Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to provide maintenance inspection and supplemental treatment of utility wood poles in the Gauteng Cluster on an "as and when required" basis over a period of 3 years. The goal is to extend the service life of the poles, ensure safety clearances, prevent degradation due to biological or physical factors, and maintain the integrity of Eskom’s distribution network.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Inspection of in-service wooden utility poles (excluding cross-arms) for damage caused by physical or biological factors.
• Application of supplemental chemical treatments to prolong the poles' serviceability.
• Assessment of pole condition including external and internal decay, termite activity, cracks, and other damages.
• Stubbing and replacement of poles where necessary, based on inspection results.
• Record keeping of inspection and treatment activities.
• Coordination with Eskom’s operational and safety standards, including compliance with relevant legislation.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Adherence to Eskom standards DST 34-334 Rev 3 and related SANS standards (SANS 10324, 753, 754).
• Use of qualified inspectors with valid certifications and registration as per Eskom and statutory requirements.
• Inspection procedures involving visual assessment, shell thickness measurement, probing for decay, and detection of termite activity.
• Application of approved supplemental chemicals for internal and external treatment, with proper documentation and record keeping.
• Use of approved stubbing systems for poles requiring reinforcement.
• Proper marking and tagging of poles post-inspection and treatment, indicating status (e.g., sound, treatable, reject).
• Compliance with safety, health, and environmental legislation, including OHS Act, SHEQ policies, and environmental regulations.
• Development and implementation of detailed inspection, treatment, and preservation plans.
• Regular reporting, record management, and audit readiness.

Skills Requirements

The tenderer must demonstrate:

• Qualified inspection personnel with valid certifications in pole inspection, treatment, and safety (e.g., OHS Act compliance, SHEQ standards).
• Experience in inspection and treatment of wooden utility poles, including internal and external decay assessment.
• Capability to operate specialized equipment such as pole drills, shell thickness indicators, and chemical application tools.
• Competence in record keeping, reporting, and documentation of inspection and treatment activities.
• Knowledge of Eskom standards, legislative requirements, and environmental protocols.
• Ability to develop and execute detailed work plans, safety procedures, and environmental management plans.
• Capacity to coordinate with Eskom’s operational teams and adhere to safety and environmental policies.

Summary

The successful tenderer must possess the technical expertise, qualified personnel, and operational capacity to perform comprehensive inspection and treatment of wood poles, ensuring compliance with Eskom standards and legislative requirements, and contributing to the extended lifespan and safety of Eskom’s distribution infrastructure.