[TowerTalk] Climbing gear

[ersmar@comcast.net]

TT:

     While respecting Alan NV8A's decisions regarding his own safety on his tower, I agree with Pat AA6EG, below, that the Buckingham safety belt is very ruggedly built and a standard item of safety equipment for professionals for years.  

     While we're on the subject of watching what we're doing with our equipment on a tower, let me reiterate what I've seen written on TowerTalk many times:  When you fasten your positioning belt on a tower, LISTEN, FEEL and LOOK.  LISTEN to the hardware snap into place on the D-ring.  FEEL that it has actually closed into position, with its safety release catch (your positioning belt has one, doesn't it?) firmly closed as well.  And LOOK to see that the snaps are all closed and in position.  All this should be done BEFORE you lean back into your safety harness.  

     BTW - The main release snaps on your positioning belt should face AWAY from your waist belt.  In this way you can't roll into the release snap and loosen it with the D-ring.  And here's where the safety release catch comes into play - you have to release IT, on the opposite side of the main catch, before you can disengage your belt from the tower.  These safety catches can't be rolled into and released.  

73 de
Gene Smar  AD3F




> This brings up the absolute necessity of user familiarity with his own 
> personal safety belt, and thorough inspections every time before use. My old 
> buckingham style  belt probably should be upgraded, (tossed) though, as it 
> has a safety weakness...the spring loaded snaps are not locking types, as 
> are most these days.  It is mathematically possible (but not probable, with 
> care)  to ignore a series of several operating practices when strapping off 
> to a pole or tower and have non-locking snaps flipped in such a way on the 
> belt rings that when slack is pulled up, (when you first  lean back, loading 
> the belt with your full weight.. hopefully you do so every time, WITH both 
> hands firmly gripping the tower or pole)   one or both of the snaps can 
> disconnect, leaving you  unattached to the tower.  Careful attention to 
> looking at what you are doing when strapping off minimizes this possiblity.  
>   Locking snaps prevents it.
>