Workers told stay away from rotting ESB poles

The ESB has told workers not to climb poles over fears that they may be rotting.

The electricity network has confirmed it has found signs of early decay in more than 200 poles across the country. The poles are believed to be part of a batch which were imported into Ireland from Scandinavia between 1996 and 2008.

A spokesman for the ESB has said there are no fears for public safety.

“Recently, in approximately 200 poles, we have observed early signs of decay. ESB Networks has put in place a restriction on climbing/working on specified poles. Such restrictions on work practices are not unusual and are in line with ESB Networks’ policy following a safety incident.

“Currently there is no increased risk to the general public; control measures are necessary for ESB staff who climb wood pole structures every day.

“Pole failures do happen and ESB Networks manage this risk by implementing periodic hazard inspections and maintenance patrols. These programmes are fully in line with international best practice.”

There are some 2m poles on the electricity distribution system, with each having a life expectancy of 40 years.

More than 150,000 poles are inspected every year, with around 5,000 being replaced for a variety of reasons.

“Wood poles are an organic material and while they are treated to slow down the rate of decay, they are subject to decay over time,” a spokesman said.

“Like other utilities around the world, ESB Networks’ wooden poles are treated with creosote to slow down the rate of decay ensuring that these poles can safely support overhead lines for 40-plus years or more.

“ESB Networks procure wood poles to international standards and in line with international best practice. We implement additional quality assurance measures to ensure our wood poles are to the highest quality when delivered.

“Whenever ESB staff carry out work on wood poles, there is an inherent hazard of wood pole decay and we train our staff to be vigilant and carry out pole pre-work checks prior to climbing and working on a wood pole.”