Aerial observation tower tags, crossing signs and transmission tower safety signage are crucial for rapid, safe repair during outages and ongoing maintenance.

When a widespread power outage occurs and high-voltage transmission lines require immediate repairs, the electric utility often sends a skilled technician to the location by helicopter to speed the repair process. Helicopters, along with drones, are also used for monitoring, inspecting and maintaining transmission towers and power lines. Lineworkers often work on transmission lines that are not de-energized, allowing for an uninterrupted power supply.

Of course, working near high-voltage lines poses significant electrical hazards. Flying close to high-voltage lines, often in challenging weather conditions, increases the risk of a crash. The pilots and crew must adhere to strict safety protocols to avoid accidental contact with live wires. An electrical arc flash can also cause severe burns or other injuries, so workers wear protective clothing and use insulated tools.

“Given the high-risk nature of the operation, there can be no tolerance for inadequate or unreadable safety signage. When a technician is suspended hundreds of feet above ground or a drone must fly close to the line, having easily readable, visible signage ensures the crew is at the correct location and understands the potential dangers and hazards in the area,” says Daniel O’Connor, General Manager of New York-based Tech Products, Inc., a manufacturer of industrial identification products for 76 years.

According to O’Connor, transmission towers require aerial observation tower/pole identification tags, crossing signs, warning signs as well as various other crucial tags and markers. To mitigate risk and liability, towers and other restricted areas also need to display warnings of the deadly electrocution and fall hazards to prevent unauthorized access or attempts to climb the structure from the ground.

From the Air
When helicopters or drones are involved, aerial observation tags are vitally important to quickly identify the location of a high-voltage tower from the air. Aerial observation tags are typically made of metal or plastic and installed horizontally or vertically using vandal-proof mounts on posts or stakes. The brightly colored, high-contrast numbers and letters typically indicate the line number, section and tower/pole number.

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