SOP: Make a damaged pole safe

After a vehicle hit, a fall, or a report of a shock.

Learning Track · Module 10: SOPs · Step 82 of 101

Priority: CriticalWho: emergency crew with an electrician

1. Keep people away. Do not touch the pole, door, or cables.
2. Set up traffic management and a barrier.
3. Isolate the circuit at the source. Follow the safe isolation SOP.
4. Test the pole and the area for voltage.
5. Make cable ends safe and insulated.
6. Remove or secure the pole and luminaire.
7. Restore other poles if you can isolate the damaged section.
8. Photograph the scene. Record vehicle details or a police reference for cost recovery.
9. Raise a follow-up job for the new pole and foundation.

Sources

1. EN 50110-1 Operation of electrical installations
2. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
3. CEA (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations

Changes: 30 October 2026: First publication: guides for Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the USA; failure library; tender clause library; comparisons; tools; downloads. See the changelog. Found a mistake? Report it.

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