlights the critical role of accurate and diligent inspection in preventing safety hazards and ensuring the reliability of our safety gear. The proactive measures taken by the InfraSource foreman exemplify our ongoing commitment to excellence and safety in all our operations.

Kudos to the team for their dedication and attention to detail, ensuring that our employees are equipped with safe and reliable gear.

News

Good Catch: InfraSource Crew Prevents Potential Hazard

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Our Good Catch Program continues to highlight our employees who stay vigilant and identify potential hazards. By utilizing the energy wheel, our team thoroughly inspects and identifies STKY (Situations That Kill You) scenarios, leading to countless safety success stories. Our commitment to safety and precision continues to shine through the diligent efforts of our teams.

Critical Safety Discovery

During a routine pole replacement and the installation of a new Normal Open Viper, an InfraSource crew made a critical safety discovery. While installing the VCR, the crew noticed that the center bushing was pointed downward. Acting swiftly, the Site Job Foreman (SJF) called for a Stop Timeout and alerted the General Foreman (GF).

Inspection and Resolution

Upon further inspection and discussion with the Construction Supervisor (CS), it was determined that the bushing’s position was unsafe for service. The crew disassembled the bushing and found that the brass break-away stud inside was broken in half. Recognizing the potential hazard, parts were promptly ordered, and repairs will be conducted in the field.

Commitment to Safety

This proactive identification of a serious issue before the VCR was put into operation highlights the crew’s dedication to safety and excellence. Kudos to the InfraSource team for their vigilance and quick action in preventing what could have been a significant problem. Their commitment ensures the continued reliability and safety of our services.

News

Good Catches: Ensuring Accuracy in Scheduled Outages

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Our Good Catch Program continues to highlight our employees who stay vigilant and identify potential hazards. By utilizing the energy wheel, our team thoroughly inspects and identifies STKY (Situations That Kill You) scenarios, leading to countless safety success stories. Our commitment to safety and precision continues to shine through the diligent efforts of our teams.

Coordination and Communication

Recently, an InfraSource crew was assigned the critical task of transferring #6 copper primary to a new pole. This line is essential as it supplies power to the city water pumps, necessitating the use of generators during the outage. The General Foreman (GF) took proactive steps to coordinate with the Water Authority, informing them of the scheduled outage and assuring them they would receive a confirmation letter. However, when the customer contacted the GF to verify the dates, they noted a discrepancy: their letter listed an incorrect date for the outage, with an incorrect rain date as well.

Identifying and Resolving the Discrepancy

Upon consulting with the work planner, it was determined that the system had generated incorrect dates. This discrepancy could have led to an unplanned outage, potentially leaving the entire city without water. Thanks to the vigilance and thorough communication of our team, this critical error was identified and corrected in time.

Preventing Unplanned Outages

This incident underscores the importance of accurate documentation and communication in preventing unplanned outages and ensuring the safety and reliability of our services. The proactive measures taken by the InfraSource dock crew highlight our ongoing commitment to excellence and safety in all our operations.

Kudos to the team for their dedication and attention to detail, ensuring that our customers receive the reliable service they depend on.