Pole Climbing Basics Flashcards

1
Q

What are the basic tools needed as an Apprentice?

A
  • Claw Hammer
  • Crescent Wrench
  • Flat Screwdriver
  • Channel Lock Pliers
  • Double Box Ratchet
  • Tool Pouch
  • Pocket Tool Holder
  • Folding Ruler
  • Side Cutting Pliers
  • Skinning Knife
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2
Q

What is APM Rule 109?

A

Clothing/PPE

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3
Q

What is APM Rule 130?

A

General Fall Protection

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4
Q

What is APM Rule 135?

A

Tools

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5
Q

What is APM Rule 141?

A

Grounding

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6
Q

What is APM Rule 202?

A

Testing of Wood Poles

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7
Q

What is APM Rule 209?

A

Working in Elevated Positions

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8
Q

What is APM Rule 212?

A

Personal Fall Protection Systems for Work on Elevated Structures and Poles

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9
Q

What is APM Rule 230?

A

Climbers

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10
Q

What are you looking for when inspecting Super Squeeze (or Pole Choker)?

A
  • 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
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11
Q

What are you looking for when inspecting your body belt & transitional safety?

A
  • 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
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12
Q

What are you looking for when inspecting climbers?

A
  • 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
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13
Q

What deviations are you looking for when inspecting gaffs?

A

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

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14
Q

What safety checks should be done as required before climbing?

A
  • Deteriorated poles - Visual Inspection (APM Rule 209)
  • Sound Test
  • Butt Test
  • Pole Depth
  • Unsafe Conditions
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15
Q

What should you do if a deteriorated pole needs to be climbed?

A

APM Rule 209 (d) states the pole should be supported prior

Ex: Support pole with grabbers on Heavy Truck.

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16
Q

What is the Sound Test?

A

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

17
Q

What is the Butt Test?

A
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.
18
Q

How can pole depths change?

A

Grading of roads and landscaping.

19
Q

How can you determine the pole’s depth?

A

By locating the pole brand.

20
Q

How far is the pole brand’s distance from the end of the pole over 60’ pole treated before 2013? After 2013?

A

13’; 14’

21
Q

How far is the pole brand’s distance from the end of a pole 25-60’ long?

A

10’

22
Q

How deep do you set a pole? Unless?

A

10% + 2’; Guyed or in rock

23
Q

What are some unsafe conditions a pole may acquire?

A
  • Woodpecker Damage
  • Cracks
  • Burned Pole
  • Termites
  • Dry Rot
  • Nearby Trees
  • Improper Pole Depth
  • Leaning Pole
  • Car-Hit, Deteriorated or Broken Pole
24
Q

What are three things that should be considered prior to a climb?

A
  • Plan your route
  • Climb the high side when possible
  • Extra care in poor weather
25
Q

What’s the minimum a Climbing Space shall be maintained?

A

Not less than 4’ vertically both above and below each conductor level through which it passes.

26
Q

How much can the climbing space shift if consecutive conductor levels are greater than 4’ but no more than 8’?

A

No more than 1/4 (90 Degrees)

27
Q

What are the guidelines that should be followed when ascending and descending a pole?

A
  1. ) Use proper stepping angle
  2. ) Lock the leg
  3. ) Avoid “sneak climbing”
  4. ) Climb with confidence
  5. ) Use proper working/body position
  6. ) “Lock and Drop” when ascending a pole
  7. ) Watch where you are going!
28
Q

What is the correct Stepping Angle?

A

30 degrees between the lower leg and the pole

29
Q

What is “Sneak Climbing”?

A

Ascending a pole by sliding one’s feet up, rather than making defined steps.

30
Q

How does one descend a pole?

A
  1. ) Pull out one foot/gaff
  2. ) Lock the knee
  3. ) Lower that foot/gaff 18”
  4. ) Angle that foot/gaff 45 Degrees, and reengage the pole
  5. ) Repeat with the other foot/gaff
31
Q

What is the most important piece of equipment that any lineman possesses?

A

His or her own body

32
Q

What does APM Rule 135(a) state? And what does it require?

A

“Only tools in good condition shall be used.” For linemen to inspect their tools prior to every use.

33
Q

What should you do if a tool is not in good condition?

A

Replace it immediately. Report or red tag to ensure it is not used.