Electric pylons undeniably shape our landscape. While some people see them as eyesores, others find them magnificent. Regardless, they play a crucial role in our electricity supply. These massive structures, known as transmission towers, present a significant cleaning challenge.
Dodge, a seasoned veteran in pylon maintenance, leads the cleaning team. Heights aren’t for the faint-hearted in this line of work. Not only are the heights daunting, but there’s also the ever-present danger of the 400,000 volts coursing through the lines. Cutting off the electricity isn’t an option, so safety is paramount. Dodge begins every task with an extensive safety briefing, making sure everyone on the team is fully equipped with the necessary gear and knowledge.
Once the safety protocols are in place, it’s time to climb. Ropes and harnesses are a must to avoid falls. The team is meticulous about preventing any part of their body from making contact with the live wires. Electricity can arc, causing fatal injuries.
One of the team members, Dean, documents the process using a camera on his helmet. These towers require cleaning every 15 years to prevent rust and deterioration. Today’s task is to scrape away flaky paint and algae to prepare the surface for a fresh coat of primer. Each tower is meticulously prepped to ensure a smooth and durable finish.
With the electricity still on, the cleaning can only be performed on certain parts of the tower, marked by red flags indicating the safe distances from the live conductors. Stray too close, and the risks are severe. Static shocks are common and serve as a constant reminder of the inherent dangers.
Dodge recalls the old days when safety ropes weren’t a norm. Despite the risks, accidents were fewer. These days, advanced rope systems ensure that climbers are always secured, though nerves of steel and excellent balance are still crucial.
Hundreds of feet above the ground, the team works diligently, exposed to the elements and the risk of electrocution. But for them, it’s just another day at the office. They understand that proper preparation leads to a quality paint job, so every bit of flaky paint and algae is carefully removed.
As Dodge and his team near the end of their task, they prepare the tower for inspection. Quality assurance checks are thorough, looking for any signs of missed spots or inadequate cleaning. Today, tower number four passes with flying colors, ready for a fresh coat of paint. It’s one of the 22,000 transmission towers in the UK, standing clean and prepped for its ongoing duty.
And just like that, another tower is ready, and the team moves on to the next challenge, with safety always at the forefront and the satisfaction of a job well done.
