[TowerTalk] Disturbing tower picture in QST

[Keith Dutson]

I saw that photo and was also awe-struck with the apparent lack of concern
for tower climbing safety.

Keith NM5G 

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Bill Coleman
Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2004 10:32 PM
To: wb8imy at arrl.org
Cc: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Disturbing tower picture in QST


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

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