Finally before you climb the pole, you must make a check of your own equipment. What is its
condition? Has it been maintained properly? Do you have the correct gaffs, Figure 18, attached for the
job? Are they sharp? Will they pass the test if you use a gaff gauge, Figure 17 on them. What about
your body belt? See Figure 14. Will it stand up to the test of 5000 lbs? Is it the right size for you? The
safety strap Figure 15, must also be checked. Is it the proper length to fit around the pole and provide
you with enough room to work? You need the safety strap to hold you on the pole when working in a
comfortable working position. If it is badly cracked or the eyelet hole is badly worn you should see
about replacing the safety belt and the safety strap. It is your life on the pole. You can be hurt very bad
if you have not properly maintained your equipment.
Figure 14. Full floating body belt.
Figure 15. Safety strap.
21
Previous Page
