electricity noth west I-430P1-M319-001 User manual

ERECTION OF H-POLES
USING A STRIMECH
(DEAD WORK)
OHL
Technique
319
Issue 1
September 2020
Section 2
CP430 Part 1: Linesmen's Manual –Wood Pole and Mural Wiring
© Electricity North West 2020
Page 1 of 5
1Scope/Application
This OHL Technique covers erection of H-poles using a Strimech.
2Safety Information
Work shall be carried out in accordance with General Requirements in Section 1. Approved
mandatory PPE and work wear shall be in accordance with General Requirements in
Section 1.
The task covered by this OHL Technique has significant hazards associated with it identified
by the symbol and text CAUTION:
This OHL Technique details the risk control measures that must be applied when carrying out
the task. If the risk control measures in this procedure are implemented the risks will be
controlled. This OHL Technique also forms the method statement for the task.
CAUTION: Loss of control of a wood pole can result in serious injury or death. Take care to
ensure that poles are lifted, handled and moved correctly at all times.
CAUTION: Avoid skin contact with wood poles; wear approved gloves when handling wood poles. Refer to
the detailed information on creosote in Section 1.
CAUTION: Where poles are to be erected close to HV live lines, take precautions in accordance with CP423.
CAUTION: Ensure all personnel are clear of the backarm and pole during mechanical handling of the pole.
CAUTION: Before leaving the excavator, ensure the hydraulically operated parts of the excavator (i.e. the
feet, front bucket and jib) are on the ground. The purpose of this is to prevent death or serious injury to
personnel or damage to equipment caused by hydraulic or mechanical failure.
3Personnel
The minimum team number for this task is six Competent Persons.
4Preliminary Operations
Refer to Section 1 of this manual.

ERECTION OF H-POLES
USING A STRIMECH
(DEAD WORK)
OHL
Technique
319
Issue 1
September 2020
Section 2
CP430 Part 1: Linesmen's Manual –Wood Pole and Mural Wiring
© Electricity North West 2020
Page 2 of 5
5Approved Equipment
Refer to Section 4 of this manual for approved tools and equipment. The following tools and equipment
must be used for this task:
•Mechanical excavator with Strimech Pole Planter.
•Winch.
•Two backboards.
•Three ground anchors.
•Sledge hammer.
•Three guy ropes.
•Two round slings.
•Trestle.
•Tirfor, 750kg.
6Materials and Consumables
Materials and Consumables
Item
Qty
Flag stones
A/R
7Pole Erection
Refer to Drawing I-430P1-M319-001 and proceed as follows.
1. Ensure backboards have been fitted in accordance with OHL Technique 309.
CAUTION: Do not enter an excavation deeper than 1.2 metres OR if the excavation is in
danger of collapse unless adequate shuttering is in place.
2. Position flag stones in the bottom of the pole hole. Ensure the flag stones are firm and
level and sited at correct centres.
3. Align the H-pole so that the butts just touch the backboards as shown in the drawings.
4. Fit a guy rope to each side of the H-pole and a guy rope to the top of the H-pole to stop
the H-pole going past the vertical when erected as shown in the drawing.
5. Pass the guy ropes through the ground anchors.
6. Make off the guy ropes to the ground anchors using a waggoner's hitch.
7. Attach tirfor wires from the bottom of one pole to the top of the other pole. (The H-pole
is to be held square using this arrangement.)

ERECTION OF H-POLES
USING A STRIMECH
(DEAD WORK)
OHL
Technique
319
Issue 1
September 2020
Section 2
CP430 Part 1: Linesmen's Manual –Wood Pole and Mural Wiring
© Electricity North West 2020
Page 3 of 5
8. Adjust the rollers on the Strimech planter to suit the H-pole and position the Strimech
planter under the poles ready for lifting.
9. Position a suitable winch, of adequate capacity, directly in line with the H-pole and attach
a ground anchor.
10. Fit a sling to each pole and attach the winch wire to the slings.
11. Position one person at each of the guy ropes to control the H-pole during erection.
12. Prior to lifting, the Competent Person in Charge of the Working Party shall:
a. Be positioned so that they can be seen by all members of the team and can
observe the lift.
b. Use clear hand signals to the winch operator; the winch operator shall only take
directions from the Competent Person in Charge of the Working Party.
13. Start to raise the H-pole using the strimech planter. When the cab of the excavator is
under the pole, the slack in the winch rope is to be taken in and kept tight while
continuing to lift the H-pole as shown on the second sheet of the drawing.
14. As the pole is being lifted, control any tendency to swing using the side guys. If the butts
of the poles stick on the backboard strike them with a sledge hammer to drive them
down the hole.
15. Complete the erection in accordance with OHL Instruction 300, from removing the
backboard onwards.

ERECTION OF H-POLES
USING A STRIMECH
(DEAD WORK)
OHL
Technique
319
Issue 1
September 2020
Section 2
CP430 Part 1: Linesmen's Manual –Wood Pole and Mural Wiring
© Electricity North West 2020
Page 4 of 5

ERECTION OF H-POLES
USING A STRIMECH
(DEAD WORK)
OHL
Technique
319
Issue 1
September 2020
Section 2
CP430 Part 1: Linesmen's Manual –Wood Pole and Mural Wiring
© Electricity North West 2020
Page 5 of 5