Resumo. The objectives were the chemical quantification of preservatives, the anatomical identification of forest species and the principal decay agent identification of wood poles from an electric distribution system in ‘Ilha do Mel’, in the coast of Paraná state. It was also proposed a methodology to extend the poles useful life. The poles were anatomically characterized and the identification and the chemical quantification were done by colorimetric analysis and atomic absorption. The mean retention was evaluated by t test and comparison of groups was done by Fisher test. The decay agent identification was done by visual inspection, with little tools. The anatomical analysis identified the poles how Eucalyptus grandis species. The qualitative chemical tests showed cupper chromo arseniate (CCA) and cupper chromo borate (CCB) presence, with the retention index for CCA with lesser values than the minimum recommended by rule. The visual inspection results indicated woodpecker, fungi and termite attacks. To management model proposed integrated actions like raw material receiving, monitoring and pole maintenance.