[TowerTalk] Certification to climb towers?

[kb9cry at comcast.net]

As a trained Health & Safety Manager for the plant and the company, I know of no OSHA climbing certification requirement so to speak.  They do require that employees be trained in all elements of OSHA's Fall Protection standard and trained to properly use the fall protection apparatus.  Go to www.osha.gov and look at the various 29 CFR regulations:
Part 1910.268 Telecommunications
Part 1910.66  PFA requirements
Part 1915.159 PFA construction
Part 1926.501 Tower/Steel Erection/Construction

Looking at the training requirements under 1910.268 OSHA states that the employer must certify their employees have passed the required training.  So to answer your question, if you've passed the required training, then you can certify yourself.  Most of the fall protection companies offer use videos of their products; I use these when conducting the training at the plant.  Upon completion of the training and passing the short exam/demo I certify the employees by drafting a form and inserting it into our Fall Protection Program binder at the plant.  I do this every year. OSHA regulations do not necessarily apply to private individuals but more to employers and employees.  But I do indeed support the notion that ham tower climbers be trained somehow and be able to show evidence or skills of such.  Hope this helps; be safe.  Phil  KB9CRY