Tower Climbing Safety Gear

Full Body Harness

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.

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.

Vertical Safety Solutions LLC personal preference is an Exofit XP Tower climbing harness by DBI Sala. We do not endorse this product just simply prefer it to others on the market.

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. Vertical Safety Solutions 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.

Vertical Safety Solutions LLC prefers a chin strap helmet made by Petzel. You can purchase these with or with out air vents. We prefer the air vents. We do not endorse this product just simply prefer it to others on the market.

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.

Someone, somewhere needs and loves you, your primary goal on every job should be climbing and working safely for that someone.

Tower Climbing Safety 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 ( I am working on Fred’s wind turbine behind his barn makes it difficult for rescuers to find you)