If a hazard cannot be removed from a pole that is about to be climbed, one should ? .

• A. Cover or shield the hazard
• B. Remove the pole
• C. Notify supervisor
• D. Proceed anyway

Answer: (A)

When you can’t remove a hazard on a pole you’re about to climb, the immediate action is to create a protective barrier by covering or shielding the hazard. This engineering control reduces your exposure by preventing contact or energy transfer to you as you work, making it safer to proceed or to pause work until the hazard can be addressed later. Covering live conductors with approved insulating shields, for example, helps prevent electric shock or arcing, which is far safer than leaving the hazard exposed.

Removing the pole isn’t usually feasible or appropriate as a quick safety fix, and simply notifying a supervisor, while important for planning and escalation, doesn’t protect you in the moment. Proceeding without protection is unsafe because it leaves you exposed to the hazard.