Transporting

Concrete poles should be transported with the narrow side of the pole facing upwards. The poles should be layered and
separated by timber bearers (no smaller than 100mm x100mm). The bearers should be placed a quarter length in from either end of each pole. To prevent movement during transport, the poles should be layered with their butts grouped together at one end. It is not necessary to use packing material between the poles. However, the poles should be strapped together
securely to prevent any sideways movement in transit, and providing timber bearers are used, poles can be stacked in several
layers.

When more than one layer of poles is transported, the tips and butts can be alternated in successive layers to provide the best load configuration.

Whenever poles of varying lengths are transported, the longer poles should be placed in the lowest layers. Shorter poles should be supported on wooden bearers and spaced according to the pole lengths. Completed loads should be firmly secured with chains to prevent any shifting during transit. Material such as conveyor belting should be used to protect pole edges from chain damage and a suitable means of tightening the chains should be provided.

If any part of the load is not properly secured, the vehicle carrying the load must not be moved and, wherever possible, it should be positioned to prevent a cross fall from causing the load to shift. If a cross fall cannot be avoided, the upper layers must be unloaded first. At all stages of loading, transportation or unloading, care should be taken to avoid any impact which will damage the poles.

Handling

Dropping or knocking the poles together can cause serious damage, as can point loading. When unloading poles by crane on site, a single-point lift may be used. When lifting a pole with a two-point lift, the lifting points should be a quarter length in from both ends. When lifting the pole for insertion purposes, a one-point lift must be used and the lifting point should be a third of a length in from the pole tip (top of the pole). To guard against localised abrasion at the lifting point, a protective timber beam about 0.5m long, and canvas wrapping or jute bagging must be lashed to the pole under the lifting chain or sling. Alternatively a fabric sling may be used.

Stacking

A level and hard surface is required for the stacking of the poles. Three rows of timber bearers not less than 100mm x 100mm should be placed on the ground to prevent any part of the pole touching the ground. The prepared stacking area must not be situated on a fill area. Poles may be stacked in several layers with timber spacers between each layer as already described. Poles of different lengths and types should not be mixed in the same stack and weeds and grass should be kept under control.