CEO MARCH MESSAGE - 2024

Utility Poles Are Not Bulletin Boards

The skill to climb poles and perform duties, sometimes nearly 40 feet up in the air, is unique to linemen. It requires mental strength, attention to detail and proper training and equipment. Items like signs posted on utility poles can impact the stability of the poles over time and create distractions.

Utility poles are private property that are owned by electric and telephone companies. Hanging signs on utility poles is generally not allowed and it can even create potentially life-threatening hazards for our linemen. Another danger is the damage that is done to the pole. Over time water can seep into nail holes and damage the pole. Eventually the pole deteriorates and will need to be replaced, creating another expense for HCE.

Attaching streetlights, clotheslines, flyers, weather stations and metal objects to utility poles can pose a hazard for linemen when they are trying to repair or maintain these poles. Do not use utility poles as fence posts. Nails or staples can interfere and cause damage to clothing and safety straps, an essential tool for climbing. Items posted on utility poles can impact their stability over time. Any piece of metal in a pole can hinder the ability of the linemen’s climbing hooks, also known as gaffs, to dig into the wooden pole. If a gaff kicks out while a lineman is on the pole, it increases the risk of a fall which could cause serious injury or death.

Why can’t you build under power lines? Anything too close to high-voltage lines can cause electricity from the lines to “flash” or cause a short circuit. Do not lift, elevate, build, or pass under a power line with any object, tool or vehicle that could make contact or near-contact with wires. For your own safety, it is recommended that equipment, antennas, and people stay at least 14 feet away from energized power lines.

Most codes require a certain amount of clearance around the pole to allow for maintenance and replacements. Most codes do NOT allow you to fence in the pole. Regulations for gas meters, water meters, electrical boxes (for underground wiring) and cable boxes are all subject to codes as well.

Linemen require various tools and equipment that are essential to safely perform their job including a bucket truck, hard hat, rubber gloves, arc-rated clothing, gaffs that sink into the poles and leg shanks that hold the gaffs in place. The equipment allows our linemen to climb poles safely. While not easy to see leftover staples, tacks and nails can cause significant danger to our linemen. It not only poses a threat to our linemen, but also to the public because it can put you in danger of being around energized electrical equipment.

Please be safe and remember that your safety and the safety of our linemen is of the utmost importance. Stay safe and stay healthy.