Course Information

Tower Climber Fall Protection Training 

This course is designed to educate participants about safety requirements and applicable standards as they pertain to working on or climbing steel transmission structures and communication towers as well as train participants in fall protection systems, climbing techniques, gear, knots, hitches and climbing definitions. Instructors will explain, demonstrate and coach students in safe ascending, traversing and positioning with fall protection systems. Participants will practice skills learned and be mentored and coached during the course. This course meets the requirements of OSHA 1910.269, ANSI Z359, CSA Z259 and is in compliance with ANSI Z490 – Accepted Practices in Safety, Health and Environmental Training.

Safety and Risk Assessment

• Integrated site risk assessment, inner and outer perimeter surveys, green, amber, red light indicators
• Pull testing, establishing work zones and drop zones and communication protocols
• Establishing an emergency action plan

Personal Protective Apparel and Equipment

• How to inspect, fit and utilize PPA and PPE
• Fall protection categories (arrest, positioning, restrict/restraint, rescue)
• Industrial harnesses, connecting links, cordage and webbing

First man up ascending systems

• Dual Lanyard, climbing use and handling
• Safe Climb system (If tower is equipped) 
• Shepard's Hook Climbing
• Vertical life line use

Ropes, Lanyards, Tails, Slings, Splices and Stitches

• Rope construction, standards, application, inspection, storage and care
• Rope terminology, climbing termination knots, splices and stiches
• Climbing knots, bends and hitches

Identifying, Establishing and Securing Anchorages

• Fall protection plan, code and standards, certified and non-certified anchorages
• static and basal anchors, load testing and friction management
• Tower Climbing Tools and Equipment

Throwline Application, Techniques and Rope Installation

• Installation and retrieval of friction management and rope protection devices
• Ascenders, descenders, other mechanical devices
• Rope tools, slings and related accessories

Tower Climbing Work Practices

• Moving Rope Systems (MRS), Stationary Rope Systems (SRS) and their performance criteria
• Ergonomics, hydration/nutrition and the industrial athlete
• Ascending, positioning. redirecting and descending
• MRS / SRS hybrid tree climbing systems

Emergency Response

• Aerial rescue planning, traumatic tree worker injuries and first aid
• Self-rescue and ground assisted lowering techniques