In a message dated 9/16/2009 12:01:21 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
towertalk-request@contesting.com writes:
> Is it just me, or does is seem counterintuitive to have the fall arrest
point on the harness in the center of your back? It seems like that would
tend to pitch your head forward, making it more likely to smash your face
into the tower bracing? I've fallen lots of times rock climbing with the
rope attached to the front of my harness at waist level. That allows your
arms and feet to stay in front of you so you can control (somewhat) how you
contact the rock, and regain footing/handholds quickly.
Different situation, different effects. Falling while rock climbing is
relatively common so you're more or less prepared for it and conscious so
you can react and keep yourself in some sort of upright orientation - more
or less.
Falling while tower climbing is relatively rare and a big surprise.
You typically still have your wits about you so you can fend for yourself to
some extent as in our above example. Up to this point both falls are
basically the same. The difference is when you fall out of control or are
knocked
unconscious. The D-ring between your shoulder blades catches you and holds
you in a more natural hanging position. Hitting the end of a fall while
secured to the front of your harness will result in you being caught spread
eagle with a big shock to your back probably resulting in much more serious
injuries.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH -
Professional tower services for hams
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
|