Free Climbing vs. Safer Climbing

San Diego Gas & Electric recently hosted a Western Fall Restraint Conference. SDG&E is moving forward in establishing safer climbing practices and knew they would benefit from bringing their western partners together to share what has worked for them in launching a new program, best practices, equipment concerns and overall experiences.

There were approximately 50 in attendance and presentations were made by Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, BC Hydro and Los Angeles Department. The driver in implementing a safer climbing program evolves from the number of falls. Prior to implementing a safer climber program most of these organizations were experiencing 5-7 falls a year. The majority of falls occur in a training environment, but not all.

THINKING IT OVER
Points to consider when implementing a safer climbing program:
• What equipment will you use?
• Do you phase in implementation?
• Is fall restraint required for all journeymen too?
• What is the level of pushback you receive from journeymen and apprentices?
• Will your fall restraint program reduce incidents?
• How long are employees trained on the new process?
• Is there disciplinary action if proper climbing gear is not worn?
• Will you consider full fall protection in the future?
• Does fall protection inhibit or enhance work ability?
• How productivity is affected: Is the lineman inhibited in the climb?
Virtually all of the organizations established committees to investigate options and make recommendations. The committees typically include safety managers, training directors, journeymen and union personnel. Open discussions and strong communication are established early in the process so there is ample time for workers to learn that changes are coming. This early release of information gives personnel time to prepare and adjust.

A DYING ART?
Out West there is not nearly the pole climbing there once was. With the advent of underground infrastructure and bucket trucks, a lineman can often go weeks, even months without a climb. Climbing skills are often not as sharp as they once were simply because workers are not required to climb as often.
Changes in pole climbing practices can be difficult, especially for those journeymen who have spent their entire career free climbing. A culture of safe work practices must be in place and employees should understand that new climbing requirements are in their best interest. There is a nationwide movement toward belted climbing and most of the rodeos require all tasks to be done belted. Keoki Kamau, Operations Performance Support Manager at San Diego Gas & Electric, summed it all up by asking, “What is so wrong, about doing what is right?” iP

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