Sutro Tower

The Sutro Tower in San Francisco is a unique, impressive structure, standing at 1,000 feet high above the city. This transmission tower services 11 television stations, four FM radio stations, and 20 wireless communication services throughout the San Francisco Bay area.  Our team is pleased to have been chosen to coat the internal steel structural components for the legs of the Sutro Tower.

There are many challenges involved with this ongoing maintenance project, from logistical difficulties to the unrepentant San Francisco weather.  Because the tower is so high, it is very often surrounded by fog, and the moisture prevents paint from adhering. Our crews on standby constantly checked the weather and seized opportunities to work as soon as the fog lifted. Access to the tower also presents several challenges. The elevator to the top can only accommodate two people, or one person with tools and paint. Bringing a handful of crew and materials up or down can take up to 30 minutes. To reach the steel components, our team has to climb into the legs from the top, wearing full body harnesses. The paint and tools must also be secured to the structure, and crew members must return to the platform often for more paint.

Safety is a priority on this project. Space is tight inside the legs, and our team members must wear respiratory protection. We hold daily safety checks and meetings, and employ an on-site safety manager.