I was considering if you could point me in the right direction to purchase the correct, and appropriate safety gear for both roof & tower climbing.
I've actually had a fair amount of difficulty finding quality safety gear in retail stores in Canada.
You can easily find the "roof climb gear in a bucket" stuff...but I've found it to be uncomfortable to wear and complicated to use.
While I don't have a lot of experience with safety stuff for roof climbs (I don't often encounter a "dangerous pitch" roof where I feel the need to use safety equipment), I do have plenty of experience with tower climbing. I've found the best equipment is found online at safety equipment manufacturers, as it tends to be a niche market.
So far I have done it without any equipment which I know is foolish! + my family is disappointed !
Obviously not recommended.
The gear for the roof & ladder I assume is pretty standard, although even this im not sure. Also, for towers, I need some basic gear also, my BIL has a old Air Force harness (hooks from the back), but not sure if its appropriate. Also I have no lanyard, or connectors. In some cases I considered installing a line up the tower to hook onto also, but I assume this is an excessive measure.
I can't speak to your particular Air Force setup. A proper harness for roof or tower work should have at least 4 D-ring points: Either side of the hips, back, and chest. It should fit and secure around your legs, waist, chest and over your shoulders.
In terms of connections between the structure (tower) and the harness, you need to consider two requirements: (1) fall protection, and (2) positioning.
The former is obvious. The latter is also very necessary.
By positioning, I'm referring to an apparatus that holds you in a preferred position, with the intention of freeing both of your hands while up the structure. Having both hands free is key...as this enables you to work effectively.
To facilitate positioning, I use what's called a "web rebar assembly". It's basically a "Y" configuration laynard with a locking clasp for each side of your body, and a large locking hook in the middle which connects to the tower. The distance is short between the side hooks and centre large hook, thus keeping you close to the structure, but giving you enough room to maneuver.
For fall safety, I recommend using an energy absorbing laynard. These come in many configurations: Single "leg", double leg (for continuous protection), etc. They tend to be sold in 4' to 6' lengths.
When you fall, these laynards absorb the fall energy...thus preventing you from hitting the end of the laynard in a sudden jolt. Most laynards only absorb fall energy once...and thus must be replaced if ever used. As such, never use a laynard to support a weight load--they are only to be used for fall protection.
Always use
energy absorbing laynards. Straight laynards are often sold in safety stores, but these could definitely result in injury or damage should you fall. If you must use straight laynards (typically to reduce cost), buy as short a length as possible (3' is typical).
Note that you should always maintain at least one connection to the tower at all times. I connect the rebar assembly, then reach up connect the laynard, disconnect the assembly, and repeat. It's tedious...but absolutely critical to safety. Never leave yourself unconnected from the structure while climbing.
Another, last priority is choosing equipment to hoist antenna gear up tower, or onto roof, do you have any recommendations...
When ascending a tower, I tie an end of a length of rope to my harness. The rope is probably 40' longer than the tower. Once at the top of the tower, feed the end of the rope through the top of the tower and tie it off. Then pull up the item from the ground, using the tower as a pulley to hold the weight if you need to take a rest. It can be quite tiring to control a large antenna during an ascent up a tower, so it's important to ensure that you can rest the load on the tower if necessary.
At least that's how I do it...
