COURSE DESCRIPTION
In order to climb safely and efficiently, a lineman needs to understand and practice climbing techniques. This program introduces two methods used for climbing wooden poles. The program demonstrates proper techniques for safetying-on and off, methods of adjusting a safety strap while working on a pole, and the basic technique of maneuvering around a pole. A new section has been added describing the safe use of the popular BuckSqueeze Safety Strap.
COURSE GOALS
- Demonstrate and explain the basic techniques for free climbing and belted climbing.
- Demonstrate and explain proper techniques for safetying-on and off, adjusting a safety strap while on a pole, maneuvering around a pole, and inspecting a pole.
- Demonstrate and compare how an unqualified climber and a qualified climber install a crossarm on a bare pole.
SUBJECTS AND OBJECTIVES
Pole Climbing Equipment
- Recognize and identify the basic equipment used for climbing wooden poles.
- Demonstrate two methods of determining the proper fit of a body belt.
- Demonstrate how to determine the proper fit of climbers.
- List and explain the basic components of a safety strap.
Use, Maintenance, and Inspection of Climbing Equipment
- Demonstrate and explain the proper way to wear climbers.
- Demonstrate and explain the techniques of sharpening, gauging, and testing gaffs.
- Explain the basic considerations for inspecting equipment prior to climbing.
Basic Climbing Techniques – Part 1
- Demonstrate and explain the basic techniques for making a free ascent and a free descent.
- Demonstrate and explain what to do when a gaff gets stuck in a pole.
Basic Climbing Techniques – Part 2
- Demonstrate and explain the basic guidelines for storing and attaching a safety strap.
- Demonstrate and explain the basic techniques for belted climbing.
Basic Climbing Techniques – Part 3
- Demonstrate and explain the proper techniques for safetying-on and safetying-off.
- Demonstrate and explain the basic methods of adjusting a safety strap while working on a pole.
- Demonstrate and explain the basic technique of maneuvering around a pole.
- Describe how the ‘Bucksqueeze’ Safety Strap differs from other safety straps
Climbing on the Job
- Demonstrate the type of evaluation process that is used to determine if a worker is a qualified climber.
- Demonstrate and explain how to install a crossarm while working from a pole.
- Demonstrate and explain how to inspect a pole.