Apprentice PLT rescues “injured individual” from top of power pole during competition Saturday. Photo 250News

Prince George, B.C. – B.C. Hydro’s 22^nd Avenue yard was buzzing with activity Saturday as, for the first time, the corporation held its annual Safety Rodeo in Prince George.

Competitors, all B.C. Hydro employees, from across the province took part in a number of events, competitions and demonstrations.  The highlight of the annual event is the power line technician’s (PLT) competition which includes the rescue of an injured person from the top of a power pole, pole climbing, First Aid and High-angle rescue.  There are also a couple of mystery events added to the competition, unknown by the competitors until they arrive at the rodeo, which  add to the test of their skills.

There were five three-man teams entered from the Prince George, Vernon, Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland Districts, with the winners going to the Kansas City International Lineman’s rodeo in October.  Thirty judges from all over B.C. were on hand to adjudicate and the winners are expected to be announced on Monday.

The Safety Rodeo, which also included competitions involving 18 PLT apprentices, is a public display of the power line work these employees do every day with the focus, above all else, on safety.

The rodeo drew plenty of interest as members of the public came and went throughout the six hours of the event.  And besides witnessing the display of  a multitude of skills,  they had the opportunity to race go carts, take bucket rides atop the Hydro trucks and watch the RCMP rollover demonstration.