Pole Top Camera Inspections

Project Brief

Through our existing Inspection and Design framework with ENW, LSTC secured additional works to provide a Pole Top Camera Inspection Service on varying circuits throughout the ENW regions.

The project itself was to visit and inspect circa 8,000 known wood pole assets that had been previously recorded as “suspect pole top decay” or the asset was reported to be over 45 years old.

Our Approach

Following the award of the additional works, LSTC issued all inspection resources with the relevant training and equipment to assess the pole top condition of wood poles. As this service involves live working techniques, the safety of the inspection resource was paramount, and the appropriate equipment was sourced.

The camera system was carefully chosen, trialed and tested before being approved by ENW.

Due to the volumes, there was a need to assess the pole top condition on-site to prevent timely post-analysis. This on-site decision-making improved the efficiency of the project, reducing the resources required, which was reflected in the fees.

Challenges

• To provide an acceptable condition assessment imagery in the most efficient way.
• To enable the condition rating of the pole top to be assessed with safety and quality in mind.

Project Outcome / Deliverables

• Programme delivery on a circuit-by-circuit basis.
• Pole top decay condition ratings were accurately assessed and verification of “suspected pole top decay”
• Quality aerial imagery for post-inspection audits.
• Accurate assessment supporting pole replacement studies.
• Additional concerning asset defects and faults were identified and reported.