MATS Tower Climber and Rescue Refresher Training

• Legislation for working at height
Key legal requirements and guidance relating to tower and mast climbing activities.

• Risk assessment awareness
How to identify hazards and apply risk assessment principles when working at height in exposed environments.

• PPE selection, fitting and pre-use checks
How to correctly select, fit and inspect harnesses, helmets, fall arrest and work positioning lanyards.

• Access systems (protected and unprotected)
Differences between protected and unprotected access methods used in tower and mast environments.

• Anchor point selection
How to identify and select suitable anchor points for safe climbing and work positioning.

• Fall arrest and climbing systems
Use of fall arrest lanyards and fixed or temporary systems, including fall arrest lines and retractable devices.

• Work positioning techniques
How to maintain safe positioning while working at height to reduce fall risk.

• Climbing techniques in exposed locations
Safe climbing methods for towers and masts in exposed conditions using approved systems and procedures.

• Use of knots in access systems
Appropriate application of knots within climbing and access systems where required.

• Emergency procedures and rescue planning
How to respond to emergencies and apply safe rescue procedures in tower and mast environments.

• Rescue equipment awareness (No Shock kit)
Understanding the contents and use of No Shock rescue equipment for tower and mast rescue scenarios.

• Self-rescue techniques
How to carry out controlled self-rescue using approved methods and systems.

• Casualty rescue procedures
How to perform conscious casualty lowering, abseil lift and lower rescue techniques and abseil cut rescue procedures.

• Casualty care and suspension syncope
How to provide immediate casualty care following a fall and understand suspension syncope risks.

• Assessment
Theory and practical reassessment of climbing and rescue competence throughout the course.

Classroom-based theory combined with practical, instructor-led reassessment of climbing and rescue techniques in tower and mast environments. The course focuses on maintaining competence in safe access, fall protection systems and emergency rescue procedures.

Experienced telecoms climbers, structural inspectors, surveyors and other personnel required to operate safely on towers and masts for maintenance or construction on MATS-operated sites.

Delegates must hold a valid MATS/EUSR certificate, or one expired within twelve months.