NATE released the new Anchor Inspection/Safe to Climb Protocol document. One question among many covered in the blueprint that’s frequently heard in the tower industry is: “at what point do guy anchors return to their native state?” (Corrosion is the culprit, of course, and is defined as “an electrochemical process that returns refined steel back to its native state.”) Owners, managers and field staff can now reference the Anchor Inspection/Safe to Climb Protocol document to aid them in making a “judgment call” on whether or not to climb a tower without foreknowledge on the condition of the underground anchors.

The results of not doing anything have been and can be catastrophic, according to the document. “This has always been a challenging subject in our industry as we continue down the path of the reality that is competitive bidding,” said Todd Schlekeway, NATE Executive Director. “Fortunately, we have had many leaders in our industry working diligently for many years on this problem, but we as an association need to continue to build on the ideas and effort that they have put forth. We need to continue to bring awareness within our industry on this out-of-site and unfortunately sometimes out-of-mind issue,” he said.

CLICK HERE to view the Anchor Inspection/Safe to Climb Protocol document.