Irby 's combination of training and experience translates into a history of job performance in everything from safety practices to crew productivity and timely project completion. The company's financial strength and readily available manpower and equipment allow it to compete successfully for projects of any size and type. EQUIPMENT: Equipment does the job in drifting Rocky Mountain snows or blistering desert heat, in sub-zero Alaskan tundra and sweltering Southern swamps, and in challenging off-continent projects in locations such as Liberia, South Africa, Indonesia, and Belize. Irby has established a strict set of standards regarding equipment design, use, and maintenance. These standards promote efficiency, effectiveness, and safety. To keep these units in top working condition and to ensure their maximum working life, they must be serviced on a regular schedule. Through a sophisticated maintenance control system, each unit is set up with appropriate metering equipment and maintenance schedules. Irby has initiated the development of a service apprenticeship training program. The program uses training films, lectures, and hands-on instruction in hydraulics, general repair, and Department of Transportation requirements. This continual training upgrade produces more effective service personnel resulting in less equipment downtime. Through equipment purchases, training, and preventative maintenance programs, Irby strives for efficient and productive use of equipment. This commitment helps us meet the changing needs of our customers by supplying the most versatile and cost-effective equipment fleet in the industry. TRAINING: "My observation is that Irby is very conscious about safety training with their people. I'm not aware of any safety problems that they've had, and I suppose that probably speaks for itself." Training is an integral and significant part of our organization. We employ the latest in video training and interactive computer technology to keep our employees continuously updated on evolving techniques, procedures, and equipment. Mobile learning units make this continuing education accessible and convenient to each job site. To maintain our base of talented and qualified personnel, we have developed an apprenticeship program together with the Associated Builders and Contractors Institute. Combining classroom instruction with hands-on, skill-based training, the open-shop apprenticeship program is approved by the U. S. Department of Labor. Training courses taught by Irby personnel include: 4-year Lineman Apprenticeship School 2-year Operators Apprenticeship School Competent Climbers School 40-hour Transmission Hot Stick School for Linemen A major component of our training is rigorous attention to safety, ensuring that jobs are performed using the proper equipment and following correct procedures. Our rigorous drug-testing policy guarantees that each worker can have total confidence in his fellow workers. Because our work is often performed in hazardous, challenging settings, such confidence is absolutely essential. Inspectors from Irby's Safety Department regularly visit the job sites for inspections and to provide safety training. By continually fine-tuning the skills of our employees, we are supplying our customers with the finest workforce available and preparing equally well-schooled new employees for the future.