Okay everyone, I have been there and I have done that.

I still supervise numerous crews that still do that every day.

There were SOOOOOOO MMMMMAAAANNNNYYYYY OSHA violations and flat stupid things going on on that video, that we use it as a "How Not to Climb a Tower" training video. (BTW, that video is a little older than you think.)

Free Climbing is illegal! Free Climbing is STUPID! The last fellow I caught free climbing is still looking for a job, and will be for some time to come.


Please stay away from any and all towers if you are not properly trained, equipped and set with private rescue assets in place. Guys, the Fire Department is not trained for this, the tower crews have to rescue their own in almost every case.

Also, if you should accidentally come across an AM tower, it will probably kill you the instant you touch it. Unless of course you knew to contact the station to stop the transmitter, and de-tune the antenna.


BTW, I have been on six fatality sites (after the fact) since November 2, 2009, and participated in removing one dead body from a tower. I have also had to go with a notification team more than once since 01/01/2010.

Next time you switch on the cell phone or the car radio, remember the folks that made it happen.


OK, rant over and now back to you regularly scheduled program.......

I saw that video a few days ago on Facebook. Ironically I was out at one of our customer's tower sites the very next day (568' FM antenna). We just work in the little building at the bottom of those towers though.

I've watched guys climb in the 700+' range and shot the bull with them when they were done. I've worked on the rooftops of a lot of buildings and had to climb a few small towers.

I'd have to say one of our most dangerous things in my line of work is working inside an elevator shaft, on top of the elevator car. A lot of buildings with fire alarm systems have smoke or heat detectors in the top of the hoistway that require periodic testing and maintenance.

You can always tell the old-school guys from the new guys in an elevator shaft. The new guys duck when the car gets near the top. And all the old-school guys whip out a Sharpie and sign the ceiling.

I don’t have a fear of jumping, as I have no desire to do so. However, a fear of slipping under the conditions you stated gives me the willies. Despite telling myself I will not slip, there remains that nagging voice in the back of my mind reminding me it is possible since it is not something you have total control over.

Pete