Phil Bertelsen, 35, from Castleford, West Yorkshire, works as a high voltage lineworker for National Grid, maintaining the cables that supply power to UK homes. He climbs towering electricity pylons, including the Tees Crossing Tower in Middlesbrough at 476 feet high.
What does the job involve?
Bertelsen fixes and maintains high voltage power lines that are part of the network supplying power 24/7 to UK homes. He is part of a National Grid team of 15 covering 3,000 towers in Yorkshire. The work is hazardous, requiring climbing 100 feet before even starting work, but safety gear including harnesses, climbing boots, and hard hats is used. Team members look out for each other, and Bertelsen notes that hammering his thumb has been the main risk.
Why are lineworkers crucial?
Lineworkers are like a motorway through which power, such as renewable energy from wind farms, travels before going to substations and then into homes, businesses, and schools to power lighting, hot water, cookers, Wi-Fi, laptops, phones, and kettles. The training is intensive, with safety coming first. Detailed risk assessments and method statements are required, and all workers are trained in tower rescue and first aid.
What does Bertelsen love about the job?
Bertelsen enjoys the great views from the top of the towers, getting a completely different look at the place. His favorite part is the team banter: they get a production line going on the work platform at the top of the tower and turn up the music, ranging from pop to drum and bass. He says, 'You hear some 6ft 6ins beast of a man singing along to the Spice Girls. It’s great.'
