USE AND CARE OF POLE-CLIMBING EQUIPMENT ^[*]

Pole-Climbing Equipment. Pole-climbing equipment consists of a body belt and safety strap and a pair of climbers. Figure 44.1 shows a workman wearing this equipment.

Figure 44.1: Worker with climbing equipment

The equipment allows a workman to climb, stand, or change position on a pole when no other suitable means of support is available. It also allows the free use of both hands while in any position on the pole.

Suggested specifications for pole-climbing equipment are detailed in Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Publication No. AP-2-1973. General descriptions of components of the equipment and their use and care follow.

The Body Belt. The body belt consists of a cushion section, a belt section with tongue and buckle ends, a tool saddle, and D rings which are attached solidly to the cushion, or on shifting D-ring belts, attached solidly to a D-ring saddle. The body belt usually has provisions made for a holster which will carry one or more tools in addition to the tools carried in the tool loops.

Tool loops should be of proper size to prevent the tools from slipping through the loops and falling. There should be no tool loops for 2 in on either side of the center in the back, in accordance with EEI's Specifications for Linemen's Climbing Equipment, AP-2-1973.

The belt, as a general rule, is marked in "D" sizes. The D size is the distance between the heels of the D rings when the belt...