[TowerTalk] Blets vs. Full Body Harness

[Phil Camera]

"Seems the classic  Lineman's belt, used for decades in various forms  in 
tower climbing, pole climbing and tree climbing,  has been superseded by the 
modern design full body harness, with continuous, attachment,  often with 
full fall shock relief designed suspensions and various D ring designs, 
front and back."


Correct.  After many abdominal and spinal injuries or slippage out of the belt by tower climbers, the full body harness has been introduces and should be the only harenss plut attachments used for fall protection.


"Question is, Is there a sensible place anymore for use of the simple 
climbing belt either as the sole safety and attachment device while tower 
climbing, or as an adjunct to a full body harness?"


No as the sole device, yes as an atachment with one "but" listed below.


"Can one safely use the climbing belt attached around a body harness in order to take advantage of the extra pair of D-Rings, and possible lanyard that it provides? " 


Sure, but see "but" below.


"Or is this a non planned non approved modification of use of the newer designed full body harnesses?"

No if it doesn't affect the operation of the harness.

BUT:  you can buy full body harnesses with two front facing D rings located at the hips which gives the same as wearing a belt.  So rather than two separate devices, you can have all in one (plus many have a butt seat built in so you can actually sit down and give your legs a break).


 
--
Phil - KB9CRY 
Lockport, IL 
http://nidxa.org/memberWWW/kb9cry_home.htm