Updated Fall Protection Efforts for Transmission Structures

In April 2015 Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) committed to adoption of a 100% fall protection policy on its transmission system. The vast majority of BPA’s transmission system consists of traditional wood pole structures, engineered steel poles, and lattice steel structures; most fall protection efforts to date have centered around these three structure categories. Fall protection on wood pole structures was completed in late 2013 through work practice modification and changes to personal protective equipment (PPE). Updated fall protection efforts for engineered steel poles and lattice structures are ongoing and, in addition to work practice and PPE modifications, structural solutions are being implemented. The structural efforts are divided into two main categories, 1) devising methods that allow linemen to climb and work safely on BPA’s 42,000-plus existing lattice structures while minimizing the need for costly retrofits and 2) developing designed-in fall protection features for BPA’s next iteration of standard lattice tower families and engineered steel poles. For existing structures, efforts include adding cable safety systems in the climbing path and identifying work positioning anchorage points. For new structures, designs include permanent cable safety system in the climbing path, horizontal lifeline anchorage for horizontal movement, and work positioning anchorage.