Al Said:
>I like the idea of adjustability in the strap you mentioned, but it is
>plainly intended for use on poles or trees, not for a metal structure
>with potentially sharp edges (as could result from the galvanizing
>process). I don't think I would be comfortable using such a thing.
73 Alan NV8A
Hi Alan and Group,
I use the Buckingham style strap, the same as has been used in the CATV
industry, and Telco industry for decades. See if you can find one to look
over before dismissing on the basis of possible damage by sharp edges. They
are extemely robustly made, and have layers of bright contrasting material
in them to 'flag' wear or chafe limits. The strap I have, has extremely
tough nylon webbing, with thoroughly imbeddded rubber-plastic molding
material, and a red core, that if showing, renders the belt to the trash
bin. It has had decades of rough use, on both wooden poles, and metal
towers. I'd bet that 4 such straps, laid together and probably a stack an
inch thick would stop a .22 bullet. It is inconceivable to me that any
single event impact, or loading, even on sharp metal that may be encountered
on a tower, could cause the belt to come anywhere close to failing.
I jumped for 20 years, and it is surprising to see how lightweight the
structural members of skydiving gear have become, and they endure daily
impact loadings of probably 3-4 G, and a rare loading of ~10G....when a
reserve opens. Far lighter wieght than any current climbing harness, or
lanyard.
This brings up the absolute necessity of user familiarity with his own
personal safety belt, and thorough inspections every time before use. My old
buckingham style belt probably should be upgraded, (tossed) though, as it
has a safety weakness...the spring loaded snaps are not locking types, as
are most these days. It is mathematically possible (but not probable, with
care) to ignore a series of several operating practices when strapping off
to a pole or tower and have non-locking snaps flipped in such a way on the
belt rings that when slack is pulled up, (when you first lean back, loading
the belt with your full weight.. hopefully you do so every time, WITH both
hands firmly gripping the tower or pole) one or both of the snaps can
disconnect, leaving you unattached to the tower. Careful attention to
looking at what you are doing when strapping off minimizes this possiblity.
Locking snaps prevents it.
Actually modern regulations, I believe, require you to at all times be
attached to the tower, so that a disconnect of the positioning strap, does
not leave you exposed to a long fall. That would mean a second safety
lanyard is always attached whenever you un-attach your Buckingham for
repositioning.
There are a number of correct, different answers to tower safety equipment,
but I think the most important thing is familiarity with (owning) your own
gear, refraining from borrowing gear for occasional use, practice, training
from professionals, and having a mind set, and realization, that like space
shuttle flights, what you are doing is no longer in the same safety league
as teaching grade school classes, or driving to the corner store for
groceries...
By the way....Look out for live wires... Sad story today about 4 fatalities
at the National Scout Jamboree, due to electrocution--tent poles contacting
overhead wires.
73, Pat AA6EG aa6eg@hotmail.com
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See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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