Working on and maintaining wood utility poles can present some unique challenges and dangerous conditions. 

Much of this infrastructure is aging. Factor in increasingly frequent and intense weather events, and you get a perfect recipe for a large number of poles needing work, replacement or maintenance. It’s important to ensure that individuals responsible for working on wood poles receive the proper training and know how to safely navigate these hazards. 

Inspection

Wood poles must be inspected periodically to determine condition, stability and maintenance needs. When working on them, there are some specific steps to follow. One of the first things that should be checked for is buckling at the ground line. Unusual angles with respect to the ground may indicate a problem. 

Buckling and odd angles suggest that a pole has deteriorated, rotted or broken. It should then be inspected for cracks. Horizontal cracks that run perpendicular to the wood grain may weaken the pole. Vertical cracks are not a sign of a defective pole, though they can pose a hazard to potential climbers. 

Next, workers need to look for holes. Hollow spots and woodpecker holes compromise the integrity and strength of a wood pole. Additionally, workers should look for shell rot and decay. These cutout hazards can indicate the pole’s age and internal condition. Knots should also be found. A large knot or a series of smaller ones at approximately the same height on the pole could be evidence of a weak point. 

The depth of the pole should be evaluated. If a former ground line is significantly above the existing ground level, it can be an indication that a pole is no longer buried deep enough. Soil conditions should be observed as well. Soft, wet or loose soil might not support any changes of stress on the pole. Burn marks could demonstrate potential burning from transformer failures or conductor faults and could damage the pole. In this scenario, it may not be able to withstand mechanical stress changes. 

It is imperative to check the pole below ground level—most of the decay occurs 18 inches above and below that point. 

Testing

Following pole inspection, workers are required to perform a hammer test and a rocking test. A hammer test involves hitting the pole sharply with a hammer weighing about 3 pounds, starting near the ground line and continuing upward circumferentially around the pole to a height of approximately 6 feet. It will make a clear sound and rebound sharply when striking solid wood. Decay pockets will be indicated by a dull sound or a less pronounced hammer rebound. Prod the pole as near the ground line as possible using a pole prod or a screwdriver with a blade at least 5 inches long. If substantial decay is encountered, the pole is considered unsafe. 

A rocking test is when horizontal force is applied to the pole and workers attempt to rock it back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the line. Exercise caution to avoid causing power lines to swing together. The force may be applied either by pushing with a pike pole or pulling with a rope. If the pole cracks during the test, it is unsafe. 

Wood pole maintenance

If poles or corresponding electrical equipment need maintenance or work that requires climbing, this work can be done safely with a line truck boom, ropes or by lashing a new pole alongside it. 

When a new pole is lashed alongside a defective one, work should be performed from the new one. Work can also be done from an approved aerial device or the pole can be made safe for climbing by guying or bracing it. If a pole is unsafe to climb, it must be secured so it does not fall while a worker is aloft.

Before climbing a pole, there are several things to consider. First, it is critical to ensure that workers are physically capable of doing so. Whenever an employee is working more than 4 feet off the ground, they must use a personal fall-arrest system. 

It is important to inspect body belts and safety straps for loose or broken rivets; cracks, nicks, or tears in leather; damaged buckles; defects in safety belt snap hooks and body belt D-rings; worn leather; and enlarged tongue holes for belt buckles. Repair or discard and replace any equipment that exhibits one or more of these conditions. 

Prior to commencing work, put an emergency management plan place. Additionally, gaffs should always be sharp and checked frequently using a climber’s gauge. When tools need to be sharpened, use a honing stone. Never use a grindstone, which can cause overheating and the gaff to lose strength. 

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