Customer
AEP
Location
Eastern Ohio
Highlights
-
Exposed Power Leads Flagged Before Fiber Work Began -
Ride-Out Validated as a Field Safety Tool -
Fast, Cross-Functional Response Prevented Downstream Risk
How We Prevented a Fiber Installation Hazard with Real-Time Ride-Out Validation for AEP
The Challenge
During a routine ride-out with the crew to verify a proposed fiber route, a crew member observed exposed and unshielded power leads feeding into a meter mounted on a utility pole. These bare lead connectors were positioned in such a way that they interfered with third-party fiber attachment clearance, creating a significant safety hazard and violating clearance standards. The situation posed an electrocution risk for crews performing pole work and highlighted the potential for uncoordinated changes post-design.
The Solution
Upon identifying the hazard:
- Multiple photos were taken to document the condition.
- The issue was escalated to the construction lead immediately.
- The Distribution Department was contacted to request a service ticket for correction.
- The incident was logged as a critical field condition variance to ensure it was resolved prior to fiber installation.
- The team reinforced the practice of re-driving all routes prior to execution, even if a prior walkdown had been completed.
Key Benefits
- Hazard Prevention: Exposed leads were caught before third-party crews or contractors were placed at risk.
- Process Reinforcement: Reaffirmed the need for final route verifications as field conditions often change between design and construction.
- Interdepartmental Escalation: Fast coordination between the field crew, construction lead, and Distribution ensured the hazard would be addressed promptly.
- Compliance Alignment: Identified and addressed a violation of utility standards for pole-mounted power and communication attachments.
The Results
- No injuries or incidents occurred thanks to early detection.
- Service ticket issued for corrective action prior to work near the asset.
- Field teams updated internal practices to treat all ride-outs as validation events—not just checks against the plan.
- Helped mitigate future risk by embedding the principle that field conditions must always trump assumptions based on previous surveys.
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