The Basics of a Tower-Climber Rescue

Unfortunately, no matter how many precautions tower-climbing professionals take when they’re up on the tower, there’s always a chance they could get into an accident. Falls, injuries, or other physical impediments can happen several stories above the ground, and workers need to be prepared to save their teammates. For this reason, tower climbers are required to be trained in basic fall rescue procedure prior to climbing with the rest of their team. These are the basics of a tower-climber rescue and the equipment utilized to get endangered individuals safely back on the ground.

Fundamental Tower Rescue Equipment

Before tower-climbing professionals can rescue one of their own, they must have the proper equipment on hand aside from their basic cell tower-climbing gear. Your rescue tool kit comes equipped with a ground anchor lock, skate handline with a pulley, and several yards of rope. Since this system isn’t often assembled upon arrival, it’s highly recommended that you set it up beforehand so it’s ready to be used in an emergency. When putting together the skate system, run your rope through the skate and attach a swivel clip to its bottom loop. Then run the rope around the pulley system and hook the looped end of the rope to the swivel clip and a low-hanging D-ring clip. This rescue assembly will then be hooked up to a temporary anchorage that will be used during the rescue process.

Proper Rescue Procedure

Once your rescue assembly is ready for use, it’s crucial that you know how to hook it up. For starters, your ground anchor should be attached to a single sturdy point several yards from the tower. Many workers often use their trucks or some other reliable anchor point for this task. Then, using the temporary anchorage, a second climber will secure the assembly to the tower and set the D-ring clip through the injured person’s harness D-ring. After everything is properly hooked up and in position, the fall arrest system of the person being rescued will be disconnected, the rope will be tightened, and the personnel on the ground will slowly begin lowering the subject.

Remember that these are just the basics of a tower-climber rescue, and every situation you come across will be different. In fact, even some of the equipment you use can vary according to the setting and circumstances. So you may need to adjust this process, depending on the details and severity of the situation. For this reason, you should never attempt this procedure if you haven’t been sufficiently trained by a competent instructor. You also shouldn’t perform a rescue if you’re lacking the quality equipment to do so. Otherwise, you risk not only the safety of the person who’s been injured, but that of yourself and those around you as well.

If you have any additional questions about the tower-climber rescue process, reach out to your trusted industry training professional for guidance. We, at Midwest Unlimited, know that each scenario will vary and, therefore, emphasize that the best way to prepare is to gain insight from your direct managers and supervisors. We do not endorse rescue action without the proper training, equipment, and direct manager approval. Use the contents of this blog at your own risk.