Calif. PUC to Vote on CWA Pole Safety Recommendations

All of CWA's recommendations for safety are included in a judge's pending decision regarding the placement of wireless antennas on California utility poles shared by telephone and electric companies.

Concerned about workers' proximity to the live electric wires, CWA had long sought new safety rules for the poles. Last year, while a revision of rules regarding the electric supply and communications systems was underway, the California Public Utilities Commission began investigating standards for attaching wireless antenna equipment to joint utility poles.

The PUC hired an administrative law judge, who held hearings and collected data. Twelve CWA locals — 9400, 9404, 9410, 9412, 9415, 9417, 9421, 9423, 9431, 9503, 9509 and 9511 — with assistance from District 9 and the union's Safety and Health Department, offered testimony and extensive recommendations.

The judge has submitted his proposed decision, including every CWA recommendation, to the PUC. The commission is scheduled to vote on the issue next week.

Based on CWA's testimony, the judge said there should be a 6-foot vertical clearance between any cellular antenna and power line and safety signs must be prominently displayed no more than 9 feet from the ground, among many other recommendations.

The commission will also consider CWA's recommendation to identify radio frequency radiation emissions and the extent of worker exposure. That issue is part of an agreement negotiated by CWA, IBEW, power, wireless and landline companies, separate from the judge's decision.