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Should I Be Afraid?

Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss the government's safety rules for tower climbers, as well as the safety rules that are dictacted by plain old common sense.

[December 20, 2001]

On the ISP Wireless list in December, RH moaned,

"Can anyone tell me in plain English what the OSHA regulations are for tower climbing?"

Some respondents shared their understanding of the rules:

[GB advised] "As far as I know, OSHA requires a harness with a dead man's bungee, a belt, and a hardhat. I once worked with a guy who had been doing tower work for over 20 years, and all he had was a belt with two quick releases on it. He was an independent contractor: I'm sure that's how he got away with it."

[MC explained] "The following are required: a climbing belt, a dead man's arresting lanyard, boots (not tennis shoes), a hardhat with a chin strap, and training certification. Not required but needed are some common sense, and at least some fear of falling."

There was some disagreement with MC about whether or not fear is a good thing in tower climbing:

[GB warned] "I don't want anyone working with me who is afraid of heights or falling. You don't want to be 500 feet up on a tower and have someone freeze up on you: it's not a pretty sight to behold."

[BM countered] "If you are not afraid of falling, you don't belong up there in the first place. The first time a guy tells me he's not afraid of falling, he no longer climbs for me."

[PT noted] "I am not afraid of heights, but I am afraid of falling. I'm cautious as I climb, and I use my safety gear. As long as I am being careful, I feel no fear. I don't believe this is something you can learn: I think the fear is inherent. You have it or you don't; I don't think it has anything to do with bravery."

[DH suggested] "Fear may not be a good word. I'd call it a healthy respect."

JD recommended taking as many precautions as possible, regardless of the regulations:

"The climbers we just hired had a belt and bungee, but no hardhat. I was kind of surprised, because they are both certified. If I were them, I'd be wearing a hardhat, not because OSHA requires it but because head injuries are the worst."

BM observed that it's always best to go to the source:

"Regulations vary for state to state: call your local regional OSHA office for guidance. They are the ones that will be issuing liability tickets for you to pay and respond to. Each office seems to have its own interpretation of the rules, so it's best to go and make friends with the local office and at least look like you care. They are pretty helpful; they don't want to see you screw yourself up, either."

—End