Steel Pole Demolition Hazard Mitigation: AEP Ohio EHS & HPI Case Study

Customer

AEP

Location

Ohio

Highlights

  • Latent Hazard Neutralized Proactively
  • Seamless Contractor Coordination
  • Internal Best Practice Example

Proactive Hazard Mitigation in Transmission Structure Demo Work

The Challenge

During the demolition of a retired 138kV steel monopole, the contractor was scheduled to cut the structure a few feet above grade, leaving the pole butt in place. This approach was necessary to allow for a future landslide remediation effort within the right-of-way (ROW). However, the hollow steel structure posed a future safety hazard: once cut, it would leave an open vertical cavity, potentially exposing children, wildlife, or workers to fall or entrapment risks-especially if the opening went unnoticed during restoration work.

The Solution

Well before the demolition took place, the field team and contractor conducted a site walkdown to assess immediate and downstream risks. Together, they identified the potential hazard of the hollow opening and planned a mitigation step:  
  • A steel plate was welded over the open pole butt immediately after cutting.
  • This sealed the cavity and prevented accidental access or injury.
  • The plan was coordinated and agreed upon weeks in advance, ensuring no delays during the day of execution.

Key Benefits

  • Risk Anticipation: Addressed not only present hazards, but future site conditions that could pose new threats. 
  • Contractor Collaboration: Demonstrated effective pre-job planning and walkdown communication. 
  • Wildlife & Public Safety Protection: Prevented physical harm to children, animals, or untrained personnel who might have encountered the open structure. 
  • Regulatory & Reputation Safeguard: Helped avoid post-demolition complaints, citations, or environmental concerns.

The Results

  • The structure was demoed on schedule, with no additional labor needed for reactive mitigation. 
  • The steel cap solution was executed as planned, preventing the emergence of a latent hazard. 
  • The event is now being referenced internally as an example of thinking beyond immediate tasks and prioritizing long-term safety in right-of-way work.

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