Hundreds of people are killed each year
because they don't use common sense when
they install their towers or antennas. It
happens more often then you realize. Someone
falls off of a roof or gets electrocuted by
touching a power line with an antenna tower
or metal ladder.
There is no such thing as a good tower site if it
is near electrical power lines. Unfortunately,
most tower systems, and in many cases, the
ladders used during an installation, are metal.
If any metal tower part or ladder touches a
power line, it completes an electrical path
from the power line through the metal tower
and the installer (YOU!).
Don't overload. The design load limit is
16 square feet of antenna on a 2 foot mast
for winds u
to 60 m
h.
DO'S
Do install the tower away from power
lines. Check the distance to the power
lines before you start installing - we
recommend you stay a minimum of twice
the maximum length of the tower
assembly away from all power lines.
Do install the tower on a calm day and
assure yourself of having plenty of
da
li
ht to com
lete installation.
Do stay clear if the tower starts to fall or
come in contact with
ower lines.
Do call the power company to remove
fallen towers from power lines or to help
pick out a safe antenna site.
Do crank tower down to retracted position
when winds are anticipated to exceed 50
mph.
DON'TS
Don't install any tower near power lines.
Don't install a tower on a windy day.
Don't try to do the job by yourself.
Don't try to catch the tower if it starts to fall.
Don't try to remove any metal objects from
the power lines.
Don't be afraid to call the power company
for advice when picking a tower site or
removing a fallen tower from the power
Don't remove winch handle; use safety
chain with lock to secure.
Don't climb tower, use separate ladder or
lower tower with gin pole for antenna
rotator servicin
.
If someone is accidentally electrocuted, don't
touch him or the tower if he is still in contact
with the tower or downed power lines. Use a
dry stick, like a broom handle or wooden
ladder, etc. and in one sweep, push the person
free from the tower or knock the wire away
and off the victim. Have someone call an
ambulance and the power company.
SITE SELECTION
The tower requires a concrete base ap-
proximately 42" x 42" x 72" (1067 mm x 1067
mm x 1829 mm) deep. Among the factors to be
evaluated in selecting a tower site are the types
of earth at the installation site and the
nearness of power lines or overhanging tree
limbs. Soil conditions around the tower
foundation should allow access to the tower
during all weather conditions.
