Friday, October 31, 2014

Tower Climber Hall of Shame

tower climber hall of shame In 2010, a video was circulating that showed a “tower dawg” climbing without the use of any safety gear. This video was intended to show a first hand perspective of what a day as a tower climber is like. This video caused an outrage and panic, and has since been removed.


While OSHA does allow for the use of free climbing, it is very dangerous, even for the most experienced climbers. Wireless Estimator has since created a “Wall of Shame,” which displays videos of those climbing without proper gear. This wall is designed to discourage the infamous free-climb. In 2006, eighteen people died from incidents on towers because of improper safety gear.


Toby Wheale of Glendale, AZ died in 2005 when he was dismantling a tower that was no longer being utilized in Illinois. The greatest insult to his family and friends was not in his death, but in the $750 fine that his employer was forced to pay. It is often said that the price of a human life can not be calculated, but if it could, it seems an insult that $750 would be the number.


Tower climbing is non-unionized and the death rate is 10x higher than the rate of deaths in the construction industry. Of the 100 people that died climbing towers between 2003-2011, half of these died between 2006-2008 when the iPhone demand increased the need for communication towers.


With nearly 300,000 towers, in the US alone, that are devoted to the sole purpose of ensuring people can call, text, take photos, tweet, update their status, and more, the need for tower climbers is only going to increase.


It should be primary concern of companies that hire tower climbers, to ensure safety of their employees. All too often rigorous demands and deadlines, stiff competition from other companies, coupled with seven day work weeks, leave safety on the back burner. This lack of emphasis on the value of human life and the risks involved in keeping communications going, is rarely thought about when the average person places their cell phone on the charger at night.


Much of the blame falls on the communication companies which contract out to the cheaper companies, which often ignore safety requirements. Even if a company wants to use proper safety regulations, one that doesn’t will be able to complete a job quicker and cheaper. The companies make the choice, but it is also up to the tower climbers themselves. If tower climbers, across the globe refused to work without safety gear, then it would become standard practice in the industry. Canada has mandatory safety regulations for their tower climber, because of these it is one of the safest places for a tower dawg to work.


In China, workers have been known to leap to their deaths over horrid working conditions. While conditions in the US are not as bad as some of the sweat shops located across the globe, there is always room for improvement. The only way to ultimately improve conditions is if those affected by them unite.


http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/06/04/1097174/-The-Killing-Towers-of-the-US-Telecom-Industry


http://www.safetynewsalert.com/controversy-video-shows-worker-climbing-tower-without-safety-gear/



Tower Climber Hall of Shame

Sunday, October 26, 2014

The Early Years of Tower Climbing

fad30ad44d5f6f760abd7feac2a293cf 300x198 While tower climbing is still considered one of the most dangerous jobs, not just in the US but worldwide, it has come a long way in the past 60, 40, 20 and 10 years. The emphasis on safety in recent years has become a priority that was not around when the first towers were being climbed.


Free climbing, while it is still practiced by experienced climbers, was more commonly practiced in the early years of tower dogs. The importance of proper harnesses, knots, boots, and helmets was not part of general safety curriculum. It was a new field and, like when any new career field comes into the world, trial and error is the surest way to learn. Unfortunately for the field of tower climbing, deaths had to be the sacrifice made for progress. As technological advancement explodes, there are constantly being developed newer, more reliable, and safer methods to get the job done.


Communications began as a few wealthy households possessing telephones. As TV, phones and later Wi-Fi, internet and satellite communications began to dominate and change the world, more towers needed to be created to keep up with the demand. This means that more people to service, build and maintain these towers were needed. This also means that there has been growth in the variety of communications devices a tower climber needs to be familiar with.


When one or two towers supplied lines to a community, it didn’t take an army of people to keep them running. Today, it is seen that tower climbers work long shifts for weeks at a time. They often travel from city to city, tower to tower, just to keep the internet at the fingertips of millions and text messages travelling at unfathomable rates.


The size of towers has increased as well. The bigger a city gets, the more obstacles that can interfere with the signal, especially of satellites. The placement of towers on top of buildings helps alleviate this problem. This means however, that a 500-foot tower may reside on top of a 20 story building. This was not a practice utilized when tower climbing got its start.


There are now protocols in place that have to do with line of sight. Little gets in the way of the signal coming from or going to a 700 foot tower, but the smaller ones have to be placed so that trees, traffic lights, and other signals do not disrupt the patterns being sent or received.


Tower climbing, at its start, was completely for men. While the vast majority of tower climbers are still men, women are beginning to brave this field as well. One of the first female tower climbers began her career in the 1970’s. This was a time when gender roles were just beginning to change.


One important thing seen in the towers climbing career path is that while other jobs still pay women a certain percent per dollar to what they pay men, this dichotomy is not present with tower dogs. It seems that all the advancements have boosted the tower climbing industry ahead of the curve in many ways.



The Early Years of Tower Climbing

Friday, October 24, 2014

Tower Climber Crew Chief - Foreman


Each “Tower Dog” is responsible for their safety and the safety of their crewmates, it’s a combination of training and common sense. Crew chiefs are responsible for overseeing every member of their crew, for surveillance of the site, and for all subsequent paperwork that is needed. Being a crew chief is a huge responsibility and should not be undertaken lightly.


Crew chiefs perform a lot of the same day-to-day tasks as those who work below them. They take on more responsibilities and must be right up in the action, so to speak, to oversee operations.


Climbing- Just because they are now in a supervisory role, crew chiefs are still required to climb towers (usually in excess of 500′) and perform much of the same related work as their crew.


Giving Direction- Being able to effectively communicate is vital to ensure everything is done right, the first time. This saves time, money, and lives. All deviations from the original work order must be documented complete with an explanation of the reasons for deviation.


Checking crew certifications- Life gets busy, especially when you work for three weeks straight at a time. It is the job of the crew chief to make sure that certifications get renewed. It is also the responsibility of the crew chief to check on the certifications of any subcontractors that are used. These qualifications are important for safety and the companies reputation.


Testing/Inspection- The crew chief is the one who performs sweeps, PIM, and tests fiber and ground connections. Before the work is signed off on, the crew chief must inspect it for quality and that it follows all regulations.


Filing paperwork- everything from close-outs to time sheets must be filed in a timely manner. Nothing is worse for the morale of employees than not getting paid for time worked because of a paperwork error. While it may seem monotonous, filing out paperwork is a skill that is transferable to any field.


To be qualified for the position of a crew chief, the candidate must possess a certain skill set. Among the list of necessary skills there is:



  • Leadership skills

  • Computer literacy

  • A comprehensive ability to read engineer drawings, sweeps, and specifications

  • Strong safety values

  • Comprehensive knowledge of tower construction methods

  • Safe work practices

  • Knowledge of safety rigging practices

  • Ability to climb and maneuver effectively


There are also certifications that are required for anyone wanting to be a crew chief. The candidate must have First Aid/CPR certification, OSHA certification, RF Safety & Health, PIMS, ComTrain, and Anritsu Certification. The levels and specifics of where the programs are completed may vary by employer, but in order to be effective in the leadership role, the certifications must be met.


Stepping up to the role of crew chief seems like a natural progression for a tower climber. When this many lives are at stake, applying for crew chief should never be taken lightly. Every aspect of the day-to-day must be known from the inside out. Even with all of these skills, the crew members must respect you and your opinions if someone is to be an effective leader.



Tower Climber Crew Chief - Foreman

Friday, October 17, 2014

From climbing rocks to climbing towers

With a field boasting as many opportunities as tower climbing, it comes as a surprise that more women are not engaging in active employment within the field. Those that are, assume the role of trail-blazers in a predominately male industry. Out of an approximately 9,000 tower climbers in the USA, only 15 were female. The occupation gets negative representation for being physically demanding and dangerous, but it is only as dangerous as one makes it.


One of these trail blazers is Lauren James, a climber from North Carolina. Her career in tower climbing, which has since become passion, began with her love of rock climbing. This “tower dog,” a pet name climbers use for one another, climbs 500 vertical feet, for up to a months straight, while hauling 30 pounds of gear. She was intrigued by welding as a kid and become interested enough to study welding in college. Some of her family had been in the tower climbing industry and they encouraged her when James decided she wanted to pursue the career. Soon after she was applying for jobs in North Carolina.

Cell tower technicians/tower climbers are the eyes of the tower owners. Each time they climb towers the tower climbers look for bent or bending steel, loose bolts, irregularities, loose wires and ill fitting connections. Climbing some of the towers feels like doing pull-ups for 500+ feet. Not only is it pulling up body weight, but there is 30 or more pounds of harness.


James admits that her background in rock climbing better prepared her for her tower-climbing career. She already possessed the stamina and endurance which is required for tower climbing, once she got used to the gear, whatever remaining fear of climbing she had left her. She does admit that rock climbing is more diverse.


Her routine consists of travelling for three to four weeks, then she is off and at home for a week. All in all about 252 days per year James spends on the road, in hotels with truck stop coffee.She has climbed towers in 35 states. Even working seven days a week, James still gets inspired sometimes upon towers. She explains “I’ve experienced some beautiful scenery and done some cool things.” The views from 500 feet in the air can be almost hypnotic.


Despite her experience, James chooses to stay in North Carolina. She rock climbs in her time off at remote locations such as Linville Gorge and New River Gorge which is always close to her heart. New River Gorge was the site of her first climb. James is not only involved in the tower climber community, she is involved in the rock climbing community as well. For her the experience of climbing is truly a spiritual one.


More women should be encouraged to experience this field. Not only are women an asset, but there is nothing they are incapable of, especially when driven by passion, as Lauren James can attest to.


 


http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/climbing/cell-tower-climbing-with-lauren-james/


 


 



From climbing rocks to climbing towers

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Female Tower Climbers

PatCipov3.133317 200x300 Tower climbing is one of the few remaining fields that seems to be over 95% male dominated. While rare, female tower climbers are not unheard of. In 2005, the US saw less than a dozen female tower climbers, the numbers aren’t much higher almost a decade later.


Unlike the majority of the jobs in the US, the difference in pay between gender is relatively low. Meaning that instead of making $.75 on the dollar compared to men, women in this field can expect a competitive salary. Physical demands can be over come the same way men overcome them… working out. Some employers have even commented that female tower climbers tend to be more organized and more likely to follow the rules than their male co-workers.


Why then aren’t more women applying for these high paying jobs? One of the key reasons is that it is harder to reach out to women who might be interested through mainstream media. Women have time and time again proven themselves as exemplary in the armed forces, but despite this, only a few companies are addressing creative ways to reach out to qualified female candidates.


One of the first women to take on a “hands-on” roll in the tower climbing and erection field was Pat Cipov. In 1978, at the age of 28, Pat (then Turner) quit her job as a CPA and went to work for her brother-in-laws tower company based out of Sumter, SC. In 1980, she formed a partnership with Mick Cipov, who later became her husband.


Mick taught Pat how to operate the hoist, she eventually took on the role of hoist operator and bookkeeper. She learned a lot over the next few years, including the formation of safety rules when NATE was formed. She recalls how at her companied inception, safety guidelines were passed down from person to person. When her company instituted formal safety rules, initially the bottom line was affected, eventually though profits improved over what they had been due to the improved efficiency.


Cipov’s mentor during her career was a former sales manager for a tower manufacturer, a man named Brown Sanders. She recalls that she would “ask one question and we’d be talking for an hour or more… he would explain everything in detail.” In 1998, Cipov retired from climbing, but she lost none of her passion for the profession


Cipov began working with NATE, and won election to the board in 2000. Since that time she has become a strong advocate for safety. Just because she is southern and a woman does not make her a push over, despite her gentility, Cipov possesses a tough-mind, apparent professionalism, and is just as demanding as anyone of her male counter parts. She believes that women can be excellent member of a tower crew, but she cautions both women and men that asking for assistance for something to physically demanding should not be troubling.


Cipov is just one of the women who has made her mark on this field. Women should be encouraged to apply for these jobs if they are so inclined, without fear of reprisal. Just as more men are becoming nurses, the gender lines between career paths are beginning to blur, creating more opportunities that were once merely dreamed of.


http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/climbing/cell-tower-climbing-with-lauren-james/


http://www.wirelessestimator.com/t_content.cfm?pagename=Women%20Climbers



Female Tower Climbers

Friday, October 10, 2014

Best Tower Climbing Schools

Safety One Inc 51 1108x570 resized 1108x570 Since not all companies provide on the job training, it can be worth the time to research outside schools and training programs. Even if the company you currently work for offers training, improvement of your skills is never a bad thing. Many colleges offer beneficial courses, such as, fall protection, climbing techniques, etc… But to really get the best training, try the places below where your safety is important.


Best Tower Climbing Schools



Safety One Training - Based out of Littleton, CO they provide safety training and consultation in order to help you make your job safer while still improving speed and efficiency. Each company has their own requirements regarding certification, but Safety One Training recommends that all climbers receive at least a basic certification, than work under the guidance of at least one worker with an upper certification level.


Gravitec Systems, Inc.- They offer not only classroom sessions which focused on fall protection theory, Gravitec Systems offers hands-on exercises as well. This course simulates a real work environment, using all the modern equipment used by tower climber’s working daily in the field. Part of the course covers the five methods of the fall protection hierarchy. The course meets ANSI/ASSE minimum requirements and lasts for five days.


ComTrain – Used by hundreds of companies all over the world, and by all branches of the US military, over 75,000 have graduated from this program since it was founded in 1996. ComTrain provides classes in fall protection, climbing safety and rescue training. All of the teachers are certified and have hands-on experience in the field. Just some of the companies that turn to ComTrain for their training needs are: Union Pacific Railroad, Mastec, Bechel, American Tower, Black and Veatch, and General Dynamics. Classes are available throughout the US and Puerto Rico.


Miller Fall Protection – This group has one specialty… fall protection and prevention. The offer a 16 hour course in either Franklin, PA or Houston, TX. One of the nice things about their facilities is that everything is set up inside. They have a flat fee for the their course, and for anyone who doesn’t have days, or even weeks to get training accomplished, this course may be ideal. It is specifically geared for individuals in a supervisory role, but may be taken by anyone who wants to know the ins-and-outs. Classes are also limited to 15 people, so individualized instruction is available.


Enviro-tech International – Along with the tower climber curriculum, Enviro-tech offers survival, wilderness and rescue programs. They offer courses that cover climbing, fall protection, and fall rescue as well. The certificate received from this program, located in Montrose, CO, is valid for three years upon completion. The course is in-depth, covering the basics along with; physics of falling, essential knots, Developing a site specific safety plan, the human factor, tower climbing environment, techniques, organizational safety and much, much more.


Before selecting a training program, ask questions and decide which one fits your needs and goals. Just because uncle Johnny went to a school does not mean that same school will play to YOUR strengths. As with anything, do your homework.



Best Tower Climbing Schools

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Fitness for new tower climbers

Fitness for new tower climbers Preparing for a new career in tower climbing can be exhilarating and exciting, after all, it pays well and there is something about being 1000 feet up in the air that gives a person a whole new perspective on things. It is often said that the first couple of climbs are the toughest. Even experienced rock climbers will feel the burn in a whole new set of muscles. The varying temperatures can also wreak havoc on and ill prepared body. There are some tips and exercises that can prepare you for that infamous “first day.”

Upper body – Even with strong footholds, upper body strength is necessary. There will be times when it is not possible to rely simple on balance, the upper body will need to do its fair share of work. Securing a safety line sounds easy, but when it is windy, wet, hot, or any other less than desirable conditions, it takes skill and the ability to maneuver. To build upper body strength start a routine of push ups, bench presses, pull ups, and shoulder presses.


Lower body – There is a seemingly endless amount of climbing and descending done in the tower climbing career field. There is a fine line between over working and under working your muscles, especially those in the legs. The legs need to be toned and prepared, a sweat should at least be broken, and this can be done with or without weights. Lunges, squats, and step ups should be the main focus of any leg routine since they focus on joint movements.


Back – The first day on the job will be a reminder of all of those muscles in the back that never get moved. There is stretching, reaching, and bending that usually only occur in a full fitness routine. To prepare the back, knee-to-chest exercises can be done. This is where, from a flat lying position the knees are brought to the chest. Another one that tends to be beneficial is to sit in a chair, cross the legs and turn the upper body to the left and right in turn. The back muscles don’t need to look like a body builder, but stretching prevent pulls, sprains, and tears which will ultimately cause more pain.


Balance – It should go without saying that balance is important. When climbing great distances in the air, balance becomes paramount to success. With as important as it is, increasing balance is frequently over looked. When the wing starts blowing, balance can be every bit as important as strong muscles. To increase balance, it is as simple as standing on one foot, then rocking to the other foot. Hold each position for 30 seconds before switching. When the point is reached where each side can be comfortable held, add a weight to the opposing side. With the left foot up, the weight should be in the right hand.


Lungs – Focusing on breathing is often ignored, but in a situation where the adrenaline is pumping controlling the breath can keep someone calm. This is one of the easiest to increase, breath in for a count of five, hold for three, exhale for five. Doing this repeatedly teaches a person how to calm themselves in dangerous situations.


These exercises don’t need to be just for newcomers, implementing these as a part of a regular routine can keep the muscles working properly. They can also prevent injury and improve long term strength. As the routine progresses these exercises can be done longer, with more weight, and more frequently.


http://www.comtrainusa.com/


http://www.bubearcats.com/strength/upper.pdf


http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/legs-exercises/ultimate-leg-training-workout


http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076265


http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/fitness/multimedia/balance-exercises/sls-20076853



Fitness for new tower climbers