Utility Pole Inspection

A wide variety of methods for pole inspection are available today and there is no doubt that any level of inspection provides large economic return.  Whether extending the useful life of the structure, minimizing catastrophic failures or increasing safety to the public and line crews, implementing or maintaining an existing inspection program is a critical part of the Operations and Maintenance best practices.

The effectiveness of any pole inspection program is dependent upon the experience and knowledge of the individuals performing the inspection.  When deciding what type of inspection should be performed, several factors should be taken into consideration such as regional climate, pole species, initial treatment adequacy, frequency of remedial treatment applications and the number of years the pole has been in service, just to name a few

• Visual 
• A detailed observation of your pole’s condition from groundline to pole top using our Above Groundline Checklist
• Sound and Bore (Includes Visual Inspection)
• Sound the pole with a hammer in all quadrants from groundline to has high as the inspector can reach and listen for internal abnormalities
• At groundline, bore two 3/8 inch holes 90 degrees apart, at a 45 degree downward angle to the center of the pole
• All inspection holes get plugged with a treated wood plug
• Partial Excavation (Includes Visual/Sound and Bore Inspection)
• Excavate 18 inches below groundline, one shovel width wide
• Bore two 3/8 inch holes, one 8-12 inches below groundline and the other at groundline
• All inspection holes get plugged with a treated wood plug
• Complete Excavation (Includes Visual/Sound and Bore Inspection)
• Excavate 22-24 inches below the groundline 360 degrees around the pole
• Bore two 3/8 inch holes, one 8-12 inches below groundline and the other at groundline
• All inspection holes get plugged with a treated wood plug
• Remedial Wood Preservative Treatments Available
• External Paste
• Internal Liquid Treatment
• Internal Fumigant Treatment