Inspect guyed communication tower anchors for corrosion, new video urges

Watertown, SD – A new video from the National Association of Tower Erectors highlights how to perform proper anchor corrosion inspections on guyed towers.

Anchors typically are buried below grade and set in concrete blocks, leaving them susceptible to corrosion over time. The video explores the two types of inspection protocol: surface inspections and dig-to-block inspections – the latter of which is more thorough and involves excavation around the anchor shaft down to the concrete.

Crews performing dig-to-block inspections should consult an engineer before excavating and use a temporary anchor designed by an engineer, the video states. Dig-to-block inspections are recommended after any surface inspections that uncover a shaft corrosion rating of 2 or higher. NATE offers further anchor inspection/safe to climb guidance on its website.

“Think about it, folks: It may seem strange, but completely rusted-off anchor shafts have been found holding up a tower,” host Ryan Van Duzer, a travel video journalist, says on the video. “Your climbing movements can be enough to pull it out. So make sure you know the condition of the guy anchors. Every tower, every time. Because it’s what you can’t see that could hurt you on your next climb. Stay safe, my friends.”

The video is part of NATE’s Climber Connection, which advocates safe work practices for communication tower workers. The association asks climbers and other industry stakeholders to post the video on social media websites using the hashtag #ClimberConnection.