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.