Antenna & Tower Safety

What is required when climbing an antenna tower?

• Have sufficient training on safe tower climbing techniques

• Use appropriate tie-off to the tower at all times

• Always wear an approved climbing harness

• All these choices are correct

Under what circumstances is it safe to climb a tower without a helper or observer?

• When no electrical work is being performed

• When no mechanical work is being performed

• When the work being done is not more than 20 feet above the ground

• Never

Which of the following is an important safety precaution to observe when putting up an antenna tower?

• Wear a ground strap connected to your wrist at all times

• Insulate the base of the tower to avoid lightning strikes

• Look for and stay clear of any overhead electrical wires

• All these choices are correct

What is the purpose of a safety wire through a turnbuckle used to tension guy lines?

• Secure the guy line if the turnbuckle breaks

• Prevent loosening of the turnbuckle from vibration

• Provide a ground path for lightning strikes

• Provide an ability to measure for proper tensioning

What is the minimum safe distance from a power line to allow when installing an antenna?

• Add the height of the antenna to the height of the power line and multiply by a factor of 1.5

• The height of the power line above ground

• 1/2 wavelength at the operating frequency

• Enough so that if the antenna falls, no part of it can come closer than 10 feet to the power wires

Which of the following is an important safety rule to remember when using a crank-up tower?

• This type of tower must never be painted

• This type of tower must never be grounded

• This type of tower must not be climbed unless it is retracted, or mechanical safety locking devices have been installed

• All these choices are correct

Which of the following is good practice when installing ground wires on a tower for lightning protection?

• Put a drip loop in the ground connection to prevent water damage to the ground system

• Make sure all ground wire bends are right angles

• Ensure that connections are short and direct

• All these choices are correct

Which is a proper grounding method for a tower?

• A single four-foot ground rod, driven into the ground no more than 12 inches from the base

• A ferrite-core RF choke connected between the tower and ground

• A connection between the tower base and a cold water pipe

• Separate eight-foot ground rods for each tower leg, bonded to the tower and each other

Why should you avoid attaching an antenna to a utility pole?

• The antenna will not work properly because of induced voltages

• The 60 Hz radiations from the feed line may increase the SWR

• The antenna could contact high-voltage power lines

• All these choices are correct

Which of the following establishes grounding requirements for an amateur radio tower or antenna?

• FCC Part 97 rules

• Local electrical codes

• FAA tower lighting regulations

• UL recommended practices