PASS has compiled a guide and checklists concerning climbing safety related to tower mast and pole structures, or TMPS. Included in the documents are three checklists:

• Pre-Climb TMPS Safety Inspection Checklist
• TMPS Full Structure Assessment Inspection Checklist
• TMPS Full Fall-Protection Assessment Inspection Checklist

All PASS members who inspect or climb towers should be using the checklists to gather the information prior to climbing in order to ensure your safety at all times. Once you have completed the checklists, if you note any missing information, request in writing the information from management and be sure to copy your local representative. Don’t get into a debate or discussion with your manager. Ask for the information and, if it is not provided within three business days, file a grievance. Remember that you must elevate a grievance within 20 days from the first-level grievance if it is denied and/or you are not provided the information. Please reference Article 54, Section 1 (d), (e) and (f), and Section 13 (a) and (b) in the PASS/Air Traffic Organization collective bargaining agreement.

PASS has tried to collaborate with the FAA at headquarters regarding climbing safety, but the FAA has decided not to continue the collaborative process. Our course of action must now be to gather information in order to make sure you—as well as NAS equipment and systems—are protected and safe.

Please distribute the checklists and associated information within your units to any employee who inspects or climbs towers. Please also keep your local and district representatives, regional and national safety representatives, as well as your regional vice president informed of any unsafe conditions uncovered by these checklists. We will continue to work to ensure you are safe on the job.