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Questions and Answers
What is the recommended type of drill for cutting FRP poles?
What is the recommended type of drill for cutting FRP poles?
What is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for PNOR as total dust established by OSHA?
What is the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for PNOR as total dust established by OSHA?
Which personal protective equipment is NOT typically recommended when cutting FRP poles?
Which personal protective equipment is NOT typically recommended when cutting FRP poles?
What type of dust from composite poles does OSHA classify under ‘Inert/Nuisance Dusts’?
What type of dust from composite poles does OSHA classify under ‘Inert/Nuisance Dusts’?
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What should be the minimum hole spacing according to the Edge Distance Chart?
What should be the minimum hole spacing according to the Edge Distance Chart?
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Which recommended blade is suitable for cutting composite utility poles?
Which recommended blade is suitable for cutting composite utility poles?
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What is the established Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for respirable fibers set by ACGIH?
What is the established Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for respirable fibers set by ACGIH?
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Which saw type is NOT recommended for cutting composite utility poles?
Which saw type is NOT recommended for cutting composite utility poles?
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What is a key feature of monopoles in FRP pole configurations?
What is a key feature of monopoles in FRP pole configurations?
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Which benefit of FRP poles significantly enhances worker safety?
Which benefit of FRP poles significantly enhances worker safety?
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What is one of the environmental benefits of using FRP poles?
What is one of the environmental benefits of using FRP poles?
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In which area would a modular FRP pole be ideally used?
In which area would a modular FRP pole be ideally used?
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Which property of FRP poles contributes to reducing maintenance needs?
Which property of FRP poles contributes to reducing maintenance needs?
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What characteristic of FRP poles aids in their performance during severe weather events?
What characteristic of FRP poles aids in their performance during severe weather events?
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Which of the following applications would NOT typically benefit from the use of FRP poles?
Which of the following applications would NOT typically benefit from the use of FRP poles?
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Which aspect of FRP poles contributes to their swift installation?
Which aspect of FRP poles contributes to their swift installation?
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What should be done to the pole to make the bottom heavier?
What should be done to the pole to make the bottom heavier?
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Which method is NOT recommended for picking a pole?
Which method is NOT recommended for picking a pole?
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What is an acceptable practice when setting poles?
What is an acceptable practice when setting poles?
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What should be ensured before assembling sectional poles?
What should be ensured before assembling sectional poles?
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What is the primary goal of the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA)?
What is the primary goal of the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA)?
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When is it permissible to scuff the UV coating on poles?
When is it permissible to scuff the UV coating on poles?
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What does ACMA provide to its members in addition to education and events?
What does ACMA provide to its members in addition to education and events?
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What should be done to remove the center of gravity for easier pole placement?
What should be done to remove the center of gravity for easier pole placement?
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Which is a focus of ACMA’s Utility & Communication Structures Council?
Which is a focus of ACMA’s Utility & Communication Structures Council?
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What practice should be avoided when handling poles?
What practice should be avoided when handling poles?
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What action should be taken with the slip joint after guiding the modules together?
What action should be taken with the slip joint after guiding the modules together?
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What aspect does the training course outline NOT cover?
What aspect does the training course outline NOT cover?
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What is the environmental goal associated with ACMA’s initiatives?
What is the environmental goal associated with ACMA’s initiatives?
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In what areas does ACMA strive to improve performance through composite technologies?
In what areas does ACMA strive to improve performance through composite technologies?
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What is one of the learning objectives for apprentices completing the ACMA course?
What is one of the learning objectives for apprentices completing the ACMA course?
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Which type of materials does ACMA primarily promote for utility and communication structures?
Which type of materials does ACMA primarily promote for utility and communication structures?
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What is the primary purpose of using neoprene coated slings when handling poles?
What is the primary purpose of using neoprene coated slings when handling poles?
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Which tool is recommended for aligning a pole in the hole during installation?
Which tool is recommended for aligning a pole in the hole during installation?
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What is the formula for determining the industry standard burial depth of a pole?
What is the formula for determining the industry standard burial depth of a pole?
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What is one of the key practices to follow when using slings and pick-up points?
What is one of the key practices to follow when using slings and pick-up points?
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Which equipment is recommended for climbing and fall protection?
Which equipment is recommended for climbing and fall protection?
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What method can be used to backfill a pole after placing it in the hole?
What method can be used to backfill a pole after placing it in the hole?
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How should a pole be positioned for dead-end and unguyed applications?
How should a pole be positioned for dead-end and unguyed applications?
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What type of trailer may be needed for transporting non-modular poles?
What type of trailer may be needed for transporting non-modular poles?
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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
- Example:
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.
