Tower Rescue Kits
Rescue Kits are the backbone to a tower climbers’ safety while on telecom structures. It provides assurance that if an accident occurs and a climber needs to be rescued, the equipment is available and ready to be deployed.
Per ANSI, equipment shall be stored in a manner as to preclude damage from environmental factors such as heat, light, excessive moisture, oil, chemicals and their vapors or other degrading elements. Rescue equipment shall be stored in a clearly marked area and be readily accessible for rescue purposes. Make sure the Rescue Kits are inspected daily and that all members of the crew are knowledgeable and trained on the equipment in the kit.
When rescue is necessary, persons performing assisted rescue or self-rescue shall be equipped with an appropriate rescue system as identified by an established rescue plan. The rescue plan shall be prepared by a competent person knowledgeable with rescue site conditions, conditions of rescue applications and the associated hazards. The site-specific rescue plan shall be reviewed by the crew to make sure everyone understands their role.
Some of the Important Elements of the Rescue Kit may include:
· Anchor sling
· Anchor connector
· Rope
· Descent Device
· Pick-off/Haul Device
· Safety Rope
· Secondary System
· Rescue Plan
Download the Rescue Kit Poster
Additional Resources
ANSI/ASSE Z359.4-2013.7.1 Equipment Selection
ANSI/ASSE Z359.4-2013.7.2 Equipment Rigging and Use
ANSI/ASSE Z359.4-2013.7.3 Training
ANSI/ASSE Z359.15-2013 Safety Requirements For Single Anchor Lifelines And Fall Arrestors For Personal Fall Arrest Systems
ANSI/ASSE 10.48.6.11 Rescue Requirements
ANSI/ASSE 10.48.6.12 Rescue Systems
ANSI/ASSE 10.48.6.13 Rescue Awareness
ANSI/ASSE 10.48.6.14 Rescue Training
ANSI/ASSE 10.48.6.15 Rescue Plan
OSHA 29 CFR PART 1926 Subpart D
NATE Climber/Rescuer Training Standard
Tower Rescue, Climber Connection video
1926.50 Medical Services and First Aid
1926.50 Appendix A First Aid Kits
Disclaimer: NATE is a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating safety, education and standards for the tower erection, service, and maintenance industry. The NATE Climber/Rescuer Training Standard was developed to bring consistency to the training of tower climbers by establishing the minimum standards to which all climbers should be trained.
By using this standard, you hereby acknowledge that you are solely responsible for the development of your program and training of individuals in your company. Furthermore, NATE expressly notifies you that you are responsible for knowing and following applicable regulations and laws pertaining to tower safety and training, and it is your responsibility to defend your training program if it is ever questioned or challenged by outside sources, including any federal or state regulatory agencies responsible for occupational safety and health.
NATE accepts no responsibility for the training that will be conducted under this standard, and use of this standard is at your own risk. This standard should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circum- stances, or as creating any warranties, or legal obligations, either expressed or implied.
