Post no flyers
Utility poles aren’t sign posts
IF YOU ARE HAVING A SALE or have something else to post—a political sign, a lost dog notice or, ironically, a “no trespassing” warning, please do not post it on utility poles.
Staples, nails and tacks used to hang signs—as well as the signs themselves—pose dangers to electric lineworkers who might have to climb that pole when either restoring power following a storm or performing routine maintenance. It may seem innocent, but a small nail partially driven into a pole can have deadly results around high-voltage electricity.
While most linework along roads where signs get posted is done from bucket trucks, lineworkers occasionally must still climb utility poles by hand using a belt and spikes attached to their legs. This can be at all hours of the day and night, in the worst of conditions. Anything attached to utility poles can create serious hazards for a lineworker.
Sharp objects like nails, tacks, staples or barbed wire can puncture rubber gloves and other safety equipment making lineworkers vulnerable to electrocution. In addition, an unseen nail might prevent one of their leg spikes from properly setting into the pole, or snag their belts or clothing, creating a fall hazard.
Lineworkers have reported poles used as community bulletin boards, satellite mounts and even support legs for deer stands, lights and carports. Not only do these attachments put line crews at risk, anyone illegally placing these items on poles comes dangerously close to energized power lines with thousands of volts of energy pulsing overhead. It’s always wise to keep any structure at least 10 feet away from utility poles.
Utility poles belong to the utility. Unauthorized attachments violate safety code and are illegal. Violators can be fined.
Utility poles look like an attractive place to easily hang roadside signs. But a lineworker’s job is dangerous enough. Lineworkers work high overhead with live power lines in all kinds of weather to keep our lights on and our homes cool or warm. Please don’t add to that danger.
BLANTON CALVERT is Safety and Loss Control Coordinator at Tri-County Electric.
YEARS AT THE CO-OP: 48
WHEN I’M NOT WORKING I’M: Enjoying time with my family. I’m excited about adding my first granddaughter to join the five grandsons I already have. I also attend church and have a few cows.
