7 - Trades, Transport & Equipment Operators

Before sunrise one morning in Gillam, we were out in minus 32 weather, isolating a transformer from the energized system so maintenance could be performed on it.

Suddenly, there was a huge bang and the sky turned white - the cold had snapped the metal cable connection, causing it to fall and hit the structure. This caused a ground fault and created an explosion of light.

Everyone was okay except for one co-worker. He was wearing safety glasses but had what looked like a sun burn on his face, and our eyes were quite dry from what is called a welder's flash. It was a very scary experience!