Tower Certification?

[JakeB826]

I'm hoping to expand into cell tower/turbine inspection in the near future and am trying to track down appropriate training. I've found a few tower climbing certification schools that offer a drone course, some online some in person but I have no idea what is credible and worth the cost.

Can anybody give a little insight into what certifying agencies are respected, reputable and worthy? Any other stumbling blocks to avoid getting into this arena?

 

[ReadyKilowatt]

In the US, OSHA is the regulation body in charge of tower and other climbing rules. I don't believe there's any official government sanctioned certification like part 107, but when I worked in the field my employer required an annual in house recertification for pole climbing and ladder handling after the initial new hire training. Note that our company outsourced all tower work, mainly because of the insurance and lack of available in house trainers.

But I might be completely wrong and take any advice from a forum with what you paid for it...

 

[JakeB826]

Thank you for taking the time to respond, I appreciate it. I haven't been able to find any definitive certification info at this point but the research process has been an eye opener. I am amazed at how rough of an industry it is for the climbers, not only the insane physical aspects of the job but how hard they have to hustle for how little they make. And they keep dying even in this day and age from having to or choosing to take chances and shortcuts. Craziness.

 

[ReadyKilowatt]

Thank you for taking the time to respond, I appreciate it. I haven't been able to find any definitive certification info at this point but the research process has been an eye opener. I am amazed at how rough of an industry it is for the climbers, not only the insane physical aspects of the job but how hard they have to hustle for how little they make. And they keep dying even in this day and age from having to or choosing to take chances and shortcuts. Craziness.

Yep, that's a big reason why I'm happy to work inside and let the young bucks go up on the monkey bars.

It raises an interesting thought though. What will be easier, train a cellular tower tech how to fly a drone, or have independent drone fliers do the initial visual followed up (if necessary) by a climber? Or maybe just park a drone in a perch at the site and fly remotely/automatically for the routine stuff, only sending someone out if there's a problem?

 

[JakeB826]

Yep, that's a big reason why I'm happy to work inside and let the young bucks go up on the monkey bars.

It raises an interesting thought though. What will be easier, train a cellular tower tech how to fly a drone, or have independent drone fliers do the initial visual followed up (if necessary) by a climber? Or maybe just park a drone in a perch at the site and fly remotely/automatically for the routine stuff, only sending someone out if there's a problem?

I can see two paths in that one. You have cost, availability and quality variables in either scenario but just paying for an end result and paying a contractor seems easier than having to manage equipment, training, insurance, governmental oversight, etc on your own.

I guess it boils down to how you are structured and what your are willing to do. I do know that it is better to have a person do the work that has the natural drive an interest in that part rather than make a tech out of some whose heart or attitude might not be as into it. Expensive, sensitive equipment and records keeping is generally done much better by someone with some skin in the game beyond a basic paycheck. Being in the pubic sector for so long, I've seen how poorly some of that is done by the disinterested or poorly managed and with kind of money and liability I'd hate to see those two streams cross.

I guess it is like the saying if you want it done right do it yourself......unless it is too big of a PITA....then hire somebody

 

[JakeB826]

Sorry for typos, iPhone hates me.