We are looking at a new generation of long handle pole for use in the nuclear community. Although we feel we are pretty good at designing tools, we wanted to get some feedback from those of you that work with them for a living. And those of you that work around them. We need input not just from technicians, but the RP/HP's and the Decon folks.

We already know how much fun it is for an RP to have a technician bring a pole out of the fuel pool and watch it trail pool water as it crosses over the floor. How about those air hoses that are neatly duct taped every six-inches to the side of the pole? And when a pole dries off it is nice and clean and ready to free release, right?

So here's what we are looking for. E-mail us with your likes and dislikes of long handle pole work. Let us know what point of view you are taking (i.e. Tech, RP, Decon, other). Let us know the application (wet or dry work, cutting, gripping, hand held or crane, etc.). Some questions are listed below that we would like you to answer. We also want to hear about things we didn't ask about that you think are important.

You can cut-n-paste the questions than add your answers in an E-mail.

Would you rather have air hoses (like when using a gripper) inside the pole or outside? Outside is certainly much faster but then you have the risk of tangling. Also the problem with wiping down the pole, plus the hoses as you pull it out of the water.
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How should sections of the pole be held together? Quick release pins (Black Diamond and PCI style), J-notch with outside nut (Master-Lee and others), one bolt going through the pole (PCI and Wachs), two or more short bolts around the outside, poles screw together (Westinghouse and others), pipe flange style, or a "one-handed" design?
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We can reduce the amount of water that drips out, but we will not completely stop a little bit of water coming out (a few ounces instead of gallons). Is this going to be any help to you?
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Is there any reason to color code or tag both ends of pole sections to show what length they are?
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What is the longest pole section you would want to work with (8, 10, 20, or ??foot) and why?
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What diameter pole would be best (1" to 4" seems to be the range)?
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Who's long handle pole (or type of pole design) do you like the best and why?
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Who's long handle pole (or type of pole design) do you dislike the most and why?
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Should poles be marked on the outside every foot to judge distance?
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In your work, how often does a pole come out of the water (a few times every shift, once a week, once a month)?
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Please feel free to add on any comments you have. E-mail Us with more details or comments. Thanks!