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