For certain projects, utility companies must replace poles. Many areas of the United States still rely on utility poles for power supply, internet access, and TV services.
Harsh weather, regular wear, and tear, or accidents can cause significant damage to utility poles. While some may be able to be repaired, many utility pole projects require
Utility companies, utility poles, replace utility poles, and utility pole projects require companies to replace the utility poles. Failing to replace the poles in a timely manner can lead to repetitive, long power outages that disrupt local businesses and residents. That’s why it’s so important to address utility pole replacement quickly and efficiently.
Of course, there are several challenges of replacing utility poles to consider.
Keep reading to learn more about the common utility pole replacement obstacles and how to overcome them.
Difficult Weather
We can’t always choose when utility poles require replacement. Sometimes, they need to be addressed during harsh weather conditions.
Challenging weather can lead to a host of problems when replacing utility poles. For one, extremely cold weather makes it difficult for workers to use their fine motor skills. Below freezing temperatures are difficult to work in, and pose some electrical challenges as well.
Likewise, excessive rain storms also make utility pole replacement difficult and dangerous. Heavy rain seasons are tough to navigate, with rain coming often and suddenly.
But summer is not necessarily the best time to replace utility poles either. Extremely hot summers pose safety risks to workers, especially dehydration and overheating.
Regardless of the specific weather, difficult weather, in general, is a challenge to navigate when replacing utility poles. While the weather can change unexpectedly, staying on top of forecasts is vital for utility project managers. Additionally, following all safety precautions and using the proper equipment can help mitigate weather risks.
Safety Risks
Every utility job is not without safety risks. Working with electricity, heavy equipment, and large poles poses a safety risk to the team involved.
Mitigating the hazards is vital. Some of the best ways to keep your job site and employees safe include:
Proper training for all team members.
Education about safety risks.
Specific safety training with frequent reminders.
Reviewing the safety protocol before each project.
Provide the proper safety equipment and tools.
Go over an emergency plan for how to handle any injuries or issues.
Prioritize safety as part of your team culture.
Time
Time is of the essence when replacing utility poles. The project may require you to turn off power or re-direct it, which can impact several aspects of the community. You cannot disrupt power or electrical services for too long without wreaking havoc on the community.
On average, it takes around 4 hours to replace a utility pole. However, certain issues may make it take longer. If you have multiple poles to replace, the total process could also be longer.
Yet, time is a major factor to consider. Careful planning can help you keep time on your side. Plan the different roles each worker has, and where everyone should be ahead of time. Run through the process and timeline before the work starts.
Additionally, consider when you will complete the project. Aim for times when people are not using their power as much, like during the work day or at night.
Getting New Utility Poles to Your Job Site
How will you get the new utility poles to your job site? Whether you are replacing the poles with wood poles, steel poles, or concrete poles, you still need to get them to the correct location.
Utility pole hauling is a major challenge you must address as a utility project manager. Given the massive size and weight of utility poles, you are not likely to have the right equipment or trucks for the job on your own.
When it comes to partnering with a company, you’ll need to perform adequate research and make sure you are asking the right questions. You need a utility pole hauling solution that meets your needs and your budget.
Blackwood Resources is Here to Help
The best solution for getting new utility poles to your work site is to partner with an experienced overlength hauling company like Blackwood Resources. Our experienced team has already hauled over 100,000 tons of materials for the utility industry, and we’re here to help with your hauling needs.
Keep your utility pole replacement project on track with help from our overlength hauling services. We can haul new steel, wood, and concrete poles. More than that, we will also unload them using our specialized trucks. Our self-unloading service helps you get your new poles in the ground quicker than ever.
Learn more about our utility pole hauling solutions today by speaking with one of our experts. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us at jamie@blackwoodresources.com or 812-676-8770.
