SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hamg-g0b08

What should you do before climbing a tower that supports electrically powered devices?

Lock out and tag every circuit that powers the tower.

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  1. Lock out and tag every circuit that powers the tower ✔
  2. Notify the electric company someone will be working there
  3. Unground the base of the tower

Why: Lockout and tagout keeps the power off while you work. OSHA says proper LOTO procedures safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases. Notifying the utility or ungrounding the tower does not do that.

Huh, didn't know that: Before climbing with a safety harness, confirm that it is rated for the climber's weight and is within its allowable service life.

The dad joke
A locked-out circuit is the only kind that never surprises the person on the tower.
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References

Answer: Lock out and tag every circuit that powers the tower. Lockout and tagout keeps the power off while you work. OSHA says proper LOTO procedures safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases. Notifying the utility or ungrounding the tower does not do that.

  1. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    What should be done before climbing a tower that supports electrically powered devices?
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    B. Make sure all circuits that supply power to the tower are locked out and tagged
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. OSHA Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) www.osha.gov/control-hazardous-energy
    Proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) practices and procedures safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  4. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    Confirm that the harness is rated for the weight of the climber and that it is within its allowable service life
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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