Utility Tree Workers Guide for Electrical Training & Refresher Course

About the Book

The Utility Tree Workers’ Guide for Electrical Training and Refresher Course is a practical, field ready manual designed to strengthen the knowledge, safety awareness, and technical proficiency of utility vegetation management workers operating around energized electrical systems. Built on industry best practices and real world experience, the guide provides clear explanations, visual aids, and scenario based instruction to help workers understand electrical hazards, safe approach distances, equipment use, and proper work methods.

This manual supports both new trainees and seasoned workers by reinforcing critical concepts such as electrical theory, system components, grounding and bonding, minimum approach distances, job planning, emergency response, and hazard recognition. Its structured layout and straightforward language make it ideal for classroom delivery, on the job coaching, and periodic refresher training.

Ultimately, the guide promotes a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous learning—ensuring that utility tree workers are confident, competent, and prepared to work safely around electrical infrastructure.

About the Author

Jim Brown is the owner and manager of IVM Consulting Ltd. He has worked as a utility arborist for 30 years and has worked in the vegetation management industry for 40 years. Jim is a certified utility arborist (CUA) in British Columbia and a utility tree trimmer (UTT) in Alberta and is a certified utility vegetation management professional (UVMP), having received this accreditation from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. He held the position of vegetation manager for a utility company in Canada for more than 10 years before retiring and starting his own vegetation management consulting firm. Jim recently became an instructor at Olds College in Alberta for the electrical portion of the UTT course and the recertification course. He is also working toward providing a certification for certified utility tree professionals (CUTP) in Saskatchewan. His objective is to contribute to the advancement and education of professionals within the utility vegetation management industry.