Head Quarters Improvements

Some Ashley Substation, Inc. employees spent their down time in December upgrading company HQ.  The modest 1380 square foot facility includes a new conference room, full kitchen, and a bathroom. The new HQ will be used to host company meetings, employee training, guest presentations and other ASI hosted events. 

System Security Update

Today employees completed an information systems audit.  Once a year A.S.I. reviews and updates all computers and information systems.   In addition to monthly and regular software updates the system security audit includes the reviewing of file backup procedures and employee user ID and password updating.  Antivirus, spyware, keylogger, malware, intrusion detection, and IP tracking programs were checked on all systems.  Subscription software on all computers was renewed and full system file scans were completed.

September Meeting Announced

ASI will be holding a monthly safety meeting on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007 at 9a.m. at the Dumas substation.  All employees are expected to attend and clients are welcome to join.  JM will have a breif presentation on the new safety scorecard & some information on the March 2008 fallsafe deadline.  After the presentation the floor will be open for discussion. 

Safety Scorecard Evaluations

Safety Scorecard.pdf

 ASI director of safety John Ashley will be conducting 2 monthly safety scorecard evaluations onsite in cooperation with Entergy’s new contractor safety monitoring system.  In addition to the 2 internal audits Entergy employees will also conduct 2 evaluations per month. 

The scorecard evaluations cover a wide range of safety concerns including daily tailboard review, JSA completion, “fatal 5” awareness of crew, powersafe card validation, switching & clearance procedures, and more.  Ratings on the card range from 1 to 5 where 1 is inadequate, 3 is average (in compliance), and 5 is over and above the call of duty.  Scores of 1 or 5 will rarely be given and should be backed up by hard evidence.

The scorecard system has been adopted by all Entergy contractors to help the company better monitor and maintain the safety of individuals working within their electrical system.  The effectiveness and usefullness of the new system will be monitored over time and revamped as needed to fit all contractors.

Click here to view scorecard

Giving to Community

Once again Ashley Substation, Inc. along with Sonic Drive-In of Sheridan sponsored the Forth of July Festival in Poyen, Arkansas.  ASI’s own John Ashley performed with The Rocket Band as they headlined the day of music and family fun.  The event was held on July 5 this year due to town scheduling conflicts,  However, the crowd turned out in large numbers.  Estimates put the crowd at around 2500, outperforming last years estimate of 2000.  The fireworks show was disrupted by a sudden heavy bout of rain.  Fireworks director Dennis Channel continued the show in spite of the rain and made it a memmorable experience for all as everyone huddle under tarps and pavilions to watch the fireworks display. 

Ashley Substation, Inc. intends to sponsor next years event as well as other worthy causes throughout the year.  Everyone at ASI is thankful for the opportunity to serve the communities of Arkansas and are dedicated to making the state a better place through community service & other charities.

PowerSafe Training

This month Ashley Substation, Inc. employees will begin to renew their commitment to safety by taking the powersafe.org refresher course for Entergy transmission contractors.  Between now and December, 2007 all employees will complete the course.  New technology has made taking the course more efficient, many ASI crew will take the refresher while on the jobsite.  In addition to powersafe training, ASI staff will brush up on first-aid, blood pathogens, and CPR training. 

Ashley Substation, Inc. realizes the importance of safety in the high voltage electrical workplace and continues working with clients toward the goal of “target zero accidents”.  Clients are invited and encouraged to attend monthly safety meetings, usually held on the jobsite, and participate in the new culture of safety now happening in the business of electrical transmission.

Use the contact link on this page if you would like to know when and where the next ASI saftey meeting will take place. 

ASI Hiring Additional Staff

The company has rehired D. Riley, who was released shortly after the Katrina disaster cutbacks, to the position of Assistant to Sr. Relay Tech – Tommy Watts.   Mr. Riley has successfully completed ‘PowerSafe’ training as well as ‘Substation Awareness’ and ASI employee orientation and has been approved as an Authorized Entergy Contractor by ASI CEO Rick Ashley.  Additional staff may be required in the months ahead as Entergy Arkansas continues increases in 2007 production.