In a message dated 99-05-01 00:09:05 EDT, jfleming@shelbynet.net writes:
> This was recommended to me for amateur radio tower climbing.
By whom? Amateurs? Professionals? Dealer?
> John
> Thanks for emailing Petzl. Our web page only features our sport
> climbing equipment and headlamps unfortunately. This harness is
> from
> our work and rescue line. Although I am not exactly sure what
> "amateur radio tower climbing" is, I can tell you that this harness is
> designed only for work positioning and not fall arrest. Work
> requirements for fall arrest harnesses dictate that these harnesses
> be full body harnesses. If you have any questions pleae do not
> hesitate to contact me.
> Thank You
> Koby Crooks
> Petzl America
> kcrooks@petzl.com
This question comes up regularly. As a tower professional and advisor
to hams, my recommendation is to get safety equipment designed for the
intended application. If you're going to go mountain climbing - get a
climbing harness; if you're going to be working on a tower - get a tower
harness. The reasons are manyfold. Previous discussions are in the archives
or you can get a reprint of my 3-part series on safety equipment from my "Up
The Tower" column in CQ Contest magazine (free for an SASE to Tower Tech, Box
572, Woodinville, WA, 98072).
As mentioned in a previous post, as an amateur you're not required to be
OSHA compliant. But guess what? Being compliant is a GOOD IDEA. It's cheap
insurance.
I took a look at the Navaho Vario and it doen't have side waist D-rings
which are used to clip your postioning/work lanyard to. The one D-ring at
your belly button will probably work but IMO is not as good as two for
keeping everything straight. The single D-ring is intended for times when you
may be sitting in the body belt like an arborist would use.
The other thing I noticed was that the price was $160.00. That's pretty
expensive for a non-fall arrest harness Class 1 body belt. Champion Radio
Products has the full fall arrest harness for $89.95. Of course it's OSHA
compliant also.
Cheers, Steve K7LXC
Champion Radio Products
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