How Does a Lineman Climb a Pole?

The ability to safely climb power poles is a key skill for CIPCO lineworkers, even if they make it look easy. Landon, one of our travel crew apprentice linemen, shows us what tools, outerwear and techniques are used to climb poles that a bucket truck can’t reach.

[@LouisSnyder-g2e]

Retired now. But in my time it was free climb. You didn’t safety off til you reached your work point. Also you sound your pole at the ground. Pay attention to staples hardware and cracks. Also you don’t have to stomp if your spurs are sharp going up or down. Your weight will be enough to hold you. Just step up or down.

[@StoptheLie]

When tree climbing, I never was unhooked or not tied in at anytime. What takes 30 seconds provides that extra safety factor - keep doing it right so you can go home to your family.

[@brianjenson8184]

That was good. My dad was a lineman for utah power and light back in the 60s. Good memories.

[@leonardhenderson6723]

We never belted in till we got to the point we were workin at

[@Kyohan137]

we got written up if we used the body belt tp climb and you never attached anything to the belt from the ground because it put you at risk of being yanked off the pole.

[@backwardsK45]

His style of climbing we called it "hitch hiking".

[@spidersinspace1099]

I remember watching a lineman climb up a pole like this when I was a young boy and wondered where you could get those spikes.

[@munawarahmed2833]

👍these people in all trades build the country.

[@ghalgren]

I free climbed for 45 years. The day they made the new climbing rules effective... I retired! I have no idea how many verticle feet I climbed in those years...

[@josemanuelsanchezmorales1123]

Muy bien excelente video aprendi algo de este extremo trabajo, saludos cordiales desde Morelia Mich México

[@robertsmith3518]

I played phone man for 42 yrs , never had access to a bucket trk , the new way to climb is definitely safer . Be safe you wood walker! Cheers

[@Mechaneer]

He keeps his hips too close. Surprised he got into that habbit, because I would think he would gaff out a lot more doing that.

[@davep6977]

Good video. Been there, did that.

[@AlanSenzaki]

i had to do this in basic training as a lineman in the national guard. It's actually sort of fun but we only had one belt. One guy slipped and fell all the way down and ended with slivers all over his arms and legs!😆😵‍💫😳🥶

[@richardwarfordjr.5622]

Great job 😊 that's a tough job you got there i can relate

[@JimwombatLand]

we use to put our belt and hooks on at the truck and walk to the pole 😁.....can't do that now !

[@charlesgreen9468]

38 years family tradition

[@scottdean4117]

With the new buck squeeze safety anybody can climb nowadays back in the day that’s how we would weed out the slugs

[@bulletz202]

And no one really cares, just be glad there are guys stepping up to take your place.

[@miketerry5206]

Lineman for 36 years I'm now retired we had to climb Lady bird poles good thing the new generation doesn't if this us an example of technic he would land hard

[@DoyleBurney]

Jus remember , that Gravity is not what ya put on yer mashed taters!!

[@williamlivengood9263]

We never had a secondary belt, we just un-hooked and climbed over the obstacles!

[@SodiumInduction-hv]

very dangerous

[@bklyn_line]

Was trained using one belt in the early 90s…always had a keen respect for defying gravity, as well as the clear & present danger. 🤙🏽

[@Liam-pq1tw]

That sucks

[@Jarad-s5d]

Real lineman ar dieing breed been 100ft doing fiber job used 2 pole straps 2 on bottom of stick one top any else I free climb to 40 crazy for the pay

[@Jarad-s5d]

Had take second 1 off half way up

[@douglashstewart]

We used to free climb. You've got too much, extra stuff dangling with all those belts. Didn't have velcro on my gafs either.

[@TopOfThePodium]

That belt is way too high up bring that down and you’re golden

[@LouisSnyder-g2e]

True your belt should be on you butt

[@JimwombatLand]

ALWAYS CHECK THE POLE BEFORE CLIMBING ....I LEAND UP AGAINEST A POLE I WAS GOING UP AND IT FELL OVER .....

[@samfinch7589]

Things have changed and now OSHA requires a fall safety or secondary belt .

[@SodiumInduction-hv]

what type of gloves are required?

[@centraliowapowercooperativ5595]

Leather lineman work gloves!

[@SodiumInduction-hv]

@@centraliowapowercooperativ5595 Okay

[@rodwilkins1614]

Vertically?

[@hobknobbobbityjob2414]

With a tracked bucket rig...

[@mattsongs77]

Different belt than we used. we free climbed a lot also. Keep your ass away from the pole!

[@luarcobal3127]

please show how to get electricuted😅😅

[@ibgeorgeb]

Very carefully…

[@Jorgestefano69]

Gaff guards 👧

[@dlucks174]

Power ranger

[@talljohn66]

From the bottom.

[@Jarad-s5d]

Watch for elvetars aka cracks

[@Cire605]

Buck squeeze gross lol.

[@JP.Danny007]

How does he climb a pole?? Take him to dinner first!!

[@stevehardeman7209]

My hips and knees are killing me just watching