What specific element must a pre-climb inspection checklist contain regarding the tower's grounding system?

A pre-climb inspection checklist must contain a specific element confirming the continuity and integrity of the tower's grounding system. This includes a visual inspection of the grounding conductors, ground clamps, and connections to ensure they are intact, secure, and free from corrosion or damage. Continuity refers to a continuous, unbroken electrical path. The checklist should verify that the grounding conductors are properly connected to the tower structure and to the ground electrode system, which is the network of buried conductors that provide a low-resistance path to earth. Furthermore, the checklist should include a verification that no grounding connections have been disconnected or bypassed, and that all bonding jumpers are in place to ensure electrical continuity between different sections of the tower. A malfunctioning or compromised grounding system can pose a serious electrical hazard to climbers, particularly during lightning storms or electrical faults.