In a message dated 10/24/2007 7:28:05 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
towertalk-request@contesting.com writes:
> I bought my climbing belt with butt strap 30+ years ago. It was the best
I
could find at the time. Now there are federal safety standards, and the
body harnesses have not just two D rings on the waist but two more on the
butt strap, one of the back for fall arrest, plus maybe another one on the
chest (why?).
The chest one is to connect yourself to a tower safety climb via a
locking carabiner and cable trolley (it slides up the cable and locks if
pulled
down).
> Specific models are mentioned on the reflector from time to time, but I
wonder if we could get a quick series of posts of recommended harnesses,
fall arrest lanyards (one or two pieces?), and positioning lanyards. Steve,
K7LXC, sells one, and a Google search will turn up lots more to the point of
being confusing.
There are bunch of different lanyards for different purposes. It's more
a matter of choice but the choices can look daunting.
The positioning lanyard is the one that holds you in working position.
An adjustable is the best; the cheapest are the fixed length rope ones.
Ironworkers use a chain version with a big rebar (gorilla) hook on it. It's a
real
nut-cracker, if you know what I mean.
The other lanyard you need is the fall arrest lanyard. There are rope
ones, shock absorbing ones, one-tailed and two-tailed versions. The choice is
up to you.
> I don't know what a double-lever activation snap is.
It's the hook at the end of the lanyard. There are small snaps like on
positioning lanyards, and then there's the ones with big rebar hooks on the
end. You have to grab 2 levers (double action) instead of one to make it open.
> What's a capstan or mule operator?
He's the guy on the ground running the capstan winch(es) that run the
ropes up and down for tower work.
> Even if a good system is $400, the cost is irrelevant in my opinion. It's
like the joke about no one on their deathbed saying they wished they'd spent
more time at the office. It's about priorities, and not creating hams'
widows.
> Specific recommendations?
Most everyone these days is buying a fall arrest harness ensemble -
harness and positioning and fall arrest lanyards. The least expensive set-up
from Champion Radio is $170.00.
You climb the tower by alternating your protection; e.g. positioning
lanyard and FA lanyard in a leapfroggy type method. If you have the 2-tailed
FA lanyard, you can just alternate it. It's a bunch of fooling around so
it's slower but just get your sequence and rhythm down and you'll be good to
go.
BTW the only additional thing I'd add would be a toolbag or two. I
like one for tools and the other one for parts.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
_www.championradio.com_ (http://www.championradio.com)
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