Yesterday Steve Calloway climbed his tower as many people do, and it came down on him. He had surgery yesterday afternoon and the doctors think he will recover, but he had major injuries.

Let this be a lesson to all of us.

Inspect the very bottom of your tower every time before you or anyone else climbs it. If there wasn't enough drainage designed into the erecting of your tower, it will hold water and eventually rust out right at the bottom.

you need enough large gravel and rocks in the bottom of the hole before you set your tower in so that it will drain for many years to come.

Inspect your turn buckles and guy wire for rust and or kinks. Make sure that the cable clamps are tightly secured.

NEVER!!! NEVER!!! NEVER!!! climb a tower unless you have a safety belt or preferably a harness.

Always make sure that you take water and a few snacks with you. Don't laugh, it is very easy to become dehydrated up there with the wind blowing. If you get just a little dehydrated, your electrolytes can get out of balance and a small snack, like a granola bar, might help. As you climb, Inspect the tower very closely for bad dents, cracks, and rusted spots. If you find damage, DO! NOT! go any higher then that until that damage is repaired. Don't climb any higher then you feel comfortable with.

Always ware hard shoes: Your feet need the support. Ware comfortable clothing.

Rest every 10 minutes or so while you are climbing.

These are just a few thoughts off the top of my head, and if anyone else has any other items to add to this list, please! share them with the group. We probably need to come up with a list of safety issues regarding towers and climbing them to put on the website.

Thanks

Ron

K5NP _____________________