1 
 `                                                                                                                   DKS 2776:2017                                 
KENYA STANDARD                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INSPECTION AND SUPPLEMENTAL 
TREATMENT OF TREATED WOODEN 
UTILITY POLES  
   
 
 
    Public Review Draft 2017  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
© KEBS 2017                        First Edition 2017  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
   
 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION 
 
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee: 
 
1. Marlow Link Timber  
2. KAKUZI 
3. HIGHCHEM  
4. Millennium Trading House Limited 
5. National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) 
6. Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) 
7. Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) 
8. University of Eldoret 
9. PEMAK 
10. Alogo Enterprises 
11. COSTEK ALMA 
12.Kenya Power   
13. Kenya Wood Preservers Association 
14. Muringa holdings 
15 Kenya Bureau of Standards – secretariat 
 
  
 
  
 
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS 
 
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya Standards shall be regularly reviewed. 
Suggestions for improvements to published standards, addressed to the Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards, are welcome. 
 
 
  
 
 
  
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 2017  
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Sectio n 25 of the Copyright Act,  Cap. 12 of 2001  of 
the Laws of Kenya, copyright subsists in all Kenya Standards and except as provided under Section 26 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of Standards may be reproduced, 
stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing 
from the Managing Director. 
 
. 
  
 
    
 
                                                     
 
  
3 
            
 
   
    
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
INSPECTION AND SUPPLEMENTAL 
TREATMENT OF TREATED 
WOODEN UTILITY POLES 
 
  
 
    
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
KENYA BUREAU OF STANDARDS (KEBS) 
 
Head Office:  P.O. Box 54974, Nairobi-00200, Tel.: (+254  020) 605490, 602350, Fax: (+254 020)  
604031 
E-Mail: info@kebs.org,  Web:http://www.kebs.org  
 
Coast Region                                                                                                                                                      L a k e  R e g i o n                                                                                                                                                                      R i f t  V a l l e y  R e g i o n  
P . O .  B o x  9 9 3 7 6 ,  M o m b a s a - 8 0 1 0 0                                             P . O .  B o x  2 9 4 9 ,  K i s u m u - 4 0 1 0 0                                                                               P . O .  B o x  2 1 3 8 ,  N a k u r u -
20100 
Tel.: (+254  041) 229563, 230939/40                                Tel.: (+254 057) 23549, 22396                                                                T e l . :  ( + 2 5 4  0 5 1 )  2 1 0 5 5 3 ,  
210555 
Fax: (+254  041) 229448                                                                                                           Fax: (+254 057) 21814   
 Foreword 
 
This Kenyan Standard was prepared by the Timber and Wooden Poles Technical Committee under 
the guidance of the Standards Projects Committee, in accordance with the Kenya Bureau of Standards procedures. 
This standard addresses post factory inspection of timber and subsequent interventions – 
remediation. The standard will be continuously revi sed to address new challe nges in post- factory 
inspections, technological development in inspection  and remediation, legislation and compatibility in 
standards development. 
In the preparation of this standard, refere nce was made to the following publications; 
SANS 10324 Ed.1.01 (2007) - Inspection and supplemental treatment of treated wooden utility poles 
Acknowledgement is hereby made for the great assistance derived from these sources.                                           
  
5 
  
 
 
1. Scope 
This standard covers the field inspection of in-service wooden utility poles to determine damage done 
by physical and/or biological factors and the supplemental treatments to be used for prolonging the 
serviceability of the poles.  
 
2. Normative references  
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. Information on currently valid national and 
international standards can be obtained from the Kenya Bureau of Standards.  
 KS 516 wood poles for power and telecommunications lines – specification  
KS 094 – Preservation of timber – Specification 
KS 1002  Anti-termite measures in buildings - Pre-constructional chemical treatment measures.  
 
3. Terms 
3.1.   
air/ground-line region 
The critical area extending to 50 mm above and 300 mm below the ground-line 
3.2.  
approved supplemental treatments 
Registered and approved external and/or internal treatments consisting of chemicals designed to 
protect the ground-line area against fungal decay and insect attack (See Annexure D). 
3.3.  
BIL Basic Insulation Level (electrical grounding wire) 
3.4.  
Crack 
A crack in a pole is where the pole is split and where the split is parallel to the grain of the wood 
with a width greater than 5 mm and longer than the width of the pole midway along the crack. 
Cracks nearer than 5 mm from the adjacent crack are measured as one crack. 
3.5. U 
Customer 
The Utility requesting the inspection and supp lemental treatment of its wood utility poles 
3.6.  
Contractor The Inspection Company conducting the inspection and/or supplemental treatment of in-service 
utility poles as agreed upon between the customer and the contractor (see Annexure A). 
3.7.  
core sample 
A sample consisting of either a cylindrical piece of wood extracted using an increment borer or 
shavings extracted using a drill bit. 
3.8.  
drill bit 
A twist or auger type  drill bit consisting of a shank length capable of drilling a 250 mm deep hole 
and a cutting diameter of 16 mm 
3.9.  
plastic plugs KENYA STANDARD   
 Used for plugging inspection and treatment holes. These plugs are inserted into the 16 mm 
diameter holes that are drilled in the poles. The overall length of a plug is 33 mm with a small end 
diameter of 14 mm and the large end diameter of 18 mm. It is made of UV protected PVC. 
3.10.  
qualified inspector 
An inspector shall be deemed qualified when accredited and certified by a qualified inspection 
body to be competent for inspection of poles. 
3.11.  
check scraper 
A triangular shaped sharp instrument used to externally probe the outside layer of the pole. 
3.12.  
shell thickness indicator a tool designed specifically to extract wood fibre from the holes drilled, to probe for internal decay 
or termite attack and to measure
 the remaining sound shell thickness. 
3.13.  
sound pole 
a pole that has no apparent internal or external form of degradation except for allowed cracks, classified as a Class 1 pole. 
3.14.  
serviceable pole a pole that is classified a Class 2 or Class 3 po le. A Class 3 pole will require stubbing to enable it 
to remain serviceable. 
3.15.  
unsafe pole 
a pole that has been rejected after assessment and that shall be replaced. An unsound pole is a 
Class 4 pole or a Class 3 pole that will not be stubbed.  
3.16.  
recorded poles 
poles that are recorded only, in an inspection process, due to being a non-wood pole or a pole with access problems. 
 
3.17.  
Boron Rod 
a solid diffusible boron-based wood preserving rod for internal supplemental treatment of in-service wood utility poles against fungal decay 
     
4.  Requirements 
4.1. Responsibilities 
4.1.1. The relevant Responsible Person  appointed in terms of the Occupational Health and 
Safety Act shall be responsible to ensure compliance with this standard and that the 
correct inspection techniques and pole treatments as required are undertaken  
4.1.2. he shall also be responsible to ensure that all pole inspection and treatment records are 
kept after completion of the inspection. These Records shall be stored for a minimum of 
15 years. 
4.2. Inspection 
4.2.1. Qualified Inspector 
An inspector of poles is considered qualified when the criteria in 3.10 have been met.  Furthermore; 
4.2.1.1. Only inspectors approved in terms of 39.10 shall do inspections as documented in 
this standard. 
4.2.1.2. The qualified inspector shall inspect the pole, probe the drilled holes, decide on 
the classification of the pole, mark the poles as required and ensure that the  
7 
 correct chemical treatment and dosage are applied and that soil compaction after 
inspection and/or treatment is done correctly. 
4.2.2. i Inspection procedures 
4.2.2.1. A qualified inspector shall inspect all poles even if they appear to be in a good 
condition. 
4.2.2.2. The first inspection of a new line shall be done not later than 10 years after the 
line was first commissioned. The line shall then be re-inspected every 10 years 
thereafter. In certain areas it may be necessary to inspect the poles on a more frequent cycle due to the severity of fungal attack or termite infestation in that 
area. This will be determined by the concerned Engineer. 
4.2.2.3. All poles in a line shall be inspected and an internal chemical treatment shall be 
applied as prescribed.  
4.2.2.4. The inspection and test procedures detailed in 3.2.5 and 3.2.6 shall be used to 
determine the extent of biological degradation and whether a pole is sound, 
serviceable or unsafe. 
4.2.2.5. A pole that is assessed as being sound, serviceable or unsafe (rejected) shall be 
marked in accordance with 3.4. 
4.2.2.6. The results of each inspection shall be recorded in a Pole Inspection and 
Treatment Report similar to the record form given in Annexure E.  
 
Note:  A pest Control Product Operator should have a license as a Pest control product operator (PCO) as having met 
conditions for Licensing Pest Control Operators (PCOs) and requirements for Premises Licenses (Licensing of Premises) 
Regulations – L.N.145/1984). 
 
4.2.3. Visual above-ground inspection  
4.2.3.1. Inspect the area above the ground-line of the pole including wooden cross-arm. 
Record the following information for each pole inspected: 
 
 the pole manufacturer’s name; 
 if no manufacturers tag is visible, it shall be recorded; 
 the year that the pole was manufactured; 
 the pole number and, if no pole number is visible, the pole shall be numbered 
in accordance with the client’s numbering plan as agreed in the contract;  
 the pole species, e.g. “E” (Eucalyptus species) or “P” (Pine species); 
 the length of the pole, if indicated on the pole tag; 
 any lightning damage; 
 the width of cracks on the pole; 
 any poles leaning , see section 3.3.2.4; 
 any fire damage or decay visible on the exterior pole surface; 
 cross-arms not at right angles to the conductors; 
 the compaction of the soil around the pole; 
 mechanical damage to stays or stay wire; 
 mechanical damage to the pole in any way; 
 any woodpecker damage on the pole or cross arm; 
 damaged or broken BIL down wires. 
 
4.2.4. Excavation of the pole  
The soil shall be removed around the pole to a depth of 300 mm to enable an inspection and assessment to be made on the physical state of the pole below the ground. 
 4.2.5. External inspection of ground-line region 
This is the most critical area and it shall be  thoroughly inspected in  accordance with the 
following procedure: 
 Remove the soil that is stuck to the pole by cleaning the exposed area with a wire brush, 
taking care not to disturb any existing external degradation that still has to be assessed. 
 All the soil or soft wood on the surface or in cracks or voids shall be scraped off. 
 Use a check scraper to probe for external decay pockets (shell rot). 
 Measure the depth of the shell rot (decayed wood) and record. 
   
 4.2.6. Internal inspection 
4.2.6.1. Drill two 16 mm inspection holes; the holes shall be at least 175 mm deep.  Start 
one hole near the ground-line at the point of deepest shell rot and one 200 mm 
below the ground line; these two inspection holes shall be drilled diagonally 
opposite each other as per Annexure B.  The inspection holes are to be drilled towards the centre of the pole using a “twist or auger type” drill bit. The holes shall 
be drilled at an angle of 30° to the vertical (upright). 
4.2.6.2. Use a shell thickness indicator to probe the holes for decay and termites, both 
dormant and active, and record the findings. 
4.2.6.3. Where applicable, measure the remaining sound wood (outer shell thickness) and 
record the measurements separately for the two inspection holes on the Pole Inspection and Treatment Record (See Annexure F and H), where Hole 1 is at the 
ground-line and Hole 2 is 200 mm below the ground-line. 
4.2.7. Inspection of poles with cables  
All poles with cables attached to the poles shall be excavated to 300 mm deep around the pole as per 3.2.4 and inspected as per 3.2.6.  Extreme care shall be taken when excavating 
around the pole to ensure the cable is not damaged.  The contractor takes full responsibility 
for any damage to any cable above or below the ground. Note: 
 
• Although the cable entry into the soil might be at one place, the cable might coil below the soil at varying depths and positions. 
• Extreme care should be exercised at H-pole structures where cables come down the one 
pole as the cable might go past the other pole of the H-pole structure.  
4.2.8. Inspection of strut poles 
 
In the case of strut poles, only one 16 mm inspec tion hole shall be drilled at ground-line 30° to 
the vertical and towards the butt end; 175 mm deep and inspected as per 3.2.6.2 and 3.2.6.3.   
 
4.3. Utility pole classification 
4.3.1. Classification 
Each pole inspected shall be classified as being one of the following: 
4.3.1.1. Class 1 (Sound poles) 
Utility poles are classified as Class 1 poles if  they comply with the following criteria: 
 Utility poles without any apparent insect damage, fungal decay and internal or external 
degradation; 
 Individual cracks in the ground-line area shall not exceed15 mm in width; 
 Individual cracks above the ground-line area shall not exceed 20 mm in width 
4.3.1.2. Class 2 
Utility poles that have areas of biological degradation or physical damage but that are of such a nature 
that the pole can still be considered safe and serviceable. Damage to Class 2 poles shall be assessed in accordance with the following criteria: 
 Internal decay/heart rot alone, or in combination with shell rot, leaving a minimum shell 
thickness, comprising of sound wood in excess of 70 mm; 
 External decay, affecting less than 5 mm in depth of the shell; 
 Mechanical, fire or lightning damage penetrating  not more than 10 mm into the pole surface;  
 Individual cracks in the ground-line area shall not exceed 20 mm in width. 
4.3.1.3. Class 3 
Utility poles that have ground-line areas with biological degradation or  physical damage. Damage 
shall be measured in accordance with the following criteria: 
 Termite damage, with no living termites present; the remaining shell shall be more than 40 mm; 
 Internal decay where the remaining shell is more than 40 mm;  
 External decay shall not exceed 10mm in depth. When measuring the shell thickness at the 
deepest point, the remaining shell shall be more than 40 mm; 
 Individual cracks in the ground-line area shall not exceed 25 mm in width;  
 Mechanical or lightning damage not penetrating deeper than 15 mm into the pole surface; 
 Fire damage in the ground-line area not penetrating more than 10 mm into the pole surface. 
4.3.1.4. (Rejected poles)   
9 
 All utility poles that do not meeting the minimum criteria for a Class 3 pole. 
4.3.2. Required action resulting from pole classification  
4.3.2.1. Class 1 and Class 2 poles: Action required 
Class 1 and Class 2 poles shall be treated internally with Boron Rods (See Annexure B). Two 16 mm 
treatment holes shall be drilled diagonally opposite each other, at right angles to the two inspection holes and starting at 50 mm above the ground-line; drill 30° to the vertical and directed towards the 
centre of the pole. The holes shall be drilled at  least 175 mm deep. One Eco Rod, 14 mm diameter 
and 125 mm long, shall be inserted into each treatment hole. One Eco Rod shall also be inserted into each of the two inspection holes (See 3.2.6), i.e. a total of 4 (four) rods shall be used to treat each 
pole. 
The rods shall be pushed right down to the bottom of the hole. The holes shall then be plugged with plastic plugs. The plugs shall be flush with the pole surface. 
 
Note: 
Pieces of any broken rods may be used for treatment of poles provided that the combined length of the pieces inserted in a hole is equal or more than the length of a whole rod. 
4.3.2.2. Class 3 and Class 4 poles: Action required 
Class 3 and Class 4 poles shall be replaced within six months after being inspected and reported. 
4.3.2.3. Leaning poles 
 
All poles that are out of plumb by more than 500 mm shall be straightened within six months after being reported  
4.3.2.4. Cross arms not square with the conductors 
When cross arms are not square with the conductors, determine if the regulation (sag) of the conductors is all even on both sides of the structure. If not, record. 
4.4. Marking after inspection 
Each pole shall be legibly and indelibly marked vertic al in line with the structure identification mark; 
the tag shall be applied at 1.8 m above the ground-line of the pole. 
4.4.1. Class 1 and Class 2 poles 
The round aluminium or galvanised steel tag shall be 25 to 30 mm in diameter.  The tag shall have a 
hole to facilitate attachment. The tag shall be attached with a 15 mm galvanized nail. The tag shall 
bear the following information: 
 the letters “BR” (for Boron Rod treatment) on the top part; 
 the company identification, consisting of the na me, trade name or trade mark of the contractor 
that undertook the inspection and treatment; 
 the month and year in which the inspection and treatment took place; and 
 the class of pole, i.e. “C1” for a Class 1 pole or “C2” for a Class 2 pole. 
4.4.2. Class 3 and Class 4 poles 
The square shaped aluminium or galvanised steel tag shall measure 25 mm x 25 mm. The tag shall 
have a hole to facilitate attachment. The tag shall be attached with a 15mm galvanized nail. The tag shall bear the following information: 
 the company identification, consisting of the name, trade name or trade mark of the contractor 
that undertook the inspection; 
 
 the month and year in which the inspection took place; and 
 
 the word “REJECT”. 
 
 A single white line, 50 mm wide, shall be painted horizontally around the pole; it shall be an oil-
based paint.  This line shall be painted above the class tag, about 50 mm wide. This signifies that the pole must be removed and replaced. 
 
4.5. Restoration of the inspection area 
4.5.1. After the inspection and remedial treatment work has been completed; the area around 
each pole shall be restored, using the following procedure: 
 Back filling shall be done by replacing the exca vated material in 100 mm layers and compacting 
each layer by ramming the soil with a stamper, taking care not to damage any cables. 
 The soil around the pole shall be level with general ground level without hollows where water 
could accumulate.  
  Vegetation shall not be included in the back filling material. 
 The area surrounding the pole shall be left in a clean and orderly state and all debris shall be 
removed from the site. 
4.6. Recording 
 
Full details of every inspected pole in the ut ility line shall be recorded on Pole Inspection and 
Treatment Report form (See Annexure E and Annexure F). 
A copy of all the recorded inspection results as well as a summary report of the line inspection shall be submitted to the person concerned as indicated in the contract. 
 
4.7. Quality assurance 
Quality assurance shall be ensured by implementing and maintaining the “Application monitoring and auditing control system for remedial and supplemental preservative treatment of wooden 
utility poles” given in Annexure H. 
4.8.  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
             
 
 
 
   
  
11 
 Annexure A 
(normative) 
Agreements between the customer and the contractor 
The following shall be agreed upon, in writing, between the customer and the contractor carrying out 
the inspections and supplemental treatment: 
1. Unless otherwise agreed, the replacement of ”rejected” poles shall be the responsibility of the 
customer. 
2. Whether Class 3 poles shall be classified as Class 4 poles and replaced. 
3. The contractor shall submit his Quality Policy and Plan before commencing with the inspection. 4. Should the contractor need any assistance with the interpretation of the inspection standard, he 
shall seek that before commencing with the inspections. 
5. On completion of a line inspection, the contractor shall supply a copy of all the inspection sheets 
and a summary report of the line inspection. These reports shall be submitted to the customer 
within one week after the completion of the line inspection. 
  
 Annexure B 
 
(Normative) 
Pole inspection and internal pole treatment procedures 
  
   
 
 
 
Note: 
1. All poles shall be excavated and inspected  as illustrated above. 
2. Class 1 and Class 2 poles shall have chemical rods (i.e. Boron Rods ) applied internally as 
indicated above.   
  
 
 
  
 
 
    200mm  300mm  
mmmmExcavation depth 175mm Treatment holes (Class 1 and 2 poles): 
2 Holes @ 16mm diameter; drilled at 30 ⁰ 
and 175 mm deep; Insert one Eco Rod  per 
hole.  ent holes 2 Holes @ 12mm diameter; 
 Initial inspection holes: 
2 Holes @ 16mm diameter; drilled at 30 ⁰ and 
175 mm deep; Insert one Boron Rod  per 
hole. 
 Ground-line   50mm   50mm 
  50mm 0
  50mm   50mm   50mm   50mm 
 50mm  
13 
 Annexure C 
 
(Normative) 
Accredited inspectors 
 
The following are the requirements for an inspector to be accredited and to remain accredited: 
1. An inspector shall have inspected a minimum of 1000 poles under supervision of an accredited 
inspector, or he shall have attended a training course given by a qualified and customer approved 
Trainer. He shall also have passed a theoretical test. 
2. After training, the apprentice inspector shall undergo approval inspections from a competent 
inspector before being accredited. This shall be re-evaluated every time a tender is issued. 
 
  
 
  
 Annexure D 
(Normative) 
Supplemental treatment chemicals approval 
Only supplemental treatment chemicals that have been registered and approved by the Department of 
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for applications on wooden poles in ground contact shall be used.  
The appointed engineer of the relevant utility body (“The Customer”) shall give the final approval 
before such chemicals may be used for supplemental treatment of wood utility poles. 
Supplemental treatment chemicals that have been approved in terms of the above requirements shall 
be communicated to the inspectors that have been appointed to do the inspection and supplemental 
treatment work. 
  
15 
 Annexure E 
(normative) 
Recording of pole inspection results 
Results from the inspection, testing and supplemental treatment procedures shall be recorded on a 
Pole Inspection and Treatment Record form (See Annexure F). 
The following is the minimum information that shal l be included in the Line Pole Inspection Report: 
1. The date of inspection and remedial treatment; 
2. The identification of the inspector;  3. The address and location of the office where the reports are to be handed in; 
4. The information on the pole manufacturer’s tag, e.g. trade mark of treater and month and year of 
treatment; 
5. The pole number; 
6. The terrain and vegetation where the pole is set; 7. The pole species, e.g.”P” (pine) or “E” (eucalyptus); 
8. Details of all forms of degradation and damage found on the pole, whether physical, mechanical 
or biological; 
9. The classification of the pole as assessed, e.g. class 1,2,3 or 4; 
10. The supplemental treatment carried out on the pole (if classified as treatable). 
A Pole Inspection and Treatment report shall be completed for every pole inspected in a utility line 
and shall be submitted to thie utility body on a weekly basis once the work has begun and until such work is completed. 
Abbreviated codes used on the forms are listed in Annexure G.  
15 
 Annexure F 
(normative) 
 
                                                                             Pole Inspection and Treatment Record                    Sheet No.: …….….. 
Customer: .............................................. Depot: ...................................... Location: .............. ........................ NWB: .................. kV: ................ 
Inspection Company: ...................... ............ ........... Inspector: ............... .................. . Date: ......... .......................... 
Pole No. 
Terrain and vegetation Pole 
accessories Pole particulars Inspection and treatment data 
Remarks Serviceable Unsafe  Cross-arm type 
Year 
ID mark 
Species 
Ground line Ø 
(mm) 
Last cycle 
Pole classification 
Recorded, only * Inspected, only * 
Treated internally * 
Number of rods 
used * Minor 
defects 
Rejected * Major 
defects Shell 
thickness 
(mm) 
Symbol 
Hole 
1 Hole 
2 
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
*Add up the total per column as indicated           
 Annexure G 
(normative)  
 
Abbreviated codes 
 
Terrain and soil Vegetation Pole Accessories 
CL Clay A Agricultural BEW Broken earth wire 
M Marsh F Forestry BSW Broken stay wire 
N Normal G Grassland CA Cable 
RO Rocky I Irrigation EW Earth wire 
S Steep R Rural IS Isolator 
SA Sandy T Thorn veldt LS Links 
V Valley U Urban MB Meter box 
 SA Surge arrestor 
SB Stub 
SP Stay-pole 
SW Stay-wire 
TR Transformer 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
           
        
 
17 
     
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
  
 
 
Abbreviated codes (continued) 
 
 
Pole attributes Cross-arms Other 
FD Fire damage BI Broken isolator CON Pole in concrete 
ID Internal decay HC Hot connection CP Concrete pole 
IND Incipient decay LC Large crack ROC Pole in rocks 
LC Large crack LD Lightning damage STE Steel pole 
LD Lightning damage LN Lost nut   
MD Mechanical damage LS Loose stay bracket Structure Type 
OP Overplanted pole LU Loose U-bolt D Delta 
PC Pole cut-off SD Suspect decay H Horizontal  
 PL Pole leaning TW Cross-arm 
squareness HP H-pole 
SC Severe cracks WP Woodpecker damage S Staggered 
SR Shell rot 
 SS Suspension structure 
TI Termites ST Strain structure 
UP Under planted pole V Vertical 
WP Woodpecker damage W Wish-bone 
PT Pole twist   
 
 
           
        
 
19 
     
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
Annexure H 
(Normative)  
Application monitoring and auditing control system for remedial and supplemental 
preservative treatment of wooden utility poles 
 
 
1 Background  
The main cause of premature failure of wood preservatives in wooden poles as a result of fungal decay is inadequate impregnation, i.e.: 
 
 Sapwood has not been adequately penetrated with the wood preservative, and/or 
 Preservative retention has been insufficient. 
 
Through the system of line pole inspections, poles with biological degradation are identified. Depending 
on the extent of degradation, the poles are either supplementary and/or remedially treated with Boron  
Rods,  or the poles are removed from service and replaced with new poles. 
 
2 Purpose  
To ensure that the remedial / supplemental preservative treatment chemicals are applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions appearing on the packaging label, this application monitoring and 
auditing control system has been developed and consists of all relevant quality control procedures and 
documents. 
 
3 Pack sizes 
  
 Boron Rods (14 mm diameter x 125 mm long) are packed in boxes of 100 rods per box and in cartons 
containing 4 boxes, i.e. 400 rods per carton. Plastic plugs are also available in pack sizes of 200 or 
1000 each. 
 
4 Control procedure 
 
4.1 The system is designed to record the particulars of poles requiring remedial and/or supplemental 
treatment during the inspection phase. This is done on the POLE INSPECTION AND TREATMENT 
RECORD. An example of a typical record sheet is attached.   However, it is imperative that the record 
provides for columns where the treatment details can be recorded.  
 4.2 The purchase and issue details of chemicals to inspectors are recorded by the company on the 
attached BORON ROD RECEIPT AND ISSUE RECORD.  Invoices / Delivery Notes are used to verify 
purchased quantities.  Information could also be verified with the supplier(s) of the chemicals. 
4.3      A weekly/ monthly reconciliation between pur chasing and usage is performed to determine usage and 
accuracy of record keeping. The attached BORON ROD  STOCK CONTROL RECORD is used to 
perform this purpose. 
 
5           Completion of records 
 
5.1 RECEIPT AND ISSUE RECORD 
 
i) Complete the Receipt and Issue Record for Boron Rod (See attached). 
ii) Enter either the Delivery Note or the Invoic e number in the second column of the record. 
iii) Complete details of stock received and stock issued to inspectors and also the Balance column 
after each issue. Verify that the actual balance in stock corresponds with the figure in the Balance 
column. 
iv) IMPORTANT: After a stock reconciliation has been performed, draw a line beneath the last entry. 
 
5.2 STOCK CONTROL RECORD 
 
i) Complete the Stock Control Record for Boron Rod (See attached). 
ii) The record is self-explanatory. 
iii) Complete the calculations to  determine the quantities of Boron Rods  used per pole. 
iv) The values obtained in 6.1 and 6.2 ( of the Stock Control Record) should be close to each other if 
the poles have been treated correctly and accurate records have been kept. 
          v)     Verify actual stock against the Balance on Receipt and Issue Record.  
 5.3 POLE INSPECTION AND TREATMENT RECORD 
 
i) Complete the Pole Inspection a nd Treatment Record (See attached). 
ii) Fill in the relevant informatio n at the top of the record sheet. 
iii) Fill in all columns of the sheet (as applicable). 
iv) Enter the totals of each column in the bottom line. 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
BORON ROD Record Form No. TL01  Sheet No: 
 
BORON ROD RECEIPT AND ISSUE RECORD  
 
 
Packaging:    100 rods per box 
 
Inspection Company:   .............................................................    
  
RECEIPT DETAILS (boxes) ISSUE DETAILS (boxes)  
 
Date 
receive
d  
Deliver
y No.  
Batch 
No.  
Quantity 
received  
Received 
by  
Date 
issued 
Quantity 
issued  
Batch 
No.  
Issued 
to  
Issued 
by  
Balance
 
Balance brought 
forward :  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
 
  
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
   
  
  
       
  
  Total A:   
 boxes Total B:   Balance carried over, 
boxes  :  
 
Balance carried over =  Total A - Total B (to be entered as “Balance brought forward” on next sheet) 
 Supervisor:   
___________________________
______   
Inspector:  
_______________________ 
  
  
Date:   
___________________________
______   
Date: _______________________ 
 
 BORON ROD Record Form No. TL02  Sheet No: 
 
 
  BORON ROD STOCK CONTROL RECORD  
  
 
Inspection Company: ____________________________________ Inspector:                  ______________________________ 
 
 
Month/Period:  
____________________  
/fro
m ______________
____ 
 to ________________
_____  
inclusi
ve  
____________
___ 
 
1. Opening stock    
  
 
1.1    Quantity brought forward, (A) = (C)+ (D) from previous sheet no       :  
____________
___ Rods 
(A)  
1.2 Quantity received:   
  
 
  
_____
__  
Boxes x 100 rods   : _____________
___  
rods  
 
  
  
  
  
Total number of rods received,                      :  
____________
___ Rods 
(B)  
2. Closing stock   
       
  
   
2.1 Quantity in stock:  
  
   
  
_____
__  
Boxes x 100 rods     : _____________
____  
rods  
  
   
  
  
  
Total number of rods in stock,                      :  
____________
___ Rods 
(C) 
 
2.2 Quantity in process (issued stock not used):  
  
    
a)  
_____
_  
Boxes x  no. of rods                         : _____________
____  
rods  
  
 
b)  
_____
_  
Boxes x  no. of rods                       : _____________
____  
rods  
  
 
c)  
_____
_ Boxes x  no. of rods                           : _____________
____  
rods  
  
 
d)  
_____
_  
Boxes x  no. of rods                     : _____________
____  
rods  
  
   
Total number of rods in process,                   :  
____________
___ Rods 
(D) 
   
 
3. ECO RODS used by stock reconciliation,      
  
     
  
(1) = (A) + (B) – (C) – (D)                          :  
____________
___ Rods 
(1) 
 
4. ECO RODS used by inspection sheet calculation,     
  
   
  
  
(2) = sum of totals for inspection sheet 
No.’s _______
__ to _________ Inclusiv
e     :  
____________
___ Rods 
(2)  
5. Number of poles treated by inspection sheet 
calculation,      
  
   
 
  
  
(3) = sum of totals for inspection sheet 
No.’s _______
__ to _________ inclusiv
e :  
____________
___ Poles(
3)  
6. Average ECO ROD usage per pole      
  
   
6.1 By stock reconciliation,  (1)/(3)    : ____________
___ Rods/ 
pole   
 6.2 By inspection sheet calculation,  
(2)/(3)                 
: ____________
___ Rods 
/pole 
Remarks: 
   
   
  
  
 
  
Supervisor:  
  
______________________
______    
  
Inspect
or:  
  
_______________________
______  
 
  Date:  
  ______________________
______    
  Date:  
  _______________________
______                                                POLE INSPECTION AND TREATMENT RECORD                                   Sheet No.:   ………………… 
 
Customer:   …………………………………….   Depot:   ………………………………….   Location:   ………………………………..   NWB:   ……………………   kW:   …………… 
 Inspection Company:   …………………………………… ……   Inspector:   ………………………………………    Date:   ……………………………..    
 
  
  
           
 
 
 
  
 
 Pole No. 
 
Terrain  & vegetation Pole  
accessories Pole particulars Inspection and treatment data 
Remarks 
Serviceable Unsafe  Cross-arm 
type
Year 
ID mark 
Species 
Groundline 
ø (mm) 
Last cycle 
Pole 
Classificatio
Inspected* 
Treated 
internally* 
Number of 
rods used * 
Minor 
defects 
 
Rejected *  
Major 
defects Shell 
thickness 
(mm) 
Symbol  
Hole 
1 Hole 
2 
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      
       
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      
       
                      
                      
                      
                      
*Add up the totals per column as indicated       CD: 2015      
 
  
 
 
Annexure I 
Requirement of pole inspectors  
(Normative)  
The pole inspector need s the following skills; 
1. Grading  against  
 Spiral grains 
 Knots – not near and not too large 
 Crooks – should be straight. 
 
2. Inspection for Pole Remediation. 
o Pole attacking organisms- termites, Fungi, 
o Visual assessment and understanding of rates of attack on wood over time – fungi, termites, 
colour change etc. 
o Effect of attack on the strength of the poles 
o Understanding of sampling methods 
 
‐ Rate of infestation 
o Skills in assessing leachi ng – sample extraction and laboratory assessments 
o Skills in assessment of pole attack from t he core part 
 
‐ Can the pole life be lengthened? 
o Understanding of pole remediation mechanisms and procedures 
o Skills in application of the availa ble pole remediation mechanisms 
 
 
Annexure J 
Tools used in inspection f poles 
(Normative) 
 
Tools used in inspection of poles should conform to KS 1002:1999 Anti-termite measures in buildings - 
Pre-constructional chemical treatment measures