In my opinion the weight is more dangerous the the lead exposure. Don’t even think of doing this job without a digger Derrick. It will exceed the capacity of most communication bucket trucks. What most modern communications linemen are used to is way less than 1 lbs per foot for strand, fiber or coaxial cables. Every lead cable is unique because of pair count and sometimes lead thickness. There is usually a little over 3 lbs of lead per foot plus the weight of the copper pairs and insulation. So 5 lbs per foot is not out of the question. If we do the math on a 100 foot span, that is 500 lbs. However we all know 100 foot spans are very short and usually longer. We also know 500 lbs exceeds most all communications bucket trucks capacity. If you are in an easement situation, you will need to rig the pole with a winch or block & tackle. I strongly encourage you to get rigging training before you attempt rigging poles. If you rig a pole incorrectly, bad things will happen very fast!
Another word of caution: do not under any circumstances cut the lead and strand at the same time as you might do with coaxial/ fiber wreck-out. Rather remove all the lead first then return and remove the strand.
