General Order 95
Detailed Construction Requirements for Tower Lines
and Extra High Voltage Lines (Class E Circuits)
61.6 Marking and Guarding
All towers shall be equipped with signs designed to warn the public of the danger of climbing same. Additionally, such signs shall include a graphic depiction of the dangers of falling or electrocution associated with climbing the towers. Such signs shall be placed and arranged so that they may be read from the four corners of the tower. Such signs shall be neither less than 8 feet nor more than 20 feet above the ground except where the lowest horizontal member of the tower is more than 20 feet above the ground in which case the sign shall be not more than 30 feet above the ground.
When a fence or wall is used as a barrier around a tower (Rule 61.6-B), it shall be equipped with signs designed to warn the public of the danger of unauthorized entry. Warning signs shall be installed at every gate and at intervals of not more than 100 feet along each fence or wall that is used as a barrier. When warning signs are installed on barrier fencing or walls, no signs are required to be installed on the tower or structure.
Where a tower of a design which can be easily climbed supports supply conductors and is located in urban districts, or in rural areas adjacent to schools, dwellings, permanent or seasonal camps, or in orchards, or near roads or trails which are frequently traveled, a suitable barrier shall be installed on or around such towers, or other provisions shall be made to prevent easy climbing.
When a fence or wall is used as a suitable barrier around a tower the construction shall be designed, installed and maintained in such manner as to reasonably deny access over, under or through the fencing or wall to all but authorized persons.
Material and Height:
(1) Fencing shall be of a fabric, such as galvanized steel, woven mesh or links (commonly known as chain-link or cyclone fencing) or other suitable metallic or nonmetallic material, extending from ground level to a minimum height of eight feet, or extending from ground level to a minimum height of seven feet with an extension of not less than 12 inches of barbed wire (three or more strands), razor wire or similar deterrent.
or other types of construction shall be of a material which will present an
equivalent barrier to climbing or other unauthorized entry, extending from
ground level to a minimum height of eight feet, or extending from ground level
to a minimum height of seven feet with an extension of not less than 12 inches
of barbed wire (three or more strands), razor wire or similar deterrent.
Gates shall be of a design and maintained in a manner compatible with the barriers specified in this rule.
A minimum radial distance of six feet shall be maintained between any portion of the fence or wall and the tower
The provisions of this rule shall not apply to towers or structures within fenced substation yards.
When a utility’s designated personnel become aware of and verify that an unauthorized person has climbed a tower, that tower shall then be guarded as provided in Rule 61.6-B.
Note: It is the intent of Rule 61.6-B to require such guarding as will prevent easy climbing of these towers. It is not intended that such guarding will be required in rural areas .
Note: Revised November 6, 1992 by Resolution SU–15 and January 13, 2006 by Decision No. 05-01-030