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Hints on Tower Safety
Climbing Basics is at a minimum equipment & knowledge you
will need to get started. It is recommended that you attend a tower climbing
safety course.
Equipment at a minimum to get started
1. Full body harness
2. Position lanyard
3. Shock absorbing lanyard
4. Safety hardhat or chin strap helmet
5. 2-4 two action locking Carabineers with a variety of opening sizes
6. Tool bucket “aka” Bolt bag
Full Body Harness
A Full Body Harness is designed to distribute any force applied during a fall
through out the pelvis, thighs, waist, chest and shoulders. It is also used as
attachment points for other climbing equipment components. A full body
harness may include hip, saddle, chest, shoulder and back D-rings. Ensure that
you understand the use and limitations of all D-rings on your harness. The back
D-ring “aka” dorsal ring should only be used for attaching a shock absorbing
lanyard used as fall arrest while working stationary or while face climbing a
tower with no safety cable. The back D-ring also comes in handy when your
harness is stored in a box or becomes tangled with in its self, simply grab your
harness by the back D-ring and shake it out. More times than not it will shake
its self loose and fall into place to better see where your arms, legs, and head
go. The front chest D-ring should be used to attach to a lad safe climb device.
This is usually a cable attached to the tower for climbing that provides 100%
fall protection.
Hip rings should be used for your position lanyard and or a spreader bar which
can be used for a variety of lanyards. If your harness has saddle rings these
should be used for a seat “aka” a saddle, this allows a worker to situate
themselves in a sitting position for comfort while working on the tower for
extended periods of time. When not using a saddle the D-rings work great for
carrying your tool bag up the tower. Shoulder D-rings are designed for climber
rescue from confined spaces but can come in handy as an extra place to carry
items of need up the tower.
Always wear the proper size of harness that fits you snug but not to tight. The
back D-ring should be between your shoulder blades. There are two types of chest
strap harnesses; some form an H pattern while others form an X pattern. There
can be concerns with the H pattern if not worn properly and it is suggested that
female climbers may prefer the X pattern. Generally, the chest strap D-ring
should be positioned between the bottom of the sternum and the belly button.
Pay special attention to the location and snug fit of the groin straps, aka "leg
straps". If you fall while in the harness the weight is distributed to the
shoulders and hips and the groin straps will pull up hard. Any slack in these
straps will cause intense discomfort while hanging after a fall. Many
manufactures offer padding in the leg and shoulder straps. This is also known to
provide more comfort while working on a tower.
The waist belt is not generally used as a fall arrest system but for
positioning. The belt should fit so that it does not put pressure on the small
of the back or your kidneys. The hip D-rings should face forward from your hips
and not backwards toward your buttocks.
The saddle is your final adjustment. This is used primarily for work position
and should swing freely behind your body when climbing but be close enough to
attach your self to the tower and sit in the saddle with out the sensation of
falling into your saddle.
NEVER punch additional holes or alter your harness or climbing equipment in any
way. Store your climbing gear in a dry clean area when not in use. Inspect it
often for defects. Read thoroughly all instruction and inspection manuals that
are provided when you purchase climbing equipment. Always remember a climbing
harness is to protect you in a fall. Treat your harness as if your life depends
on it.
Lanyards
Lanyards are specifically designed to their uses. There are lanyards for
positioning or for fall protection “aka” fall restraint (to restrict falling, to
reduce the distance of a fall to a minimum) they come in various lengths for use
with your body harness, they can be constructed of rope, cable, webbing or
chain.
Positioning lanyards are used as to fix the worker in a stationary position on
the tower so that he/she is close enough to their work area with satiability as
to prevent a fall. (Fall restraint) Position lanyards are available in lengths
from 18 inches up to 28 feet. They can be of fixed or adjustable lengths. It is
more so the goal of use that determines what style and length will be effective
for you.
Shock absorbing lanyards are used as a fall arrest device.
(Fall Arrest: to control and stop a fall once it has begun.) These lanyards are
available in 3, 4, 5, and 6 foot lengths made of nylon webbing with a built in
shock absorber that extends only under stress (the weight of a fall). The
shock’s purpose is to absorb and control the deceleration distance created by
sudden weight being applied to the lanyard. Your shock absorbing lanyard should
only be hooked into your harnesses back D-ring. Shock absorbing lanyards
come in one line or two line (Y Shape) Since you should be hooked to the tower
at all times by any means available we find it quicker and simpler to use a Y
shape two line. Wind Power Services LLC also prefers to use a 3 foot length due
to the lack of places to hook off once you climb above the base of most wind
generator’s.
Remember, although you do not want to fall at all, OSHA says you are not allowed
to fall more than 6 feet before your fall arrest device (Lanyard) stops you.
Hard hat or chin strap helmet.
All though it is of our opinion that it should be of individual choice as to
wear or not to wear a hard hat or helmet in any situation, it is required by
OSHA 1926.100(a) that employees wear hardhats to lesson the effects of striking
their head against an object.
It is also of our opinion that any one on the ground in the drop zone area of a
tower that is not wearing a hard hat, most likely has all ready been hit in the
head and lost their senses. While tower workers know better than to throw things
off a tower, tools and other items can slip from their grasp and fall to the
ground.
While a traditional Hard hat may be easy to retrieve if it falls off while on
the ground. A tower worker may get tired going up and down the tower just to
retrieve a hard hat.
Carabineers
Over time you will discover that you can never have too many carabineers. You
can attach to many different things such as; lines. tools, bolt bags, lad safes
etc, etc, with a carabineer. Equip your self with a variety of mouth opening
sizes as to easily adapt to any size situation. Be sure to purchase weight rated
carabineers and not the cheaper rock or key chain type that are not rated for
heavy weight. Carabineers can be costly but you will find their versatile uses
priceless.
Tool bucket / bolt bag
A tool bag will come in handy to put your needed tools and other items in to
carry up the tower with you. A heavy canvas style with a rope handle and snap
ring for easy attachment to your harness will work fine. The snap ring with a
carabineer attached will also allow you to hook your bag to the tower for easier
reach of your tools.
Climb Safely and be attached to the tower at all times by any
means available. If the tower has a safe climb cable attach to this with a
carabineer and lad safe during your climb. Before you unhook from the cable
attach a lanyard first. ALWAYS have a safety line hooked before removing
another. No safe climb, use a two line (Y Shape) to face or ladder climb.
Remember Hook a new line before unhooking the other.
Climbing a tower can be physically demanding and exhaustive
on your body. Do not be in a hurry to get to the top. You don’t want to be tired
when you reach your work place. When climbing use your leg muscle to push you up
and not your arm muscle to pull you up. Drink plenty of water and remember, it
is in your best interest to climb back down the tower and not fall down from
being dehydrated or exhausted.
Your primary goal on every job should be climbing and working
safely for that someone.
Tower Tips
• Always use two person crews for all tower & maintenance work
• Reconsider climbing a tower in high winds
• ANYTIME you hear thunder get off the tower (lightning is close)
• Never throw things off the tower
• Discourage visitors and onlookers
• Never climb or work on a tower when tired
• Always have an emergency plan, know your location and directions by road name
to your location
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