MIL-HDBK-1025/10
Climbing Safety Equipment
7.7.1
Note
A full set of climbing equipment should be supplied to each worker who
is authorized to climb. Never loan or borrow a set of climbing
equipment.
a. Climbing equipment should be carefully inspected daily. Leather should be checked for
cuts, cracks, and enlarged buckle tongue holes. Metal parts should be checked for cracks, wear,
or loose attachments. Climbers (gaffs) should be regularly checked for proper cutting edges,
length, and shape.
b. The foreman, or a properly delegated worker, will inspect all tools, safety devices, and
other equipment weekly. Any item that is not considered safe will be condemned, regardless of
ownership, and should not be used.
c. Body harnesses, meeting the requirements of OSHA Standard 1926.959, "Lineman's
Body Belts, Safety Straps, and Lanyards," with straps or lanyards, should be worn to protect
personnel working at elevated locations on poles, towers, or other structures. Body belts should
not be used for fall arrest protection but may be used if the system is rigged as a part of a
positioning device body harness system that limits the free fall to 0.6 meters (2 feet). If such use
creates a greater hazard to the safety of the workers, other safeguards should be employed. Body
harnesses and straps should be inspected before use each day to determine they are in safe
working condition.
d. Positive fall protection. Provide positive fall protection where the strength of the pole
(steel/concrete) permits meeting OSHA requirements. Exceptions are ascending or descending by
a qualified climber or situations where a job hazard analysis so warrants. On wood structures
consider adding position fall protection when transitioning obstructions, if a job hazard analysis
indicates a fall arresting point will provide adequate strength.
Wood-Pole Climbing Equipment
7.7.2
Note
Equipment sets each consist of a body harness, a pole strap, and climbers
(an assembly of gaffs, leg straps, and pads). The Edison Electric Institute
provides an excellent document entitled "Use and Care of Pole Climbing
Equipment" which should be used as part of the training for pole climbing
certification.
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