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Back when I started, I'd climb every pole with gaffs and a belt, no questions asked.
About two years ago, my company in Phoenix switched to bucket trucks for almost every aerial job. The change came after a guy on our crew had a close call with a rotten pole. Now I only climb if the truck absolutely can't reach, which is maybe once a month. It's slower to set up, but I can't argue with the safety. Anyone else's outfit make a full switch like that?
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wren6522mo ago
Yeah, my buddy's crew out in Oregon did the same thing last year. His foreman saw a video of a pole snapping and just said "nope, we're done." They grumbled about the extra time at first, but... you know.
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nathan_webb2mo ago
Gotta disagree a bit there. Sometimes the extra time is just part of the job, not something to avoid. A good crew can handle it without shutting down.
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betty_reed611mo ago
I hear you, but I think grumbling beats standing under a falling pole any day.
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