Command/reply

[klimbinfool]

As A Climber and tower operator, we use hand signals as well as Voice.Myself, I try to keep in full eyesight of the goundmen or man. Thats when I use Hand signals. (hs)Clinched fist for (Hold up)& thumbs up (For all go)we also use other (hs) for traffic controll, pedestrian and some rigging.This safes on alot of yelling and screaming. I only do this with well trained people though.When I cant see the groundmen or man, then all voice communication comes into play.I (we) use pretty much the same as you have mentioned. Sometimes, when I yell "all clear?" I get a "Go" that also sounds like a (NO).not a good one in my book. Especially when your making a crucial cut and traffic is backed up a block.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

I'm going to cross post this to the other pages, so have patience...

This is a spin off from "Food for Thought" at AS.

How far should groundies stand from the tree? That depends. If twigs are coming out, close, if logs are bombing, far. Close/far
depends on the job.

When I took rock climbing lessons I was taught the "On belay?-Belay on" command reply , C/R. While discussing the
protocol with my instructor he told me that even if its noisy or the climber can't hear really clear, the rhythm of the words would
carry. With some emphasis the climber can make the "...ay" carry and the belayer's "...on" can also be emphasized.

I've modified the system that's taught in arboriculture a little. To simplify, the climber will yell, while facing the ground, "Clear"
nothing happens until an "All clear!" is yelled, facing the climber, by the ground crew. This breaks down the C/R to syllables.
Since there is noise on the site and some people may have ear protection, a one syllable C and a two syllable R is clear to
everyone. When there are more than one groundie in the drop zone, DZ, the climber needs to count each C/R or count on one
of the groundies to take responsibility for clearing the DZ.

Groundies are always taught to face the climber and to think ahead to second guess what the climber will be doing next. When
ever a chainsaw is heard, everyone looks at the sawyer to see what is going on.

What protocols do the rest of you follow?

Tom