When transmission line maintenance requires crews to reach elevated work positions, finding a safe and efficient path to the work can be one of the biggest challenges. A recent initiative at Great River Energy is changing that by combining rope access techniques with drone technology. The improvement has helped line technicians access transmission structures safely, efficiently and precisely.
Great River Energy’s rope access program allows line technicians to ascend transmission structures using specialized ropes and equipment rather than relying solely on traditional climbing methods. Rope access inherently provides fall protection and fall arrest capabilities while reducing the physical demands associated with conventional climbing practices.
The innovation advanced further when transmission employees began integrating unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, into the process. Rather than using traditional methods to place lead lines, crews developed a system that allows a drone to accurately position the line needed to install rope access equipment. Great River Energy’s use of drones for rope placement is considered an industry-leading practice that improves safety and efficiency.
The value of the improvement was demonstrated during maintenance work on a CapX2020 transmission structure. Crews needed to perform repairs on equipment installed on the structure, but wet ground conditions prevented the use of a bucket truck.
“Climbing the structure to install ropes would have required a transmission line outage to maintain safe approach distances,” said JR McGuire, supervising manager of transmission construction and maintenance at Great River Energy. “Instead, a drone was deployed to place a rope access lead line, allowing technicians to install access ropes without climbing the structure. The work was completed that same day and the transmission line remained in service throughout the repair.”
By combining innovative technology with proven maintenance practices, the rope access and drone program helps the cooperative’s crews work smarter while supporting the cooperative’s commitment to safety, reliability and continuous improvement.
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