Many folks are now climbing telecom or utility wood poles using wood pole fall restriction wpfr devices to place antennas and other equipment. In order to supply electricity, communications, and the internet to the public it is necessary to locate the facilities either in the ground or aerially. It is industry practice to supplement preservative treatment, as a result, poles are inspected periodically and if found not to have decay will be marked with a tag typically indicating year of inspection and the company who performed the inspection. Your understanding of my letter of july 23, is essentially correct. This course introduces two methods used for climbing wooden poles and will cover the proper.
Spot checking is a method of sampling representative groups of poles on a system to determine the extent of pole decay and to establish the priority for a pole maintenance program. H applied at two 2 feet from the top of the pole, resulting in a linear minimum moment capacity curve throughout the above ground portion of the pole. The round pole wood products used in utility structures. Although typically used to provide a barrier to block raccoons, squirrels, and other varmints from climbing poles or to prevent woodpeckers from damaging wooden structures, pole. Good inspection data is critical to any strength rating calculation and the aluminum inspection tag that is placed on the pole tells the basic history of what has, or has not, been done to qualify that pole as sound. There are several systems used for climbing steel poles. These video courses offers basic knowledge and practical experience in various aspects of the utility. Pole climbing and tree climbing utilize some of the same equipment, but here you will find some of the best gear designed just for the utility climber. Feb 18, 2017 safety class, utility contractor, power restoration. Face the poles so that adjacent poles face in opposite directions face to face back to back. This book deals with the challenges of ascending, descending and working in an elevated position on wood poles.
This blog is the sixth in an ongoing series detailing utility pole issues and the steps it takes to remedy them. Climbing steel poles student reading material this reading material covers climbing a steel utility pole in a deenergized setting. A variety of inspection and inservice treatments are performed on wooden utility poles to ensure a strong and safe wood pole plant. The pole can be secured by a line truck boom, by ropes or guys, or by lashing a new pole alongside it. Other as technology changes so does the climbing environment. It can be about pushing limits and climbing hard, getting outdoors with friends and having fun, discovering new problems or training for route climbing. One really cool product is the linemans pole climbing kit. Raise your right leg about 8 inches off the ground and sink the gaff on that leg into the pole. Use a handsaw, pole saw, or a branch bat a short weighted bat to prune dead branches and stobs. Pole climbing training fall protection safety one training. Utility pole climbing equipment wesspur tree equipment.
Handson utility pole climbing certification bts training. These video courses offers basic knowledge and practical experience in various aspects of the utility lineman field. On and after april 1, 2015, each qualified employee climbing or changing location on poles, towers, or similar structures must use fall protection equipment unless the employer can demonstrate that climbing or. To learn pole climbing, you must practice actual pole climbing. It is even safer to avoid climbing on the pile if that is possible. Here are some helpful hints for tree planting around utilities. Our climbing gear is designed for linemen and cable men who are required to climb wood poles.
Learning to climb a utility pole harder than you probably think. Pages in category climbing techniques the following 25 pages are in this category, out of 25 total. Climbing pole tips the proper equipment when climbing poles includes. While bucket trucks are often used to work on utility poles without climbing, sometimes climbing is the only way to get the job done. Lineman training learning to climb a pole like a lineman tennessee valley uncharted duration. Workers involved with pole handling procedures must have been previously instructed in, or be under instruction in, the proper methods of handling poles. Preinspection of ppe and demonstration of climbing techniques for beginning climbers. Work on a pole includes linework either by climbing or elevating work platform ewp, as well as substation, telecommunications, service and operating work which may be carried out from a pole platform, pole steps, ladder, ewp, etc.
These consensus standards provide minimum levels of treatment for all native pole species currently listed within the american national standards institute ansi standard o5. Jul 31, 2014 a brief introduction to utility poles. Handson utility pole climbing certification course description this handson extensive course is needed in order to climb safely and efficiently, a lineman needs to understand and practice climbing techniques. This material is made available on the basis that it may be necessary for a registered professional engineer of queensland rpeq to undertake or oversee the engineering services to meet statutory obligations. Nde of utility poles in service in australia are discussed. Insulating pole wrap wildlife mitigation products squirrel and woodpecker guards pole wrap is a uv stabilized polysheeting material that has a variety of uses. This truly is one comfortable set of climbers, and because its made by klein, you know it works for linemen. Preparing to climb a steel utility pole preparing to climb a steel pole is no different than a wood pole. We pride ourselves on being the company that you can rely on when you need specialized lineman pole climbing safety products in a timely manner. Lanyards and adjusters in tree climbing with wesspurs dave stice.
A combination of three key methods is used to help prevent falls from wood poles. What it takes to be a pole climber bendbroadband blog. Pole climbing is ascending a pole which one can grip with his or her hands. Linemen pole climbing safety products utility industry tools. This video describes safe techniques for pole climbing, one of 14 physical timbersports events that are part of the southern forestry conclave. And lean back in the utility belt and every two steps shoot your. Before climbing with any of the above methods, linemen should visually inspect the wood pole to ensure its integrity.
With the right equipment and a combination of three basic methods, its a cinch. Does your company have a documented pole top rescue plan. Techniques for climbing date back over a hundred years. This course introduces two methods used for climbing wooden poles and will cover the proper techniques for safetyingon and off, methods of adjusting a safety strap while working on a pole, and the basic technique of maneuvering around a pole. Specification for transport and erection of pole structures.
A new section has been added describing the safe use of the popular bucksqueeze safety strap. Hazards with utility poles start from the ground up. Pole top climbing safety and rescue training course course category. Aug 21, 2015 cte skills utility lineman training video category offered for online skills training include topics such as. Pole top climbing safety and rescue training course nate. In addition to the dead load of the wires, the deflected pole weight, applied at its centroid above ground, shall be included in the secondary moment calculation. See more ideas about lineman, power lineman and lineman wife. Thank you for your letter of august 7, concerning fall protection standards for pole climbing. Includes procedures for the installation of crossarms, transformers, and conductors. Always follow all safety procedures and wear the appropriate safety gear for the job at hand. O introduce the company safety manual and show specific areas related.
Pdf on dec 1, 2015, zahra bakhtiar khalid and others published electrical pole. Used as a mount for detachable pole steps on composite and fiberglass utility poles. Linemen have been using metal spikes to climb the poles and leather straps and belts to position themselves while working. Lineman climbing equipment sort by featured best selling alphabetically, az alphabetically, za price, low to high price, high to low date, new to old date, old to new grid view list view. Climbing and working in trees demands specialized equipment and skills. Replacement pole climbing gaffs 72 112 38 mm pole climbing gaffs supplied with the 1972ar series 2. Spot checking is the initial step in developing a planned pole inspection and maintenance program. The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment, 1910. Wood pole climbing is not only dangerous but also one of the most difficult applications in fall protection. Most pole top accidents dating back over 30 years have been blamed on poor climbing techniques, and many linked to either inadequate andor no training. From a location at 90 degrees to the line, check for vertical and for correct turn. Considering on that issue, a pole climbing robot has.
Cte skills utility lineman training video category offered for online skills training include topics such as. A job plan must be worked out and agreed upon by all workers. Determining where to plant a tree is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Fall protection for wood pole climbing occupational health. In this volume, methods of inspection and maintenance of standing poles have been considered. Climbing steel and concrete poles can easily be climbed by adding optional climbing attachments such as ladders or steps to the poles. Have him climb and descend with an egg in his mouth. For example, the cynchlok fall restricting pole strap is a userfriendly strap, which meets stringent csa 259. This course is designed for electric utility and telecommunication personnel who are required to climb and work from wood utility poles.
This course also describes methods of supporting a pole using several different types of guying techniques. Woods usefulness is greatly increased when it is protected against deteriorating agents by pressure. Buy products related to climbing pole products and see what customers say about climbing pole products on free delivery possible on eligible purchases. The related activity of mast climbing describes ascending an object similar to a pole, but having a larger diameter which excludes gripping with the hands. Additionally we have belts, lanyards and full body harnesses to choose from. Both of these definitions are in line with common wood pole design practices and make the rapid response series poles comparable to wood poles in that respect. Are your employees trained and certified to execute a rescue in a timely manner with proper training and equipment available. Many factors should be considered prior to planting. This involves looking for cracks, holes, rot and obstructions.
Can we train our linemen and convince them to adopt new climbers. Linemen are a tough breed, especially in the desert southwest, where they must climb poles as high as 70 ft and work with unforgiving highvoltage electricity in searing heat. This course describes methods used to frame a pole, that is, how to install crossarms and other conductor supports. Techniques that can most current standards related to structural use of accurately determine the residual. Estimated service life of wood utility poles page 4 speci. The number of pole replacements should not be excessive and the maximum useful life should be obtained from every pole. Learning to climb a utility pole harder than you probably. Jun 26, 2012 climbing a power pole involves the right clothing, proper equipment and an adherence to safety. Today, we tackle a safety issue that could result in injury to a mostvaluable assetyour workers and technicians. The term, working in elevated positions, as used in my previous letter, was intended to clarify that, whenever a worker is at an elevated position and exposed to a fall hazard from. The equipment on a pole that supports the conductors must be constructed to withstand this force. Code, oregon public utility commission safety rules, oregon occupational safety and health administration, state, county. Nesc 236 climbing space climbing space is an unobstructed, vertical space along the side or corner of the pole. Common to transmission, distribution, and substation, power line worker level one addresses the fundamental aspects of power line work to include safety, electrical theory, climbing techniques, aerial framing and rigging, and operating utility service equipment.
Standoff bracket 9 to 10 inch hardware bracket used to extend conduit risers away from poles to provide safer climbing space. Climbing techniques for a beginning student duration. Bouldering is an excellent way to introduce beginners to rock climbing. However, thanks to recent design improvements, fall protection systems are becoming easier to use. The program demonstrates proper techniques for safetyingon and off, methods of adjusting a safety strap while working on a pole, and the basic technique of maneuvering around a pole. Vaf industries manufactures a variety of lineman pole climbing safety products that are specifically designed to help solve problems for the utility industry. Wood is one of our most valuable natural resources.
Fall protection for wood pole climbing occupational. Internet pole climbing traininggavin ingram youtube. Wood pole fallrestriction devices meeting american society of testing and materials standard specifications for personal climbing equipment, astm f88712 e1, are deemed to meet the anchoragestrength requirement when they are used in accordance with manufacturers instructions. If a new one is lashed alongside the defective pole, work should be performed from the new one. Composite utility pole mounts are used in lieu of mount with lag screw on composite poles.
Using proper techniques and fall protection equipment to ascend and descend wood utility poles can help promote a culture of safety while also making sure linemen are working efficiently and effectively. Some pointers that will help you become proficient in pole climbing in minimum time are as follows. The employee performing the inspection must be qualified to make a determination as to whether it is safe to perform the work without taking additional. On corners and dead ends, poles should face the anchor. Hole in mount plate accommodates 14 tapping screw to prevent rotation. In free climbing, the positioning strap is not used while ascending or descending the pole. How much of a change in climbing techniques will it require. Thus, all users of the material should have the assistance of, and rely on, their own experts in the design, construction and maintenance of steel distribution poles the material presented in the dvd and accompanying electronic and written presentations are for general information only. This paper will provide a brief overview of the rules applicable to utility poles, summarize recent events and commission proceedings involving utility poles, and recommend opportunities for additional commission action to protect safety and continuity of service in california. The utilities industry presents workers with many unique.
Standard specifications for wood poles ronald wolfe, research general engineer russell moody, research general engineer. Climbing a wood pole requires skill that takes a person time to develop. Pole top and bucket rescue, transformer overviews and installation procedures, pole setting, pole climbing techniques and more. The manufacturers who make our utility climbing gear are the best names in the business.
Inspection of wood poles wood poles should be inspected by a qualified employee for the following conditions. Again, we feature top brands like klein and capital safety 3m. Pole climbing class was the final step in the process of getting hired to be a phoneman and it was clearly designed as a test of ones willpower, a weeder class as we used to say in college. Two or more of these steps are used to assist linemen in gaining access to permanent steps at higher levels. Climbing equipment should be inspected for defects and, if any are found, the equipment should be replaced or repaired before ascending. Best practices for wood pole strength and loading euci. Utility worker hopefuls display their poleclimbing.
Common to transmission, distribution, and substation, power line worker level one addresses the fundamental aspects of power line work to include safety, electrical theory, climbing techniques, aerial framing and rigging, and operating utility. This course also covers and describes the safe use. The milestone was an important one for the utilitys powerpathway program, which is providing needed training for the next generation of utility workers. Wood pole inspection and testing incident prevention. Utility pole, climbers, telephone, denim, phone, journeyman lineman, jeans pants, jeans. Inexpensive, readily available and versatile, wood has become an important construction material. Today, linemens belts and climbing spikes offer a variety of features. Fall protection for wood pole climbing grainger industrial. Before climbing a wood pole, first inspect the pole for tags. This program introduces two methods used for climbing wooden poles. This course introduces two methods used for climbing wooden poles and will cover the proper techniques for safetyingon and off, methods of adjusting a safety.