FRP Composite Poles Training Course

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended type of drill for cutting FRP poles?

Wooden drill bits

Hardened steel spikes

Plastic hole saws

Carbide tipped twist drills (correct)

What is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for PNOR as total dust established by OSHA?

5 mg/m3

20 mg/m3

15 mg/m3 (correct)

10 mg/m3

Which personal protective equipment is NOT typically recommended when cutting FRP poles?

Particle mask

Shorts (correct)

Safety glasses

Long sleeve shirt

What type of dust from composite poles does OSHA classify under ‘Inert/Nuisance Dusts’?

Glass fiber dust Signup and view all the answers

What should be the minimum hole spacing according to the Edge Distance Chart?

4 bolt diameters apart Signup and view all the answers

Which recommended blade is suitable for cutting composite utility poles?

Milwaukee Diamond Premium Segmented Blade Signup and view all the answers

What is the established Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for respirable fibers set by ACGIH?

1 fiber/cm3 Signup and view all the answers

Which saw type is NOT recommended for cutting composite utility poles?

Jigsaw Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of monopoles in FRP pole configurations?

They are non-tapered. Signup and view all the answers

Which benefit of FRP poles significantly enhances worker safety?

Increased insulation strength. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the environmental benefits of using FRP poles?

They contain non-leaching materials. Signup and view all the answers

In which area would a modular FRP pole be ideally used?

Hurricane-prone places. Signup and view all the answers

Which property of FRP poles contributes to reducing maintenance needs?

Resistance to rust and rot. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of FRP poles aids in their performance during severe weather events?

High strength. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following applications would NOT typically benefit from the use of FRP poles?

Cooling towers. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of FRP poles contributes to their swift installation?

Their lightweight nature. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the pole to make the bottom heavier?

Slide the sling up the pole Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT recommended for picking a pole?

Using a lift truck without proper scuff protection Signup and view all the answers

What is an acceptable practice when setting poles?

Dragging the butt of the pole Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured before assembling sectional poles?

Both sections are clean and free of debris Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA)?

To support the composites industry in becoming a sustainable material. Signup and view all the answers

When is it permissible to scuff the UV coating on poles?

On portions that are below grade Signup and view all the answers

What does ACMA provide to its members in addition to education and events?

Access to market intelligence. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to remove the center of gravity for easier pole placement?

Add ballast material inside the pole Signup and view all the answers

Which is a focus of ACMA’s Utility & Communication Structures Council?

Ensuring proper training for aspiring linemen in FRP composites. Signup and view all the answers

What practice should be avoided when handling poles?

Utilizing metal chains or chokers Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken with the slip joint after guiding the modules together?

Mechanically fasten it Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the training course outline NOT cover?

Marketing strategies for composite materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is the environmental goal associated with ACMA’s initiatives?

To minimize the environmental footprint while producing composites. Signup and view all the answers

In what areas does ACMA strive to improve performance through composite technologies?

Durability, transportation efficiency, and product performance. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the learning objectives for apprentices completing the ACMA course?

To successfully dispose of FRP and composite materials. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of materials does ACMA primarily promote for utility and communication structures?

Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using neoprene coated slings when handling poles?

To prevent slipping and protect the surface Signup and view all the answers

Which tool is recommended for aligning a pole in the hole during installation?

Cant tool Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for determining the industry standard burial depth of a pole?

(Overall pole length x 10%) + 2' Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key practices to follow when using slings and pick-up points?

Pay close attention to ensure safety Signup and view all the answers

Which equipment is recommended for climbing and fall protection?

Step attachments with proper weight capacity Signup and view all the answers

What method can be used to backfill a pole after placing it in the hole?

Direct bury or corrugated tube placement Signup and view all the answers

How should a pole be positioned for dead-end and unguyed applications?

It should be raked Signup and view all the answers

What type of trailer may be needed for transporting non-modular poles?

Extended trailers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

ACMA's Purpose

ACMA is the world's leading composites industry trade group.
They support the industry in delivering composite technologies that make structures more durable, transportation more efficient, and consumer and industrial goods higher performing.
Their goal is to minimize environmental footprint and support the workforce.

Utility & Communication Structures Council

The Utility & Communication Structures Council aims to promote the safe use of fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) composite poles and crossarms for electrical distribution, transmission, and communication structures.
This includes ensuring aspiring linemen are properly trained in working with FRP composite poles.

Training Course Objective

The course will provide apprentices with the knowledge and skills to receive, install, climb, cut, drill, repair, remove, and dispose of FRP poles, ensuring safe and effective handling.

FRP Pole Types

FRP poles are used in both distribution and transmission portions of an electrical grid.
They come in two configurations:
- Monopoles are non-tapered.
- Modular or sectional poles are tapered.

Benefits of Composite Materials for FRP Poles

Resilient: FRP poles provide proven performance in major weather events like ice storms, tornados, hurricanes, and extreme winds.
Safe: Ground wires and communication cables can be run inside the pole for protection and to prevent theft.
Lightweight: FRP poles are typically 2-4 times lighter than wood poles, making them easier to install while enhancing worker safety.
High Dielectric Strength: Increased insulation strength enhances safety for linemen and wildlife.
Rust and Rot Proof: FRP poles are resistant to rot and rust, reducing maintenance needs and extending their lifespan.
High Strength: High fracture toughness allows FRP poles to absorb elastic strain energy.
Self-Extinguishing: Most FRP poles self-extinguish if ignited by fire.
Environmentally Sustainable: FRP poles use non-leaching materials that do not require soil remediation or pose disposal issues.
Ideal Applications:
- Anti-cascading structures
- Areas requiring increased aesthetics
- Avian and wildlife protection
- Coastal, wetland, bog areas
- Difficult or remote access locations
- Emergency or storm stock
- Environmentally sensitive areas
- Grid hardening
- Hurricane, tornado, microburst prone areas
- Increased line Basic Insulation Level (BIL)
- Repeat grass or brush fire-prone areas
- Rough terrain and forested areas
- Woodpecker, termite, ant, prone areas

General Handling Guidelines

Use slings to repick poles by sliding them up a few feet to make the bottom heavier.
Remove the pole caps and add ballast material for easier placement in live conductors.
When unloading in the pole yard, bundles typically contain 3-4 poles.
Poles may be shipped ready to install or as nested sections.
Never pick a pole with a lift truck without scuff protection.
Follow manufacturer's delivery requirements.

Setting Poles

Pick the pole in the same manner as a wood pole.
Use a through bolt above the choker if concerned about slipping.
Scuffing the UV coating on portions of the pole below grade is acceptable.
Dragging the butt of the pole during the set is permissible.

Sectional Pole Assembly

Ensure the tip of the larger section and the inside of the smaller section are clean.
Guide the modules together, using manufacturer's alignment markings and pole stands.
Secure the slip joint once assembled following the manufacturer's instructions.

General Handling Recap

Do not drag poles to the set site or use metal chains or chokers.
Use dollies for transporting poles.

Drilling Holes - Recommended Drills and Bits

The following drill bits are recommended for drilling holes in FRP poles:
- Hardened high-speed steel (HSS) twist drills
- Carbide tipped twist drills
- Diamond coated hole saws
- Brad-point HSS twist drills
- Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty™
- Lineman’s Fiberglass Drill Bits

Drilling Holes

Maintain an edge distance greater than (4) bolt diameters apart.
Refer to the Edge Distance Chart for minimum hole spacing.

Cutting FRP Poles

The following saws can be used to field-cut composite utility poles:
- Circular
- Concrete
- Reciprocating
Recommended blades for cutting FRP poles:
- Milwaukee Diamond Premium Segmented Blade
- Milwaukee Carbide Reciprocating Saw Blade
Always use an abrasive blade for cutting FRP poles.

Dust

Glass fiber dust from FRP poles can cause irritation or itching when in contact with skin or mucus membranes.
It's a mechanical abrasion and not an allergy.
Inhalation of FRP dust can cause irritation of the respiratory system.

Dust - OSHA Regulations

OSHA considers FRP dust as "Inert/Nuisance Dusts" or "Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated (PNOR)".
They have established a workplace Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 5 mg/m3 for PNOR respirable fraction and 15 mg/m3 for total dust.

Dust - Recommended PPE

Use the following PPE when cutting and drilling FRP poles:
- Particle mask
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Hard hat
- Long sleeve shirt and long pants
- Safety footwear

Takeaway

Use slings and pick up points carefully to protect the UV surface of composites.
Avoid compromising the surface, just as with galvanized steel poles.
Neoprene coated slings are best for minimizing slipping.

Installing & Climbing - Equipment Summary

Installing:
- Pole steps
- Nylon sling choker
- Cant tool
- Laser level or plumb bob
Climbing:
- Fall protection
- Step attachments with proper weight capacity

Transporting Modular Poles

Modular pole sections may be nested within one another.
Extended trailers may be needed for non-modular poles.

Burial Depth Equation

The industry standard burial depth is “(Overall Pole Length x 10%) + 2’.”
This may vary based on soil conditions and engineering requirements.
- Example:
  - Pole length = 50’
  - (50’ x 10%) + 2’
  - 5’ + 2’ = 7’ burial depth

Lifting

Use a choker sling to lift and place the pole in the hole.

Alignment

A cant tool can be used for rotational alignment.
A laser level or plumb bob can be used to plumb the pole.
A symmetrical pole ensures easy alignment.
The pole should be raked for dead-end and unguyed applications, like with wood poles.

Embedment & Backfill

Directly bury the pole or place it inside a preinstalled corrugated tube and backfill.
Surface mount and other foundation options are available but rarely used.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential knowledge and skills for handling fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) composite poles used in electrical distribution and communication structures. It aims to ensure safety and efficiency for apprentices in the field. Topics include installation, maintenance, and disposal of FRP poles.