May 2, 2008 8:22 pm US/Eastern
Larry On The Job: Duquesne Light Lineman
(KDKA)
The last time we saw KDKA Radio's Larry Richert on the job, he joined the Pittsburgh Penguins Ice Team, but his next assignment has a bit of a 'shocking' twist.
This time around, Larry tried his hand at being a lineman for Duquesne Light. He ventured both high up in the air and down a manhole this time around.
Larry says before hitting all those highs and lows, his adventure started at Duquesne Light's training center on the North Side where his lead trainer, Mike Peluso, and company spokesperson, Joe Vallarian, outfitted him for the job.
Those outfits includes hooks, hard hats and flame-resistant clothing.
First, Larry attempted climbing a pole, and then went up with the crew in a bucket.
He says he then went into manhole to 'sweat some lines.'
Rick Barzen, the underground guy, reminded Larry, "You're standing here, that's 23,000 volts at your face, 23,000 volts at your mid-section."
And at the end of an intense day, Larry says the crew told him he did a good job he just needed more experience.
Experts say it takes six to seven years or more of an intense apprenticeship before anyone can actually get fully certified for the job.
For more Larry On The Job: Click Here!
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
