Transition to Fall Arrest
Climbers regularly utilize safety climb cables in conjunction with a safety sleeve to maintain fall protection while climbing but will inevitably need to transition to another area on the structure at some point. Whether passing an obstruction in the climb path or simply transitioning to a work location, continuous fall protection (100% tie-off) must be maintained at all times.
1. Review your company’s policy on transitioning from the cable climb to the tower structure.
2. Items to consider when transitioning:
a. Evaluate appropriate anchor points for the Y-lanyard.
i. A non-engineered anchorage must be able to support a minimum of 5,000 lbs. per person attached to it.
ii. The connector should hang freely in the vertical axis with no side loading. If the anchorage point is too large, an anchor strap may be used.
iii. Consider the location of the anchorage – should be shoulder level or higher. As a general rule, no more than six feet of free fall is allowed when using an FF1-type shock absorber. Select an anchor point that limits swing fall.
3. Attach the Y-lanyard before disconnecting the safety sleeve from the safety climb cable.
4. Secure the safety sleeve if the device is left on the cable when not in use.
Download the Transition to Fall Arrest Poster
Additional Resources:
2020 Guide for Wire Rope Safety Climbs On Antenna Supporting Structures: NATE-SEMC-Guide-for-Wire-Rope-Safety-Climbs-on-Antenna-Supporting-Structures-Final.pdf (natehome.com)
NATE Climber/Rescuer Training Standard (CRTS) 2.8 Performance Standard (g): “Maintain fall arrest during transitions between fall arrest systems.”
