[TowerTalk] Disturbing tower picture in QST

[Chuck Gooden]

If you go back in your past issues there is an article about making a 
Gin pole out of 1 x 3's.  It may be useful for very small antenna's 
but I pity the poor ham that attempt to put any lateral load on them.

When I get home I will see if I can find the issue and page number.


On 12 Oct 2004 at 23:30, Bill Coleman wrote:

> 
> 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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