ESB pole and external conduit

Hi everybody,

Few months ago, I was looking at some guys fitting an ESB pole and erecting it.
The external conduit ( heavy gauge black pipe ) that goes from the bottom to the top of the pole and bring the main was fitted this way :
In the first low half part of the pole : the conduit was nailed along the pole.
Second half part , the highest : the conduit was separate from the pole , about 150 / 200 mm .
A lot of them seems to be fitted like this.
Here is a picture taking from the Web.

I did asked your man there, he told me that he was erecting between 3 and 5 poles per day for the last 20 years, but didn't know why they fit them this way !

Is there anybody knows why ? Is it to climb easier afterward with a ladder or harness ?
Just curious to know...