Can a work positioning device be used while climbing step bolts on a concrete or steel pole?

The use of work positioning devices while climbing step bolts on a concrete or steel pole is not permissible due to safety regulations and best practices in fall protection. Work positioning devices are designed to allow a worker to be positioned at a specific place and support their weight, but they may not adequately protect against falls, especially in dynamic environments like climbing.

When climbing, workers should use appropriate fall protection equipment that is specifically designed for such activities, including personal fall arrest systems that ensure they are safely secured to a lifeline or anchor point. This approach minimizes the risk of injury in the event of a slip or fall.

In this context, relying solely on a work positioning device could lead to dangerous situations, as it does not provide the necessary fall protection to secure a worker safely during the ascent or descent. Therefore, using a work positioning device in these circumstances is not allowed.