Telecom Tower Climber Pre-Climb Inspection

Pre-climb safety inspection for telecom tower climbers covering personal fall protection, rescue readiness, and tower hardware condition before ascent.

Pre-Climb Authorization & Site Conditions

• Climb authorization confirmed and work scope understood
• Weather conditions acceptable for tower access
  Check for lightning, high winds, ice, heavy rain, or other conditions that make climbing unsafe.
• Ground area around tower is controlled and free of immediate hazards
  Verify the drop zone, access path, and base area are free of trip hazards, unauthorized persons, and unstable materials.
• RF hazard controls in place and RF monitor available if required
  Confirm required RF awareness controls, exclusion zones, and monitoring equipment are in place before ascent.
• Required permits, site access, and communications established
  Verify access permissions, radio/phone contact method, and emergency communications are established before climbing.

Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFAS)

• Full-body harness present, correct size, and properly donned
  Confirm the harness is the correct size, leg straps and chest strap are adjusted, and the harness is worn correctly.
• Harness webbing, stitching, buckles, and D-ring are free of damage
  Look for cuts, fraying, burns, chemical damage, deformation, corrosion, or missing hardware.
• Lanyard or SRL inspected and serviceable
  Check lifeline, energy absorber, housing, labels, and locking function as applicable.
• Connectors, snap hooks, carabiners, and latches function correctly
  Verify self-closing, self-locking action and absence of cracks, distortion, or improper gate operation.
• Anchor point selected is approved and compatible with PFAS
  Confirm the anchor is appropriate for the task, positioned to minimize free fall, and compatible with the selected system.

Rescue Readiness

• Rescue plan reviewed with crew before ascent
  Confirm the team understands the rescue method, roles, and trigger conditions for initiating rescue.
• Rescue equipment available, accessible, and serviceable
  Verify required rescue gear is on site and ready for immediate use, including descent or retrieval equipment as applicable.
• At least one trained rescuer or competent person present
  Confirm a trained person is present and able to respond without delay.
• Emergency contact numbers and site address verified
  Ensure emergency response information is current and available to the crew.

Tower Hardware & Access Path

• Ladders, rungs, and climbing attachments are secure and free of visible damage
  Check for bent members, loose fasteners, corrosion, cracks, or missing components along the intended climb path.
• Fall arrest rail, cable, or climb-assist system is intact and unobstructed
  Verify the system is continuous, properly tensioned or mounted, and free from obstructions or damage.
• Platforms, landings, and step-through points are clear and in good condition
  Confirm access points are free of debris, ice, loose hardware, and trip hazards.
• Loose hardware, sharp edges, or protrusions identified and controlled
  Identify any condition that could damage PFAS, cause cuts, or create a snag hazard during ascent.

Documentation & Sign-Off

• Deficiencies documented with corrective actions assigned
  Record any non-conformance found during the pre-climb inspection and the action taken to control the hazard.
• Inspection completed by qualified person / competent person
  Confirm the inspection was performed by a person authorized to evaluate tower climbing readiness.
• Inspector signature