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WOLF BUILDING STANDARDS

UTILITY POLE INFORMATION & INSTALLATION

WOLF offers Ropes Course poles for sale on-line, delivered anywhere in the U.S and Canada.

The use of utility pole allows more freedom in designing a ropes course. Since pole are already treated they are more resistant to decay and insect damage that trees.  Their size will also remain relatively constant where trees will continue to grow causing changes in cable tension, deck stability and staple accessibility.  
A minimum depth is require to guarantee stability and integrity of the ropes course structure.  In the best of conditions, poles should planted to a depth equaling 10% their length plus two feet (4' minimum). The bottom end should be treated with a liquid plastic or roofing tar to prevent moisture penetration.
Poles planted in sandy soils and soils with a high water level may need to be deeper than this minimum standard. In some cases a slurry mix or concrete may be necessary to guarantee stability. Soil around the pole must be tamped to a density greater than the surrounding soil to force ground absorbed water to shed away from the pole. Tamping should be done during the entire back fill process.
Pole selection is key for the longevity of a ropes course. Class Two is the minimum standard acceptable for stand alone elements. For certain applications, Class 1 poles are recommended. Each pole should be inspected for splits, checks, rot and deformation prior to installation.
Poles must be treated with a water born treatment. Most utility companies use oil applied treatments; either Penta or creosote, both unsuitable for ropes course applications as they are proven to contain carcinogens. CCA, ACZT and ACQ are the most effective acceptable treatments available today. Even these treatments, CCA in particular, are controversial for their possible long term health risks.

WOLF TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPROPER USE OF THIS INFORMATION.  THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT REPRESENT A COMPETE PICTURE OF POLE INSTALLATION AND USE. IT IS INTENDED AS A REFERENCE FOR THOSE WHO ARE EXPERIENCED & CERTIFIED WITH ROPES COURSE CONSTRUCTION AND BELAY TECHNIQUES.  THIS DOCUMENT IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PROPER TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE. THE COMPLETE ACCT STANDARDS MANUAL IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE ACCT. www.acctinfo.org