Poling to the Top of a Smokestack
Now, not in all cases is this as easy to do as to say. If the top is only fifteen or twenty feet from the band, it can be done without much effort, but should it be a reach of thirty or thirty-five feet, I would suggest the following method:
Tie a hook to the pole just so it will stay on. A light hook is required for this. Place your handy line through the eye of the hook. Tie the handy line end down about eight feet from the top of the pole, then lash yourself to the band, pull yourself up and stand in the chair, throwing one leg over the guy wire. Make yourself good and solid, spread your feet out in the chair. Do not have them together. This sometimes prevents the chair from sliding to one side. Above all remember never to let your riggings get away from you. You are in a mighty tiresome position. Always be sure to have a handy line with you in making a reach of thirty or thirty-five feet. Figure your pole, which is only two by two or so, is easily broken in a little wind. I have had poles break eight or ten times before reaching the top of a stack.
Now, in pushing the pole up with a handy line, always wait until the wind ceases for a second, then up with it. This has to be done quickly. With the pole leaning against the stack once over the top, pull the pole away from the light hook, lower the pole until the top end is at the band. Tie on the hook and block, then, with the handy line now over the top, pull on it and at the same time push on the pole with a steady push and pull. The rest is very simple. After this is accomplished, undo yourself from the band, lowering yourself into the boatswain chair. Hook up the riggings to the chair, start for the top, cut away the pole, lower it down and start your work.
Climbing Guy Wire with Slings and Chair