Water Fed Pole
Safety

We know you're eager to get the job started right when you arrive to maximize the bucks in your pocket for the day, but it's important to take a few minutes to assess the job site, put on the proper PPE, and make sure you'll be safe while you work.

Job Site Assessment

Step 1 is to identify any potential electrical hazards on location. Look for overhead power lines and other electrical hazards. If a hazard is identified, it should be noted in a Job Hazard Analysis form so you can create a work site specific safety plan. If you are an employee, your superior should be handling this, and if you are the owner, you should be communicating with your employees on how to handle the hazards.

Minimum Approach Distance

Electrical hazards can be tricky because they aren't just an issue if you touch them. They may arch when you just get close to them, which is why being vigilant and setting up minimum approach distances are crucial. In addition to keeping a safe distance, water fed pole users should also utilize proper PPE.

To determine the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD), we need to look at what the voltage of the power line is. If you aren't sure of the voltage, it can usually be determined by the type of pole. Large transmission lines are usually between 500-138 kv. Subtransmission towers are around 69 kv, and distribution towers (like what you see in neighborhoods) are around 7 - 13 kv.

  • 0 - 50 kv = 10 ft (3 m) MAD
  • 50 - 200 kv = 15 ft (5 m) MAD
  • 200 - 350 kv = 20 ft (6 m) MAD
  • 350 - 500 kv = 25 ft (8 m) MAD
  • 500 - 750 kv = 35 ft (11 m) MAD
  • 750 - 1000 kv = 45 ft (14 m) MAD

Establishing A Drop Zone

Now that you know your minimum approach distance, we can figure out the Drop Zone. Basically, we want to make sure there is enough room around the pole, that if it was dropped in any direction, 360°, it would be safe. We can use this calculation:

Extended Length of Pole + 1/3 of the Extended Length of Pole + Minimum Approach Distance = Drop Zone

That looks worse than it is, so let's break it down with a real world example. Let's say we're working with a 50 foot pole, extended to 40 feet around a normal distribution tower. The math would look like this:

40' + 13' + 10' = 63'

40' (extended length of pole) + 13' (1/3 extended length) + 10' (MAD) = 63' Drop Zone

Personal Protective Equipment

There are more steps you can take to stay safe while cleaning windows with a water fed pole. In addition to identifying the electrical hazard and establishing your Drop Zone, you can wear PPE and use insulated water fed pole sections.

The two best pieces of PPE you can wear around electrical hazards are:

  • Electric Rated Gloves - The right gloves for the electrical hazard can offer an additional layer of insulation. They are recommended by OSHA and should be compliant with ASTM standards.
  • Dielectric Overshoes - These can be slipped over your normal workboots and help insulate you against electric shock.

In addition to wearing both of those, you can add the XERO InsuPole sections to your water fed pole. Made from fiberglass, they reduce the conductivity of your pole. Using two of these help ensure you have two hands on an insulated section.

These sections slide over your water fed pole. You can choose to either replace your sections or put these overtop. It all depends on the maximum length of your pole. For example, if you have a XERO Micro, you could replace the #8 and #9 with the InsuPole sections, or add the #10 and #11 over top. Although these are designed for the XERO brand, they fit most Tucker and Gardiner water fed poles. Our experts can help confirm compatibility if you aren't sure.

Want to learn more? We recommend checking out XERO's Safety Page that includes helpful diagrams and videos.