I couldn't find a way to fit this into the video, but rather wonderfully, this turbine is called Octopus Energy's "#1 Fan". Thanks to all the team there, and the rope access team at EWT. This wasn't sponsored, and Octopus had no control over the final video, but obviously they did let me go up their conveniently-branded wind turbine in an effort to boost their brand. (If any other companies would like to show me around their conveniently-branded spectacular facilities, they should definitely get in touch...!)
The more niche, the more interesting, because they get to be more specific videos. Tom gets to take twice as deep a dive in the normal timeframe into a topic that gets more fascinating the deeper you dive.
I think that's the trick. Tom has the passion to make almost everything interesting, why waste it on some mainstream topic, that has been covered multiple times already.
@@saednoor5766 wind turbine workers are notoriously well paid. it's an extremely fast growing and lucrative business. you'll make a mint if you work in it
I've rappelled once or twice, and it truly is nerve wracking. I had to go down maybe a 3 meter wall-- nothing big enough that I'd die if I hit the ground, but certainly it would hurt-- and my brain wouldn't stop telling me about how it was going to end. It's so darned difficult to put your faith in someone and something other than yourself
@@DarthTofu2 My old high school's gym has a climbing wall with top rope, probably about 7-8 meters and we actually used that in PE. We paired up and took turns climbing and belaying. We also made a trip to an indoor climbing center with taller walls. Retroactively, I'm a bit baffled how casually we were putting our lives literally in each other's hands, but I'm also positively reminded how responsible everyone was behaving.
One thing I really appreciate about you, Tom, is that you get to the point. You don’t add loads of nonsense or uninteresting fluff to your videos just to get them to the 10 minute mark. You actually value quality over quantity.
Yep. Checked out his over videos & I'm subscribed. So glad I cut my cable teevee years ago. What a waste of idiotic programming from these stiff, old & clueless teevee executives. In a few more decades, cable teevee will go the way of the teevee antenna. When the "teevee generation" of tens of millions of mindless soap opera, sit com, "tv drama", & "hollywood award" ceremony watching boomers eventually bites the dust, cable will become like the antenna & unlike the antenna which costs little to produce, the cable companies will collapse & bite the dust as well!
@@RiteshSingh-po7tm I wish people would stop constantly stating things as though it's fact with nothing to back it up. Everything points to there being NO minimum length requirement, and it doesn't really even make sense - a huge number of videos are below 10 minutes. Likewise even shorts can be monetized. I couldn't even find any reference to minimum video length at all in youtubes guidelines. Previously there was a 10 minutes(now 8) requirement for *mid-roll* ads, that's all.
I think it must have been designed by Aperture Laboratories. At least you've got your Long Fall Boots... you do have your Long Fall Boots, right?... ah, never mind.
The "I've got two wires!" bit really hit me because it really seemed like it was just Tom thinking aloud, convincing himself this very unsafe-seeming thing was in fact perfectly safe.
It's letting go that is the problem. Your brain just doesn't want to be convinced to do it. The moment your body wegiht is acttually supported entierly by a harness, 90% of anxiety goes away. Unless you're reylly overthinking and/or have severe agoraphobia that is.
I think it seemed like that because it's literally what was happening. Definitely awesome, because I'd be too scared to even convince myself it was safe. 😂
@@mancubwwa well your brain is thinking that you're just falling backwards from a very high point and doing everything it can to stop you from letting go.
@@mancubwwa the fear of heights is Acrophobia, Agoraphobia is fear of going out into situations that may cause anxiety. Close in both spelling and in this situation meaning, so I'll let it slide this time😜
I've actually done that. Not from a wind turbine, but in basic training back when I joined the U.S. Army. You have to learn how to rappel down a 40ft wall. It's scary stuff if you've never done anything like that before.
@@Gogeta70 I remember seeing a video of soldiers training and they showed that part and how one of those trainees froze up. Deffenite hard step to get into the mindset of trusting the equipment to get you down safely.
when I did waterfall rappelling it was the same thing. Even worse because you have all the powerful water coming on your side and to walk down you have to do your steps on slippery wet rocks. I froze and couldn't move at some point and somehow I found a hole behind the waterfall where I went inside sat down and chill for a bit, hoping the guys would understand to come and rescue as i wasn't going anywhere. Then I remembered this was a jungle and there could be snakes on that hole. I left the hole and descent faster than the water itself 😂
If you ever get the chance to rappel down a climbing wall or whatever is available to you, I really recommend it. Initially it’s really scary depending on how much rope-trust experience you’ve had, but after that, is a wonderful experience!
What I always love about toms videos about different fields is that the people in them always seem so genuine and happy with their jobs and overall just so eager to talk about it and help Tom understand it better
If you're a company trying to get some low-cost PR by inviting TH-cam personalities to visit your facilities, will you send a happy and eager person or a sad and uninterested person to talk with them?
I interpreted it as "if you will fall, it will break" as in, it will trip, it will break in the same sense as an electrical breaker. I can see how it could be confusing though.
@@tomysshadow electrical breakers physically break the circuit. It would be like having an automatic rope disconnecter that dropped people to their death to ensure the rope didn't snap.
the fall arrests we use on roofs really do break, theyre designed to do so in order to provide a softer catch than the snatch of rope, the rope/strap is designed to unravel and appears broken!
@@jsl6155 I was surprised they didn't mention the risk of fire. Sounded like this emergency exit is only meant for one person, meaning this wouldn't even solve that issue.
Worker: "I think I've twisted my ankle! I can't get down!" Emergency Services: "Better use the emergency exit, then." Worker: "Actually, my ankle isn't too bad. In fact, the pain is gone already. Hey, who's up for a game of football when I get down?"
I mean when you're carrying your company's name on your back you wouldn't want to act just numb or they might fire you, but I still like the idea that Tom is one of his favorite celeb nonetheless xD
When they say the emergency services won't climb a wind turbine, that isn't completely true. In most cases because of these systems we don't need to. However in the event it is needed we have specialised teams, the Hazardous Area Response Team, who are trained in accessing these kinds of areas and rescuing patients from similar awkward locations.
As a kid my uncle who works at the water treatment plant in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, took me and my family there and explained everything about how it worked, and now I want Tom Scott to explore a water treatment plant
I gotta say my favourite thing about all these types of videos are finding out about the cool intelligent people doing a job so well you don't even need to know it exists. Like logically you know there must be people to repair turbines, but you don't think of all the extra technicalities involved and you don't need to thanks to these fantastic people on the ground doing the invisible jobs.
this idea reminded me of the two dutch men in Ooltgensplaat that were last seen hugging on a burning wind turbine. both didn't survive. one jumped and one burned to death.
@George I assume the other two are more recognized due to predators not caring to much about fawn or freeze, the other two also have a quicker and more direct result with both animals and humans
Can I point out that the camera work WHILE HE"S UP THERE is done SO smoothly that you never stop for a moment to think: "Wait, where IS this camera and WHO's operating it?!?!?!" Smoooooooth! Kudos
I think its a 360 camera, so all the panning and such is done in post so tom doesn't have to worry about it as hes worrying about being on top of a wind turbine.
@@jetison333 omg! you're right, I JUST noticed the stick holding the camera has been taken out in post and even THAT is done so smoothly... wow (you see the shadow of the stick, but the stick itself is out)
@@joanbennettnyc If the stick is aligned properly and fits between the lenses (i.e. not too thick or bendy), it shouldn't be visible in the videos created as it is in the camera's blind spot. Removing a tripod can be a bit of work, which is why some use a ground stake type rather than one with legs or just tell the software to replace the nadir with a logo.
I am an emergency medicine physician for ten years, saw many death people, gun shot wounds, chopped legs arms but dont have nerves like this GUY... Dude... I had anxiety atack...
I hope they're painted and not glued on there. We once had a whole batch of helmets fail inspection because they had numbered stickers on them. The sticky stuff in stickers and such contains chemicals that soften plastic. Small sticker (or googly eyes) stuck on a helmet? Won't pass inspection, permanently unfit for its purpose (on paper at least).
@@SirPrizeMF thats interesting, I work in a sign shop and I regularly make numbered helmet decals. must be a regional restriction? possibly the 3m material we use doesnt degrade plastic?
I've rappelled down a 40ft/12m tower twice, and I can promise you that the "two wires" part was the single hardest portion of the entire thing. Once you've done that, it's so much fun it's great! Once you know the rope's gonna hold, it's fun and exhilarating!
We've got similar jobs:) Yours just have MUCH better view when you go outside. I work on high bay storage cranes. Usually about 40m is the tallest. Probably on this saturday i will have to swing from the ceiling to fix one thing on a crane. We are trying to have our climbing, evacuation and belaying training every year. It is crucial to make our jobs safe. But yes, soiled pants are a possibility too;)
in military, we did an ascend like that on a mountain wall. There were guys on top to feed more rope as we ascended. My guy was not paying attention and kept feeding more rope, even when I got to a difficult spot, where I needed more time. That resulted in me turning upside down, which was probably the scariest moment of my life
I descended down upside down for a bit. Only difference was it was with my dad and his canyoning buddies and the spotter was at the bottom and I was still an amiture repeller.
Having done something very similar to drop down a wall the size of 3 floor building, I'm impressed by Tom's quick commitment to what is literally walking backwards off the edge of a tower. It's not easy, even when you're not afraid of heights!
Tom, you are making the most of your life. You have a true adventurer's spirit. Thank you for taking us on your adventures. From the longest echo in the world, to a stone-turning witches cave, to the shortest ferry ride in the world, and everything else in between, thank you.
25 or so years ago, someone died after trying to escape the Allegheny County jail in Pittsburgh from top floor by repelling down with bedsheets. They did not have enough and tried to jump several floors. (I believe the windows in the cafeteria on the open.)
Unfortunately it wasn't that common until recent years. In the Netherlands two people died after a turbine fire. One awaited his dead on top of the windmill, the other one jumped. There's a heartbreaking video out there seeing them hug each other before one jumps.
@@Simadalen1 One of the many sad stories where safety measures are implemented only after a tragedy demonstrated their necessity. Can't imagine how it must be to decide whether to burn to death or make a big splat 100m below.
@@ragnkja Me too, but then again its easy to say that. Probably a tad bit harder decision when youre looking down from like 150 meters or something, your survival instincts would do whatever they can to stop you from jumping
Last month in Germany a energy worker had to be rescued through one of this emergency exits. They managed the situation amazingly and got the guy out of there.
I remember a few years ago someone died doing maintenance on a wind turbine in the Netherlands, there was a fire. I don't remember the details, but there was a big to-do about the safety of turbines etc.
@@MrShepard65 My implication was that if you're "invited" up there to be flung off the top of it you're doing very poorly in life. :P But hold on, does Tom Scott make only 56k a year? That's not bad for a normal person but I assumed a top TH-camr like him would be making a lot more.
Tom Scott could literally go anywhere for a video. Wouldn’t be surprised if Tom’s next video is him on the Moon describing the fascinating history of a space rock.
German mafia kingpin: "So, Tom, you have ze briefcase, ja? Und no one followed you here?" Tom _[whispering]:_ "I've got two wires on me, I've got two wires on me..."
Wow! This reminded me of when I was rock climbing with an expert who had to get me to "trust the rope". It is so counter-intuitive to the way my brain is wired, which is to hold on for dear life and not let go! We used a second person called a Belayer while these guys use the automatic device that allows ascent while locking up if there is a fall. I found this very informative and fascinating.
Tom: I've got two wires on me. Tom's brain: No, you're on your feet. If you lean back you'll fall. Tom: I've got two wires on me. Tom's brain: Don't let go you're gonna die! Tom: I've got two wires on me. Tom's brain: Oh I get it, we're good.
Sad thing about this is a lot of people will just never realise just how imppossibly hard it is to just step off the top of that and absail down. Respect!!
It can't be that different from being lowered from a rock wall. Both are high enough where your instincts are yelling that you'll die if you slip, and you do have to convince yourself to let go of the wall to be lowered down. The walking part would definitely be like slowly peeling of a bandage, as opposed to letting go of the wall.
Sad thing is, not everyone will realise just how impossibly hard it is to get close to half way up that ladder. My brain was Nope-ing all the way through.
"I've got two wires on me, I've got two wires on me..." It's funny to see Tom so desperately reassuring himself; I'd imagine that being lowered down that thing is absolutely terrifying!
I know this or something like has been said, but Tom Scott has made a channel of exploring and experiencing some of the coolest things on the planet and his videos never cease to amaze me. Thank you for doing what you do!
In a fire on the nacelle you must not take the descender, you always have to take the ladder. Those things burst in flames quicker than you can descend, and the rope is flammable...
Octopus are the cutest energy supplier by far. When I was with them they sent me a big pink plushie octopus. It's so adorable I actually felt a little bit bad leaving them for a cheaper supplier.
1:44 I appreciate the person who put the exit sign on the wall pointing down in case I ever got lost in the tiny tube and somehow forgot which way was up and down
If I was descending I would no joke have a panic attack. I am deathly afraid of heights and the fact that Tom did it whilst keeping calm is amazing. I probably would’ve passed out by then.
"You don't even need to be conscious." In fact, that would be a distinct advantage in my opinion. Because that's the only way I'm going up or down that tower! I got slightly ill just watching this video.
Honestly, it's probably one of the best long ladders to climb. Cell phone towers and constructions sites you are completely exposed, having to hook at every step. These windmills are closed and tight, so you don't have to worry about the weather and can lean back on the wall.
That's a hard pass from me. That one moment where Tom was panicking about trusting the ropes, that would've been me from the very beginning. Acrophobia ruins a lot of things. Even carnival rides give me intense vertigo.
@@knaxel true! I was thinking about Tom’s descend and how nerve wracking it must be to go fully horizontal like that, but I thought about when I do indoor rock wall climbing, it’s nearly the same thing
am i the only one whos like; berlin television tower, tall roller coasters and flying in a plane? no problem. stading on a 3 steps ladder? nearly panicking
@@k3v1n73 dawg I've been on a plane, ridden a lot of roller coasters and thrill rides and I absolutely refuse to climb ladders. They're Shakey and aren't nailed to the floor and just ugh.
I couldn't find a way to fit this into the video, but rather wonderfully, this turbine is called Octopus Energy's "#1 Fan". Thanks to all the team there, and the rope access team at EWT. This wasn't sponsored, and Octopus had no control over the final video, but obviously they did let me go up their conveniently-branded wind turbine in an effort to boost their brand. (If any other companies would like to show me around their conveniently-branded spectacular facilities, they should definitely get in touch...!)
This was pinned 2 days ago tf
@@bluemarvel5970 yea do you not know how yt works?
@King of kings shut up
Hi
hi tom
To this day Tom is still whispering to himself “I’ve got two wires”
right?!
It isn't even 20 mins to upload..😂
this ^
8 minutes later tom is still saying this
That's a good motto in life
Tom Scott is going for the platinum trophy in the game of life. Every quest, every minigame, full map exploration.
yes
100% glitchless
And he's Lets Playing it all
😂
i wonder what the world record is for that category
Honestly, Tom’s video ideas are getting more and more niche, yet still getting more and more fascinating
probably generated by an AI
The more niche, the more interesting, because they get to be more specific videos. Tom gets to take twice as deep a dive in the normal timeframe into a topic that gets more fascinating the deeper you dive.
I think that's the trick. Tom has the passion to make almost everything interesting, why waste it on some mainstream topic, that has been covered multiple times already.
From the
your username is cursed
shout out that turbine worker who was an absolute DUDE the whole time, made me want to work on turbines
It pays well
Replace DUDE with CHAD
I work on them and most of the people are like that guy, it's the chillest job
@@patrickreilly6272 do they pay you good
@@saednoor5766 wind turbine workers are notoriously well paid. it's an extremely fast growing and lucrative business. you'll make a mint if you work in it
Tom is taking us on a tour of literally everything there is in every country
Hi doggo
Di hoggo
Oggod Ih
I'm down for that. If anyone can make utterly mundane sounding topics interesting, it's Tom.
@I_WANT_S_Έ_Χ ! SΣΣ ΜΥ VΙDΣΟ !!! Yes, and also the
“I’ve got two wires on me” is the politest way Tom could keep himself from soiling his trousers lmao
Can’t get demonetised now
soiling his trousers lmao
I've rappelled once or twice, and it truly is nerve wracking. I had to go down maybe a 3 meter wall-- nothing big enough that I'd die if I hit the ground, but certainly it would hurt-- and my brain wouldn't stop telling me about how it was going to end. It's so darned difficult to put your faith in someone and something other than yourself
They didn’t show the soiled trou...
@@DarthTofu2 My old high school's gym has a climbing wall with top rope, probably about 7-8 meters and we actually used that in PE. We paired up and took turns climbing and belaying. We also made a trip to an indoor climbing center with taller walls. Retroactively, I'm a bit baffled how casually we were putting our lives literally in each other's hands, but I'm also positively reminded how responsible everyone was behaving.
One thing I really appreciate about you, Tom, is that you get to the point. You don’t add loads of nonsense or uninteresting fluff to your videos just to get them to the 10 minute mark. You actually value quality over quantity.
Right? One of his most interesting videos imo, is not even 3 minutes long.
I thought the 10 minute rule for video monetization was removed a long time ago, I could be wrong though.
Yep. Checked out his over videos & I'm subscribed. So glad I cut my cable teevee years ago. What a waste of idiotic programming from these stiff, old & clueless teevee executives. In a few more decades, cable teevee will go the way of the teevee antenna.
When the "teevee generation" of tens of millions of mindless soap opera, sit com, "tv drama", & "hollywood award" ceremony watching boomers eventually bites the dust, cable will become like the antenna & unlike the antenna which costs little to produce, the cable companies will collapse & bite the dust as well!
@@Post_Stall_Maneuver na its still active
@@RiteshSingh-po7tm I wish people would stop constantly stating things as though it's fact with nothing to back it up. Everything points to there being NO minimum length requirement, and it doesn't really even make sense - a huge number of videos are below 10 minutes. Likewise even shorts can be monetized.
I couldn't even find any reference to minimum video length at all in youtubes guidelines. Previously there was a 10 minutes(now 8) requirement for *mid-roll* ads, that's all.
Love the exit signs that just point down
The signs are required to be accurate, not helpful.
there are types of injuries where you have a loss of orientation so it helps there actually
@@megafrodo100 good point
I think it must have been designed by Aperture Laboratories. At least you've got your Long Fall Boots... you do have your Long Fall Boots, right?... ah, never mind.
The "I've got two wires!" bit really hit me because it really seemed like it was just Tom thinking aloud, convincing himself this very unsafe-seeming thing was in fact perfectly safe.
I caught that too. That was genuine self-talk we witnessed.
It's letting go that is the problem. Your brain just doesn't want to be convinced to do it. The moment your body wegiht is acttually supported entierly by a harness, 90% of anxiety goes away. Unless you're reylly overthinking and/or have severe agoraphobia that is.
I think it seemed like that because it's literally what was happening. Definitely awesome, because I'd be too scared to even convince myself it was safe. 😂
@@mancubwwa well your brain is thinking that you're just falling backwards from a very high point and doing everything it can to stop you from letting go.
@@mancubwwa the fear of heights is Acrophobia, Agoraphobia is fear of going out into situations that may cause anxiety. Close in both spelling and in this situation meaning, so I'll let it slide this time😜
i like that tom never tries to seem tough or like he's not scared when doing this sort of thing
They just cut that bit out 😁
That's true boldness! Someone who doesn't show actual fear doesn't show actual bravery either.
@@TheExop all i know is, i wouldn't dare
Exposure therapy, perhaps. If you watch his Pulpit Rock video you will see a whole another level of "never trying".
Leaning back on that two rope system 50 meters in the air is probably one of the hardest things to watch, can’t imagine how you did that in person.
I've actually done that. Not from a wind turbine, but in basic training back when I joined the U.S. Army. You have to learn how to rappel down a 40ft wall. It's scary stuff if you've never done anything like that before.
@@Gogeta70 I remember seeing a video of soldiers training and they showed that part and how one of those trainees froze up. Deffenite hard step to get into the mindset of trusting the equipment to get you down safely.
when I did waterfall rappelling it was the same thing. Even worse because you have all the powerful water coming on your side and to walk down you have to do your steps on slippery wet rocks. I froze and couldn't move at some point and somehow I found a hole behind the waterfall where I went inside sat down and chill for a bit, hoping the guys would understand to come and rescue as i wasn't going anywhere. Then I remembered this was a jungle and there could be snakes on that hole. I left the hole and descent faster than the water itself 😂
What if it's a windy day??
If you didn't have a heart attack, use the emergency exit to get one.
Good one!
Funny
😂 I actually laughed out loud there
😂😂😂
Nice! 😄🤣
Thanks, got sweaty palms now.
Yup
Are your knees also weak?
Spaghetti derivative present upon an article of your clothing?
Might you be an aircraft, with payload bay open?
When you open your mouth, do the words come out?
This is terrifying! Good for you mate! Jeeeez!
I’m actually surprised that there aren’t any comments because usually people with verified checks get so many comments.
@@krishkabob9847 Comment.
Burgers
Burgers
If you ever get the chance to rappel down a climbing wall or whatever is available to you, I really recommend it. Initially it’s really scary depending on how much rope-trust experience you’ve had, but after that, is a wonderful experience!
What I always love about toms videos about different fields is that the people in them always seem so genuine and happy with their jobs and overall just so eager to talk about it and help Tom understand it better
If you're a company trying to get some low-cost PR by inviting TH-cam personalities to visit your facilities, will you send a happy and eager person or a sad and uninterested person to talk with them?
"If you fall, it will brake." Gee--that's a LOT clearer in writing than in speech!
I interpreted it as "if you will fall, it will break" as in, it will trip, it will break in the same sense as an electrical breaker. I can see how it could be confusing though.
@@tomysshadow I looked at it both ways and wasn't sure which was right and was satisfied with the notion of "either way, it'll stop you"
@@tomysshadow electrical breakers physically break the circuit. It would be like having an automatic rope disconnecter that dropped people to their death to ensure the rope didn't snap.
the fall arrests we use on roofs really do break, theyre designed to do so in order to provide a softer catch than the snatch of rope, the rope/strap is designed to unravel and appears broken!
“If it breaks, you will fall.”
The eternal conflict between "That took a decade off my life just watching it" and "I would plonk down serious money to be allowed to do that"
While doing it off of a wind turbine specifically is probably not goint to happen there are loads of places you can go absailing.
This feels a bit like a recruiting video for the job - go get paid to do it!
The 2 things I learned from this video :
1- The view at the top is amazing
2- He's got two wires on him
+
the view from the top is worth trespassing for
3- Turbines now have an emergency exit due to a fire that killed two repairman, and trapped them at the top.
@@jsl6155 I was surprised they didn't mention the risk of fire. Sounded like this emergency exit is only meant for one person, meaning this wouldn't even solve that issue.
Worker: "I think I've twisted my ankle! I can't get down!"
Emergency Services: "Better use the emergency exit, then."
Worker: "Actually, my ankle isn't too bad. In fact, the pain is gone already. Hey, who's up for a game of football when I get down?"
Tom Scott knows precisely the content his audience wants.
@@Brabant076 hes the only big youtuber i have respect for
@@thatxonexguy5438 Mr. Beast is good.
@@CR7GOATofFootball am
@@CR7GOATofFootball coryxkenshin also has quite a wholesome community
he can mind read us
Ben's such a genuine dude, so passionate about his job too.
I mean when you're carrying your company's name on your back you wouldn't want to act just numb or they might fire you, but I still like the idea that Tom is one of his favorite celeb nonetheless xD
"In my opinion"
@@helper_bot I don't think they're allowed to fire someone for something they say about the brand, unless it can cause damage to their brand.
@@helper_bot My companies name is on my work outfit, i'm still utterly miserable. Ben clearly likes his job
Dude fuckin loves his job. Rare imo.
Someone really needs to make a compilation of Tom saying "I got an email...[something probably very crazy]"
It's a good opener. Ties the fantastic to the everyday, and also suggests to other people with neat stuff that they can just reach out.
@@adamsbja yep, also works as a way to show the video wasn't sponsored
Exactly!
It's also rare for him, to GET emails-
Reminds me of top gear and Clarkson's "I went on the Internet and found this"
When they say the emergency services won't climb a wind turbine, that isn't completely true. In most cases because of these systems we don't need to. However in the event it is needed we have specialised teams, the Hazardous Area Response Team, who are trained in accessing these kinds of areas and rescuing patients from similar awkward locations.
"And if you fall down, itll break"
*Double checks what guy said*
"itll brake"
oh thank god
+
"It'll BREAK"
*_panik_*
"That's your braking system"
*kalm*
Technically it does both, one fall ruins that 400 dollar piece of equipment, about a 1 foot fall
@@a.wosaibi the braking system is broken
*panik*
@@junan6183 facts
"and for some reason, they said yes"
even tom is surprised XD
You're at 665 likes. Take my updoot.
dang 3 bots on a single comment
They might been surprised someone asked to try the emergency escape and just got their guys 2 yearly practice of trying out the escape along with it.
@@jk-gb4et ik its getting ridiculous
@@jk-gb4et Yup. Gets annoying. Right my fellow humans? *beep boop*
As a kid my uncle who works at the water treatment plant in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, took me and my family there and explained everything about how it worked, and now I want Tom Scott to explore a water treatment plant
Water in treatment, or water out treatment?
@@Gastell0 If only I remembered
"Water treatment plant" - is this where the CIA do their interrogations in Guantanamo?
Maybe The John Oliver Memorial Sewage Treatment Plant in Danbury, Connecticut?
Did someone say water?
I gotta say my favourite thing about all these types of videos are finding out about the cool intelligent people doing a job so well you don't even need to know it exists. Like logically you know there must be people to repair turbines, but you don't think of all the extra technicalities involved and you don't need to thanks to these fantastic people on the ground doing the invisible jobs.
Tom's the only guy some random energy company's gonna ask "hey, wanna climb our wind turbine"
@@avw5kt sound about right
"I've got two wires on me I've got two wires on me I've got two wires on me" hahahahaha love it
Whats so funny
@@YodsYunkestYriver him trying to be rational in the moment while every cell of his body probably screamed "DONT DO THAT" totally relatable to me :D
Hi wren
*SNAP* I've got one wire on me... I've got one wire on me....
He'd be a terrible undercover cop
4:56 Tom: "You dont even need to be conscious"
Tom's voice in his head: "I wish I were unconscious right now "
this idea reminded me of the two dutch men in Ooltgensplaat that were last seen hugging on a burning wind turbine. both didn't survive. one jumped and one burned to death.
I remember that. Very sad.
Same. The fire would have burned the ropes I assume.
@@Wolf_Ghost actually no, they use fireproof ropes literally for the Ooltgensplaat disaster
@@rsplatpc nice! I'm glad to hear that. I wish they had them available. That whole disaster was heartbreaking.
@@rsplatpc is fireproof rope not just steel cables like these? if it is in contact with flames enough for that to matter, how do you descend it?
Ah yes, the Fight, flight, or "I've got two wires on me" response.
This is so underrated! 😢
People often forget that there is a third “F” and in situations like these it is more than likely the response we’d expect - FREEZE !
@George - Good point. I’d not considered that one but I concur that it belongs in the list.
@George I assume the other two are more recognized due to predators not caring to much about fawn or freeze, the other two also have a quicker and more direct result with both animals and humans
I like the disembodied legs on the left at 0:06
This is just Harry complimenting his own legs and no one can prove otherwise!
Wait...
By the pile of long stuff
What the heck is that? Person with their body obscured? Other thing that just looks like legs?
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Can I point out that the camera work WHILE HE"S UP THERE is done SO smoothly that you never stop for a moment to think: "Wait, where IS this camera and WHO's operating it?!?!?!" Smoooooooth! Kudos
I think its a 360 camera, so all the panning and such is done in post so tom doesn't have to worry about it as hes worrying about being on top of a wind turbine.
@@jetison333 omg! you're right, I JUST noticed the stick holding the camera has been taken out in post and even THAT is done so smoothly... wow (you see the shadow of the stick, but the stick itself is out)
@@joanbennettnyc If the stick is aligned properly and fits between the lenses (i.e. not too thick or bendy), it shouldn't be visible in the videos created as it is in the camera's blind spot. Removing a tripod can be a bit of work, which is why some use a ground stake type rather than one with legs or just tell the software to replace the nadir with a logo.
I spent the entire video trying to spot the cameras at work here.
I am an emergency medicine physician for ten years, saw many death people, gun shot wounds, chopped legs arms but dont have nerves like this GUY... Dude... I had anxiety atack...
I got that "falling sensation" when Tom started leaning back
Same here!
It's like vicarious panic.
Yep, my stomach turned there.
The weightlessness
I got a similar sensation, but I call mine _"AAAAAAAAAAAAA"_
1:50 genuine terror in toms face contrasting against googly eyes on helmet
I completely missed the googly eyes until you pointed them out :D
I hope they're painted and not glued on there. We once had a whole batch of helmets fail inspection because they had numbered stickers on them. The sticky stuff in stickers and such contains chemicals that soften plastic. Small sticker (or googly eyes) stuck on a helmet? Won't pass inspection, permanently unfit for its purpose (on paper at least).
@@SirPrizeMF thats interesting, I work in a sign shop and I regularly make numbered helmet decals. must be a regional restriction? possibly the 3m material we use doesnt degrade plastic?
Haha never even noticed the googly eyes til your comment
This is why we've got TH-cam. No way in any hell I would even think about doing that.
I would
This would be so fun!
The logical next step is for someone to make a VR experience out of it.
I've rappelled down a 40ft/12m tower twice, and I can promise you that the "two wires" part was the single hardest portion of the entire thing. Once you've done that, it's so much fun it's great! Once you know the rope's gonna hold, it's fun and exhilarating!
Nope, nope nope nope.
and now imagine that this is actually a tiny turbine by modern standards, now they are easily 3 times as high
As someone who just started working as a wind turbine technician this makes me happy.
Is it fun?
Shame, wind turbines are bad
Should have worked for nuclear. Less chance of dying statistically
We've got similar jobs:) Yours just have MUCH better view when you go outside. I work on high bay storage cranes. Usually about 40m is the tallest. Probably on this saturday i will have to swing from the ceiling to fix one thing on a crane.
We are trying to have our climbing, evacuation and belaying training every year. It is crucial to make our jobs safe.
But yes, soiled pants are a possibility too;)
@@rickeydart3040 Yes
in military, we did an ascend like that on a mountain wall. There were guys on top to feed more rope as we ascended. My guy was not paying attention and kept feeding more rope, even when I got to a difficult spot, where I needed more time. That resulted in me turning upside down, which was probably the scariest moment of my life
I descended down upside down for a bit. Only difference was it was with my dad and his canyoning buddies and the spotter was at the bottom and I was still an amiture repeller.
Fun fact: Tom Scott has never taken the ladder down a wind turbine.
Now my favorite random fun fact.
Neither have i
he’s taken the ladder up once, but never down.
Neither have i
When you're a skydiver you often think to yourself how few airplanes you have actually landed with but how many you've actually taken off with.
Having done something very similar to drop down a wall the size of 3 floor building, I'm impressed by Tom's quick commitment to what is literally walking backwards off the edge of a tower. It's not easy, even when you're not afraid of heights!
My mother told me: "Never meet with strangers from the internet who ask you if you want to come to their wind turbine!", and then there's Tom Scott.
Your mother was strangely specific.
@@twistedtachyon5877 Still good advice. Then again, Tom's a trained professional
@@twistedtachyon5877 Instructions unclear, something caught in a 500kW wind turbine.
Plot twist: Tom really just didn't want the effort of going back down the ladder
No joke, climbing ladders that high is a serious workout!
ikr
@@kevinkottom1526 Did you notice how fast the technicians were
@@armyofsporks1 I couldn't believe how fast they were. It was the equivalent of sprinting for ladders.
You know it’s a good video when it starts with “I got an email from a company”
It's called PR (Public Relations).
Tom, you are making the most of your life. You have a true adventurer's spirit. Thank you for taking us on your adventures. From the longest echo in the world, to a stone-turning witches cave, to the shortest ferry ride in the world, and everything else in between, thank you.
Dang this was awesome
Wassup Jerry! Nice to see you here 👍
hello mr phone destroyer
Huge cojones on this guy!!!
hi Jerry, how r you doing?
Woah
*4:59* "All i need to do now is sit, and wait."
*Voice from top:* "We've reached the max length of the rope Tom you're on your own."
This is one of the common mistakes that happens in abseil accidents: too short rope, and the person forgot to add a stopper knot at the rope.
@@nolyspe yikes.
25 or so years ago, someone died after trying to escape the Allegheny County jail in Pittsburgh from top floor by repelling down with bedsheets. They did not have enough and tried to jump several floors.
(I believe the windows in the cafeteria on the open.)
What I really want to know is how long it took to get down.
@@nitehawk86 Now this guy really wanted to get out.
Today on "Things I didn't realize existed, but make complete sense when you think about it": emergency exits on wind turbines.
Unfortunately it wasn't that common until recent years. In the Netherlands two people died after a turbine fire. One awaited his dead on top of the windmill, the other one jumped. There's a heartbreaking video out there seeing them hug each other before one jumps.
@@Simadalen1 One of the many sad stories where safety measures are implemented only after a tragedy demonstrated their necessity. Can't imagine how it must be to decide whether to burn to death or make a big splat 100m below.
Comorack exactly like the triangle shirt fire. Many people died, though the later things that were implemented because of it saved many lives in 9/11
@@ragnkja Me too, but then again its easy to say that. Probably a tad bit harder decision when youre looking down from like 150 meters or something, your survival instincts would do whatever they can to stop you from jumping
Safety regulations/changes are written in blood.
Tom is officially an adrenaline junkie, if the last 30 times didn't prove it.
Last month in Germany a energy worker had to be rescued through one of this emergency exits. They managed the situation amazingly and got the guy out of there.
what happened to him? a strain? a cramp?
do tell what happened, or link an article, please
Link please? German is fine.
I remember a few years ago someone died doing maintenance on a wind turbine in the Netherlands, there was a fire. I don't remember the details, but there was a big to-do about the safety of turbines etc.
Google this title: "In 95 Metern Höhe: Höhenretter bergen Arbeiter von Windrad"
You know your doing well in life when a company invites you to get ontop of a wind turbine
Yes
Doing well... or really, really poorly. ;)
@@SacredDaturaa 56.000 a year doesn't sound like really, really poorly
@@MrShepard65 My implication was that if you're "invited" up there to be flung off the top of it you're doing very poorly in life. :P
But hold on, does Tom Scott make only 56k a year? That's not bad for a normal person but I assumed a top TH-camr like him would be making a lot more.
i love the dude being interviewed, absolute legend
He's so chill, good guy to hang out with I reckon
Im getting sweaty hands and elevated heartrate by just watching this video. good work on doing this, and also to the team that helped you.
"It will break."
Wait...that's bad.
"It's a braking system."
Oh, that's good.
Oh, English language, you rascal.
“The braking system will break”
“That’s bad.”
@@friendgray1 But it comes with a frozen yogurt, I call frogurt
Breaking Bad?
But the braking system is cursed.
Oh, that's bad.
Tom Scott could literally go anywhere for a video. Wouldn’t be surprised if Tom’s next video is him on the Moon describing the fascinating history of a space rock.
The Forgotten History of the British Moon Landings
Don't give him ideas ! 😁
@@Kevin-mx1vi No! Give him more ideas! XD
@@georgelloydgonzalez lmao that's like that video where the AI was generating titles for a TH-camr's next video
"I got an email from NASA"
"500 Kilowatts of energy."
500 kilowatts of _power,_ sir.
I was so glad they didn't say Kilowatts per second I totally missed that
Kilowatts per hour*
i really love that there are exit signs within the climbing tube
Legend has it that Tom still says “I’ve got two wires on me” to himself whenever he’s about to do something challenging
German mafia kingpin: "So, Tom, you have ze briefcase, ja? Und no one followed you here?"
Tom _[whispering]:_ "I've got two wires on me, I've got two wires on me..."
Tom, unsure how to jumpstart a car: _I've got two wires on me_
@@deusexaethera you set up this reply perfectly. I had the exact same idea when I red the comment
buying drugs
Something challenging but not electric.
As a final safety feature: the red shirt means that it wouldn't get ruined in the unfortunate even that Tom did indeed fall off...
Deadpool uses a read suit for the same reason! :)
Forgot his brown pants. ;-)
From what I've seen though that indicates one is expendable.
@@quillmaurer6563 I 100% anticipated the 'expendable' reference would be in the replies.
Fortunately he's not in Star Trek, because the people in red wouldn't have made it down in one piece.
At this point Tom doesn't need video Ideas, the ideas *_literally_* come to him!
As it should be!
Wow! This reminded me of when I was rock climbing with an expert who had to get me to "trust the rope". It is so counter-intuitive to the way my brain is wired, which is to hold on for dear life and not let go! We used a second person called a Belayer while these guys use the automatic device that allows ascent while locking up if there is a fall. I found this very informative and fascinating.
This reminded me of rock climbing as a kid too :)
Tom: I've got two wires on me.
Tom's brain: No, you're on your feet. If you lean back you'll fall.
Tom: I've got two wires on me.
Tom's brain: Don't let go you're gonna die!
Tom: I've got two wires on me.
Tom's brain: Oh I get it, we're good.
Lmfao
If you've never been abseiling that initial lean back and trust your legs/the rope is definitely the most scary part
I suspect his brain didn't get to that last part till his legs were on the ground.
@Ķévïņ Bŕëēmànşhow about no
I'M A STICK!
Tom "I got two wires on me" Scott
No, but really I can't even imagine how terrifying that would be. Props to Tom for being brave enough to try this.
Tom: I'm sure it's not possible can I leave via the emergency exit?
Octopus PR team: yes
Tom: damn
Definitely feels very much a: be careful what you wish for.
@@autohmae I don't think so, safety stuff neededs to work 100% of the time
I love how clean it is
Wish I could get emails like that.
Same
@@irbrn15 ok
You can!
Step 1: create a yt channel
Step 2: get over 3 mil subs
Step 3: ??
Step 4: profit
@@tony-te7gd Step 3: Accept Invite, Step 4: Climb Wind Turbine, Step 5: Then Profit.
Sad thing about this is a lot of people will just never realise just how imppossibly hard it is to just step off the top of that and absail down. Respect!!
True..........
It can't be that different from being lowered from a rock wall. Both are high enough where your instincts are yelling that you'll die if you slip, and you do have to convince yourself to let go of the wall to be lowered down.
The walking part would definitely be like slowly peeling of a bandage, as opposed to letting go of the wall.
I'm panicking just watching
Sad thing is, not everyone will realise just how impossibly hard it is to get close to half way up that ladder. My brain was Nope-ing all the way through.
Oh I think they grok it...
"I've got two wires on me, I've got two wires on me..."
It's funny to see Tom so desperately reassuring himself; I'd imagine that being lowered down that thing is absolutely terrifying!
i actually have to give props to him for not completely panicking n being able to reassure himself like that
I love how 'I have two wires' just becomes your calming-mantra immediately hahah
Awesome video! Don’t think I’d have the balls for it!
@Kevin Breemans V1 i love your content ♥️
@Kevin Breemans V1 You are loved, Kevin.
@Kevin Breemans V1 you aren’t getting the “world record” just stop
@Kevin Breemans V1 you rock dude keep ouuting great spam content
@Kevin Breemans V1 yooo its kevin!!!
Can you imagine passing out, then someone yeets you out the emergency exit just for you to wake up on the way down
Probably pass out again!
That sounds about .5 seconds of not being passed out, then, lights out again
That's how you fix constipation.
Sounds fun!
@@EthosAtheos 😂🤣😅
I know this or something like has been said, but Tom Scott has made a channel of exploring and experiencing some of the coolest things on the planet and his videos never cease to amaze me. Thank you for doing what you do!
Tom Scott is an absolute CHAD! Bravo. I didn't know just how fearless Tom was. Now I know!
Tom Scott is one of those people that are so interesting you remember them for the rest of your life
"Stay thirsty, my friends!"
But not interesting enough to remember how to spell his name, apparently. :)
@@coredumperror wdym what happened
@@papasscooperiaworker3649 Tom Scott has two Ts.
@@coredumperror corrected!
I exist in this weird cycle where I think I'm not afraid of heights for months at a time, then someone reminds me how high heights can go.
No, higher than that.
Heights are just depths from a different perspective.
That makes sense, actually. My brain works the same way.
I'm not afraid of heights. I'm not afraid of falling. I'm afraid of that bit where you're suddenly NOT falling.
The emails I get are about companies telling me about shoes with a sale that I am never going to buy
Love it! The training and professionalism of EWT fully evident - great job to those guys!
The googly eyes on Tom's helmet give me so much joy for no reason
Didn't even notice those.
I can't even begin to imagine the amount of fear I wold have descending.
I nearly had a panic attack just watching
@@RunstarHomer haahahahha
If you already were an acrophobic then you still would be after this experience!
I couldn’t describe the fear I’d have going _up!_
Someone would have to save me from the parking lot.
"Quick, the turbine is on fire, take the Emergency Descender ..."
*_elevator music plays_*
Ugh just the other day i had to share the turbine emergency descender with THAT coworker, you know the one
Or Metallica since it's a huge metal fan.
“Fourth floor, Lingerie”.
In a fire on the nacelle you must not take the descender, you always have to take the ladder. Those things burst in flames quicker than you can descend, and the rope is flammable...
@@Isgolo is that why the 2 guys who died didn't make it?.
Gosh just looking at the height of the turbine makes my palms sweat
I still can’t believe that Tom got through this whole video without saying a single swear word. Not even a bloody hell or a flipping heck.
video editor.
@@glasslinger That'll be the title of the next video "How I manage to edit my swearing out of the videos seamlessly"
I said it for him. I had better be next to dead before anyone gets me anywhere close to that thing.
@@cymes82 haha
I absolutely love how their hard hats have lil googly eyes on them 🥺
Octopus are the cutest energy supplier by far. When I was with them they sent me a big pink plushie octopus. It's so adorable I actually felt a little bit bad leaving them for a cheaper supplier.
Tom: "Look at that view!!!"
Me: grabs desk, tries not to pass out.
*Nope, no thank you, I would like 2 feet on the ground*
"I've got two hands on my desk! I've got two hands on my desk!"
@@kyledunn8205 But Kyle, how are you gonna reach the stars like that?
Fond memories of helping my friend at the old Ilfracombe wind turbine.
Sat on the top once , never again 😀
Octopus Energy: would you like to go up our turbine
Tom: yes and I would like to jump off it also
Part of me was willing cartoon physics to take over and have it work as a giant fan decender, with Tom causing the blades to spin wildly.
can we take a moment to appreciate the googly eyes on Tom's hat
I didn't even notice them until I read your comment 😅
1:44 I appreciate the person who put the exit sign on the wall pointing down in case I ever got lost in the tiny tube and somehow forgot which way was up and down
I like how there's exit signs pointing down halfway on the ladder, like "ah I was a bit lost for a minute"
In case you’re disoriented from illness, panic or smoke.
@@lach888c2 right, gravity certainly turns off when there is smoke
I guess they point to the nearest emergency exit.
So the ones a little over halfway up point upwards.
I'd imagine if you do manage to let go of the ladder with both your arms and legs, you might spin upside down on the rope and get disoriented.
@@ObsidianGloria done many handstands in my life and never forgot which way to the ground
If I was descending I would no joke have a panic attack. I am deathly afraid of heights and the fact that Tom did it whilst keeping calm is amazing. I probably would’ve passed out by then.
I would’ve just outright refused to even climb the ladder at the sight of the turbine.
same, idk how the hell someone can be up that high and still keep calm
"You don't even need to be conscious." In fact, that would be a distinct advantage in my opinion. Because that's the only way I'm going up or down that tower! I got slightly ill just watching this video.
imagine people got you up there while you're unconscious and then forced you to go back down consciously
Honestly, it's probably one of the best long ladders to climb. Cell phone towers and constructions sites you are completely exposed, having to hook at every step. These windmills are closed and tight, so you don't have to worry about the weather and can lean back on the wall.
@@Siegfried1917 The B.A. Baracus Way of climbing a wind turbine...
That's a hard pass from me. That one moment where Tom was panicking about trusting the ropes, that would've been me from the very beginning. Acrophobia ruins a lot of things. Even carnival rides give me intense vertigo.
make baby steps my friend you wont regret it, trust me
@@knaxel true! I was thinking about Tom’s descend and how nerve wracking it must be to go fully horizontal like that, but I thought about when I do indoor rock wall climbing, it’s nearly the same thing
am i the only one whos like; berlin television tower, tall roller coasters and flying in a plane? no problem. stading on a 3 steps ladder? nearly panicking
You aren't the only one going: Nope nope nope.... NOPE!
@@k3v1n73 dawg I've been on a plane, ridden a lot of roller coasters and thrill rides and I absolutely refuse to climb ladders. They're Shakey and aren't nailed to the floor and just ugh.
Most people: I can't wait to see the view or how it all works.
Tom: View's ok, the emergency exit is what I really came for.
Tom: "woah look at that view!"
The view: the flattest farmland on the planet.
Exactly. I work on cell phone towers in the middle of the US, we get really fantastic views of... cornfields.
@@kellogg2185 Well that's... corny.
@@Eddyspeeder indeed it is
That's amazing! All view around me just sea,river,forest,and mountain from one spot. Never seen big flat land or Desert, Wonder what it looks like.
As opposed to what?
That this emergency escape wasn't the equivalent of a base jump shows this was well thought through.
Cool system!
Great video, I'll never forget that haunting photo of the two workers holding each other ad the turbine burned & they knew they would die.