Working at Heights
7. Ascending and Descending Pylons
7.1. Ascent
For workers to ascend under safety conditions, thereby avoiding falls from heights, the first operation to carry out is that of installing the life-line (or safety rope), which comprises a semi-static rope or lanyard that is anchored by means of a ring and carabiner to a section of the structure above the highest point that the worker is expected to reach.
The first worker to access the pylon is the one who installs the life-line or life-lines that are to be used by the remaining workers.
Two methods or techniques to install the life-line are permitted: one using an Y-shaped anchoring lanyard with an energy-absorber and the other based on a telescopic pole, in addition to an anchoring lanyard with an energy-absorber.
In the former system, two connectors with a large “mouth” are to be used.
The anchoring lanyard, which is fastened to the fall-arrest harness by a safety carabiner, is successively hooked into place as the person ascends by means of the connection devices (the second branch is always connected before disconnecting the first) onto the structural angles within reach and always above the person’s head.
Before attaching the connectors to the structural angles, check that these are joined and that the bolts that join them together are not broken or loose, as well as ensuring that the chosen structural angle to use as an anchor point is solid. In the case of a structural angle being too large to fit the large-opening connectors onto it, strings of carabiners are to be installed on the angles, hooking the connectors onto these.
As to the method of installing the life-line using the pole, the following steps may be distinguished:
- 1. Extend the pole and install the Crochevit-type large-mouthed connector to it, then join the rope to the connector using a simple strong knot that must be provided ready-made by the manufacturer.
- 2. Lift the pole and anchor the connector onto a solid, resistant structural angle. Preferably choose horizontal structural angles or else diagonal sections provided that the large-opening connector abuts against the joint with another vertical structural section.
- 3. Install the sliding fall-arrest device that is compatible with the diameter of the lanyard used. Check that the device is properly installed (marking arrows upward, closing lever in working order). Before using the device, check that it slides and locks appropriately.
- 4. Connect the sliding fall-arrest device to the chest ring of the fall-arrest harness. Start ascending by means of the structural angles until reaching the highest point of the lanyard (top of the pole).
- 5. Reposition the pole. This manoeuvre has to be carried out when you need to continue ascending.
- 6. Before releasing the safety rope, the fall-arrest lanyard equipped with an absorber (which is to be fastened to the ring at the back of the harness) must be secured to a solid resistant structural angle above your head by means of the large-opening connector.
Next, in order to position yourself and comfortably handle the pole with two hands, use the adjustable anchoring element that is fastened to your safety belt. Before disconnecting the pole carabiner to lift it up, the sliding fall-arrest device must be opened and the rope freed.
Once installed, the safety rope cannot be used at the same time by more than one worker.
From here on, repeat the steps listed in points 2, 3, 4 and 5.
