COMPANY NAME HERE

Tower Climbing

The Guidance Documents offered and provided by AVETTA are

intended as guidance to assist our contractors in complying with
the minimum requirements of the facilities they are registered for,
as well providing other helpful information to assist in the
development of successful safety programs that address exposure
hazards for employees. AVETTA does not make any warranties
or representations with respect to the content, quality, accuracy or
completeness of any information or material contained in these
templates. AVETTA assumes no legal liability for the content,
quality, accuracy or completeness of these templates. In no event
will AVETTA be liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect,
general, consequential, incidental, exemplary or special, arising
from the use of these templates. This document has been made
available for general use only and is provided without any express
or implied warranty as to its accuracy or currency. All access to,
and use of, the information is at the user's risk. All the
information contained in this document is the responsibility of the
user to ensure it is suitable for the purpose and applicable to the
company requesting this document. This includes, but is not
limited to ensuring that the program addresses applicable
legislation. The writer takes no responsibility for this information.

PLEASE DELETE THIS SECTION AND ANY TEMPLATE

MARKS/HIGHLIGHTS/WATERMARKS PRIOR TO
SUBMITTING FOR REVIEW

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Tower Climbing

Introduction

This program establishes standards and procedures to provide for the safety of telecommunications
workers that climb, traverse, move, rest, and work on towers, poles or at elevated work sites.

The company regards safety and health as the primary consideration in any job, and is committed to
preventing job-related accidents and illnesses by establishing and adhering to a Tower Climbing and
Fall Protection Program.

By establishing training, medical qualifications, physical fitness, equipment, conduct standards and
consolidating the various industry and government standards on the subject, the program will be
established and maintained at all levels.

Governing Bodies

 Industry Canada – Oversees the licensing and placement of cell phone towers
 Health Canada – Safety Code 6

General Requirements

A. In accordance with current best practices, it is required that all telecommunications employees
and contractors who perform tower or elevated work must be determined to be medically qualified to
perform those jobs, must be trained and certified as “Qualified” to perform those jobs, have the
appropriate equipment to do the job, work on structures that are safe and perform those jobs in
accordance with this program.

B. Communications towers should be designed to eliminate or minimize the need for climbing.
Qualified outside contractors should be strongly considered in fulfilling requirements for
communications tower climbing.

C. Tower climbers shall only climb towers certified by the manufacturer of that Tower. Towers that
do not meet these standards will be red-tagged as “Do Not Climb!” until they are retrofitted or
replaced with towers that meet these standards. Service can be accomplished by other methods (i.e.
aerial devices, etc.).

D. Emergency situations in which an imminent threat to human life exists due to the lack of
telecommunications services may require expedient performance of tower or elevated work. Every
effort must be made to perform a risk assessment of such work in accordance with your company’s
Risk Assessment and Management Policy.

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E. The ultimate responsibility for determining whether "to" or "not to" climb a tower or do elevated
work lays with the climber/worker them self as they are ultimately at risk. All climbers must adhere
to the 100% tie-off requirement at all times and no-one is to ascend or descent a tower unless their
hands are free. Free Climbing will never be permitted.

F. The weather must be safe and stable for the climb to occur. If weather conditions such as
lighting/thunder are to be expected, then never climb. Daylight is the preferred time of day to climb.
Extreme caution to be considered during rainy, windy, icy or any other condition that may affect the
condition of the climb.

Responsibilities

The responsibility lies with Senior Management of the company. They are responsible for the
implementation and execution of this program which should be monitored and reviewed periodically.

A. Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) utilized by workers while climbing, resting, and performing
work at elevated locations. The equipment described is utilized to help place the worker in a
desirable working position and to reduce the probability of potential fall accident injuries.

1. Personal protective equipment is to be stored in a dry, dark, secure area and protected from cuts,
abrasions, and chemicals when not in use.

2. Mandatory inspection of equipment before each use by the user will serve to minimize accidents
resulting from deterioration of equipment. All fall protection equipment shall be periodically
inspected by the program coordinator on an annual basis and a record of the inspection shall be
maintained in the office or site files.

3. Manufacturer's instructions and recommendations shall be incorporated into inspection,

replacement, and preventive maintenance programs. Defective equipment shall be immediately
removed from service and tagged “Do Not Use” until repaired. If defective equipment is determined
to be non-repairable, it shall be disposed of immediately.

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B. Fall Prevention/Positioning System

1. Full Body Harness

A harness will work in a manner that will distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the thighs,
pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders. It will be provided with a means for attaching to other components
of a personal fall arrest system. Verify with the applicable CSA Standards on Full Body Harnesses.

a. It is recognized that many different body harness designs are available to climbers that offer
advantages for certain tower structure designs and for the type of work to be performed. The climber
may use personal preference in selecting the most appropriate harness to wear and shall ensure the
harness fits properly.

b. A full body harness, when used in conjunction with pole climbers, permits work positioning and
limits the exposure to falls while the worker has both hands free to perform a work task. A full body
harness with positioning strap or lanyard however, will not prevent falling vertically (sliding) down
wood poles.

c. Full body harnesses shall have a chest strap and a seat strap to distribute part of the load across the
buttocks. The D-ring located at the center of the upper back will be the connection point for a fall
arrest safety lanyard to distribute forces to the body most effectively. The D-ring located front and
center of the upper chest may be worn when the work procedure warrants.

d. Full body harnesses shall be periodically inspected for the following:

 Cuts, tears, and chafing
 Electrical burns
 Physical deterioration
 Ultraviolet deterioration
 Wear on connection devices
 Evidence of shock loading
 Chemical damage and/or deterioration. Suspect body harnesses shall be destroyed.

e. Body harnesses shall be stored in a dry, dark, and a protected environment.

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2. Positioning Strap/Rope Lanyard

Positioning straps or rope lanyards shall have each end snapped into a separate D-ring of full body
harness when in a rest or work position. Rope lanyards will be spliced by the manufacturer or his
qualified representative to connect fittings, other ropes, extensions, and attachments with a minimum
four tuck splice.

a. Snap hook gates shall face outward away from the worker's body. Multiple snap hooks of the
locking type and/or approved carabineers may be attached to a single D-ring.

b. Tools, hand lines, or other objects that may interfere with the snap hook and cause rollout shall not
be attached to or hung from the positioning strap.

c. Positioning straps and rope lanyards shall be inspected for the following:
 Snap hook keeper spring tension
 Exposure of colored wear-warning inner layer.
 Elongation of holes in positioning strap material.
 Cuts, burns, extra holes, or fraying of material.
 Loose or worn rivets.
 Cracks, burns, or corrosion in the snap hook.
 Excessive side movement of the snap hook keeper.
 Chemical damage and/or deterioration.

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3. Pole Climbers/Gaffs

a. Pole climbers gaffs may not be used if the gaffs are less than 1-1/4 inches (32 mm) in length as
measured on the underside of the gaff. The gaffs of pole climbers shall be covered with gaff
protectors when not being used.

b. Pole climbers gaffs shall be inspected before each use and shall be inspected for the following
conditions:

 Fractured or cracked gaffs or leg irons.

 Wear on stirrup and leg irons.
 Loose or dull gaffs.
 Proper sharpening of gaffs.
 Broken straps or buckles.

c. If any of these conditions exist, the defect shall be corrected before the pole climbers are used.

d. Pole climbers gaffs must not be worn when working on ladders (unless using the wood structure as
access to a work position on a ladder) or when working from an aerial device. Pole climbers gaffs
may be worn on ladders, in aerial devices, or when walking if used as part of an access system
incidental to work activity.

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C. Fall Arrest Equipment

1. General
All fall arrest equipment shall have locking-type snap hooks or approved carabineers that meet or
exceed applicable standards. This equipment minimizes physical trauma to the worker, comfortably
supports the worker after a fall until a rescue can be made, and suspends the worker in a more easily
retrievable position for rescuers.

a. The length of the body attachment shall be such that the free fall distance shall not exceed 6 feet.

b. Fall arrest equipment receiving an impact or shock load from a fall shall be removed from service,
tagged “Do Not Use”. The equipment shall be returned to the manufacturer for inspection and repair.
It shall be repaired only by a qualified person at an authorized facility, or shall be destroyed.

c. The preventive maintenance and inspection program for PPE shall include determination of shelf
and service lifetimes and the load limitations for the system to be used as per manufacturer’s
recommendations.

2. Lanyards with Energy Absorber.

a. Lanyards and their associated energy absorbers shall be used in accordance with the following:
 Possible falls into a fall arrest system shall not exceed 6 feet (1.9 m) free fall, 9.5 feet (2.9 m)
total fall distance, and 1,800 pounds (8kN) maximum force.
 Manufacturer's shock force data or test data should be incorporated into the total arrest system
design (including anchorage).
 Energy absorbers that have shock force indicators should be used (when available
 Lanyards shall be equipped with self-locking snap hooks or carabineers.
 Lanyards shall not be knotted.
 Lanyards shall not be attached back onto themselves unless they are designed by the
manufacturer to function in that capacity.

b. Lanyards and energy absorbers shall be inspected for the following:

 Partial activation of the energy-absorbing device.

 Cuts, tears, and chafing.
 Electrical burns.
 Physical and ultraviolet light deterioration.
 Wear on snap hooks.
 Operation of snap hooks.

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 Chemical damage and/or deterioration.

c. Suspect lanyards and/or energy absorbing equipment shall be tagged “Do Not Use” before they are
destroyed. Lanyards and energy absorbing devices shall be stored in a dry, dark, and protected
environment.

3. Self-retracting Lanyard/Lifeline.

a. Self-retracting lanyards and lifelines are attached to an automatic rewinding reel that quickly
arrests a fall and limits the shock load to the worker. Self-retracting lanyards and lifelines limit the
freedom of movement up to the length of the lanyard or webbing.

b. Self-retracting lanyards and lifelines shall be used in accordance with the following:
 Manufacturer's energy absorbing data or test data should be incorporated into the total arrest
system design (including anchorage).
 Self-retracting lanyards that have shock force indicators should be used (when available).
 Self-retractable lanyards shall be equipped with self-locking snap hooks or carabineers.
 Self-retracting lifelines shall be permanently marked with the manufacturer’s name, model
number, rating, and date of manufacture.

c. Self-retracting lanyards and lifelines shall be inspected for the following:

 Partial activation of the energy-absorbing device.

 Snap hook keeper spring tension.
 Cuts, burns, extra holes, or fraying of material.
 Excessive side movement of the snap hook keeper.
 Chemical damage and/or deterioration.

d. Suspect or shock activated self-retracting lanyards and lifelines shall be tagged “Do Not Use” and
returned to the manufacturer or other authorized repair service for repair. Periodic inspections shall
be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

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4. Safe Climb Devices.

a. Safe climb devices, which usually consist of a fixed rail, tube, or tensioned cable with slider, shall
be maintained to permit the worker using the system to climb without continually having to hold,
push, or pull any part of the system, leaving both hands free for climbing. The connection between
the slider and the attachment point on a full body harness shall not exceed 9 inches (230 mm). These
systems shall be activated within 2 feet (610 mm) after a fall occurs, in order to limit the descending
velocity of the worker to 7 ft/sec (2.1 m/sec) or less. These systems are typically mounted on the face
of a fixed ladder or the structure.

b. The climber shall ensure that the structure, system, and PPE are inspected prior to use to ensure
proper operation and good working order. If a climbing system is found to be defective, the climber
will use an approved alternative climbing and fall arrest method or elect not to climb.

D. Rescue Equipment

1. Controlled descent devices

These are used to make emergency descents from aerial devices or elevated positions on structures.
Controlled descent devices shall be sized to include the maximum elevated position obtainable from
the bucket, platform, or elevated position. The rate of descent may be controlled by the worker (or
rescuer) or by a friction type brake.

a. These devices shall be attached to the full body harness such that the worker (or rescuer) will have
control of the descent and be able to attach and detach him or herself. Supervisors shall ensure that
necessary components to affect the attachment between the descent device and the climber’s full
body harness are stored with the descent device.

b. Controlled descent devices shall be stored in a clean, dry, protected environment. They shall be
cleaned and carefully inspected prior to and after each use.

c. Rope (lifeline) rescue methods will be taught by tower climbing and fall protection courses.

2. The rescue equipment

Shall be designed to work with the type of structure(s) or aerial devices that workers (or rescuer) may
be required to use the equipment.

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E. Personal Protective Equipment

1. A Job Hazard Assessment Worksheet shall be completed and maintained current at each job site.
Prior to the start of any work at the job site or work area, the Worksheet shall be reviewed to
determine what PPE and safety equipment are necessary, and if there are any new hazards at the site.
PPE shall be worn as required in the JHA.

2. Tower climbers may consolidate the issues of safety and personal preference in selecting their
choice of personal safety equipment best suited for the job.

3. Observers/visitors shall not enter the work area or drop zone unless authorized by the supervisor
and will be equipped with personal protective equipment dictated by the hazards present.

4. The following list specifies safety equipment that is either required or recommended to be used
while on the job site and for climbing towers:

a. Head Protection - All personnel shall wear hard hats or approved safety helmets on the job site
whether they are on the ground or climbing the tower. Anyone within the drop zone (radius) of a
communications tower construction project must wear a hardhat and exercise caution. When using
hardhat liners, it is important the hard hat fits over the additional headgear. Hard hats or safety
helmets will also be equipped with chinstraps and used.

b. Foot Protection - Steel toed, reinforced soled tower climbing boots or shoes are recommended for
tower climbers. The specific climbing conditions such as tower structure and weather conditions will
dictate to the climber what the best foot protection will be. Personal preference in selecting the most
appropriate safety footwear shall prevail. Tennis and other soft- soled shoes shall not be used for
tower climbing.

c. Hand Protection - Leather work gloves are recommended when climbing towers.

d. Eye Protection - Safety goggles or safety glasses shall be used whenever eye safety is at risk.

e. Ear Protection - Ear plugs should be used whenever ear safety is at risk.

f. Clothing - Suitable work clothes shall be worn when climbing towers to offer protection from cuts
and abrasion, weather conditions, and other tower structure hazards. Adequate work clothing should
consist of coveralls, pants, and shirts made of material suitable for outdoor working conditions.
Tower climbing with only short pants (shorts) and/or no shirt are prohibited. Clothing shall not be
too loose or ragged and should be free from snag hazards such as loops and belts. Wet weather gear is
also recommended.

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g. Communications Devices – two-way, hands free, voice actuated radio headsets should be worn by
the tower climber and ground safety person to provide reliable communications during the work,
negating the need for hand signals.

h. Radio Frequency (RF) Personal Monitor – Climbers shall be trained on the use of, and will wear a
calibrated RF level monitoring device when working around or on a tower which may have active
transmitters or where the status of transmitters are unknown.

i. Safety Equipment such as a Fire Extinguisher, First Aid Kit and Personal Portable Light for night
work.

F. Personal Conduct

When tower climbing, always follow safe climbing practices and watch for any unsafe climbing
practices by others at the job site. Unsafe climbing practices must be eliminated or corrected before
accidents occur.

1. Unsafe climbing practices that are prohibited while working on towers are:
a. Climber shows fatigue.
b. Climbing through or past unprotected electrical conductors.
c. Not inspecting tower or PPE before climbing.
d. Attaching to a tower at an inadequate anchorage.
e. Not maintaining 100% attachment.
f. Throwing any material up or down while on tower.
g. Failure to maintain a 3-point contact with the tower.
h. Holding or attaching onto antenna lines, coax, conduits, etc. for support.
i. Climbing while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
j. Climbing when ill or on medication that may negatively impact or impair good

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Anchorages, Aerial, and Fixed Climbing Devices

A. Anchorage

Anchors may be welded (closed) (i.e. eyebolts, rigging points, slings, or ropes, or other attachments
designed into the structure).

Anchorages shall meet the minimum requirements of an engineered system for each worker attached
and must meet the following basic criteria:

a. An anchorage of sufficient design to withstand a static load of 5,000 pounds or (22.2 kN) the
maximum anticipated impact load times an overload capacity factor (OCF) of at least 2.0 for each
worker.

b. An additional OCF multiplier of 0.2 for each additional worker attached to the anchorage.

c. Energy absorbing properties of the fall arrest system, when incorporated into the anchorage design,
will usually reduce the maximum forces imposed onto the anchorage.

Anchorage Considerations

A. General.

Additional static and dynamic loads shall not be attached to the same anchorage point as used for the
Personal Fall Arrest System.

The job supervisor, in concurrence with the qualified climber shall determine if the anchorage is to be
used.

Anchorages shall be visually inspected at the time of attachment for loose or missing bolts, cracks,
and bends. Damaged anchorages shall not be used and the tower will be red-tagged as “Damaged.
Do Not Climb!” All damages will be documented and reported immediately to the tower owner.

Anchorages that have received a shock load shall be immediately inspected for damage.

Damage to anchorages shall be reported to the supervisor.

Damaged anchorages will be repaired and certified by the manufacturer or a structural engineer prior
to use.

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B. Specific.

(1) Attachment around a lattice tower member supported by one bolt on each end may be permitted
with the proper fall arrest equipment if multiple-bolted members are not available.

(2) Preferred lattice anchorages are around multiple-bolted angle iron members or around and above
joints where multiple members are connected.

(3) Attachment around and above all steel tower joints are permitted.

(4) Attachment around multiple bolted tower members is permitted.

(5) Attachment to slanted structure members should be avoided.

(6) A wire rope or padded lanyard shall be used around structural members that have potential for
fraying and limits movement of the lanyard at the connection point.

Aerial Devices. Only qualified operators shall be permitted to operate an aerial device.

1. Qualified operators shall be certified through training and experience to operate the specific aerial
device employed. Required training will be formal training or specific training which will include
emergency procedures from the company where the aerial device is obtained.

2. Bucket and platform anchorages shall meet minimum engineered loads while limiting potential
free falls to 6 feet (1.9 m) for a full body harness. Aerial device anchorages shall receive an annual
inspection and a visual inspection prior to use. Walking surfaces shall have an anti-skid surface.

C. Fixed Ladders. Communications tower ladder climbing devices shall be kept in good repair.
Devices determined to be hazardous shall be immediately removed from service, reported to the
Safety Manager and Program Coordinator, and red-tagged as “Damaged. Do Not Climb!” Corrective
measures shall be completed prior to the next climb.

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Fall Protection Requirements for Elevated Work

A. General. This defines the fall protection requirements for working at elevated levels (6 feet or
higher) on communications towers and related structures. The design and type of structure
determines the method of climbing, PPE to be used, and fall protection device required for climbing,
transferring, resting, working, and rescuing.

B. Qualified Climber Classification

1. An employee may become certified as a “Qualified Climber” after successfully completing

training courses and satisfying physical fitness requirements and has demonstrated proficiency in
climbing.

a. All “Qualified Climbers” shall be trained in accordance with program requirements

b. All “Qualified Climbers” shall have passed a physical examination to ensure they are physically fit
for the stresses of tower climbing and rescue.

c. All “Qualified Climbers” will provide documentation of required tower climbing training and
climbing experience.

d. A “Qualified Climber’s” record will be reviewed annually for recertification as required.

C. Common Requirements.

Prior to any tower climbing work, a Hazard Assessment (HA) must be completed for each job site.
The HA shall include a pre-climb tower checklist and inspection report to accurately determine the
overall tower condition, electrical or RF hazards, and what PPE is required.

1. Tower climbers shall not service radio antenna systems connected to live radio transmitter
equipment. All other transmitters should be deactivated (Non ionizing Radiation) and to prevent
injuries to tower climbers while climbing in the vicinity of other antenna systems.

2. During all climbing activities at least two (2) qualified climbers shall be present on the job site.
One of these qualified climbers will have been a “Qualified Climber” for at least two years.

3. Workers shall be attached to an anchorage point at all times when working or resting at an
Elevated locations (6 feet and above). Moving, relocating, transitioning, and transferring activities
performed on the tower require 100% attachment to an anchorage point.

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4. Tower climbers shall check for a safe “Climber Fall Zone” area on the tower when positioning at
the work position.

5. A personal RF monitor shall be worn when climbing structures that may have active transmitters in
the area.

G. Communications Structure Requirements.

1. Inspections. Tower Climbing Program Coordinator and Safety Manager shall ensure that all
structures subject to climbing shall be formally inspected. This inspection will be completed by a
competent person (i.e. Tower Technologist, Professional Engineer, Safety Engineer, licensed
structural engineer, or an industry certified tower inspector).

Structures inspections shall consist of a detailed structural analysis. This will include an inspection of
fall protection system on all types of structures to ensure compliance. All communications structures
shall be inspected every five (5) years. This formal inspection does not replace the mandatory
inspection before each climb.

a. Towers.

(1) Fixed Ladders. When provided, fixed ladders shall be used for ascending and descending
communications structures, except where work assignments or conditions dictate otherwise. When
safe climb devices are available and operational, they shall be used to ascend and descend a
communications structure.

(2) Transitioning to the work position shall be accomplished while maintaining 100% attachment
using a full body harness and lanyard or lifeline in conjunction with an energy absorbing or self-
retracting lanyard or lifeline.

(3) In situations where a safe climb device is not available or not operational and climbing has been
determined necessary, qualified climbers will be allowed to climb while maintaining 100%
attachment to a suitable anchorage point.

(4) One hundred percent attachment is required while utilizing approved work platforms, having
guardrails and kickboards must be in place.

(5) Portable Straight or Extension Ladders. Portable straight or extension ladders shall be placed at
an angle that will not permit slippage (minimum standard is the 4:1 ratio) of the ladder base when
climbing. Unsecured ladders shall be supported by a ground worker until the climber has secured
(tied) the ladder and transferred to the structure.

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b. Pole Structures.

All pole communication structures that will be climbed shall be equipped with a safe climb device. If
a safe climb device is not available, then a PFAS will be used. When climbing on step bolts, fixed
ladders, or moving between work or rest positions, climbers shall maintain 100% attachment.

(1) Wood Pole Structures. Wood pole structures are not authorized for use as radio communications
structures and will not be climbed. Where wood pole structures are still in use, an aerial device will
be used to perform all work on the antenna system.

(2) Non-Wood Pole Structures. Concrete, fiberglass, and steel poles meeting applicable standards are
acceptable.

Training and Qualifications / Recertification

The training and qualification of employees for tower climbing consists of Tower Climbing and Fall
Protection Courses. The worker shall demonstrate, to a trainer, proficiency in climbing functions and
shall understand the hazards associated with each function. The training includes but not limited to
the following:
 Climbers with the additional responsibility of a Competent Climber/Competent Rescuer must
attend additional training that includes medical and rescue techniques
 radio frequency energy (EME/RF)
 electrical hazards and electrical safety procedures
 selection and use of PPE, fall protection and rescue equipment
 methods to identify energized powerlines, apparatus, other auxiliary equipment on the tower
 knowledgeable of the rules applicable to work on and around the structure near energized
power lines
 First Aid and CPR certificate
 Hazard Assessment and Risk Management

All required courses, including medical assessments must be current and documentation recorded as
per company policy and shall be maintained for the duration of the worker’s employment.

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Pre-Climb and Rescue Procedures

A. General. An initial Hazard Assessment will be completed on each structure. The HA form shall
be reviewed and updated by the work crew and signed by the on-site job supervisor prior to each
structure climbing job assignment. Approval (written or verbal) of the HA, by the appropriate
authority must be given prior to climbing a structure. Based on the level of residual risk, the
immediate supervisor may not have the authority to accept the risk for the operation. A vital step in
the HA will be rescue procedures and equipment to be used in the event of an incident.

1. The rescue procedure shall provide prompt rescue of employees or a means of self- rescue (e.g.
providing controlled descent device, radio, etc.). A site safety briefing shall be held at the beginning
of each day, job, or change in work procedure to review the potential hazards involved in the work to
be performed and potential rescue methods available. These discussions will help to ensure the
availability of proper rescue equipment and to facilitate quick rescue of the worker.

2. Rescue of fall victims shall be included in all training and job planning. Aerial devices, cranes,
lifelines, or other device capable of lifting the climber should be readily available.

3. Manufacturer's recommendations requirements shall be followed for the inspection, use, and
maintenance of all PPE and safety equipment.

4. Only PPE certified by the manufacturer to meet all CSA standards and regulations is authorized for
use. No personal owned or home-built, or agency-built equipment will be used in place of CSA
compliant PPE.

5. Safety and Health Precautions. Employees shall not be assigned to work in hazardous
areas/activities except in pairs, and always with established communications. Tower climbing will
only be performed by qualified climbers and in pairs.

6. A Check-Out-Check-In system requires maintaining a record containing the itinerary, name of

employee, work area, estimated time of return and miscellaneous information such as other crew
members, etc. In the event an employee does not return or contact the office at the prearranged time,
search and rescue procedures shall be initiated. This will be the procedure for all tower climbers and
telecommunications technicians.

7. Tower climbers shall not be permitted to work on antenna systems connected to live radio
transmitters nor be exposed to hazardous levels of electromagnetic radiation (radio frequency
energy). Maintenance procedures require notification and coordination with the affected radio system
dispatchers. Coordination with dispatchers shall include an estimated time for radio system
reactivation on the structure being serviced. As work may need to accomplished where nearby
transmitters are active, a personal RF monitor should be worn to identify any hazardous levels of
electromagnetic radiation.

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8. Medical Services and First Aid. All employees whose work assignment in the field places them
beyond reasonable access to a medical facility in terms of time and distance (15 minutes) must be
adequately trained to render first aid. All climbers shall have a current certificate in first aid and CPR
before accepting field assignments.

9. Medical Condition of the Climber. A climber that is ill and/or on medication which may inhibit
actions or cause over stimulation, dizziness, drowsiness, etc., will not climb. Any observed adverse
physical conditions of any team member should be reported to the onsite job supervisor. Any climber
that exhibits an adverse physical condition that prevents them from functioning as a climber shall not
function as a ground safety person. This adverse physical condition will prevent them from
performing a rescue.

10. Electrical Powerlines (Working Near Energized Equipment), Tower climbers who will work
within 10 feet of electrical powerlines or service drop shall inform the utility company. They shall
request the utility company to de-energize, move, cover, or barricade the exposed energized source.

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General Health and Safety Guidelines for working on Towers and Similar Structures.

Yes No N/ General
A
All workers have received safety training to include tower climbing.
A written survey of the risks and hazards must be performed at the site.
A pre-climb planning meeting must be conducted and the inspection check
list completed.
A Competent Person must be designated and is on-site.
At least one person on-site must be certified in First Aid and CPR.
A first aid kit and fire extinguisher must be on-site.
The Emergency Medical Plan must be reviewed and rescue equipment staged
for use.
Yes No N/ Work on Tower Mast/Structure
A
A Competent Person must establish that the Tower Mast/Structure is safe to
climb.
All climbers must be certified and authorized to climb.
All Climbers shall be tied-off 100% at all times even while
ascending/descending or moving horizontally.
The Climber’s hands must be free to climb. Work tools and parts should be
hoisted separately in a basket or bucket.
While climbing or descending the tower the worker must be tied to the safety
cable.
No one will be permitted to climb at night without special authorization.
Do employees have adequate rest periods between work periods when they
are travelling alone?
Yes No N/ Personal Protective Equipment
A
All workers must wear safety helmets/hard hats if there is the possibility of
being struck by falling objects such as tools, etc.
All workers must wear occupational protection footwear.
Workers must wear a full-body safety harness designed for Tower climbing,
a shock absorbing lanyard attached to the rear D-Ring and side positioning
lanyards.
When working in humid conditions the worker must use gloves to prevent
sliding.
In the summer – Workers should wear clothes and hats to protect them from
sun damage and eye protection to filter out the sun’s radiation.
In the winter – Workers should wear clothes to protect against cold damage.

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COMPANY NAME HERE
Tower Climbing

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COMPANY NAME HERE
Tower Climbing

General Health and Safety Guidelines for working on Towers and Similar Structures.
….continued

Yes No N/ Electro Magnetic Energy/Radio Frequency Exposure

A
All climbers must receive EME/RF Exposure Training.
A review of potential EME/RF sources must be reviewed as part of pre-climb
session.
All climbers have personal monitors when working near EME/RF fields.
Yes No N/ Cranes & Hoists
A
The crane/hoist operator shall be qualified through certification and/or
experience.
Daily/Monthly crane/hoist inspections must be performed and documented.
Annual inspection tag or report must be on-site.
Crane/Hoist capacity must be posted at operator’s station along with the load
charts.
The crane or hoist must be properly secured and anchored for the loads to be
lifted.
Communications techniques must be reviewed - hand signals/2-way radio.
Yes No N/ Rigging
A
Compliance with regional standards that establishes the criteria of knowledge
and performance requirements for a qualified rigger and to assist in
achieving reasonable safety of all persons and materials during the rigging,
lifting, or movement of loads.
Must perform daily inspection of rigging equipment and document.
The weight of the load and center of gravity must be known.
The rated capacity of slings and hardware must be known.
Tag lines must be used to control suspended loads
Yes No N/ Ladders
A
The proper ladder for the work to be performed must be selected.
Must maintain 4 to 1 incline/slop ratio on extension and straight ladders.
Workers hands must remain free while ascending/descending the ladder.
Must maintain 36“ (76.2 cm) above the landing on extension and straight
ladders.
Yes No N/ Electrical
A
Workers must be licensed/certified electricians.
Workers must be trained in Electrical and Lockout-Tagout safety.
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COMPANY NAME HERE
Tower Climbing
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupts must be used for all power tools.
Proximity to Power Lines must be maintained.

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COMPANY NAME HERE
Tower Climbing

Personal Fall Arrest Equipment Inspection Checklist

Yes No N/ Fall Arrest Safety Harness

A
Are the straps whole and without cuts, burns and tears?
Are the hardware/apparatuses whole, intact and not rusty or distorted?
Are the stitches closed and intact?
Are there any signs of contact with chemicals and corrosive materials?
Are there any damages from sun rays or water? (Change colors, weakened
material)
Are the straps damaged with signs of friction? (Frayed, burned )
Are the harnesses equipped with 2 connectors to ensure 100% tie-off to
anchorage at all times?
Yes No N/ Work Rope or Lashing or other Rope Apparatus
A
Is the rope whole and without cuts?
Are there any changes to the thickness of the rope?
Are there any signs of burn and/or friction?
Are there any damages from sun rays or water? (Change colors, weakened
material).
Are there any points at which friction has been severe?
Are there any signs of contact with chemicals and corrosive materials?
For a covered rope, are there signs that the core is not snug with the cover?
Yes No N/ Loops, Hooks & Metal Protective Measures
A
Are there any signs of external cracking?
Are there any signs of distortion to the part?
Do the screws screw in easily?
Is the keeper spring in proper condition?
Do the latches close and lock automatically?
Yes No N/ Shock Absorption Lanyards/Straps
A
Are the straps intact and without cuts, burns and tears?
Are the stitches closed and whole?
Are there any signs of contact with chemicals and corrosive materials?
Are there any damages from sun rays or water? (Change colors, weakened
material).
Do the straps have signs of friction?
Is the Shrink sleeve complete and covering all of the dampener?

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COMPANY NAME HERE
Tower Climbing

Personal Fall Arrest Equipment Inspection Checklist…..continued

Yes No N/ Safety Helmets/Hard Hats

A
Is the Helmet free from cracks and deep scratches?
Are the straps whole and without cuts, burns and tears?
Are the stitches closed and whole?
Are there any signs of contact with chemicals and corrosive materials?
Are there any damages from sun rays or water? (Change colors, weakened
material).
Do the straps have signs of friction?
Are the appliances complete, proper and well connected?
Are the inner straps connected to the body of the helmet with the aid of the
clips?
Are the head lantern rubber bands and clamps complete?

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