Flagpole and flag maintenance: the points of inspection

A well-maintained flagpole can last many years, and a flag in good condition is a requirement of the law. Law 5,700 considers displaying the national flag in poor condition disrespectful, and the owner of the pole answers for its stability and safety. This guide brings together the points of an inspection, based on a manufacturer’s technical sheet and the standards cited.

The owner’s responsibility

In São Paulo, the Building and Construction Code deals with maintenance together with design and execution (article 1). Under the sole paragraph of article 6, the owner or occupier who authorises the work is responsible for maintaining the stability, safety and soundness of the property, buildings and equipment, and article 10 says the city does not take responsibility for accidents caused by deficiencies in design, execution, installation or use.

The hoisting mechanism

The mechanism of B&B Iluminação’s pole has four parts that work at every raising: the V-groove pulley at the top, the guide washer welded to the shaft, the cleat for tying off and the braided line. In an inspection, the usual points to look at are:

• the line: wear, broken strands, drying out in the sun;
• the pulley: whether it turns freely and the line runs in the groove;
• the guide washer and the cleat: whether the welds are sound and free of corrosion.

The guide to flagpole repair covers replacing a broken line or a jammed pulley.

The coating and salt air

Hot-dip galvanised steel is protected by a layer of zinc. According to B&B Iluminação’s sheet, this pole withstands sun, rain and salt air without rusting, and durability varies with the environment. Scratches and knocks that go through the coating expose the steel, and on the coast salty air speeds up corrosion. A visual inspection of the shaft, the joints and the base shows spots of rust or flaking.

The base and the fixing

On a flanged pole, the base plate is fixed to the foundation by L-shaped anchor bolts, with reinforcing brackets; on an embedded pole, the tube goes 1 metre into the foundation. The points to inspect are the tightness and corrosion of the anchor bolts, the welds of the flange and brackets, the joint between the tube and the concrete, where water can collect, and whether the pole is plumb.

The flag

The flag is exposed to sun, rain and wind. Under article 31(I) of Law 5,700, displaying the national flag in poor condition is an expression of disrespect, prohibited by law. The signs of wear are frayed edges on the side away from the pole, open seams, a damaged hoist and faded colours. The Federal University of Viçosa’s purchasing specification asks for triple stitching and UV protection, features that slow this wear.

When not in use, the flag is kept in a dignified place (article 20). Flags in poor condition are handed in to any military unit to be burned on Flag Day (article 32).

After storms

After an INMET orange or red storm warning, with forecast winds of 60 to over 100 km/h, an inspection of the pole, the flag, the line and the fixing is worthwhile. The guide to flagpole safety sets out the warning levels.

Lighting

When the flag stays up at night, Law 5,700 provides that it is lit (article 15(3)). Maintenance therefore includes the floodlights and the electrical installation, which are exposed to rain. The guide to flag lighting covers this point, and the guide on flagpole lifespan how long the pole and the flag last.