As reported by Wireless Estimator
https://youtu.be/LfwGF1uW4dU?si=sIya2KbTi0Ie1Co3
In an industry where safety hangs—quite literally—on every connection, knowing the difference between the tools you use can mean the difference between a job well done and a fatal mistake. That’s the powerful message delivered in the latest #ClimberConnection video from NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association.
Released as the fourth installment in Volume 8 of the widely viewed series, this new video draws a sharp line between Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) carabiners and Quick Rigging Connectors (QRCs). Backed by revealing test data, the video is an essential resource for tower climbers, riggers, field techs, and safety professionals across the telecommunications and construction sectors.
Eye-Opening Test Results from University of Dayton
Filmed during NATE’s Safety Equipment Manufacturers’ Committee (SEMC) annual testing event at the University of Dayton Research Institute, the video presents head-to-head comparisons between PPE carabiners—designed under ANSI/ASSP Z359 standards—and QRCs, built to ASME B30 material handling specifications.
The results? Startling for many.
A recent survey showed that roughly 75% of field technicians are misusing carabiners, employing PPE-rated devices to lift loads under 500 pounds. This practice, while common, introduces a major safety risk. PPE carabiners are engineered to save lives in fall protection scenarios—not to hoist gear or materials. Misusing them as load-bearing connectors compromises their integrity and can lead to catastrophic failures.
A Must-Watch for Safety Professionals
Kathy Stieler, NATE’s Director of Safety, Health & Compliance, emphasized the urgency of the message:
> “The video aims to provide valuable insights to NATE members, industry stakeholders, end users, and manufacturers. The SEMC’s testing results highlighted in the video are intended to enhance safety standards, raise awareness, and influence future testing methodologies.”
The #ClimberConnection video does more than show numbers and tests—it provides clear, visual demonstrations of connector failures under improper use conditions, and offers actionable guidance for correct equipment selection on the job.
Raising the Bar on Industry Awareness
This initiative is more than a tutorial—it’s a call to action. With the communications infrastructure industry rapidly evolving and more technicians entering the field, clarifying the function and limitations of equipment is critical to ensuring both personal safety and operational success.
By drawing attention to this widespread misunderstanding and offering concrete solutions, NATE continues to lead the way in advancing safety culture in high-risk environments.
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Watch the full #ClimberConnection video on NATE’s official site or YouTube channel.
Know your gear. Use it right. Stay safe.
