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[TowerTalk] hitch-hiking

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Subject: [TowerTalk] hitch-hiking
From: k4ro@k4ro.net (K4RO Kirk Pickering)
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 15:52:01 -0500 (CDT)
Most carabiners are not rated for fall arrest.  Unless yours
is, I wouldn't use it as a life-saving device.  Also, be sure
your front D-ring is rated for fall-arrest as well if that's 
what you are using it for.  Some harnesses can only use the 
back D-ring for fall arrest.

I climb with a full-body fall arrest harness and a positioning 
belt (and a helmet.)  The big D ring of the *back* of the harness 
sports two three foot lanyards with gorilla hooks.  These are used 
while climbing as follows:

- Attach one hook overhead to a brace
- Climb utill that hook is just above my foot
- Attach the other hook overhead, just like before
- Release the lower one
- Repeat

Then, when I'm in position, I use BOTH climbimg lanyards as fall 
restraints, each clipped to a different brace.  A third lanyard on
the belt allows me to position as necessary to do the the work.

I climbed with just a positioning belt for years.  I will not
do tower work anymore without a fall-restraint harness and helmet.
Tower work for me is filled with moments of fatigue and frustration.
I don't enjoy it, and do it only when I have to (contesting.)  Knowing 
that I'm climbing and working safely makes the chore just a little more 
tolerable.  I want to keep contesting for years to come.  A few more 
minutes spent per climb is worth it to me.

-Kirk  K4RO

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