[TowerTalk] Disturbing tower picture in QST

[Bill Coleman]

In the October 2004 QST, on page 52, there's a rather disturbing 
picture. It shows three hams on a tower. Ostensibly, they are 
installing a 2m antenna at a hospital as part of an Eagle Scout 
project.

Here's the disturbing part. Although it isn't possible to tell for 
certain from the photograph, NONE of the tower climbers appear to be 
wearing any sort of climbing safety gear. One gentleman on the left of 
the picture appears to have a strap around his rib cage. The gentleman 
above him on the right seems to have a similar clip to the tower. The 
fellow below and to the right has nothing, and doesn't appear to be 
doing anything to further the installation.

Now, I'm all for doing good things for the benefit of the general 
public, and installing a 2m antenna system in a hospital is a good 
thing. BUT, that's no reason to compromise safety.

Tower climbing is a dangerous activity. Proper safety gear and all 
safety precautions ought to be followed.

QST ought to consider the consequence of publishing pictures showing 
hams recklessly endangering themselves.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901