Arrl - QST Magazine - Antenna and Tower Safety (2001) WW

THE HELP DESK
Antenna and Tower Safety

Many amateurs enjoy building and installing their anten- tower you consider has the capacity to safely handle the
nas and consider this one of the most enjoyable aspects of their antenna(s) you intend to install in the kind of environment that
hobby. Since antennas are generally outdoors, they are affected is applicable to your location.
by such potentially hazardous weather as wind, ice and light- • The antenna must be located in such a position that it
ning. Learning about the potential hazards of towers and an- cannot possibly tangle with power lines, both during normal
tennas and how to do antenna work safely will pay dividends. operation or if the structure should fall.
Any heavy, large and permanent structure that fails or col- • Sufficient yard space must be available to position a guyed
lapses can potentially hurt or even kill somebody. The com- tower properly. A rule of thumb is that the guy anchors should
plete installation must comply with all applicable structural be between 60% and 80% of the tower height in distance from
and building codes. Professional engineers design towers to the base of the tower.
withstand code loadings—that is, dead weight, wind and ice • Provisions must be made to keep children from climbing
loadings that are applicable to the environment at your par- the support.
ticular location. The latest revision of the EIA-222 standard is
the document from which professional engineers work to en-
• Soil conditions at the tower site should be investigated.
The footings need to be designed around actual soil condi-
sure that their tower designs are structurally safe. tions, particularly on a rocky site.
To ensure structural safety and integrity, you must demon-
strate that your tower has been designed by a qualified engi-
• Beware of used towers. Have them professionally in-
spected and contact the manufacturer for installation criteria.
neer to withstand EIA-222 loadings at your specific geographic • Check with your local building officials.
area. Further, the tower, foundation, guys and anchors must be • Liability may be increased with a tower installation.
installed (and maintained) according to any drawings, instruc- Check with your insurer to ensure your coverage is adequate.
tions and specifications supplied by the professional engineer. • Make sure you have all the tools needed before starting.
Remember: A properly designed, installed and maintained Some specialized tools (such as a gin pole) may be required.
tower should be as safe as a building or a bridge! • The assembly crew as well as those climbing the tower
It is not feasible to discuss each type of antenna and tower in during erection must wear hard hats and use appropriate per-
detail, so this section will include only highlights. For a full under- sonal protective equipment including gloves, boots, climbing
standing of the specific hardware you will be working with, con- belt or harness. Don’t forget that lifelines are needed when
sult the manufacturer or supplier. You should discuss your antenna the belt is unattached from the tower while moving.
plans with a qualified engineer. The ARRL Volunteer Consulting
Engineer program can steer you to a knowledgeable engineer.
• Assign someone in the erection crew to monitor the use
of safety equipment.
When using slingshots or arrows to • After the tower is installed, keep the installation safe. In-
spection and maintenance recommended by the tower’s manu-
string up the antenna, be sure no facturer should be carefully followed.
one is in range before you launch. • If making attachments to houses or installations on roofs,
have a qualified person determine that the method is adequate
In addition, your town or city will probably require that you and the loading conditions are satisfactory.
obtain a building permit to erect a tower or antenna. This is • Avoid metal ladders if there are any utility lines in the
their way to help ensure that the installation follows good prac- vicinity. Assume that any line is energized—including cable
tices and that the installation is safe. Wise amateurs realize that television and telephone lines.
an independent review of drawings and site inspections are ben-
eficial and can result in fewer problems in the future. Power Lines
Towers must have a properly engineered support, both for Hundreds of people have been killed or seriously injured
the tower sections themselves as well as guy wire attachments. when attempting to install or dismantle antennas. In virtually
Sometimes towers are braced to buildings for added support. all cases, the victim was aware of the hazards, including elec-
The Antenna Supports chapter of The ARRL Antenna Book cov- trocution, but did not take the necessary steps to eliminate the
ers this subject in greater detail. Towers are available commer- risks. Never install antennas, towers and masts near power lines.
cially in both guyed and self-supporting styles, and constructed How far away is considered safe? Towers and masts should be
of both steel and aluminum materials. Masts may be wood or installed twice the height of the installation away from power
metal. One popular and inexpensive mast used to support small lines. Every electrical wire must be considered dangerous. If
antennas is the tubular mast often sold for TV antenna use. These the installation should contact power lines, you or those around
come in telescoping sections, in heights from 20 to 50 feet. you could be killed! If you have any questions about power
Aluminum extension ladders are sometimes used for tem- lines, contact your electrical utility, city inspector or a quali-
porary antenna supports, such as at Field Day sites. One prob- fied professional.
lem with this approach is the difficulty in holding down the If, for some reason your tower starts to fall, get away
bottom section while “walking up” the ladder. Do not try to from it immediately. If it touches energized lines it may be
erect this type of support alone. a lethal hazard if you are in contact with the antenna. If
Trees are sometimes pressed into service for holding one a coworker becomes energized, do not touch the person. In-
end of a wire antenna. When using slingshots or arrows to string stead, use an insulated wooden pole to knock the energized
up the antenna, be sure no one is in range before you launch. conductor away from them. Don’t become a victim yourself!
If the person is not breathing, immediately start CPR and
Tower Tips call for emergency assistance.—excerpted from the 2000
• Towers have design load limitations. Make very sure the ARRL Handbook
From June 2001 QST © ARRL

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THE HELP DESK

Antenna and Tower Safety

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