Transmission Line Construction Engineering Research Association

The Transmission Line Construction Engineering Research Association was established as a voluntary organization of 22 regular members to conduct joint research as an institution dedicated to improving construction technology and advancing the development of member companies.

Regional branches were established in Tohoku, Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku, and Kyushu, followed by branches in Kanto in 1958, Hokkaido in 1959, Shikoku in 1961, and Hokuriku in 1963.

The voluntary organization was reorganized as the Transmission Line Construction Engineering Research Association, an incorporated association, with 37 regular members and 14 supporting members.

To strengthen construction capacity, the association established committees and specialist subcommittees and promoted research activities drawing on the collective efforts of the industry.

The association focused on education and safety, developing training materials and a certification system for site representatives, and began research on key-lock safety ropes.

In response to plans for 1,000 kV transmission lines, the association established a specialist committee on ultra-high-voltage construction methods and prioritized developing machinery, tools, and methods for larger-scale facilities.

In response to major changes such as electricity market liberalization, the association undertook various initiatives to further improve the efficiency and rationalization of transmission line construction.

In response to reforms to the public interest corporation system, the association received Cabinet Office approval to transition to a general incorporated association.

To address the shortage of transmission line construction workers, the association promoted efforts to raise public awareness, including publishing a nationwide recruitment magazine and considering the creation of a transmission line technician qualification. It strengthened statistical baseline surveys by starting a survey of high-altitude workers' work patterns, and expanded accident prevention activities, including work on standard harness-type fall-arrest equipment for transmission line projects and reestablishing its safety committee.

The association marked its 70th anniversary with 108 regular members, 40 sustaining members, and 11 supporting members.