ISPC Tailboard Talks

Anomalies Matter with Dr. George Gela

Host Jim Vaughn interviews Dr. George Gela, PhD, Peng.  Dr. Gela is an internationally recognized expert in electric utility systems with a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toronto and a distinguished career spanning research, teaching, and consulting. He has managed major R&D initiatives at EPRI, taught power systems and renewable energy at several universities, and delivered training and technical seminars across more than 20 countries. Founder of Berkshire Electric Transmission Consulting, Dr. Gela has authored hundreds of technical publications, served in leadership roles for IEC and other international organizations, and received numerous global awards for his contributions to the electric power industry.   This episode is sponsored by:   iP Institute’s Frontline Leadership Program Attention all utility professionals! Are you ready to transform your safety leadership culture? Introducing iP Institute's Frontline Leadership Program—a comprehensive training program that will elevate safety throughout every level of your organization. Led by one of the industry’s premier leading minds, David McPeak, this program offers in-depth modules on Leadership, Human Performance, and Incident Prevention. Don’t miss your opportunity to take your organization’s safety culture to the next level.  iP Institute's Frontline Program—empowering utility professionals to lead with confidence and safety, ip-institute.com [http://ip-institute.com/] to start your journey today! Timeline: 1. [0:00] Introduction 2. [1:03] Sponsor Message: Incident Prevention’s Frontline Program 3. [1:12] Tailboard Talk: Anomalies Matter 4. [5:22] Special Guest: Jim Vaughn 5. [35:22] Sponsor Message: Incident Prevention’s Frontline Program 6. [36:13] Special Guest, Continued 7. [57:55] Sponsor Message: Incident Prevention’s Frontline Program 8. [58:08] Conclusion

Changing of the Guard with Jerry Havens and Jim Vaughn

Jerry Havens and Jim Vaughn kick off a new era for Tailboard Talks and discuss what’s next. They talk about upcoming guests and both the iP Conference and T&D Trainers Conference and Tradeshow. Jim also shares his experiences about writing for Incident Prevention Magazine and its early days of publication.   This episode is sponsored by: UBM Utility Business Media

Cable Identification & Remote Cutting with Mark Savage

Mark Forster & Jerry Havens sit down with Mark Savage to discuss everything Underground. In this episode of ISPC Tailboard Talks, we dive into the life-saving importance of proper cable identification and remote cutting in the electric utility industry. Our guest, Mark Savage shares real-world stories, proven best practices, and critical safety steps that align with OSHA 1910.269 and NFPA 70E standards. From testing before you touch, to using multiple verification methods, to leveraging remote cutting tools that keep you outside the arc flash boundary, this conversation is packed with practical advice every lineworker and safety leader needs to hear. Whether you’re in the field or leading a crew, these insights will help you prevent costly mistakes and ensure everyone goes home safe. This episode is sponsored by: T&D PowerSkills Timeline: 1. [0:00] Introduction 2. [2:12] Sponsor Message: T&D PowerSkills 3. [5:41] Tailboard Talk: Cable Identification and Remote Cutting 4. [11:29] Sponsor Message: T&D PowerSkills 5. [12:12] Special Guest: Mark Savage, Deadbreak, LLC 6. [50:58] Sponsor Message: T&D PowerSkills 7. [51:52] Conclusion

Navigating the New Regulatory Landscape with Mike Starner

Mark Forster Jerry Havens sit down with NECA’s Mike Starner to discuss the high-level changes under the new regulatory landscape in Washington DC and what that means for the electric utility industry in the ISPC Tailboard Talks segment.  The conversation with Mike continues as they dive into regulatory changes, training, attracting new people to the industry, what is changing from a contractor standpoint, NECA’s support and standing in the industry, and lastly, Mike’s final words to the contractor industry. This episode is sponsored by: T&D PowerSkills [https://tdpowerskills.com] Timeline: 1. [0:00] Introduction 2. [4:47] Sponsor Message: T&D PowerSkills 3. [5:34] Tailboard Talk: What the Regulatory Landscape Means for the Outside Line Industry 4. [15:29] Sponsor Message: T&D PowerSkills 5. [16:13] Special Guest: Mike Starner, Executive Director for Outside Line Safety with NECA 6. [51:24] Sponsor Message: T&D PowerSkills 7. [52:04] Conclusion

EPZ for Trucks and Step Potential with Jim Vaughn

In episode 27, host Mark Forster sits down with Jim Vaughn to discuss EPZ for Trucks and Step Potential in the electric utility industry. In the Tailboard Talks segment Mark and Jim discuss what OSHA requires of the employer in EPZ for trucks and step potential. During the guest segment the conversation continues by discussing EPZ for trucks and step potential and what hazards are brought into the work zone at ground level for the workers working on the ground. How to protect the workers on the ground and what actually goes into protecting them.   This episode is sponsored by:iP Institute’s Frontline Leadership Program Attention all utility professionals! Are you ready to transform your safety leadership culture? Introducing iP Institute's Frontline Leadership Program—a comprehensive training program that will elevate safety throughout every level of your organization. Led by one of the industry’s premier leading minds, David McPeak, this program offers in-depth modules on Leadership, Human Performance, and Incident Prevention. Don’t miss your opportunity to take your organization’s safety culture to the next level.  iP Institute's Frontline Program—empowering utility professionals to lead with confidence and safety, ip-institute.com [http://ip-institute.com/] to start your journey today!   Timeline: 1. [0:00] Introduction 2. [2:05] Sponsor Message: Incident Prevention’s Front Line Program 3. [2:13] Guest Introduction: Jim Vaughn 4. [11:28] Tailboard Talk: EPZ for Trucks and Step Potential 5. [29:16] Sponsor Message: Incident Prevention’s Front Line Program 6. [33:16] Special Guest: Jim Vaughn 7. [1:01:12] Sponsor Message: Incident Prevention’s Front Line Program 8. [1:02:22] Conclusion