Pole Climbing Basics Flashcards
What are the basic tools needed as an Apprentice?
- Claw Hammer
- Crescent Wrench
- Flat Screwdriver
- Channel Lock Pliers
- Double Box Ratchet
- Tool Pouch
- Pocket Tool Holder
- Folding Ruler
- Side Cutting Pliers
- Skinning Knife
What is APM Rule 109?
Clothing/PPE
What is APM Rule 130?
General Fall Protection
What is APM Rule 135?
Tools
What is APM Rule 141?
Grounding
What is APM Rule 202?
Testing of Wood Poles
What is APM Rule 209?
Working in Elevated Positions
What is APM Rule 212?
Personal Fall Protection Systems for Work on Elevated Structures and Poles
What is APM Rule 230?
Climbers
What are you looking for when inspecting Super Squeeze (or Pole Choker)?
- Hardware, buckles, and other connecting devices must be clean and in good working order.
- Snap hooks and carabiner gates must open and close freely
- Bolts and locking nuts must be in place and securely tightened
- Rivets must not be loose or missing
- Cams and rollers must rotate freely, and must lock onto the strap when tension is applied. Check for excessive wear and for any damage to the housing.
- Check gripping teeth for missing teeth, excessive, corrosion, or build-up of residue
- Straps must be free from excessive wear, cuts, tears and other defects. The wear guard (if present) must be in good condition
- Test the FRE for slippage - connect it to a pole and gradually apply your weight to verify that the device grips the pole
What are you looking for when inspecting your body belt & transitional safety?
- Excessive wear or damage
- Exposed Lining
- Elongated belt holes
- ASTM tag missing or not legible
- Loose Rivets
- Torn Loops
- Buckle or other fasteners: Bent won’t close or lock
- D-rings: Cracks, bending, or other damage
What are you looking for when inspecting climbers?
- Per APM 230, gaffs must be at least 1-1/4” long to use.
- Check the leg irons and gaffs for visible signs of damage (such as cracks, warping, or deep scratches)
- Check the straps and pads for visible signs of damage (such as cuts, tears, fraying, enlarged buckle holes, loose rivets, bent or broken buckles)
- Ensure that gaffs are mounted firmly on the leg irons, with no movement
- Ensure that gaff guards are in good condition
What deviations are you looking for when inspecting gaffs?
a. ) The ridge must be straight
b. ) The bottom must be flat
c. ) The edges must be sharp
d. ) The sides must be rounded
e. ) The last 1/4” at the tip must be uniformly curved to a point
What safety checks should be done as required before climbing?
- Deteriorated poles - Visual Inspection (APM Rule 209)
- Sound Test
- Butt Test
- Pole Depth
- Unsafe Conditions
What should you do if a deteriorated pole needs to be climbed?
APM Rule 209 (d) states the pole should be supported prior
Ex: Support pole with grabbers on Heavy Truck.
What is the Sound Test?
APM Rule 202(a)
A preliminary test that is tested from ground level to 6’ above using a hammer or other device to locate internal decay pockets
What is the Butt Test?
APM Rule 202(b) Inspection borings (9/16-inch hole) shall be drilled 90 degrees apart. One, 12" below ground line and one at ground line. Drill downward at a 45 degree angle and extend past the center of the pole. If set in cement, 12" above ground line ad at ground line.
How can pole depths change?
Grading of roads and landscaping.
How can you determine the pole’s depth?
By locating the pole brand.
How far is the pole brand’s distance from the end of the pole over 60’ pole treated before 2013? After 2013?
13’; 14’
How far is the pole brand’s distance from the end of a pole 25-60’ long?
10’
How deep do you set a pole? Unless?
10% + 2’; Guyed or in rock
What are some unsafe conditions a pole may acquire?
- Woodpecker Damage
- Cracks
- Burned Pole
- Termites
- Dry Rot
- Nearby Trees
- Improper Pole Depth
- Leaning Pole
- Car-Hit, Deteriorated or Broken Pole
What are three things that should be considered prior to a climb?
- Plan your route
- Climb the high side when possible
- Extra care in poor weather
What’s the minimum a Climbing Space shall be maintained?
Not less than 4’ vertically both above and below each conductor level through which it passes.
How much can the climbing space shift if consecutive conductor levels are greater than 4’ but no more than 8’?
No more than 1/4 (90 Degrees)
What are the guidelines that should be followed when ascending and descending a pole?
- ) Use proper stepping angle
- ) Lock the leg
- ) Avoid “sneak climbing”
- ) Climb with confidence
- ) Use proper working/body position
- ) “Lock and Drop” when ascending a pole
- ) Watch where you are going!
What is the correct Stepping Angle?
30 degrees between the lower leg and the pole
What is “Sneak Climbing”?
Ascending a pole by sliding one’s feet up, rather than making defined steps.
How does one descend a pole?
- ) Pull out one foot/gaff
- ) Lock the knee
- ) Lower that foot/gaff 18”
- ) Angle that foot/gaff 45 Degrees, and reengage the pole
- ) Repeat with the other foot/gaff
What is the most important piece of equipment that any lineman possesses?
His or her own body
What does APM Rule 135(a) state? And what does it require?
“Only tools in good condition shall be used.” For linemen to inspect their tools prior to every use.
What should you do if a tool is not in good condition?
Replace it immediately. Report or red tag to ensure it is not used.
