WTT Tower Climbing & Rescue Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum wind speed at which most manufacturers permit turbine tower climbing operations?
- 10 mph (16 km/h)
- 20 mph (32 km/h) (Correct answer)
- 30 mph (48 km/h)
- 40 mph (64 km/h)
Correct answer: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Most OEM guidelines and industry standards set a 20 mph (32 km/h) wind speed limit for safe ladder climbing on turbine towers.
Question 2: A technician must perform a pick-off rescue of an unconscious co-worker suspended in a harness 60 meters above ground. The FIRST step is to:
- Ascend immediately to the victim
- Contact emergency services and establish incident command (Correct answer)
- Lower a rescue rope to the victim
- Check the victim's harness for damage from the ground
Correct answer: Contact emergency services and establish incident command
Activating emergency services and establishing incident command ensures resources are en route while preventing rescuers from self-endangering without a plan.
Question 3: Which condition describes 'suspension trauma' (orthostatic shock) in a harness-suspended victim?
- Hypothermia caused by prolonged exposure at altitude
- Blood pooling in the legs leading to cardiovascular collapse (Correct answer)
- Rope burns from the harness leg loops
- Cervical spine injury from a shock-arrest fall
Correct answer: Blood pooling in the legs leading to cardiovascular collapse
Suspension trauma occurs when blood pools in immobilized lower limbs, reducing venous return and potentially causing unconsciousness or cardiac arrest.
Question 4: What is the recommended recovery position for a victim retrieved after prolonged harness suspension?
- Flat supine with legs elevated
- Seated upright immediately
- Semi-recumbent (sitting at 45°) for 30 minutes before lying flat (Correct answer)
- Prone (face down) to drain fluids
Correct answer: Semi-recumbent (sitting at 45°) for 30 minutes before lying flat
Gradually transitioning from seated to supine prevents a sudden rush of pooled blood returning to the heart, which could cause cardiac arrest.
Question 5: What type of fall arrest anchor is required for each climber on a wind turbine ladder equipped with a self-retracting lifeline (SRL)?
- A single shared anchor rated at 2,500 lbs
- A dedicated anchor rated at 5,000 lbs per attached person (Correct answer)
- The ladder side rail if it meets structural requirements
- Any structural member within 6 feet of the climber
Correct answer: A dedicated anchor rated at 5,000 lbs per attached person
ANSI Z359 requires a dedicated fall arrest anchor rated to a minimum 5,000 lbs (22 kN) per attached person.
Question 6: What is the maximum free-fall distance permitted by OSHA when using a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) on a turbine tower?
- 2 feet
- 4 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 limits free fall to 6 feet when using a PFAS, and total fall (including deceleration) to 12 feet.
Question 7: Which component of a self-retracting lifeline (SRL) should be inspected for signs of corrosion, deformation, or cracks before every use?
- The webbing strap only
- The housing, swivel, and snap hook (Correct answer)
- Only the snap hook gate
- The energy absorber pack
Correct answer: The housing, swivel, and snap hook
The housing, swivel, and snap hook are structural components that must be visually inspected for corrosion, cracks, and proper gate function before each use.
WTT Tower Climbing & Rescue Safety 3
What is the maximum wind speed at which most manufacturers permit turbine tower climbing operations?