PART E - STEPPING POLES
1.
Poles normally requiring steps are place on telephone line poles to decrease the wear from
frequent climbing and to provide a more convenient means for personnel to climb the poles. Poles
supporting able terminals at able and open-wire junctions, cable distribution terminals, cross-connection
boxes, and open-wire test points are normally stepped. These are the poles that are climbed most
frequently during and following initial construction of the line. If these poles are no stepped, they
become so cut and splintered on the surface by climber gaffs that they are unsafe to climb and must be
replaced. Poles that are to be stepped will be specified in the detailed plan.
2.
Types of pole steps. Three types of pole steps are used: steel, detachable steel, and wooden.
a. Steel step. A standard, drive-type, steel pole step (Figure 1-14) is 10 inches long and 3/4
inches in diameter. The step is threaded with a drive thread at one end and an L-shaped driving head at
the other end. Steel pole steps are used for all pole steps installed 6 1/2 feet or more above the ground
level mark.
Figure 1-14. Standard steel pole step.
b. Detachable steel step. The detachable pole step (Figure 1-15) is a formed, flat, metal step
that is shaped to fit on a mounting plate and lag-screw assembly. The mounting-plate assembly is
permanently attached to the pole, but the step is removed when not in use. Detachable steel pole steps
are designed for use as the lower approach steps. The lag screw used to hold a detachable step is a
specially designed screw with a notched head.
c. Wooden pole steps. A wooden pole step is a triangular-shaped block (Figure 1-16). The step
has two predrilled holes for the mounting nails. Wooden steps are used for the lowest pole steps when
detachable steps are not available.
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SS0439
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