[PVRCNC] Re: [PVRC] SK in tower fall

[wlbaber at bellsouth.net]

Hi All,
unfortunate!  I recall my first time climbing a tower, all of 32 feet.  I was very alert.  One problem is that as
a person gains experience he will become conditioned to routine.  It isn't so much the taking of chances [Don't] as not paying attention and NOT having the same level of heightened awareness that I recall during my first time on a tower.  While unfortunate, public disclosures like this one helps in two ways; first it reminds us all of the need for awareness, and second, what went wrong?  Not having one's belt on properly is simply the loss of awareness into what is a routine.  I did the same thing when I fell off a ladder and broke my elbow [all those youthful years playing football helped, elbows down]...I simply did check to see that the extended portion of the ladder was seated properly in a ladder that I had used for over twenty years.

I guess the another issue is: do we dare climb knowing the risk? But then, life is nothing more than taking risks, and then it will end anyway. In the meantime, BE CAREFUL!

God bless,
73, will, wj9b, dit dit




-------------- Original message from "Jim K4QPL" <k4qpl at nc.rr.com>: -------------- 


> 
> ARRL Web Site reports the death of New Mexico ham N5CLM who fell from his 
> tower at about 90'. According to reports his climbing belt "was not hooked 
> properly." 
> 
> A grim reminder to all of us that these tragedies continue to happen. It 
> takes only one moment of loss of concentration, equipment failure or taking 
> a chance while trying to save a few seconds or do something out of reach or 
> off tether. One of the first things our flying instructors taught us was the 
> old saying, "There are old pilots...and bold pilots...but no old, bold 
> pilots." Same goes for tower climbers. 
> 
> As we again prepare for contests this year, take special care to ALWAYS 
> practice safe climbing. Life is already too short to take unnecessary risks. 
> 
> "SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT!" 
> 
> 73, 
> 
> Jim, K4QPL 
> 
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