According to electrical safety standards, poles should be examined for which of the following?

The focus of examining poles according to electrical safety standards is primarily on structural integrity and alignment. Ensuring that poles are structurally sound is crucial because any compromise in their strength can lead to failures that may result in service outages or hazardous situations, such as the risk of a pole falling or breaking. Additionally, alignment is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electrical system; misaligned poles can cause undue stress on wires and other equipment, potentially leading to accidents or equipment damage.

Assessing the structural integrity involves inspecting for cracks, rot, corrosion, and other signs of deterioration that could impact the pole's ability to support the load it carries. Alignment checks ensure that the poles are correctly positioned to maintain optimal tension in the power lines, essential for safe operation.

Other options, such as examining the age of the pole, may provide useful information but do not directly address the immediate structural safety required. Similarly, while proper height and weight and correct geographic orientation can be important in certain contexts, they are secondary to ensuring the pole's overall safety and stability in its operational environment.