Objectives

The primary objectives of this tender are to perform inspection and non-destructive testing of wood, steel, concrete, and fiberglass poles within the City of Cape Town’s electricity distribution network, including public lighting areas. The work aims to support preventive and corrective maintenance activities, ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, and facilitate informed decision-making regarding pole maintenance and replacement to enhance network reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction. Additionally, the project seeks to identify structural risks, assess pole conditions, and enable timely interventions to mitigate potential failures and hazards.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Visual (above ground) inspection of MV, LV, and streetlight poles across all distribution areas and Eskom-supplied zones.
• Internal non-destructive testing (NDT) of poles made of wood, steel, concrete, and fiberglass using approved methods such as ultrasonic, acoustic emissions, impact echo, ground penetrating radar, magnetic particle, eddy current, and liquid penetrant testing.
• Classification of pole condition based on inspection and testing results, including grading and recording defects.
• Compilation and submission of detailed inspection reports, including digital mapping, defect recording, and recommendations for remedial actions or replacements.
• Development and management of a comprehensive database for inspection data and reports, hosted on an online platform with access for the City of Cape Town for a period of 7 years.
• Pole strength testing for poles that have failed or are suspected of structural issues, conducted at independent facilities with City representatives witnessing.
• Provision of key personnel, non-destructive testing equipment, vehicles, and protective clothing necessary for the execution of the scope.
• Reactive maintenance support, including urgent inspections and testing upon request, within specified response times.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Inspection & Testing Methods: Use of approved visual inspection techniques and a range of non-destructive testing methods as per clause 5.8 of the specification, including ultrasonic, acoustic emissions, impact echo, ground penetrating radar, magnetic particle, eddy current, and liquid penetrant testing.
• Equipment: Provision of calibrated, SANAS-accredited non-destructive testing equipment capable of testing various pole materials, with yearly calibration certificates. Equipment must be suitable for testing wood, steel, concrete, and fiberglass poles.
• Personnel: Key personnel must have at least 5 years’ experience in pole inspection and testing, including certified inspectors and semi-skilled workers with relevant electrical and safety qualifications. Details of personnel experience and qualifications must be submitted.
• Reporting & Data Management: Submission of detailed pole inspection reports in PDF format within 5 working days of testing, including comprehensive data such as GPS coordinates, photographs, defect records, classification, and recommendations. Reports to be stored on an online platform accessible to the City for 7 years.
• Database & Mapping: Development of an electronic database with digital mapping of poles, enabling direct access to individual reports.
• Strength Testing: Conducting pole strength tests on failed or suspect poles at independent facilities, with results documented and witnessed by the City.
• Vehicles & Equipment: Use of suitable vehicles, tools, and testing equipment, all calibrated and maintained, with inspection rights reserved by the City.
• Safety & PPE: Provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for all personnel, including safety gear, uniforms, and fall protection, in accordance with health and safety standards.
• Reactive Maintenance: Ability to respond within specified timeframes to urgent inspection and testing requests, including after-hours and weekend work with prior approval.