Aurora Energy’s maintenance programme includes periodic condition assessment of its equipment, including power poles. Through testing, we can establish the current condition of a power pole. The information improves the accuracy of our risk assessment and forward planning for pole renewals. In 2017, we reviewed the pole testing and identification methods we use, including an independent review by experts in the field. We sought independent verification to ensure that our pole testing and identification methods are robust, consistent and meet the required regulatory standards.
Pole identification tags
Like other electricity network owners, Aurora Energy uses pole tags as a visual reminder to line workers to exercise caution before climbing or working on a pole. Regardless of whether a pole is tagged or not, under Electricity Engineers’ Association safety guidelines, line workers must check every pole before they climb or work on it.
In the past, Aurora Energy used red tags on a pole to indicate one of several situations – for example that part of the pole structure (such as a cross arm or fixing) needed repair, that the pole was embedded in a concrete foundation (which could not be objectively assessed until the introduction of mechanical pole testing), that it is not safe for line workers to climb, or that the pole is due for replacement.
Under the old system, red tags were used in situations that included the identification of hazards to our workers and equipment defects unrelated to the structural integrity of the power pole.
Aurora Energy’s new pole identification system has been reviewed and approved by independent experts and is similar to systems used throughout the electricity sector.
The new classification process uses the following colour pole tags:
- Red Tag – condition 0 poles that are not structurally safe for line workers to climb
- Orange Tag – condition 1 poles that are not structurally safe for line workers to climb
- Blue Tag – equipment defects on the pole where attachments to the pole need repair or vegetation needs clearing away.
Until we have fully transitioned from previous to current tagging practice, some red tags remain on poles that are structurally sound, but require equipment repair.
Aurora Energy has had its pole testing and identification methods independently verified
Aurora Energy’s pole testing and identification methods have been independently assessed and verified by engineering specialists in the utility sector. The independent assessor recommended that Aurora Energy continue to use mechanical pole testing when reassessing the structural integrity of its poles, and verified the Deuar technology currently used by Aurora Energy for that purpose.
Only independently verified pole testing methods are used on Aurora Energy’s Fast Track pole programme
Aurora Energy uses a variety of methods to remove the risk of identified poles as part of its Fast Track pole programme. This includes replacement of the old pole with a new one, making repairs, reinforcing the pole or reassessing its condition.
Our inspectors may also reassess the pole using a verified testing method, then either replace or repair the pole or update the condition as merited. Only independently verified pole testing methods are used on Aurora Energy’s Fast Track pole programme to confirm the structural integrity of poles. Our inspectors are certified, following testing and assessment in each pole testing method, to ensure they perform the tests to the required technical level.
- If a pole has been re-tested using the independently verified method and found to be serviceable, the red tag can then be removed.
- If a pole has been re-tested using the independently verified method and found to require replacement or repair, the red tag will remain in place until the pole is replaced or reinforced.
- When a pole has been reinforced, and formally certified to the AS/NZ standard, the red tag can then be removed.
The process is summarised in the following diagram.
