[TowerTalk] Roswell Tower Accident

[Ethan]

Doug Renwick wrote:
> IMO if you can't free climb a tower then maybe you shouldn't be climbing
> at all.  One or preferably two connections at the work level is advised.
> Do not rush.  Test your connection with both hands on the tower before
> transferring your life from your hands to your connection.  IMO a lot of
> hams are out of shape.  If you are going to climb then you better be in
> good physical shape or forget it.
>
> Doug
>   
Forgive me for being so direct but I think it's necessary.

That is the stupidest response I've ever heard!  You would be better off 
getting rid of all your climbing gear and hiring someone with sense in 
their head to do your work for you.  You're not superman, you don't have 
fingers of steel that lock on securely.  If you climb a tower without 
being attached 100% of the time, you take the risk that the smallest 
thing could cost you your life!  You could get stung by a bee, a loose 
bolt could fall on your head and knock you unconscious, you could have 
an unexplained dizzy spell, and even the best trained athletes 
occasionally suffer from muscle cramps.

Testing and inspecting your gear is something you do before you climb.  
Good gear makes a positive connection and locks in place - you know when 
you have it right.  Testing by pulling is pretty useless, because many 
accidents resulting in a fall have been caused by an improper connection 
that held enough to give the foolish climber a false sense of security.  
Know your equipment and know your attachment points!

-- 
Ethan KC8HES