If you’ve been in the utility industry for any length of time, you probably understand that good, SAFE habits are the best indicator of a good safety record. If you develop enough good habits, you’re probably looking forward to a long safe career. Climbing can be one of the most hazardous aspects of a lineman’s day, so it’s obvious that when we’re talking about climbing poles, you want to build as many safe habits as possible.
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Body Belt Inspection
Buckles- Visually go over all the components of your buckle. Check for any broken or missing metal pieces. Your belt may have more than one buckle, or you may have a gut-strap. If so, inspect these as well.
D Rings- Your D-Rings are arguably the most important component of your climbing setup. Every time you sit back in your belt, you are trusting those D-Rings with your life. Inspect them before each use. If there are any unusual wear marks or cracks, DO NOT use that belt. Also, make sure they are moving freely, if it is a free-floating belt.
Tool Pouches/Accessories– Most lineman belts are equipped with tool loops around the outside of the belt for placement of hammers, crescent wrenches, etc. Make sure these loops are in good shape and that the leather loop is not worn to the point that it can no longer hold the tool that you are placing in it. Also make sure that any tool pouches or ditty bags that are on your belt are securely fastened.
Genuine Condition of Leather- Your belt and gut strap don’t have to look as new as the day you bought them every time you pull them out of the bin, but they should be free of any serious cracks. Cracks in the leather or broken stitching means that the leather has dried out to the point that it is no longer safe to use. Clean and condition your belt on a regular basis with saddle soap to preserve it, especially after it gets wet.
Fall Arrest Inspection
Genuine Condition- There are many different brands and styles of fall arrests out there, but which ever one you are using, make sure it is free of any serious damage or wear marks.
Snaps and Carabineers- The metal snaps and carabineers of your fall arrest system should open and close without obstruction from rust or any other type of mechanical damage. Open and close them several times and put weight on them before you start up the pole.
Work Positioning Lanyard- Ensure that your lanyard’s snaps and carabineers are working by opening and closing them. Make sure the rope doesn’t have any cuts or extreme wear.
Buckles and Slides- Most fall arrest devices have buckles and slides that allow the climber to adjust the device to the thickness of the pole. You don’t want to find out you can’t adjust it properly while you’re at the top.
Climbing Spikes Inspection
Condition of Metal- Regardless of what type of metal your hooks are constructed out of, you still need to check for cracks, breaks, or serious wear before each use. If you notice any of these defects, red tag your climbers.
Nylon Straps & Buckles- Check the nylon for any cuts, and ensure that the buckle is working properly and is not broken. Also, ensure that the metal ring that attaches your strap to the stirrup is in good condition.
Sliding Top Piece- Remove your climber pads and ensure that the adjustable top piece of your stirrup that holds your climbing pads on is secured. It’s held in place by two screws that can work themselves loose over time.
Climber Pads– Regardless of what type of climber pads you have on your hooks, make sure that they are in good condition. Make sure the Velcro is in good shape and that any leather or nylon is free of cracks and tears.
Gaffs- Use the gaff gauge that is specific to your brand and style of gaff to check the length, thickness and shape of the duckbill of your gaff. Make sure that any time you sharpen your gaffs you are checking them with a gaff gauge to ensure that they are in compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Climbing gear is a very specialized set of tools for a very specialized workforce, but you don’t have to go to extreme measures to inspect your gear. This checklist can be done very quickly at the beginning of each day. It’s good safety habits that will keep linemen moving toward their goal, which is a long safe career.
Article Written By Salomon Ramos