Understanding the site before climbing

Advance information must identify the structure, access routes, installed equipment, outstanding work and conditions found on previous visits. A tower used without incident may have changed since the last intervention.

Contractor management must ensure that this information reaches those carrying out the work. The subcontracting chain must not blur who reports a problem, who decides to suspend work and who authorises its resumption.

Planning access and fall protection

Before selecting equipment, consider whether part of the inspection or preparation can be performed from a safer position. Where work at height is necessary, means of access, equipment compatibility and conditions of use must be checked.

Rescue at height must be planned for the site and the available resources. Having a harness does not, on its own, resolve a person’s recovery or replace appropriate training and practice.

Considering structures, objects and operations

The tower’s condition, modifications and anticipated loads require reliable technical information. Lifting operations and simultaneous work must prevent other people from remaining exposed to materials that could fall.

The ground team forms part of the planning. Boundaries, communications and access control must be defined, including visitors and other contractors. Structural concerns cannot be resolved through an informal visual check by the work crew.

Coordinating electricity and radiofrequency

The presence of antennas requires sources and conditions of exposure to electromagnetic fields to be identified. It must not be assumed that all equipment belongs to the same operator or is disconnected because an intervention has been authorised.

Measures must be agreed with those controlling the installations and verified by competent personnel. Fall protection does not eliminate electrical risks or those arising from emissions present in the work area.

Adapting work to actual conditions

The planned time must allow for travel, preparation, checks and weather changes. Pressure to complete a visit does not justify continuing when safety conditions are no longer met.

Close-out must record work completed, outstanding defects and restrictions. If a deficiency requires suspension, the evidence needed to verify its correction before another visit should be identified.

Example of coordination between operators

A contractor arrives to replace a component and finds additional equipment that obstructs the planned access. Moreover, the available information does not identify the party responsible for a nearby antenna.

The preventive response is to clarify the conditions with those responsible before starting. Documenting the change and updating site information prevents the next crew from receiving a plan that no longer reflects the tower.