We are all inundated with political advertising each November, but Craighead Electric Cooperative would like to remind you that it is unlawful and unsafe to attach posters of any kind to utility poles. Balloons marking birthday parties, signs promoting garage sales, rewards for lost pets, and posters supporting political interests are often placed on utilitypoles. While it may seem like a good place to post such information such items unnecessarily increase the risk of working on utility poles for lineworkers.
It is also illegal. Arkansas law and the National Electric Safety Code prohibit the attachment of items to utility poles without approval from the owner/operator. Posting items to utility poles is usually a violation of local ordinances as well. Clamped safety boots used by lineworkers to climb poles are vulnerable to becoming snagged on staples and nails embedded in posts.
Foreign objects can also tear utility workers’ protective clothing, which is the first line of protection from an electric shock. They can also injure workers despite the safety gear they wear to avoid contact with rough surfaces. Posting items to power poles can also be a public safety hazard. The materials posted on the poles not only distract people as they drive, but they also degrade the quality, effectiveness, and stability of the wood. Signs attached to poles may be removed without notice.
It is just as important to also avoid tampering with or disrupting the guy wires that surround utility poles. Please inform children not to play or swing on them and maintain your distance when performing yard work. If you see the poles or guy wires are disrupted in some way, please call your local utility company immediately.
Help us keep our poles clear and our linemen safe this election season.
