WATER FED POLE SAFETY GUIDE
Read this before using any water fed pole on a job site.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Water fed poles can extend 20 to 50+ feet into the air. At those heights, contact with overhead power lines or other electrical sources can cause serious injury or death. Electricity can also arc across a gap without direct contact. Every operator needs to understand the risks and follow proper safety procedures before working with a water fed pole.
STEP 1: INSPECT THE WORK AREA BEFORE YOU START
Before extending your pole on any property, look up. Identify all overhead power lines, electrical service drops, and any other electrical hazards.
If you are an owner operator, this is your responsibility on every job. If you employ a crew, you are responsible for communicating hazards to your employees through a Job Hazard Analysis and a worksite specific safety plan.
Never assume a wire is safe. Treat all overhead lines as live, even if they appear inactive or disconnected.
STEP 2: ESTABLISH A MINIMUM APPROACH DISTANCE
Once you have identified an electrical hazard, establish a minimum approach distance (MAD). The required distance depends on the voltage of the nearby lines. Residential distribution lines typically carry 4,000 to 13,000 volts. At higher voltages, electricity can arc without direct contact.
As a general rule, stay at least 10 feet away from any overhead power line. OSHA recommends this as a baseline for unqualified workers.
To determine your safe working zone, calculate a drop zone: take the extended length of your pole, add one third of that length, then add 10 feet. That total is the minimum clearance you need in every direction.
Example: If you are working with a 40 foot pole extended to 30 feet, your drop zone would be 30 + 10 + 10 = 50 feet from any overhead line.
STEP 3: WEAR PROPER PPE
When working anywhere near electrical hazards, wear the right protective equipment.
Electrically rated gloves protect your hands and help prevent current from entering your body. Look for gloves rated Class 0 or higher.
Dielectric footwear prevents your body from being grounded. Look for boots with an ASTM EH (Electrical Hazard) rating.
PPE is not a substitute for maintaining a safe distance. It is an additional layer of protection.
STEP 4: USE NON-CONDUCTIVE EQUIPMENT
When working near electrical hazards, use a pole with insulating properties. At a minimum, the base section of your pole should be constructed from non-conductive materials like fiberglass.
Rhodi UP poles feature a reinforced fiberglass base section, which provides added insulation and durability in the sections closest to your hands.
A non-conductive pole combined with proper PPE gives you the best available protection when electrical hazards are present.
GENERAL SAFETY PRACTICES
Always look up before raising your pole.
Never work near downed power lines. Call your utility company immediately.
Do not use your pole in high winds. Wind can push a pole into contact with overhead lines.
Be aware of wet conditions. Water increases electrical conductivity.
Never work alone near known electrical hazards.
Use non-slip footwear on wet surfaces to prevent falls.
Communicate hazards clearly to your crew before starting work.
Review your local safety regulations for any additional requirements.
IF CONTACT WITH A POWER LINE OCCURS
If a pole or any equipment contacts an overhead power line, do not touch the person or the equipment. Clear the area immediately and keep everyone at least 30 feet away. Call 911. Do not attempt to move the pole or anything touching the line using any object. Even materials like wood or cloth can conduct electricity if slightly wet.
Safety is not optional. Take the time to inspect every jobsite, maintain proper distances, and wear the right gear. If you have questions about safe operating practices, contact us.
