Health, Safety and Environment

Revised Pre-Climb Check and a New Minimum Climb Height for Dropwire & Aerial Cable Clearance Across Carriageways

Following discussions with BT, engineering solutions memo 39/2002 has been issued. This is a mandatory instruction for all members that climb BT plant.

With immediate effect All members must, before climbing any pole, measure ALL wires and aerial cables attached to that pole which cross the carriageway.

• In order to carry out the pre climb check, all Rods Telescopic must be re-marked with an additional 5.2m height measurement mark, with immediate effect, prior to climbing any pole.

The first action is to make a visual check to determine if the lowest point of the cable occurs at a point above the carriageway. If the lowest point is above the carriageway the engineer should take a height measurement at the edge of the road on the side where the wire is lowest. If still in doubt, take another measurement on the opposite side of the carriageway.

PLEASE NOTE, in exceptional circumstances, a wire/cable may have lost it’s span tension resulting in a pronounced dip. In these instances the lowest point must be measured.

• If a clearance of less than 5.2m above the carriageway is found on any of the wires, the pole must not be climbed. Instead the job should be referred back to the relevant Control, for remedial action

After the completion of work the height of the wire/cable worked on must be re-checked to ensure that it is at the minimum height. (currently 5.5m). If below 5.5m either re-tension; re-fix; or report as appropriate.