Trueline Power provides pole holding and safety watch services when working around power poles and energized equipment. We provide certified safety watchers and equipment when working near power systems. We work closely with electrical contractors to ensure maximum safety and best practices.
Pole Holding
If you’re excavating near power poles, we provide pole holding services to ensure the safety of yourself and others, and to avoid damage to poles. A major risk is undermining the stability of poles, which can cause them to fall.
The protected zone extends away from the pole for four times the pole diameter at the ground line and then must project downward and away from the ground line at a slope of 3 metres horizontal for every 4 metres vertical. (See illustration)
All temporary slope cuts near the pole must be protected at all times and constructed in accordance with the WorkSafeBC Regulation.
Poles must be supported if:
- the soil is not firm, or
- excavation takes place within the shaded area shown in the illustration
30m33 Safety Watch
A 30M33 for is an “assurance in writing” is provided to and used by all power system owners in B.C. It is currently the only assurance in writing form that is acceptable to WorkSafeBC. Generally, the 30M33 form does not need to be used when the work is being performed in compliance within the limits of approach, only when there is risk of coming within limits of approach.
When working in BC, Before starting a job where overhead power lines may prevent construction work from happening or pose as a hazard (limits of approach), contact WSBC and BC Hydro (Obtain and relay information – name of person contacted at BC HYDRO, the line voltage and length of time of work to be done, identify what work to be done including the length of time and what area you are working in) for help to find a solution. The prime contractor must submit a WSBC 30M33 form (available from Head Office) to BC Hydro and WSBC and obtain approval prior to working on site.
Construction Line & Wire Flagging
Power line/work site flagging may be required when working around power lines and utility poles. Flagging overhead lines helps to keep workers safe by marking wires that may not always be visible to everyone. It also lets heavy machine, aircraft and crane operators know when there’s power lines nearby. Mark your power lines to prevent danger to your staff and possible damages or costly accidents on the job.
Contact Trueline Power for all safety and pole holding needs on your next job site. Our crew is fully certified and qualified to provide your workers with quality safety watch and protection. We’re glad to work with other electrical contractors and proudly serve Vancouver and surrounding areas in British Columbia for years.
