R 151423Z NOV 12

ALCOAST 482/12
COMDTNOTE 5100
SUBJ: SAFETY ALERT 01/13 - AUTHORIZED SAFETY CLIMBING SLEEVES
A. Aids to Navigation Manual - Structures, COMDTINST M16500.25
(SERIES)
B. Tower Manual, COMDTINST M1100.4 (SERIES)
1.  As required by References A and B, a Personal Fall Arresting
System (PFAS) shall be used by Coast Guard personnel when accessing
aids to navigation and elevated structures, including but not limited
to towers, ladders, and masts.  This Safety Alert provides guidance
for units which use Safety Climbing Sleeves (SCSs) to satisfy the
PFAS requirement.
2.  Coast Guard units using SCS shall immediately inventory and
inspect all of their fall protection gear and comply with the
following instructions.
    A.  All North Saf-T-Grip (NSTG) sleeves (PN 602-100-003) are not
authorized, due to a safety recall, and shall be destroyed by
rendering unusable and disposed.  The NSTG can be further
distinguished by its red color.
    B.  All Coast Guard climbers using SCSs, regardless of the
manufacturer, shall also utilize y-lanyards when climbing with the
exception of the Antenna Product Modified sleeve with the redesigned
pin (refer to paragraph 3).  Previously published guidelines for
climbing using PFAS are still in effect.
3.  The only SCS authorized for use without y-lanyards is the Antenna
Product Modified sleeve with an M stamped on the sleeve next to the
spring, a new shoulder pin design, and an ANSI Z359 compliant
carabineer.
    A.  As noted in Alcoast 269/10, the Antenna Product Modified
sleeves (PN 10001672-401IS) have a defective retaining pin.
    B.  Units may use operational expenditure funds to return the
Antenna Product Modified sleeves to the manufacturer to be
retrofitted with a new pin and new carabineer.  The cost of
retrofitting is approximately 60 dollars per sleeve.
    C.  Once the sleeves have been retrofitted with the shoulder pin
design and ANSI Z359 carabiner, they are authorized for use without
y-landyards.
    D.  All climbers shall be aware of this regulation and carefully
inspect the climbing sleeves prior to use.  When in doubt, climbers
shall use y-lanyards in addition to the SCS.
4.  If there is any question about the safety or integrity of an SCS
or any PFAS, it shall be tagged out of service immediately and SILC,
ATON, Health Safety Work-Life Service Center (HSWL SC), or
Headquarters POCs listed below shall be notified.
5.  The policy outlined will remain in effect unless otherwise
cancelled by a future ALCOAST or Commandant Instruction.
6.  For additional information refer to the points of contact listed
below:
    A.  SILC Strategic Operations Product Line: LCDR Ryan Murphy,
(305) 278-6750 or LT Elizabeth Runco, (305) 278-6737.
    B.  ATON Structure Climbing Center of Excellence: BMCM Scott
Ehrich, (757) 856-2453.
    C.  HSWL SC: Mr. Mark Wilkins, (757) 628-4419.
    D.  COMDT (CG-432): BOSN3 Robert Melin, (202) 475-5620.
7.  COMDT (CG-1132) POC is Mr. Dale Wisnieski, (202) 475-5206,
e-mail: Dale.A.Wisnieski(at)uscg.mil.
8.  RADM Maura K. Dollymore, Director of Health, Safety and Work-Life
Sends.
9.  Internet Release Authroized.