I. Purpose & Scope
To safely and effectively provide instruction and restrictions on the inspection and proper use of pole tongs.
II. Definitions
Standard PPE – High Viz Garment, Hard Hat, Z-87.1 Safety Glasses, Gloves, Pants, Work Boots
III. Process
NOTE: Work instruction does not supplement the manual. For specific instructions for the exact model please refer to the Manufacturer’s operation manual.
A. Potential Hazards
- Falling Objects Hazard
- Swing Radius Hazard
- Crushing Hazard
- Pinch Point Hazard
- Rolling Out Hazard
B. PPE
- Standard PPE
C. Inspection
- Inspect parts for wear, signs of rust or damage and remove and replace as required.
D. Use
General Requirements
- Pole tongs shall be used following the manufacturer’s requirements.
- Pole tongs shall be rated and tagged to the weight and size of the pole.
- Pole tongs shall be inspected and confirmed to be in safe operating condition before use.
- Pole tongs shall only be used for getting poles out of a pole pile and until a more secure lifting rigging can be put in place, or discarding of old poles or pole sections into waste bins.
- Pole tongs are not to be used during field operations.
- When using pole tongs, pole must not be lifted more than three (3) feet above any surface (or one foot above the side of a standard pole dolly or utility trailer) to facilitate the identification of the balance point, and to attach rigging (slings).
- Pole tongs shall not be used to drag, move, or raise a pole or pole pieces more than three feet above the ground for transfer.
- When a pole is located more than three (3) feet above the ground on a pole pile, tongs may be used to lift the pole no more than twelve (12) inches above the pile to move it safely to the ground and install rigging (slings).
- Attach a sling, rigging chain, or other approved lifting device that will not allow for inadvertent release.
- Slings shall be in safe working condition and applied in a manner that ensures safe handling of the load.
- The qualified person (rigger) shall be trained and capable of safely performing the rigging operation. All loads shall be rigged by a qualified person or by a trainee under the direct visual supervision of a qualified person.
- When using pole tongs to discard pole, no one is allowed to be within the line of fire and the area must be coned off to prevent entry into the danger zone. When releasing the pole from the tongs, a rope must be used from a safe distance away to disengage the tongs allowing the pole to safely drop into the waste bin.
- When lifting a pole from a pole pile, the pole will only be lifted high enough to place cribbing or other adequate support, the pole will then be lowered onto the installed support so that the pole is no longer supporting the pole prior to installing the lifting sling or chain. In no circumstance, shall anyone place body parts below the suspended load to install rigging while the pole is being supported by the tongs.
Operation
- Attach the pole tong clevis from hook of lifting device.
- Connect tag line to the loop on the cable mechanism of the pole tong.
- Tag line should be long enough so that the operator of the lifting device can control the opening and releasing of pole tongs.
- Lower pole tong onto the pole to be lifted, this may take several attempts to free the pole from the pole pile and to identify the balance point of the pole.
- Pull the tag line to open the jaws of the pole tongs.
- Lower the tongs so they have a good “bite” on the pole.
- Release tension on the tag line, allowing the tongs to close on the pole.
- Slowly lift the tongs and they will automatically grip the pole.
- Move the pole to the desired location so that a sling, rigging chain or other approved lifting device can be attached.
- Set pole down removing all strain on the tongs.
- Pull the tag line to open the jaws on the pole tong and slowly lift the tongs away from the pole.
E. Maintenance
No maintenance is required for this tool.