Winter Climbing Fashions

Being a WISP means spending time in high places—which can be hazardous. Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss the ins and outs of dressing for wintery (and other inclement) weather on the water tower.

[February 4, 2003]

A shivering B posted the following on ISP-Wireless last December (2002):

"After spending about 3.5 hours perched on top of a 90-foot silo in 25 degree temp with a stiff northeast wind, I decided I needed some warmer winter tower wear. I looked at a Carhartt one-piece coverall suit (lined) for about $95.00.

I wonder how well my Miller safety harness would fit over the coverall suit—and if there are other cold weather concerns.

I was hoping some people with cold weather climbing experience could speak up with some advice on this subject."

BM responded with a whole handbook of advice.

"There are several problems with winter climbing. Here are some:

1. No one likes to add extra weight when climbing. We try to stay as light as possible. Because of this it's not realistic to use a Carhartt insulated jumpsuit. It's like wearing a body cast, especially when it's new; it limits your range of motion. Goretex is your friend. Gotta get it for serious climbing. May cost quite a bit but it's the safest stuff out there.

2. Overheating is an issue. You sweat your behind off when climbing, and then freeze while working in place. Then you get to climb down all crampy. What fun! A hat and gloves for climbing are a must. In addition I carry a set of comfy mittens and those small disposable heat packs you buy in the sporting goods store. The heat packs go inside my mittens while I'm waiting for the ground guys to "get their act together"!

3. Water: You will sweat like crazy in Goretex so you need water like any other time doing strenous exercise.

4. Ice: THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!! LISTEN UP!!! A tower can stay frozen up above (even as height as low as 20 feet) because of winds that are blocked by ground cover down below. Wherever possible, do not climb in the early morning, as you may need the sun to burn off the ice covering. I usually take up a small plastic headed ball-peen hammer in case I need it. Be especially careful on rooftops and elevated surfaces like silos and water tanks that have flat surfaces. 'Black ice' is very common and could be the end of you. Remember, just because you have puddles on the ground does not mean there is no ice up above.

5. Allow twice as much time as you would use normally. Work is always slow and you must always exercise extreme care when working on elevated structures during the winter months.

6. Most of all, if you don't do this for a living, don't try to start in the winter. Life is too short and for every one of you guys that falls and gets hurt or killed, the phone company wins again. Be careful and be smart."

[B countered] "Thank you! I have been in this biz for over a year. Grain elevators are my main structure to climb. Goretex is my friend; okay, I will have a look around. Is that still a coverall type suit? Can you elaborate any further?"

[BM responded] "There are a ton of places where you can get the clothing you need. Eastern Mountain Sports, Patagonia, etc. I wear the lightweight Gortex underneath and throw a standard hooded sweatshirt over the outside. If it's really bad and it's not a tower where I need to 'climb around,' I'll also put on a jacket."

G expanded the scope of the discussion:

"Do your guys climb in the rain or snow or extra windy days?"

BM obligingly elaborated on weather issues:

"It's funny you should ask about rain. We just finished Comtrain training in Mass last month and did our practical stuff on the steel during a nor'easter. It was great! But weatherproofing connections and ground kits is very difficult during precipitation. I would prefer not to. If it's an emergency repair . . . maybe.

Snow is not usually an issue because it doesn't usually stick to the steel. When it does it changes everything. Again, we prefer not to.

Winds are a factor. Wind makes rigging dangerous and subsequently we try to put off any job until the weather is better.

The guys on the job site have the final say when it comes to safety. If they say it's a no-go, it's a no-go. I never question any of my guys. It's all a judgment call."

TD took partial exception to the Goretex recommendation:

"Your post on climbing in winter was very insightful. But I'm challenging you clothing choice. I agree Gortex is great but. . . .

From my days as a sheet metal installer, I learned it sure could get cold barehanding the metal in the below freezing weather. I learned that no matter how many layers I put on—seven or eight—it never came close to the warmth of just a T-shirt and one construction-worker-type body suit. The body suits created a closed environment around your body with no holes for the air to get it, or heat to escape. Plus when you stretch upward or bend over your belly button or butt doesn't get exposed. And the canvas-like outer surface can't get snagged on metal pieces hanging around."

—End
   

Related articles:
	[July 10, 2001]	Everybody Talks About Fog
	[May 28, 2001]	Kote Against Rain
	[Dec. 23, 2000]	The Ice Storm