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Module Three - Activity 5- Climbing poles and running coaxial cable aloft

Climbing

Construction of a cable plant generally means that equipment will need to be mounted on poles and on support strand or messenger. This generally requires the installer to climb poles.

Before any installer climbs any pole to install equipment, they are required to take a pole-climbing course, and become properly certified and qualified to climb poles safely. This is a requirement of the Canadian Health and Safety regulations. The worksafe website is a good source of information regarding organizations which may teach pole climbing and working aloft courses in different areas in Canada.

The adobe PDF file on training providers linked here (Adobe Acrobat free software required to read this link) also gives a list of safety training providers in Canada. It is also a good idea to check with local colleges, or call the local hydroelectric or local electrical companies if having difficulty finding a climbing course provider. The original source of the training provider PDF is here: http://www.healthandsafetycentre.org/PDFs/SafetyUpdates/training_providers.pdf

Once qualified installers have taken the course, they will be aware that when working on poles, it is necessary to:

  • Always check equipment: Be sure that all leather straps are not worn or chafed, and are in good working order, including "around pole" climbing belts, commonly called a 'pole strap' or 'pole belt.'



  • That utility climbing belts FIT properly



  • That cleats on climbing spurs are well maintained and are SHARP,



  • that buckets fasten tightly.

When climbing the poles, trained climbers always:

  • visually inspect poles on approach, checking the pole for stability, rot, security, and that all hydro and power attachments to the pole are secure,

  • measure, using a pole-checking voltage metre, to ensure that the pole is safe before climbing it,

  • continue visual inspections throughout a climb, making sure that any pole movement caused by climbing is not dislodging equipment, powerlines, or cables,

  • continue checking above ALWAYS.

Climber training helps to instill a sense of confidence both in technique and equipment, as well as providing the necessary practice to make sure that both the climbing and the work are completed in a safe fashion.

Running Cable Line

Before running any cable line or lashing any cable, the entire route of the cable run should be walked, and any obstacles noted. Sometimes cable will have to be "back pulled" in order to achieve optimal cable placement where the reel trailer is not able to go. Any obstacles should be noted in advance, and solutions for going around obstacles discussed and agreed upon by everyone working to run the cable line.

While in some rural and remote areas flag crews will not be required, it is possible that in areas with larger traffic volume, that a flag crew will be required to help direct traffic during a cable run.

Remember - SAFETY FIRST - All those working on the project need to be properly qualified, know the hazards and how to overcome them, and know what they are doing. There is a saying about the worst hazards in this type of work: "The power in the sky (electricity overhead), and those who drive by" are the worst hazards. If someone on the team isn't knowledgeable enough or properly qualified to do the work - don't let them do the work. It isn't always possible to control hazards, only direct and avoid them - make sure that workers are properly qualified. Be aware.

   

Pulling a reel of cable generally requires a truck and trailer. The reels are extremely heavy. However, cable may be lashed to support strand without the use of a bucket truck, if one is not available.

If a bucket truck is not available, the job can be completed insteas using certified climbers and hook ladders to hook to the mid-span for between-pole or mid-span manoeuvers.

Tools required for running cable line include: lasher, lashing wire, cable cutters, side cutters, adjustable wrenches, lashing wire clamps, electrical tape, large, UV-rated zapstraps, and zinc straps. For more information, see the Tools and Materials page.
   
   
Cable can be attached to support strand using electrical tape. Ensure that there is enough slack cable before taping the line together - it may be necessary to reach additional equipment, circumvent obstacles, or go around other poles.
   

Once the cable is firmly taped to the support strand, the lasher is placed over top of the support strand. BEFORE putting the lasher onto the support cable, ENSURE THAT IT IS FULL of lashing cable.

Once placed over the cable, the front and rear gates of the lasher may be closed, to ensure that it won't fall off the line.
   
Remove 3 - 5 feet of the lashing wire and thread the lasher according to the instructions. Usually the wire direction and route will be marked right on the lasher. (If you put the lasher on in the wrong direction, it won't work.)
   

The lashing wire must be secured to the support strand, which is usually done with a lashing "wire clamp." The clamp attaches to the support strand, is tightened securely, then the lashing wire is attached to the clamp.

When this is complete, it is possible to pull the lasher along the support strand. This causes it to spin lashing wire around the cable, firmly securing the cable and support strand together.

   
The act of mounting and removing a lasher will become a skill, with different installers using different techniques. A standard lasher, fully loaded with lashing wire, will weigh approximately 80lbs, and have about 2500 ft of lashing wire in it. The average span between poles "in town" is approximately 150ft. This means that mounting and dismounting the nature will become second nature as you perform this task often.
   

Also, many support structures in town that are next to poles being worked on, will have equipment from other service providers. The lasher will need to be dismounted before any other service providers equipment, and remounted after their equipment, directly following the next pole past their equipment.

Zinc straps and large zapstraps come in handy during these tasks. Electrical tape may be used at first, however it will not last as long as the straps.

Straps can be used to attach cable to support strand around poles and equipment.

   
attaching a lashing wire clamp using an adjustable wrench.
Using a large, UV rated zapstrap.
   

Most lashers rely on downward pulling pressure to activate the spinning mechanism. Pulling the lasher straight ahead instead of straight and downwards may cause it to slip down the strand without spinning the lashing cable around the cable and messenger strand.

Lashers can be pulled by hand, on foot, or with a vehicle such as the ladder truck as shown.

However, using vehicle power can cause serious damage to the support structures if the installer is not paying close attention.

   
Lashers do get "hung up" on many inconsistencies in the strand, for example: the lashing wire clamps from previous cable builds, random support strand splices, lashing wire clamps used to repair broken lashing wire in the middle of a span, or previously applied cable lines that were twisted oddly will catch in the mouth of the twister.
   

All of these instances can cause damage to previously applied cables, and will cost money to repair. Support strand, poles, and even electrical services are above you, so if lashing with a spinner being towed behind a vehicle - This can only be done by qualified people, and must be done according to safety standards!!

Good communication between the vehicle driver and the lasher must exist!
   

When working around other service drops or previously existing structures (telephone service, etc.) these will have to be held out of the way, or even removed completely until the lasher is successfully past.

Trees can also be a big problem when lashing. They are often the most obtrusive and most hazardous. Pruning may be the only way to complete the task, however, this task should only be completed by trained, qualified professionals, as TREES CONDUCT ELECTRICITY, which is usually just above the cable spinner when working on overhead lines.