Utility Pole Assessment
- STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
Wood poles are subjected to levels of treatment and inspection. These poles are generally graded for a field lifespan of approximately 15-30 years depending on a variety of environmental factors. The factors include, weather conditions, soil acidity, etc. If poles are not properly inspected and maintained then this normal occurring deterioration can lead to them becoming hazards to both the utility owners and the general public. Some states, such as New Jersey have passed legislation mandating this inspection/maintenance program while, still other states have similar legislation pending. Additionally, the NESC standards recommend/require a timeline of how often poles should to be inspected. This program of inspection and maintenance is vital to both public safety and maximizing the lifespan of wood poles. We can help determine the condition and integrity of these wood poles to help determine a corrective course of action. Our inspections can identify structural integrity issues, damage, over loading/overstressed poles, wind load analysis, improper guying, bug/animal infestation, excavation issues, decay, and generally unsafe conditions.Groundline decay is the most common problem identified and can be caused by three main sources: Fungus, Bacterial decomposition, and as previously mentioned bug infestation. A visual inspection is made on all poles from the ground line to the pole top to determine an overall condition of the pole. We will review the pole structure and of any attachments to the pole to identify any conditions that might jeopardize integrity/reliability and may be in need of follow-up. After our visual inspection process we then perform a sounding/prodding test and based on these results may do further testing of the pole if internal deterioration or decay is suspected or identifie
- INVENTORY OF FACILITIES
With this inventory service we can examine pole facilities in the field and collect all pertinent or requested attachment information. Some of which may include; facility ownership, type of attachment, and quantity of attachments. Also, we determine NESC compliance of each attachment. A facility or pole owner is liable for each non compliant attachment on their pole. But it is the responsibility of the attacher to correct these non compliant issues. We also provide a service of correcting some NESC compliance issues during the course of our inventory, such as, installing missing guy guards, tagging with ownership tags/decals, removal of abandoned ground level attachments, etc., this service eliminates the cost associated with dispatching crews to correct these issues at a latyer date. Additionally, due to the common practice, we also have vast experience coordinating with municipalities on resolutions concerning the non compliant practice of street/traffic signs attached to utility poles.
- JOINT USE – VENDOR AUDITS
Vendors are users that may have utility owned pole attachments. With the audit service, we examine each utility entity owned pole in the field and identify which vendors are attached along with type of facility attachment (cable, fiber, hardware, etc). Utility owners provide allocated space on their utility poles. Other vendors (ie: utility owners) can attach to an existing utility pole line and save excessive sums of money related to the alternative of constructing a new line. These attaching vendors are required to notify the pole owner of intent, seeking authorization and setting up a term rental or use agreement (generally five year agreements). Unfortunately, for the pole owners, it is very common practice for the attaching parties to not notify or forget to notify that they have attached to a utility pole. During this type of audit we can collect, attachment types and attachment owners, this information can then be provided back to the utility pole owner in a pre-specified file format or a system database can be utilized for the data. Unauthorized attachment notifications can be generated from this system and sent to recoup attachment fees.
- NESC CODE COMPLIANCE
The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) was established to provide a set of construction standards for installation of structures, equipment and cables by the facility or utility owner to assure safety for the worker and public. Vendors who attach their cables to an existing power structure must comply with the same NESC requirements. Our audits adhere to the latest Codes and Standards, assuring that the required safety, measurements and distances are verified and documented. Specific requirements for safety include proper grounding, work zone clearance and other grounding specifications. We can verify that Vendor installations maintain the required clearances from owner installations and from other vendor attachments. NESC Audits can be performed as a separate entity, documented on any acceptable compliance form, or integrated with other services. Failure to comply to these standards can result in significant fines and many states now have passed legislation or has pending legislation requiring compliance.
