A Look at the Modern Lineworker’s Gear
Powering over a million Central Texans takes more than just a flip of a switch. Our lineworkers rely on specialized gear designed to protect them from fire and arc flashes. Take a look at some of their essential equipment — which weighs over 50 pounds when worn all together. These tools play a crucial role in keeping our lineworkers safe on the job!
Hard hat
A key piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) that shield crews from falling objects. PEC’s white hard hats feature our logo on the front and apprentice progression stickers on the right.
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Face shield
Used in areas where arc flashes are possible — like substations or around transformers —these shields protect our crews from getting burned if one of these sudden electrical discharges occurs.
Weight: 1.8 pounds (with the bracket)
Safety/RX glasses
These industry-rated glasses help protect the eyes in the event of an arc flash or if harmful particles like sand or certain chemicals are airborne.
Weight: 0.2 pounds
Uniform
More than just a blue shirt with a PEC logo, our uniforms are fire resistant and protect our lineworkers from weather and electricity-related hazards.
Weight: 3-4 pounds
Harness
When climbing or up in a bucket, harnesses are equipped with trauma straps and lanyards to keep crews secured while up on the power poles.
Weight: 6-8 pounds
Rubber sleeves and gloves
Worn around energized equipment, these help protect against electric shock.
Weight: Gloves – 1.2 pounds. Sleeves – 1.5 pounds
Rubber glove protectors
Always worn over insulating rubber gloves, these provide mechanical protection against cuts, abrasions, and punctures.
Weight: 0.8 pounds
Leather gloves (Not pictured)
Gloves should be worn when using knives on the job, whether for unboxing material, retiring old poles and equipment, or framing or setting new, de-energized poles.
Weight: 0.6 pounds
Switch stick
Switch sticks are “hot sticks” that allow lineworkers to maintain safe distances when operating fuses or switches on energized equipment.
Weight: Approximately 5-7 pounds, depending on length
Shotgun stick
Another type of “hot stick” tool, these allow the lineworker to safely grip conductors or disconnect switches.
Weight: 6-8 pounds
Climbing belt
Lineworkers must wear their fully equipped PEC-issued belts to stay safe on a climb.
Weight: 6-8 pounds
Climbing gaffs
These spikes that attach to the lineworker’s legs add more stability when gripping the pole while climbing.
Weight: 5-6 pounds
Boots
Not your everyday boot, these are typically composite or steel-toed, rated to protect against impact and electric shock, and compression resistant.
Weight: 4-5 pounds per pair
Go-bag
These bags carry the tools used by our lineworkers in the field. They’re typically made with reinforced box stitching and a nylon material for heavy-duty storage.
Weight: 2-3 pounds empty. Up to 30 pounds packed.
