Technicians climbing a high voltage tower to carry out a tower-top inspection as part of scheduled maintenance work in Skudai, Johor Baru.
MAINTENANCE works have been carried out by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) on power lines to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to millions across peninsular Malaysia.
The national power provider’s grid team recently carried out works along a 132 kilovolts (kV) transmission line in Skudai, using the live method without shutting down the power supply.
In a media statement, TNB said the method ensured minimal disruption to consumers, especially during crucial times.
TNB senior technical engineer Nooraffendi Saaim, 42, said safety was a priority when working at such great heights.
“Being high above ground, safety is paramount.
“Descenders must be attached to the main line and connected to a full-body harness for stability while a safety line is used as a precaution, including a fall-arrest device connected to the backup line,” he explained.
Nooraffendi said that while working on transmission towers, personnel were exposed to weather conditions that could limit working hours.
“One of the most challenging experiences was having to wade through the mangrove swamp on foot after the boat got stuck while we were working on an electricity transmission line in between Tanjung Bin in Pontian and Gelang Patah,” he recalled.
“After that incident, we began using a water-tide app to better plan our entry and exit times,” he said.
The media statement said TNB’s highly trained team also performed a tower-top inspection to assess the condition of key components such as cross arms, insulators and wire jumper lugs.
It said safety and proper training were crucial, with each team member receiving specialised training before being authorised to climb transmission towers.
“Key safety measures include wearing complete personal protective equipment, using double lanyard safety ropes, installing a backup fall-arrest system and conducting daily safety briefings before the start of any works.
“In addition to traditional methods, TNB has integrated the use of drones in its tower inspection and maintenance processes, significantly enhancing safety, efficiency and data accuracy.
“Scheduled maintenance helps TNB prevent emergency repairs, enhance grid reliability and prolong the lifespan of critical infrastructure, ensuring that energy continues to reach homes and businesses efficiently,” said the utility company. — By RHEMA SENG
