Video urges tower climbers to inspect fall protection gear daily
Photo: iStock/Thinkstock
Watertown, SD – A new video from the National Association of Tower Erectors is reminding tower industry personnel to check personal protective equipment on a daily basis.
According to NATE, a comprehensive inspection checklist should include fall arrest systems, positioning lanyards, gloves, boots and hard hats.
The video recommends that full body harnesses be checked for frayed edges, broken stitching, missing grommets and damaged connectors. Energy-absorbing lanyards should be inspected for tears, knots and brittleness, as well as a properly working snap hook.
“In order to ensure the health and welfare of the elevated workers, it is paramount that all defective equipment identified during the inspection process be immediately removed from service,” Justin Miller, a member on NATE’s OSHA Relations Committee, said in the video. “When in doubt, take it out.”
The video is the first of several NATE intends to release on tower industry worker safety. Future videos will target 100 percent tie-off, gravity, and heat and cold, a NATE spokesperson told Safety+Health.
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