Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
SBA’S COMMITMENT TO SAFETY ...................................................................................... 1
INCIDENT REPORTING ........................................................................................................ 1
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND RESPONSE ....................................................................... 1
TOWER SITE SECURITY ...................................................................................................... 2
PRE-WORK ASSESSMENT SURVEY .................................................................................. 2
SITE SAFETY OBSERVATIONS & AUDITS.......................................................................... 2
TOOL BOX MEETINGS ......................................................................................................... 2
SAFETY SIGNAGE ................................................................................................................ 3
FALL PROTECTION .............................................................................................................. 3
TOWER RESCUE .................................................................................................................. 7
PERSONNEL HOISTING ....................................................................................................... 7
CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT .......................................................................................... 10
MATERIAL HANDLING & HOUSEKEEPING ....................................................................... 12
FIRE PREVENTION/PROTECTION .................................................................................... 13
CUTTING AND WELDING ................................................................................................... 13
ELECTRICAL ....................................................................................................................... 14
EXCAVATIONS/TRENCHING ............................................................................................. 16
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT............................................................................ 17
HAZARD COMMUNICATION .............................................................................................. 18
RF/EME SAFETY................................................................................................................. 18
POWER & HAND TOOLS .................................................................................................... 20
RAILROAD SAFETY GUIDLINES........................................................................................ 21
TEMPERATURE EXTREMES ............................................................................................. 21
FLEET/DOT SAFETY........................................................................................................... 24
DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................................................... 24
1.
SBA’S COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
SBA Communications Corporation (“SBA”) is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for the
protection of our most vital resource – our employees. The bottom line – “No work assignment is so important that it
should be performed in an unsafe manner”.
SBA’s basic philosophy is that all injuries and accidents can be prevented. All employees, at every level, are expected to
accept responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those with whom they work. There is no place in this
organization for an unsafe employee. ALL SBA employees are subject to disciplinary action for failure to comply with
established health and safety requirements.
SBA will provide all required safety equipment to its employees. It is your responsibility to use and care for the
safety equipment as instructed and to notify your supervisor immediately if you do not have proper safety
equipment or if your safety equipment is defective.
2.
INCIDENT REPORTING
2.1.
Reporting of Work-Related Injuries/Illnesses and Near Misses
The reporting, investigation, and documentation of work related injuries/illnesses and near misses is recognized as
the most important first-step in controlling and preventing workplace accidents.
The proper SBA form shall be used to report any work-related incident. All forms shall be completed immediately
following the incident and returned to your Health and Safety Manager and Insurance Administrator.
Investigations of incidents will be conducted as soon as possible following the incident.
SBA’s W orker’s Compensation Reporting Worksheet shall also be completed if the injured party seeks medical
attention. The Supervisor, in conjunction with the injured employee, must complete the form. Any position included
in Exhibit A of SBA’s Drug and Alcohol Policy must undergo mandatory post-accident drug screening.
If the work-related injury does not require medical attention, SBA’s First-Aid Report must be completed and
returned to your Health and Safety Manager.
2.2.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
A verbal report of all motor vehicle accidents shall be made immediately after an accident.
SBA’s Collision Reporting Form must be completed and submitted the day of the accident to
the Health and Safety Manager..
A post-accident urinalysis may be required after the accident. Contact SBA’s Health and
Safety Manager or your Insurance Administrator for instructions.
3.
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND RESPONSE
SBA requires that all project sites take the steps necessary to properly plan and
prepare for emergencies (e.g., fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, medical, inclement
weather, snow/ice storms, etc.) which may occur on our project sites.
The Pre-Work Assessment Survey Form contains all local emergency services
numbers, company contact information, and directions to the work site and
nearest hospital. A designated Evacuation Point (Safe Area) that will serve as a
gathering point in the event of an emergency shall be identified and
communicated to all site personnel.
All SBA worksites shall have a minimum of one person on site at all times who holds a current First-Aid and CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification from the American Red Cross (or equivalent).
When contacting emergency services, the primary method will be by cellular telephone. If cellular service is not available
on the work site, field supervision shall determine the nearest communication point that cellular service is available.
1|Page
When an emergency situation occurs, one person will be given the responsibility to go to the designated location and
make the call to the required emergency services.
4.
TOWER SITE SECURITY
4.1.
Security During Construction
The most significant security risks during the tower construction phase are vandalism, theft of tools and equipment,
and workplace violence by, or injury to, non-authorized individuals. The following guidelines shall be observed as
much as feasible during tower construction:
5.
•
Indicate the perimeter of the tower site with barrier tape, and have the security fence erected as early in
the site work as feasible
•
Be observant of site conditions and prevent unknown persons from accessing the site
•
Establish access points for vehicles, and park so as to limit access to the site
•
Clean up the site at the end of each shift, placing tools and equipment in locked containers
•
Require that site visitors be escorted at all times
•
Lock out or remove the keys from equipment prior to departure from the site at the end of the day
•
Excavations left overnight must be protected and secured from unauthorized entry
•
Ensure all equipment and materials are secured and left in a safe and stable condition
•
Post SBA’s 4-in-1 Safety Sign
PRE-WORK ASSESSMENT SURVEY
It is the responsibility of field supervision to perform a Pre-W ork Assessment Survey of the jobsite to identify
all hazards. As a result of the Pre-Work Assessment Survey, necessary safety measures must be taken to
eliminate identified hazards.
Safety hazards and control measures in the Pre-W ork Assessment Survey shall be discussed with field crews
prior to the start of work, and on a periodic basis (i.e., daily, weekly).
The Pre-Work Assessment Survey shall be reviewed each day and revised, if necessary, to ensure that hazards have not
changed.
The Pre-Work Assessment Survey must be located in an area that is known to all employees and remain onsite during the
duration of the job.
6.
SITE SAFETY OBSERVATIONS & AUDITS
It is the responsibility of SBA employees and subcontractors to conduct and document site safety observations,
inspections, and audits.
6.1.
Safety Observations
All site employees are responsible for performing daily safety observations that consisting of jobsite walkthroughs,
equipment inspections, identification of unsafe work practices and conditions, or non-compliance issues. All
identified hazards shall be corrected at the time of observation or temporary measures must be taken to control the
hazard.
6.2.
Safety Audits
The Health and Safety Manager will conduct periodic safety audits which will consist of a site walkthrough to identify
any unsafe conditions, work practices, or non-compliance issues and review of required safety documentation. The
purpose of these inspections will be to review compliance with federal, state, and provincial regulations, consensus
standards, and SBA health and safety requirements. The inspection findings will be reviewed and discussed with
field supervision.
7.
TOOL BOX MEETINGS
Toolbox meetings are presented to ensure proper instruction is provided to employees in recognition and avoidance of
unsafe work practices and conditions. The topics are prepared and furnished by the Health and Safety Department and
presented by onsite supervision. Alternate topics may be presented based upon relevance to current site hazards.
2|Page
The presenting supervisor should utilize the meeting presentation to solicit input and feedback regarding site hazards and
safety measures. Toolbox meetings should be conducted weekly, documented, and the records maintained onsite. The
documentation must include date, topic, and workers in attendance.
8.
SAFETY SIGNAGE
On all SBA project sites where construction activities are present, the SBA 4-in-1 sign must be
posted identifying the potential hazards in the construction zone. This sign must be posted
where there is possible entry into the construction area.
9.
FALL PROTECTION
It is a requirement of SBA with regard to the hazards of elevated work that all employees and
contractors maintain 100% fall protection at all times. Elevated work is considered work on
elevated surfaces that have an unprotected side or leading edge that is 6 feet or more above a
lower level.
The following section identifies the specific field safety requirements for safe work practices and fall protection equipment
for hazards associated with elevated work while working on communication towers, including antennas, broadcast,
stealth, rooftops, and other structures that support communication-related equipment.
9.1.
General Requirements
100% fall protection, compatible with the tasks assigned, is to be provided, used, and maintained pursuant with this
program when personnel are exposed to falls in excess of 6 feet.
Positioning devices SHALL NOT be used in place of a PFAS, and their use will be considered free climbing. Free
climbing is strictly prohibited.
9.2.
Job Planning
All projects requiring climbing shall be planned by a competent person. Pre-job planning shall include identification
of primary and alternate climbing routes, evaluation of obstructions, qualifications/training of climbers, personal fall
arrest system (PFAS), and any other factors associated with climbing activities.
9.3.
Fall Protection Systems Evaluation
On an ongoing basis, the competent person shall evaluate work operations, climbing facilities, weather conditions,
and PFAS to determine if any modifications to the pre-job plan are required.
9.4.
Inspection
PFAS shall be inspected and the inspection documented by a trained employee daily (or prior to use) for wear,
damage, defect, or other deterioration. Defective equipment shall be identified and tagged as unsafe and
immediately removed from service.
9.5.
Training/Qualifications
Before performing work at heights above 6 feet employees must receive required fall protection training.
. Competent Climber/Rescue training shall be provided.through a NATE CTS approved vendor.
9.6.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)
•
Employees must pre-plan their climbing activities to insure they have the proper PFAS components to
perform the job safely.
•
PFAS will require at least a full-body harness with shock absorbing lanyards or retractable lifeline and
an anchorage point rated at 5000 pounds.
•
Positioning devices SHALL NOT be used in place of a fall arrest system and will be considered “Free
Climbing”. Free Climbing is not permitted.
9.6.1.
Anchorage Points
• All anchorage points for personal fall arrest systems shall be capable of supporting 5000
pounds per employee attached.
3|Page
•
Whenever possible, an overhead anchorage point should be selected to reduce the
contact hazards and forces associated with a fall.
•
Anchorage points for vertical and horizontal lifelines shall be independent of any other
system and shall be capable of supporting 5000 pounds per employee using the
anchorage.
•
All safety lines and lanyards shall be protected against being cut or abraded.
•
When vertical lifelines (drop lines) are used, no more than one employee shall be
attached to any one lifeline. Lines used with rope grabs must be a minimum of 5/8-inch
diameter.
When more than one employee is using a horizontal lifeline, the lifeline shall be capable
of supporting 5000 pounds per employee or an engineered safety factor of two (2) shall
be maintained, based on a worst case scenario.
NOTE: Step bolts may not be used as anchorage points.
•
Connecting
Device
9.6.2.
9.6.3.
Fall Restraint
Anchorage Point
Body Harness
Body Harness (Full)
• A personal fall arrest system shall include a full-body harness that is properly fitted to the
worker and utilized to manufacturer’s specifications.
•
The use of a body belt is prohibited as an approved PFAS.
•
Prior to accessing towers or rooftops, employees must conduct an inspection of PPE,
and complete the PFAS Equipment Checklist form. The completed forms must remain
accessible and at the job site at all times. During inspection, damaged PPE found must
be removed from service immediately.
Connecting Devices
• A twin shock-absorbing lanyard shall be utilized to attach from the full-body harness to an
approved anchor or connection point;
•
The attachment point of the lanyard to the body harness shall be to the D-ring in the
center of the wearer’s back;
•
Snap hooks shall be double self-locking type and shall not be connected to each other;
and
•
Connection devices, including carabineers, cross-arm straps, self-retractable lifelines,
snap hooks, cable/rope grab, lanyards, etc., shall be utilized to manufacturer’s
specifications.
9.7.
Elevated Tower Work
The following safety precautions are intended to inform all personnel working in elevated positions of the skills and
techniques necessary to safely install and rig towers.
•
Review tower erection drawings and the Pre-W ork Assessment Survey to identify potential hazards and
control measures associated with elevated work activities.
•
Plan for the use, removal, and installation of temporary vertical lifelines prior to lifting of the tower section
if possible.
•
Inspect all tools, equipment, and rigging to ensure it is in a safe and reliable condition.
•
Inspect for signs of structural deterioration to concrete bases or anchorages, and look for missing braces,
bolts, cracks, guyed wires, holes etc.
4|Page
•
Assemble tower sections on the ground to minimize potential fall hazards to employees.
•
Use tag lines when lifting tower components by crane or other means.
•
When stacking towers, each section going up shall have a vertical lifeline for each person. The lifeline
must be continuous and secured from the top of the structure to ground level.
•
Discuss and select the safest path of travel to access, ascend, and descend the tower.
•
Install the permanent safety climb system as soon as possible.
•
Confirm the condition of the climbing pegs, safety climb device, and other structural connections to
ensure its safe condition.
•
If the structure has an existing ladder and safety climb device, employees will access the work
locations using the ladder and safety climb.
It is expected that only qualified climbers section will inspect the tower and the safety
•
climb prior to use.
This policy will assist in ensuring tower crews are properly accessing tower safety climbs as
•
•
well as identifying existing safety climbs that do meet OSHA, TIA222-G, ANSI, or other
regulatory requirements.
If the structure has no existing ladder or safety climb device the following steps will be taken:
•
The first climber will climb the structure using the leapfrog procedure (double-leg lanyard). W hen the
climber reaches the work location he/she will rig a 5/8” lifeline for fall protection.
•
Once rigged, employees may access the tower utilizing the lifeline in conjunction with a rope grab
device.
Note: Only one employee shall be on the lifeline at a time.
•
Wave-guides shall not be used as climbing devices or for personal fall arrest/positioning anchorage points.
•
Keep alert for severe weather conditions that may alter your climbing plan.
9.7.1. Monopoles
Review the tower manufacturer’s drawings to determine the allowable overlap values for slip joint
assemblies. Inspection of the internal area of the slip joint and mating surfaces shall be conducted
prior to the erection of the tower sections.
The following are fall protection measures to be followed when stacking a monopole:
•
Attach a 5/8” vertical lifeline (rope) to the top of each tower section being raised. As each section
is raised, attach a rope grab device to the lifeline prior to climbing each section.
•
All sections of the tower will be rigged at a point where the tower climber can detach the rigging,
while still maintaining 100% fall protection.
•
While transferring from one tower section to the next section, the climber must maintain 100% fall
protection.
•
After attaching the fall arrest lanyard, detach the rope grab device from the lifeline and re-attach
to the rope that was flown with the new section to be installed. This method of fall protection will
be used for all sections being installed.
Anchorage points for lifelines can be accomplished by attaching a Step Bolt Anchor Bracket to
the upper most step bolt on the tower section being raised. This anchorage point is also utilized
for fall arrest when transferring from one section to the next, as described above.
AT NO TIME SHALL THE TOWER CLIMBER ATTACH TO THE HEADACHE BALL TO GAIN
ACCESS TO THE TOP OF THE MONOPOLE SECTION(S).
•
9.7.2.
Guyed Tower
• Guyed towers are not self-supporting at any height; use of temporary steel guys may be
required.
• Guy wires shall be free of kinks.
• Guy wires shall be grounded by mechanical means.
5|Page
• All guy anchors must be thoroughly inspected
below grade for corrosion and damage.
9.7.3. Support Arms/Booms
Evaluate the boom stability including anticipated load, potential work surface, and anchorage point.
Secure anchorage points on the tower structure, not on the boom or arm.
6|Page
9.8.
Rooftop Work
The following safety precautions are intended to inform all personnel working on rooftops of the requirements
necessary to safely perform elevated work.
•
During the Pre-Work Assessment Survey, rooftop anchorage points will be identified and documented on
the Rooftop Fall Protection Checklist.
•
The Rooftop Fall Protection Checklist should be completed by field supervision and discussed with all
crew members prior to the start of work and periodically during the project.
•
The existing parapet wall or guardrail system shall be least 39 inches in height and protect employees
while working on a rooftop..
•
A warning line system shall be employed 15 feet from the roof’s unprotected side/edge. The warning line
system shall meet the following requirements:
•
The warning line shall be flagged at not more than 6-foot (1.8 m) intervals;
•
The warning line shall be positioned between 34 and 39 inches from the working surface;
•
The warning line supports shall be capable of resisting a force of at least 16 pounds.
•
The warning line shall have a minimum tensile strength of 500 pounds.
•
Points of roof access shall be connected to the work area by a path formed by two warning lines.
•
A PFAS connected to an adequate anchorage point shall be utilized for all rooftop work outside the
warning line.
•
Fall hazards including roof openings, skylights, access hatches, etc., shall be covered, barricaded, or
exposed workers equipped with a proper PFAS.
•
Roof opening covers shall meet the following requirements:
•
Able to withstand at least twice of the weight of employees, equipment, and materials.
•
•
Secured to prevent accidental displacement.
Marked with the word Hole or Cover.
•
Equipment and materials must be kept away from the roof’s edge.
9.9.
Controlled Descent
The following requirements identify the skills, techniques, and equipment to be used during a controlled descent:
•
The act of rappelling by employees and subcontractors to a lower elevation is strictly prohibited.
•
During the Pre-Work Assessment Survey the hazards and necessary control measures will be identified
and documented on the Controlled Descent Checklist.
•
The Controlled Descent Checklist should be completed by field supervision and discussed with all crew
members prior to the start of work and periodically during the project.
•
Vertical lifelines used in controlled descent applications shall not be used for equipment hoisting activities.
•
Maintain 100% fall protection when maneuvering into a position on the structure above the lower work
location.
•
Connect 5/8-inch vertical lifeline to a 5000-pound anchorage point at a position that is within arm’s reach
from attachment point for the descent line.
•
Attach 3-foot fall-arrest lanyard to back D-ring and the rope grab to the 5/8-inch vertical lifeline.
•
Connect descent line to a 5000 pound anchorage point above the work location.
•
Attach the descender to the descent line and PFAS per manufacturer’s specifications.
•
Ensure the descending device is secure, slowly lower yourself down into a descent position. NOTE: The
descent line will initially stretch slightly as weight is applied.
•
When ready to begin controlled descent feed the rope through the descending device as needed to
control the rate of descent.
7|Page
10.
TOWER RESCUE
The following requirements identify the steps to be taken when providing
emergency assistance for rescue and/or removal of an injured worker from
an elevated workstation.
• All employees and subcontractors that will be working on towers
or rooftops shall be certified in Tower Safety and Rescue from an
approved NATE CTS Vendor
• Prior to work, the tower crew will hold a tailgate meeting to
discuss the plan for rescue, in addition to job hazards and scope of work.
• To ensure all hazards, control measures, and rescue information is
communicated to each employee the crew shall conduct a Pre-Work Assessment Survey that include:
• Rescue method and equipment to be used;
• Location of rescue equipment and first-aid kits must be at the base of the tower structure;
• Longitude and latitude numbers;
• Directions and map to site;
• All emergency numbers and contact numbers.
• The use of capstan hoist for rescue is strictly prohibited.
• In the event of a medical emergency, emergency personnel should be notified prior to conducting further
medical assessment, treatment, or rescue.
• Lead person on site will obtain all rescue equipment, determine/assign additional rescue personnel roles, and
initiate rescue.
• The rescuer will rig a controlled descent (load) line above the injured employee as close as possible to the injured
employee.
• The rescuer will connect their descending device to the load line and descend into position to connect to the
victim.
• After utilizing the breaking device on the descender to lock off, the rescuer will then rig the trail end of the rope to
an ascender and pulley creating a Z rig haul system.
• The rescuer will then attach a pickoff strap to the injured employee’s
back D-ring. The strap will then be attached to the controlled descent device (not to the rescuer’s harness).
• Utilizing the haul system, the rescuer will raise the injured employee enough to disengage the employee’s fall
arrest lanyard or suspension device.
• The rescuer will then remove the injured employee from his fall arrest or suspension device, remove the haul
system and lower the employee safely to the ground.
• First aid should be administered to the injured employee by a first-aid/CPR-trained person until the local
emergency medical team arrives.
• Contact the Health and Safety Manager as soon as possible.
• The site and all equipment should be secured until a proper accident investigation can be performed.
11.
PERSONNEL HOISTING
The following section identifies the safety requirements involved during hoisting
personnel using cranes and aerial lifts.
This procedure does not include the following methods for lifting personnel.
These methods are last alternatives when conventional means of accessing
the tower have been reviewed and considered not feasible. These methods
are prohibited without authorization from the SBA Director of Risk
Management. All requests must be in writing and submitted to the
Health and Safety Manager.
8|Page
11.1.
•
Man-rated base-mounted/drum hoists
•
Catheads/capstans
•
Gin poles
•
Riding the line, ball, or load
Personnel Platform/Manbasket
11.1.1. Job Planning
The use of cranes or derricks to hoist employees on personnel platforms/manbaskets shall only be
used when no safe alternative personnel lifting method is feasible.
Field supervision should ensure that the Personnel Hoisting Permit is completed and all requirements
have been fulfilled before hoisting any personnel. All elements of the permit must be completed prior
to the lift and include:
•
Job information
•
Rating of lifting equipment
•
Pre-lift meeting
•
Trial lift
•
Equipment inspection
• Approval signatures
The crew will complete a new permit each day of the project, and any time there is a change made to
the crane location, boom angle, rigging equipment, load, or design of the lift.
The permit shall be maintained and available for review at the jobsite until the job is complete.
11.1.2. Crane
• The crane shall have a copy of the annual inspection on site.
•
The crane must have a boom angle indicator that is visible to the operator. Cranes with
telescoping booms must be equipped with a device that clearly shows the boom’s extended
length or the load radius must accurately determined before hoisting employees.
•
The crane must be equipped with an operational anti-two block.
•
The crane must be within 1% level and outriggers should be placed on uniformed cribbing.
•
Hooks shall be equipped with a positive locking safety latch.
•
The combined weight of the loaded platform and its rigging must not exceed 50% of the rated
capacity of the crane.
•
Guide-lines (tag lines) shall be used to prevent employees from contacting the tower during
hoisting. Specific circumstances or condition that precludes its use must be documented.
11.1.3. Personnel Platform
• The personnel platform must be designed with a minimum safety factor of five and must be
designed by a qualified engineer or a qualified person who is competent in structural design.
•
The platform must have a permanent marking or plate showing the rated capacity and the
platform’s weight. The load of the personnel platform may not exceed its rated capacity.
•
The platform must be rigged to the load block to minimize excess swaying or tipping due to
movement of the personnel.
•
The personnel platform must be provided with standard guardrail system that is enclosed from
the toeboard to the midrail. The platform will have a grab rail, overhead protection when needed,
and adequate headroom. If access gate is provided the gate must have a lock device in place
during hoisting.
11.1.4. Rigging
• When hoisting personnel the wire rope must be capable of lifting seven times the maximum
permitted load.
9|Page
•
Bridles used as a connection for the platform must not be used for any other purpose.
•
When a wire rope bridle is used to connect the platform to the load line, the crew will ensure the
bridle legs are connected to a master link or shackle.
11.1.5. Pre-Lift Meeting
Field supervision will conduct a pre-lift meeting prior to the load test, trial lift, and inspection. The prelift will be repeated each time a lift is performed from a new location, or new day, or when a new
worker is assigned to the operation.
Field supervision, crane operator, and workers will attend the meeting to discuss the following:
•
Communications
•
Verbal/Hand Signals/Radio
•
Hoisting Procedures
•
Lift Test, Proof Test, and Inspections
11.1.6. Proof Testing, Trial Lift, and Inspections
Immediately prior to placing personnel on the hoist line, the supervisor with the crew shall conduct a
trial lift, proof test, and inspection. All proof tests, trial lifts, and inspections shall be documented and
remain on site until the project is complete.
The crew will conduct a proof test to 125% of the platform’s rated capacity by holding it in a
suspended position for five minutes with an evenly distributed load. This test can be accomplished
using a dynamometer at the base of the tower or using a pre-determined load. For example, if the
rated capacity of the man basket is 1000 pounds, the load weight for the proof test must be 1250
pounds. (1000*1.25=1250).
Once the proof test has been conducted the crew will perform a trial lift. The trial lift will be performed
from the ground to the location to which the employees will be hoisted. The hoist operator shall
determine that no interference exists.
After the proof test and trial lift are complete the competent person shall perform an inspection of:
•
Wire ropes to ensure they are properly seated on drums and sheaves
•
Hoist, base support, foundation
• Multiple part lines to see that they are not twisted
If defects are found during the inspections, corrections must be made and the proof test, trial lift, and
inspection must be repeated. Also, the proof test, trial lift, and inspections must be repeated
whenever the hoist is moved. W hen the project requires multiple days, the proof test, trial lift, and
inspection must be repeated each day.
11.1.7. Safe Operations during Personnel Lifting
• Workers will use PFAS as specified by Personnel Hoisting Permit and attach lanyard to the
personnel platform, lower load block, or the overhead ball.
•
Workers shall keep all body parts inside the platform during raising, lowering, and positioning.
•
Workers shall work from the platform floor; ensure platform is secured prior to exiting or entering.
•
All materials and tools must be secured to
prevent falling from platform.
•
Hoisted employees shall stay in direct view or
communication with the crane operator at all
times. In some cases a signal person may be
used.
•
The crane operator must be at the controls
when the platform is occupied.
•
Stop all hoisting operations during high winds
or inclement weather.
9|Page
11.1.8. Aerial Lifts
• Read and comply with all warning signs and become familiar with the operator’s manual.
•
12.
Do not utilize the aerial lift to hoist construction materials or exceed the platform capacity or
weight limits.
•
Use lift only to hoist personnel and small hand tools.
•
Maintain 100% fall protection within the platform/basket.
•
Attach PFAS to approved anchor point inside the platform/basket. Do not attach PFAS to point
outside the platform/basket.
•
Ensure employees receive aerial lift orientation from the equipment rental company when the
equipment is delivered to jobsite.
•
Operator of aerial lift shall perform and document a visual inspection prior to use.
•
Do not stand on mid or top rail of platform to access work position.
CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
•
Inspect equipment daily before use.
•
Only trained and/or certified individuals are permitted to operate power
driven construction equipment.
12.1.
Cranes, Hoists, Boom Trucks
• Ensure a fire extinguisher is present at the operator’s station.
• Post a load chart.
• Boom angle indicator must be visible from operator’s station.
• Understand standard hand signals.
• Keep annual and monthly inspection records at
jobsite.
• Conduct visual inspection prior to use (e.g., daily).
Any deficiencies noted during the inspection shall
be properly addressed prior to crane operations.
• Use outriggers with rubber-tired cranes. Use steel
plates or solid wood for outrigger cribbing.
• Barricade the counterweight swing area.
• When mounting hoists, consideration should be given to proper sizing, alignment, lifting capacity, and
load to ensure that the hoist is operated within safe limits.
• Winch assemblies shall have a positive means of attaching the wire rope to the drum, maintaining a
minimum of three wraps of wire rope on the drum, and maintaining wire rope on drum 3 inches below
top of flange. Winch assemblies shall be equipped with a primary and secondary brake system that is
capable of holding 125% of the hoist lifting capacity.
• Hoist brakes shall be capable of controlling descent of the load, stopping the load (without shock
loading).
• Hoist controls shall be easily accessible, clearly marked, be capable to start/stop the load in
emergency conditions, and be maintained to operate as designed.
• Hoists that are overloaded or repaired shall be inspected and load tested prior to being returned to
service.
• Capstans shall maintain a minimum of three wraps of wire rope on the drum and maintain wire rope on
drum 3 inches below top of flange.
• Ropes should be removed from the drum of the capstans when not in use.
• Capstans shall not be used to raise or lower personnel or to lift loads directly over personnel.
• Do not lift loads over personnel or work under suspended loads.
• Operators must be certified.
10 | P a g e
• Critical Lifts – A Critical Lift Permit shall be completed prior to all lifts which if collision, upset, or
dropping the load could involve any of the following:
•
•
•
12.2.
Lifting of personnel or over occupied areas;
The load exceeds 90% of the crane capacity as shown on the manufacturer’s load charts
for the crane configuration to be used; and
Lifts utilizing more than one crane (tandem lifts) handling a common load.
Gin Poles
• Only manufactured gin poles with certified capacity shall be used on any SBA site.
• A load-rating chart provided by the manufacturer shall remain with the gin pole at all times.
• Gin poles shall be inspected during assembly prior to use on a specific project, after any abnormal
occurrence, and annually. Onsite inspections can consist of a visual inspection and be performed by
site personnel knowledgeable in use of the gin pole. The annual inspection shall be a more thorough
inspection that is documented and performed by a qualified person.
• Lubrication of the “rooster head” bearings and pulleys should be performed prior to placing the gin pole
into use.
• Sizing and adjustment of the side plates and sheave should be considered to ensure smooth and safe
movement of the wire rope through the rooster head.
• Tracks to guide and support the gin pole should be in place and properly adjusted to ensure the load is
secured.
• A mechanism shall be in place to prevent the gin pole from tipping during the jumping process.
• Riding gin poles is prohibited at all times.
12.3.
Rigging
• The design, construction, inspection, maintenance, and operation of slings, shackles, links, blocks,
lifting eyes, hooks, crossarm straps, and other lifting components shall be in compliance with
applicable regulatory and manufacturer requirements.
• All rigging and hoisting components shall be stamped or tagged with appropriate load
ratings/capacities.
• Homemade rigging components are prohibited.
• Workers rigging loads shall inspect all rigging and lifting devices prior to each use.
• If defects are found, the equipment must be taken out of service and tagged “Danger, Do Not Use –
Defective” or destroyed.
• Know the weight of the load being lifted and the capacity of the lifting equipment.
• Do not secure or shorten slings by knotting or using bolts.
• Pad or protect slings from sharp edges.
• Secure materials being hoisted.
• Be aware that when using cable clamps
on wire rope, the “U” section must be in
contact with the dead end of the rope.
• Loads shall be centered in the lifting component and hooks should never be tip or back loaded.
• Use only hooks with a spring loaded safety latch
• Use a shackle whenever more than two-chocker eyes are placed on a hook and do not exceed a sling
to load angle of 30˚.
• Use the shackle with the pin up.
12.4.
Ladders
• Ladders must be rated for industrial or heavy-duty use (Class 1A).
11 | P a g e
• All ladders shall be inspected for defects or damage prior to each use. Damaged ladders must be
removed from service.
• Face and maintain three points of contact while ascending and descending a ladder.
• Use a rope and bucket for carrying or lifting material.
• Do not use metal ladders around or near electric lines.
• Do not tie ladders together.
• Correct slope for a straight/extension ladder is 1 to 4. That
means 1 foot from the base for every 4 feet of height.
• Extend a straight/extension ladder 3 feet above top landing.
• Open and lock stepladders fully and do not fold ladders and
use in place of a straight ladder.
• Do not stand or step on the top platform or top step.
12.5.
Scaffolds
•
13.
Only approved SBA scaffold subcontractors shall serve as the Competent Person for scaffold assembly,
disassembly, alteration, movement, and repair.
•
Scaffolds shall be inspected before each work shift.
•
Guardrails, midrails, and toe boards shall be installed on all open sides or
edges.
•
Place scaffolds on secure footing. Unstable objects, such as boards, boxes,
loose brick, or hollow concrete block must not be used.
•
Report any damage immediately.
•
Do not climb on or work from the cross bracing, top rail, or mid rail of a scaffold.
•
Use approved fall protection equipment if guardrails are not used.
•
Equip scaffolds with ladders and do not climb structural members.
•
Do not remain on scaffolds when they are being moved.
MATERIAL HANDLING & HOUSEKEEPING
All materials shall be properly stacked and secured to prevent sliding, falling or collapse. Aisles, steps and walkways shall
be kept clear for the safe movement of employees and equipment.
Use proper lifting techniques when handling materials:
Bend at the
knees and not
at the waist.
13.1.
•
Establish good footing before attempting to lift.
•
Do not lean over. Keep your back straight.
•
Bend your knees and get down close to the load.
•
Use your legs when lifting.
•
Whenever possible use mechanical aids to reduce the amount of lifting.
Housekeeping
During project planning, considerations must be made for the adequate disposal of scrap, waste, and
surplus materials.
•
Hazards associated with poor housekeeping include:
•
Tripping over loose objects on floors, stairs, rooftops, and platforms;
•
Slipping on greasy, wet or dirty surfaces;
•
Elevating the potential for a fire from poorly stored materials and equipment.
•
Pipes and conduit not stored in racks or stacked to prevent movement.
•
Work areas shall be kept clear of loose materials, extra tools, unnecessary equipment, scraps, and
made orderly throughout the day.
12 | P a g e
• Spills such as petroleum products or fuels shall be isolated and cleaned up immediately.
• The open burning of construction debris and waste materials is strictly forbidden.
•
14.
FIRE PREVENTION/PROTECTION
•
Use approved metal safety cans for storage and dispensing of flammable liquids (i.e., gasoline).
•
Store flammable materials in a well-ventilated area.
•
If 25 gallons or more of flammable material are onsite; they must be stored in a flameproof cabinet when not in
use.
•
Portable fire extinguishers shall be accessible.
•
Combustible materials (e.g., wood, paper, and packaging) shall be stored and protected from sources of ignition.
15.
•
Electrical cords, ropes, or other similar materials must be routed to minimize the potential for trips and
falls and removed as soon as they are no longer needed.
CUTTING AND WELDING
•
Always store cylinders in an upright position, capped, secured, and protected from being struck.
•
Do not store oxygen cylinders within 20 feet of flammable gases.
•
Cylinders being transported and stored should have regulators removed and valve protection caps in place.
•
All gas fittings and connections should be free from oil, grease, and excess dirt prior to fitting to torch or regulator.
•
Use appropriate PPE (i.e., welding hood, cutting goggles, leather gloves) when cutting or welding. Synthetic
materials (e.g., polyester) that melt easily should be avoided. W here required, workers must wear appropriate
respiratory protection.
•
Before cutting or welding, inspect the area for flammable or combustible materials. Relocate materials prior to
cutting or welding (for materials that cannot be removed fire protection is required, i.e., fire blankets).
•
It is mandatory to have a 10lb. ABC portable fire extinguisher available prior to cutting or welding.
•
A trained Fire Watch shall be assigned whenever hot work is performed. The Fire Watch shall maintain a
continuous uninterrupted watch over hot work operations and for thirty minutes thereafter.
Hotwork may require multiple fire watches.
15.1.
Guidelines for Port Hole Cutting/Installation
•
Actions taken prior to port cutting: (2 person crew minimum)
•
Complete the SBA Pre W ork Assessment Survey with sub-contractor(s).
•
Review the hazards involved with port cutting.
•
Review the environment around the site and plan for fire watch (if applicable).
•
Have all fire prevention equipment brought out for inspection and review of placement.
•
Fire Extinguishers (minimum of two 10lb ABC)
•
Fire Blankets (minimum of 2)
•
Water present on site for fire prevention
•
Have the tools for port cutting, welding and tower climbing brought out and inspected.
•
Review certifications for welders and climbers for current certification.
•
Review with crew the placement of workers and fire prevention equipment on the ground (whose
on fire watch, who’s on water etc.).
•
Install temporary ¾” plywood covers over ice bridges and vulnerable equipment to protect against
possible fire and falling materials
•
Inspect structure to determine coax location and identify/remove possible flammable material.
•
Reciprocation saws and metal cutting circular saws/grinders with carbide blade/disc and depth
gauge are recommended for cutting structural steel.
13 | P a g e
•
•
Coax cables shall be bundled to maintain a minimum 6 inches clearance from the surface of any
section to be cut or take other measures to protect cables.
Process for top port cutting:
•
OXY fuel gas or plasma cutting (i.e. cutting torches) on structures is Strictly Prohibited.
•
Flush inside of monopoles with water while cutting monopole sections to extinguish hot airborne
material.
•
Have all persons dispatch to their watch area.
•
Have all exposed coax, in the pole, wetted down as necessary.
•
Have welder/climber climb the tower and assess the tower for safety and for location of port(s).
•
Once assessment is made have the welder mark the outline of the port for cutting purposes,
using port for template.
• Begin cutting the port ensuring that no more than a total gap of 3/16” and it is a round cut.
NOTE: Only one port at a time will be cut and welded before moving to next port location.
16.
•
Once port is cut, photos will be taken of the cut.
•
At this point, all members of the ground crew will verify that there are no issues in the pole and
around it.
•
The welder will begin to weld the port into place. There will be NO continuous welding.
•
While the weld is cooling, again everyone on the ground will verify the pole for excessive slag and
sparks; then wet the area and proceed with the next weld.
•
The welder will then precede to the next location for the port cutting.
•
Only one welder is permitted to weld on the structure at any one time. No simultaneous welding.
•
Pictures are to be taken of all the welded ports.
ELECTRICAL
16.1.
•
All SBA employees and subcontractors shall be informed of the existence and associated hazards posed
by the energized electrical systems that exist on the project site through the Pre-Work Assessment
Survey.
•
All electrical circuits must be placed into an “electrically safe work condition” (i.e., de-energized, locked
out, and tested/verified, prior to performing work on the electrical components, equipment and wiring,
etc.). W orking on “live”, energized electrical components, equipment, and wiring is not permitted, except
when de-energizing the equipment introduces additional or increased hazards or is not feasible due to
equipment design or operational limitations.
Safe Electrical Work Practices
•
Operating Electrical Disconnects – Ensure that the door or panel cover of the switch compartment
is closed and securely latched or in place and fastened properly. Before operating the switch, stand to
the side of the enclosure door or cover to position yourself away from the line of fire should an arc
blast occur. Look away from the switch and use your non-dominant hand to operate the switch while
keeping the free hand from making contact with any surface of the equipment or surrounding
structure.
•
Working Space and Clearances – To prevent electrical shock, personnel must maintain a safe
distance from any energized electrical wiring or equipment operating at 50 volts or more. Keep areas
in front of all electrical cabinets and panels clear for 36 inches and ensure the access door can be
opened at least 90 degrees.
•
Work Near Overhead Power Lines – Any nonqualified person, vehicle, or mechanical equipment
working in an elevated position near overhead power lines must maintain at least a 10 foot clearance
(in reference to the closest conductive object near the power line) for voltages to ground of 50 kV or
below and an additional 4 inches for every 10 kV over 50 kV. If work is to be performed on overhead
lines closer than the clearance requirements as identified under W orking Space and Clearances, the
lines must be de-energized and grounded, insulated, and/or the work performed by a Qualified
Person(s).
14 | P a g e
•
Electrical Boxes and Cabinets – Each outdoor box will be weather-tight, and have a cover,
faceplate, or fixture canopy. All openings not in use will be closed with a plug or cover. Covers for
boxes carrying over 600 volts, nominal will be marked HIGH VOLTAGE. Never use electrical cabinets
for storage. Do not use conduit to support equipment, pipe, or other conduit.
•
Labeling and Marking of Electrical Equipment – All electrical distribution equipment, panels, and
cabinets of 50 volts or higher will be clearly labeled identifying the voltages present and for general
Arc Flash Hazard warning. Every disconnect means shall be clearly labeled to indicate which
electrical apparatus it controls.
•
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) shall be
installed on all circuit breakers for construction power. All flexible cords will be used in conjunction
with a GFCI “pigtail” in addition to the GFCI receptacles on the site.
•
Voltage-Rated Tools – All work on electrical components, equipment, and wiring will be done only
using insulated tools rated for at least the voltage present in the system on which work is being
performed.
•
Flexible Cords –
•
•
•
Flexible cords (extension cords) used with grounding-type equipment must contain an equipmentgrounding conductor. No flat cords.
•
Flexible cords and cables shall not be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of the structure, run
through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors, run through doorways, windows, or similar opening,
attached to building surfaces, or concealed behind building walls, ceilings or floors.
•
At no time should flexible cords be spliced or taped together.
•
Portable cord equipment, plug-connected equipment, and flexible cord sets must be visually
inspected before use on each shift for external defects and evidence of possible internal damage.
•
DO NOT use flexible cords to raise, lower, or pull portable electrical equipment.
•
Ensure hands are dry when plugging and unplugging flexible cords and extension cords.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) –
• Wear the level of PPE suitable for protection against the electrical and arc flash hazard that
exists, as indicated on the Arc Hazard Warning label on the equipment.
•
Standard PPE for qualified electrical personnel include a flame retardant shirt and pants with
minimum rating of 8 cal/cm2 with cotton t-shirt, voltage-rated hard hat, safety glasses, and
hearing protection. Shirt sleeves shall be completely rolled down and fastened at the wrist. From
this minimum, the arc flash labeling or system voltage level present will be used to determine the
PPE level required.
•
Dielectric insulated gloves (00 rated voltage gloves) with leather outer glove will be used while
performing energized electrical work on systems above 250 volts to ground. Gloves should be
certified once every six months.
•
Wearing conductive jewelry or clothing (e.g. watch bands, bracelets, rings, necklaces, key chains,
cloth with conductive thread) while performing electrical work is strictly prohibited.
Lockout Tagout Procedure
• Notify all affected persons of the pending lockout.
•
Identify all sources of power required to be de-energized and locked out
•
De-energize equipment (bleeding residual energy).
•
Apply company provided energy isolation devices and locks with identification tags (One lock per
authorized person for each lockout point).
•
Test the equipment using a voltmeter to verify the energy is isolated;
•
Perform required work;
•
Ensure tools and people are removed and any guards have been replaced;
•
Inform affected employees of the removal of locks and tags; and
15 | P a g e
•
17.
Remove the Lockout/Tagout device(s) and energize the equipment.
EXCAVATIONS/TRENCHING
If an excavation, other than a pier, exceeds 5 feet in depth or entry into a pier hole is necessary, the Health and Safety
Manager shall be notified prior to initiating work.
17.1.
17.2.
General Requirements
•
Utilities shall be identified prior to starting any excavation;
•
A designated Excavation Competent Person shall be utilized for excavations exceeding 5 feet in
depth which require entry;
•
Trenches 5 feet or deeper will require proper shoring or sloping based upon soil classification and in
reference to geotechnical tables;
•
All spoils must be placed a minimum of 2 feet from the edge of the excavation;
•
Excavations 4 feet in depth or greater must have a stairway, ladder, ramp, or other safe means of
egress within 25 feet of any employee;
•
No employee may enter an excavation exceeding 5 feet where water has accumulated without
reassessment by the Excavation Competent Person;
•
Excavations greater than 4 feet in depth where a hazardous atmosphere may exist will be tested for
potential hazardous atmosphere. These spaces may be classifiable as permit-required confined
spaces. The Health and Safety Manager will be contacted prior to commencing work in excavations
that may contain oxygen deficiency or other hazardous atmosphere;
•
Reinforcing steel used in excavations shall be protected to prevent impalement through the use of
metal-plated rebar caps or other suitable protection; and
•
Excavations left overnight must be protected and secured from unauthorized entry.
Soil classifications for excavations exceeding 5 feet
The Excavation Competent Person must classify the excavation soil accordingly.
17.3.
17.4.
Stable Rock
Natural solid mineral material that can be excavated with vertical sides
and will remain intact while exposed.
Type A Soil
Examples include clay, silty clay, sandy clay, clay loam, and sometimes
silty clay loam and sandy clay loam.
Type B Soil
Examples include silt, silt loam, sandy loam, and sometimes silty clay
loam.
Type C Soil
Examples include granular soils like gravel, sand, loamy sand,
submerged soil, and soil from which water is freely seeping, and
submerged rock that is not stable.
Protective systems for excavations exceeding 5 feet
NOTE: Each employee in an excavation exceeding 5 feet shall be protected from cave-ins by the use of
adequate shoring or sloping protective systems.
•
Design of excavation support/shield systems and sloping/benching systems shall be configured to
account for excavation size, soil integrity, weather conditions, duration of excavation, and access
requirements.
•
The Excavation Competent Person shall design and select protective systems based upon soil
classification and in reference with geotechnical tables.
Inspections of excavations exceeding 5 feet
All excavations shall be inspected by an Excavation Competent Person daily before entry and:
•
At the start of each shift;
16 | P a g e
•
After rain or snowfall;
•
After freezing and/or thawing temperatures occur; and
•
After any condition that can change the integrity of the soil.
During rainy weather, work in excavations shall cease until the Excavation Competent Person has evaluated the
excavation and the effect the rain is having. The Excavation Competent Person will need to maintain a regular inspection
schedule during the rain if employees will continue to work in the excavation.
17.5.
Employee information and training:
•
Individuals identified as the Excavation Competent Person must have completed Excavation
Competent Person Training and be approved by the Health and Safety Manager.
•
Each employee who works in or around an excavation greater than 5 feet shall be trained in the
following:
•
•
•
•
18.
General
requirements of
this program;
Fall hazards;
Safe entry and
exit; and
Hazardous
atmospheres.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
•
Supervisors will ensure all employees maintain their PPE and acquire new equipment when needed.
•
PPE should be selected and utilized as the secondary hazard control measure, and safe-work practices and
engineering controls utilized as the primary hazard defense.
•
All PPE must be inspected each day before use.
•
All PPE must be marked with the appropriate American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard.
•
Head
•
•
Hardhats are required at all times on SBA construction sites.
•
ANSI approved climbing helmets are permitted on the tower.
•
Hard hats are to be worn with the bill in front, except for welders who
are actively welding.
•
Do not use bump caps or metal hard hats.
•
Inspect hardhats for cracks and defects daily.
Eye
•
ANSI-approved safety glasses with side shields must be worn when exposed to eye hazards such as
flying or falling objects, airborne dust, concrete chipping, and grinding.
•
In some instances (chemical handling, excessive dust, grinding operations) additional eye protection
(face shields, cover all goggles) must be worn.
•
Burning goggles for gas welding and burning (minimum density - #3).
•
Hand
•
Wear suitable work gloves (leather, Kevlar) while handling materials that can cause lacerations,
abrasions, burns, or other injuries.
•
Consult with your safety representative when handling chemicals or conducting live electrical (AC/DC)
work.
17 | P a g e
•
•
•
•
19.
20.
Rubber gloves shall be utilized to prevent absorption or contact with hazardous chemicals.
Foot
•
Wear substantial leather work shoes or boots with non-slip, non-conductive soles to protect your feet.
•
When performing concrete work rubber boots are required.
•
Employee shall use a slip-on metatarsal foot guard when using compactors or jackhammers.
Hearing
•
In noisy areas, you may be required to wear hearing protection.
•
Do not reuse disposable-type hearing protection (ear plugs).
Respiratory
•
The voluntary use of nuisance dust mask is allowed to provide an additional level of personal comfort,
even when not required by the Pre-W ork Assessment Survey.
•
Prior to the voluntary use of nuisance-dust masks, workers must complete a Dust Mask Request Form
and be trained in the proper use of dust masks.
•
Only filtering face pieces (commonly known as “dust masks”) will be used for nuisance exposures. No
“cartridge” air purifying or any air-supplying respirators will be used for controlling nuisance exposures.
•
Requests for use of air-purifying or supplied-air respirators shall be reviewed and approved by the Health
and Safety Manager.
HAZARD COMMUNICATION
•
A chemical inventory list and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) will be maintained by the SBA Safety
Department and these documents are available to SBA employees and subcontractors through the SBA Portal
or by request.
•
All containers of hazardous materials must be labeled. It is the responsibility of the
employee using the material to ensure that the label is present.
•
If labels on original containers are found to be inadequate, illegible or otherwise
unacceptable, the material will be held until your Safety Manager has determined if
the material will be accepted, and what label is to be applied.
•
All secondary container labels must be completed and the label applied before the
transfer of the material into the container. If a container has been used previously,
the original label must be removed or defaced so that only one hazard label is on the container.
•
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous material to which employees are or may potentially be
exposed will be obtained and made readily available to all employees.
•
The supervisor or crew leader will arrange for employee information and training of existing hazardous materials
at the time of initial assignment and whenever a new hazardous material is introduced into the work area.
•
Subcontractors are required to provide hazard information for any chemicals with potential exposure affects that
are brought onto the jobsite or produced on the jobsite, outside of consumer articles.
•
SBA employees will receive information and training on existing hazardous substances at the time of initial
assignment and whenever a new hazardous substance is introduced into the work area.
RF/EME SAFETY
•
Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) – the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) is a maximum level of
exposure that is specified by the FCC. The MPE is based on frequency, as illustrated in Chart 1 below. The
Occupational/Controlled MPE applies in areas where exposure is related to employment duties. The General
Population/Uncontrolled MPE applies to persons assumed to have no knowledge of or control over their
potential exposure to EME energy.
18 | P a g e
FCC Adopted Maximum Permissible Exposure Limits
•
Electromagnetic Energy (EME) / Radio Frequency Energy (RF) – RF is a form of EME used for transmitting
radio signals. EME/RF is a type of non-ionizing radiation. Other examples of non-ionizing radiation include
laser, radar, microwaves, UHF/VHF AM broadcast, paging systems, and infrared. Damage to the body from
EME/RF overexposure is dependent upon time, distance, and shielding from the EME/RF source.
•
Time-averaging - Maximum Permissible Exposures are expressed as time-averaged exposures (typically 6minutes for Occupation/Controlled MPE). The use of time averaging to regulate total exposure allows an
individual to work in an area with higher energy levels for shorter durations.
20.1.
General Work Practices:
•
Assume all antennas are active.
•
Before working on antennas notify owners and disable appropriate transmitters. Work on a specific
antenna should only be accomplished after the attached transmitters have been turned off. This
should be attempted only after contacting the owners or operators. Coordination will help ensure that
turning off the equipment will not cause serious disruption of the service;
•
Maintain safe clearance from all antennas. A small increase in distance from an antenna can have a
substantial effect on reducing the EME exposure.
•
Do not stop in front of antennas.
•
When climbing a tower, workers should select rest points away from antennas. Workers should
always try to keep below or behind antennas to minimize their exposure to the main beam of the
antenna.
•
Use personal EME monitors while working near antennas. W hen multiple employees are working at
an EME site, the “highest risk” employee (the one who will be working closest to the antennas) should
be the one wearing the monitor;
•
Never operate transmitters without shields during normal operation.
•
Do not operate base station antennas inside equipment rooms. Using antennas inside equipment
rooms can increase the exposure to EME levels above FCC guidelines and create undesirable radio
frequency interference;
•
Antenna sites must have physical access control. This is accomplished by fencing around the
compound.
•
When other transmitters are involved, power reduction, lock-out/tag-out, or other control procedures
may be necessary.
19 | P a g e
20.2.
Electromagnetic Energy Site Signage
The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has developed guidance for EME/RF site signage
through use of Zones (Blue, Yellow, and Red). To comply with FCC site signage requirements, radio
tower and rooftop sites shall be posted in accordance with the following:
•
Blue Zone (Notice)
The blue zone is an area where the time-weighted exposure is below 20% of the
Occupational/Controlled MPE. There is no time limit or special work practices required for this zone
and only basic EME awareness is needed.
•
Yellow Zone (Caution)
The yellow zone is any area where the time-weighted exposure is between 20% - 100% of the
Occupational/Controlled MPE. In this zone, the energy fields are within acceptable exposure limits,
however areas adjacent may exceed acceptable limits. Only personnel with the appropriate training,
knowledge, and understanding of EME procedures should work in this area.
•
Red Zone (Warning)
The red zone is any area where the time-weighted exposure levels are above 100% of
Occupational/Controlled MPE. Areas determined to require red zone classification require special
procedures, engineering controls, and restricted access. Examples of the procedures that may be
implemented include:
•
•
•
•
21.
Restricted site access;
Lockout/tagout of transmitter equipment during maintenance;
Re-engineering site to reduce EME fields; or
Control of antenna types used on the site.
20.3.
Personal Protective Equipment (for EME/RF)
While SBA does not routinely require the use of PPE for control of EME/RF hazards, a particular site or
type of EME/RF hazard may warrant the need for specialized PPE. In this event, the SBA Health and
Safety Manager will communicate with field supervision for specific PPE selection. Each employee must
inspect the protective clothing to ensure it is in good condition prior to each use.
20.4.
Employee Information and Training
All personnel entering an active SBA site that is demarcated as a yellow or red zone shall have EME/RF
awareness training. More advanced EME safety training is required for all employees who may work in
fields above the
occupational/controlled
environment
limits (red zone).
POWER & HAND TOOLS
21.1.
Power Tools
•
Tool manufacturer guards shall remain in place and unaltered.
•
Point-of-operation guards may require ongoing adjustment to perform correctly (portable grinders) or
may be self-adjusting (circular saw blade guard).
•
Electric hand tools shall be double insulated;
•
All electric hand tools when used in the field, within six feet of water, or in rain shall be plugged into a
GFCI receptacle or be equipped with GFCI protection;
20 | P a g e
21.2.
22.
•
Pneumatic power tools shall be secured to the hose by some positive means (i.e. quick connect).
Never use air hoses or extension cords for raising or lowering tools and materials to and from the
work area;
•
All fuel-powered tools shall be in the off position during refueling or while performing maintenance
repairs;
•
When using power tools, safety glasses are required and hearing protection is required if sound
levels exceed 85 dBA (circular saw, portable grinders, many air powered tools); and
•
Any tool not in proper working order shall be removed from service until repairs are made.
Hand Tools
•
The important aspect of hand tool use is to remember to use hand tools that
are in good condition and intended for the work to be performed.
•
Hammer and sledge handles and heads should be inspected for damage,
and swing radius checked for other workers.
•
Chisels and punches should be inspected prior to use for mushroomed
heads, and firmly based prior to striking.
•
Wrenches and pliers should be inspected prior to use for cracks, oil/grease, and worn or damaged
grips. Wrenches shall not be paired with other tools as a lever or for unintended use.
•
Hand saws shall be inspected prior to use for defects and cracked or worn blades. Store saws so that
there is no chance for someone to fall onto or bump into their blades.
•
Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when using tools.
•
Use the proper tool for the job.
RAILROAD SAFETY GUIDELINES
The following list of safety procedures need to be adhered to at all times when accessing sites near railroad tracks:
23.
•
Yellow vests are required (red clothing is not allowed).
•
Protective headgear and steel toed boots must be worn.
•
Always be on alert for trains or other moving equipment while working on or near any railroad tracks.
•
Do not step or walk on the top of the rail, frog, switches, guardrails or other track components.
•
When working, walking on, or crossing the track, look in all directions for approaching trains or equipment.
•
Take proper precautions when on or crossing behind trains or equipment on the track.
•
Cross tracks at a 90 degree angle and stay clear of tracks as work allows.
•
Keep all vehicles at least 20 feet away from the tracks.
TEMPERATURE EXTREMES
23.1.
Heat Stress
Working in hot environments can cause several different types of health problems. The symptoms and
recommended treatment measures are outlined below.
23.1.1. Symptoms of Heat Rash
• Reddened, sensitive rash, usually located under arms, between legs, or
around the waist
23.1.2. Treatment of Heat Rash
• Keep area clean;
• Stress personal hygiene;
• Change into clean shirt, underwear at mid-shift.
23.1.3. Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
• Increased pulse rate
21 | P a g e
•
•
•
•
•
Flushed or reddened complexion
Slightly elevated body temperature
Profuse sweating
Nausea
Light-headedness
23.1.4. Treatment of Heat Exhaustion
• Rest in a cool, shaded area;
• Replenish fluids and electrolytes;
• Do not return to work until pulse and temperature return to normal and nausea subsides.
23.1.5. Symptoms of Heat Stroke
• Reddened complexion
• Absence of perspiration
• Elevated body temperature (above 105 degrees F)
• Nausea
• Unconsciousness
23.1.6. Treatment of Heat Stroke
• Move victim to cool shaded area;
• Remove any PPE or heavy clothing (coveralls, welding gear, etc.);
• Dowse victim with cool water;
• Force liquids if conscious;
• Notify emergency medical services.
Note: These responses must be implemented immediately. Heat stroke is a life-threatening
condition.
23.2.
Heat Stress Prevention
The elements of this section shall be implemented when the ambient temperature reaches 80º Fahrenheit
(26º C). These elements are designed to minimize the potential for heat-related health complications.
While these efforts have proven to be beneficial, their implementation cannot guarantee that workers will
not suffer from heat stress.
23.2.1. Fluid Replenishment
• An ample supply of potable water shall be provided at the work site.
• Water shall be maintained at a cool temperature, preferably between 40-60º F (4-15º C).
• Workers should be encouraged to consume between 8-16 ounces of water at every break.
• A supply of electrolytically enhanced fluids (e.g. Gatorade) should be maintained at the jobsite in
addition to the potable water. Workers should consume between 8-16 ounces of these fluids per
day.
23.2.2. Breaks
• Breaks should be taken at regular intervals in a cool, shaded location. As temperatures increase,
the number of breaks should increase also.
• Workers should take breaks if they exhibit any of the symptoms of heat stress outlined in section
III.B.
23.2.3. Miscellaneous Preventive Techniques
• Workers may opt to use chemically treated personal cooling devices.
• Portable misting fans may be used during long periods of high temperatures.
• Wetting shirts or headbands may provide relief in very high temperatures.
• Workers should be advised to minimize or eliminate the use of alcoholic beverages during offhours due to the diuretic effects of alcohol.
23.3.
Heat Stress Monitoring
In addition to conducting visual observations of workers for signs of heat stress, the following steps
should be taken to measure the potential ill effects of heat exposure. If a worker exhibits any of the
following symptoms, the treatment measures listed in section 23.1 should be implemented.
•
The worker’s pulse rate is sustained for 3-4 minutes at a rate of 180 bpm minus the worker’s age.
22 | P a g e
•
•
23.4.
The workers pulse rate is greater than 110 bpm one minute after a peak work effort.
The worker has a core body temperature greater than 100.4º F (38º C).
Cold Stress
This section addresses the hazards and control measures associated with performing work in cold
conditions. The potential for cold stress is measured by a combination of ambient temperature, air
movement, and the type of work being performed. The two primary types of cold stress are hypothermia
and frostbite.
23.4.1. Symptoms of Hypothermia
• Shivering;
• Pain in extremities;
• Reduced mental alertness;
• Core body temperature below 96.8º F (36º C).
23.4.2. Treatment of Hypothermia
• Move the victim to a warm area;
• Remove any wet or damp clothing;
• Provide warm liquids that do not contain caffeine.
23.4.3. Symptoms of Frostbite
• Numbness or tingling of extremities (fingers, toes, ears, nose);
• Discoloration of extremities due to formation of ice crystals under the skin.
23.4.4. Treatment of Frostbite
• Move victim to a warm area;
• Warm affected extremities by direct exposure to warming device or immersion in warm water.
Note: Do not apply forceful pressure to areas that have become discolored.
23.5.
Cold Stress Prevention
The following controls shall be implemented when ambient or equivalent chill temperature (ECT)
temperature reaches the identified levels:
23.5.1. Below 40º F (4º C)
• Workers should wear layered clothing appropriate for the level of cold and physical activity;
• If working in windy and/or damp conditions, the outer layer of clothing should be designed to
resist wind and/or be impermeable to moisture;
• Gloves should be worn;
• Provisions for warming the hands (war-air jets, radiant heaters) should be provided if fine work
without gloves is to be performed.
23.5.2. ECT Below 20º F (-7º C)
• Heated shelters should be provided;
• Employees should be encouraged to use the shelters;
• At the onset of shivering, minor frostbite, drowsiness, or euphoria, workers should immediately
return to the shelter;
• Upon entering the shelter, the outer layer of clothing should be removed and inner layers should
be loosened to permit sweat evaporation;
• Warm, sweet drinks should be provided;
• The intake of coffee should be limited due to the diuretic and circulatory effects.
23.5.3. ECT Below 10º F (-12º C)
• Workers should be under constant observation (Buddy System or Supervisor);
• Work rate should not be so high as to cause heavy sweating;
• Sitting or standing still should be minimized.
23.5.4. ECT Below -30º F (-35º C)
• Skin exposure should not be allowed.
23.5.5. ECT Below -50º F (-45º C)
• All non-emergency work must cease.
23 | P a g e
23.6.Employee Education and Training
•
24.
SBA employees and sub-contractors should receive instruction designed to increase their
awareness and understanding of the hazards of performing work in temperature extremes. The
contents of this program should be explained to all workers prior to engaging in work performed
under temperature extremes.
FLEET/DOT SAFETY
The driver is responsible for the safety of all passengers and for the stability of all material and equipment in the
vehicle. The driver must possess a valid driver’s license for the class of vehicle driven.
25.
•
Use of cell phones while operating an SBA vehicle is prohibited.
•
Only authorized employees are permitted to operate an SBA vehicle.
•
All passengers must be seated with seat belts fastened while the vehicle is in motion.
•
Inspect the vehicle before driving.
•
Comply with the speed limits and all traffic control signs and devices.
•
Look before backing up. Use a ground guide when visibility is blocked.
•
Engage parking brake and chock wheels of trucks or trailers before loading or unloading material.
•
Stay a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
•
Completion of the DVIR is your responsibility.
•
Driving under the influence of drugs (prescription/illegal) or alcohol is strictly prohibited.
DEFINITIONS
A
Access – The right to enter or use, typically a communications site or building.
Alternating current – Current that periodically reverses the direction in which it is moving. Electrons that are
swinging back and forth between several ions. Created mostly by electrical generators, which convert mechanical
energy into electric energy.
Ampere – The basic unit of electric current, equal to one coulomb per second. (A Coulomb is a basic unit of
charge) From Andre Marie Ampere, a French electrical pioneer.
Anchor Guys – Guys run from the top of a pole to the ground. Used as support to poles with angles, unstable soil
of in the line dead-ends. The guy transfers the unbalanced force on a pole or structure to the earth without
intermediate support.
Anchorage – A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration devices.
Angle indicator, Boom – An accessory that measures the angle of the boom section to the horizontal.
ANSI – American National Standards Institute
Antenna Mount – Steel Structure attached to a tower to which antennas are fastened to for broadcast of signals.
Approved – W hen used in connection with methods, tools or equipment it refers to the methods, tools or equipment
approved by the company through committee, departmental action or in a safety rule.
Arresting force – The amount of force exerted on an employee when a fall protection system stops a fall; usually
the highest force experienced during the fall.
Attachment – Something that is attached or an addition to an original structure. A connection by which one thing is
attached to another.
Authorized Person – A person approved or assigned by the employer to perform a specific type of duty or duties
or to be at a specific location or locations at the job site.
24 | P a g e
B
Barricade – A physical structure such as tapes, screens or cones intended to warn and limit access to a hazardous
area.
Basket Hitch – This is a technical rigging term. When a lift sling is only looped under (and not wrapped around) the
load, the rig can be called a basket hitch. Other sling configurations include a “straight” lift or “choker”.
Birdcage – An informal description of the appearance of a wire rope forced into compression. The outer strands
form a “cage” and at times, displace the core.
Block – A Heavy-duty pulley used for rigging, as in “block and tackle”. A pulley housed in a frame of steel or wood
used for hoisting.
Body Belt (safety belt) – As of January 1, 1998, the use of body belts for fall arrest is prohibited. A strap with
means both for securing it about the waist and for attaching it to a lanyard, lifeline or deceleration device. Not
approved for fall protection.
Body Harness – Straps which may be secured about the employee in a manner that will distribute the fall arrest
forces over at least the thighs. Pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders with means for attaching it to other components of
a personal fall arrest system.
Breaking Strength – The ultimate load at which a tensile failure occurs in the sample of wire rope being tested.
(Note: The term breaking strength is synonymous with actual strength). Minimum Acceptance Strength is that
strength which is 2-1/2% lower that the catalog or nominal strength. This tolerance is used to offset variables that
occur during sample preparation and actual physical test of a wire rope. Nominal Strength is the published (catalog)
strength calculated by a standard procedure that is accepted by the wire rope industry. The wire rope manufacturer
designs wire rope to this strength, and the user should consider this strength when making design calculations.
Bucket – Device designed to be attached to the boom tip of a line truck, crane or aerial lift and support workmen in
an elevated position.
C
Cable Slings – W ire rope slings
Cadweld – Brand name of a process using exothermic shot in a mold to attach wires/rods/surfaces used in
grounding.
Capstan – A spool shaped revolving drum, manually or power operated, used for pulling fiber or synthetic rope.
Also called a winch head.
Carabiner – a pear shaped metal device with a snap gate used in rigging. A climbing device that allows attachment
to the center of a line. Usually shaped like a chain link and having an opening on one side which can be closed after
inserting the line. Carabiners used in occupational fall protection must meet OSHA standards.
Cathead – A Cathead, or capstan, (sometimes simply called a rope-puller) is a light duty rope winch. A Capstan
uses the friction of several wraps of rope to carry a load. A Cathead is only suitable for very light lifts, as the rope
must be fed by hand and essentially is unsecured.
CDL – Commercial Driver’s License
Cell Site – Cellular site used for broadcasting cellular signals. Typically includes a tower, a building, fencing and
miscellaneous site work.
Center of Gravity – The exact point around which a load is balanced.
CFR – Code of Federal Regulations
Chocks – A block or wedge under a wheel, etc. to prevent motion.
25 | P a g e
Choker – W ire rope sling with eyes spliced on each end, which is used to lift a load. One form of using a sling.
Connecting a sling by wrapping the sling around the load or anchor and passing one end through the other, drawing
the sling tight. Reduces sling strength to 75% of ratio strength.
Circuit – A conductor or system of conductors through which an electric current is intended to flow.
Clearance – The horizontal or vertical distance from any part of the crane to a point of the nearest obstruction. (1)
For working: certification by the proper authority that a specified line or piece of equipment is de-energized, that the
proper precautionary measures have been taken, and that the line or equipment is being turned over to the qualified
workmen. (2) From hazard: adequate separation or protection by the use of devices to prevent accidental contact
by persons or objects on approach to a point of danger. (3) From hot line: and assurance that the automatic
reclosing features of circuits have made inoperative.
Climbers – Metal hooks, which strap to a lineman’s feet used to climb wood poles. Used for ascending, descending
and maintaining the working position on poles when no other means of support are available.
Clove Hitch – A common knot used in rigging to attach a rope to round members. Mandatory for tower climbers to
know how to tie.
Crew Chief – One that is authorized, designated, deemed competent and qualified by the employer.
D
Deceleration Device – Any mechanism, such as a rope grab, rip-stitch lanyard, specially woven lanyard, tearing or
deforming lanyards, automatic self retracting lifelines/lanyards, etc., which serves to dissipate a substantial amount
of energy during a fall arrest, or otherwise limit the energy imposed on an employee during a fall arrest.
Deceleration Distance – The additional vertical distance a falling employee travels, excluding lifeline elongation
and free fall distance, before stopping, from the point at which the deceleration device begins to operate. It is
measured as the distance between the location of an employee’s body harness attachment point at the moment of
activation (at the onset of fall arrest forces) of the deceleration device during a fall, and the location of that
attachment point after the employee comes to a full stop.
Decibel/Db – The ratio of two power levels. A unit of gain equal to 10 times the common logarithm of the ration of
two power levels, or 20 times the common logarithm of the two voltage levels.
Deformation – Distortions in form through wear damage or stress. Disfiguration
Designated Person – A competent and qualified person selected to perform a task involving employees in the work
place.
Disciplinary Action – Administrative action taken by the employer against the employee. May vary from verbal
reprimand to dismissal.
D-Rings – Metal rings on a full body harness used to attach connecting devices meeting government standards (i.e.
positioning and fall arrest lanyards).
Drop Zone – The area below the tower into which any object dropped will land. Generally figured to be one-half to
one foot in diameter for each foot up.
E
Egress – Right-of-way to line route
Elevation – Distance above ground or sea level (i.e. AGL, AMSL, Overall, etc.)
EME – Electromagnetic Energy
Energized Lines – Electrical conductors that are carrying current (energized) due to an electrical connection to a
source of potential different from earth ground. Usually describes a high potential.
Excavations – Any opening made in the ground, street or sidewalk in connection with company work, such as
holes, trenches, ditches or tunnels.
26 | P a g e
Exposed – Exposed circuits or lines means in such a position that in case of failure of supports or insulation,
contact with another circuit or line may result. Exposed equipment means an object or device that can be
inadvertently touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by any person. It is applied to objects not suitably
guarded or situated.
Exposure – Being in close proximity to an active antenna field. Exposure occurs whenever and wherever a person
is subjected to electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields or to contact currents.
Eyes or Eye splice – A loop with or without a thimble, formed at the end of a wire rope.
F
Face – Side of tower. The main or front surface.
Fall Arrest Equipment – Describes the various pieces of equipment used to arrest a fall, should it occur. This
includes a full body harness to distribute the force throughout the body, a shock-absorbing lanyard, a solid
connecting point on the structure and, in some cases, a lifeline.
Fall Hazard – A walking/working surface (horizontal or vertical) with an unprotected side or edge, which is 6’ or
more above a lower level.
Fall Prevention – Equipment and structures designed to prevent the ability to fall. To keep a person from being
able to fall
Fall Restraint – To restrict falling, to reduce the amount or distance of a fall to a minimum
Fatigue – As applied to wire rope, the term usually refers to the process of progressive fractures resulting from the
bending of individual wires. These fractures may and usually do occur at bending stresses well below the ultimate
strength of the material; it is not an abnormality although it may be accelerated due to conditions in the rope such as
rust or lack of lubrication.
FCC – The Federal Communications Commission. The organization that is responsible for enforcing the laws
written for the regulation of radio communications.
First Aid – Immediate, basic medical assistance given to accident victims.
Fisk Descender – A device similar to a figure eight, used with rope for descending, positioning and rescue.
Fire Watch – The sole activity of observing and responding to the fire hazards associated with hot work. No other
duties may be assigned when performing Fire Watch. The Fire Watch personnel must continue their fire watch duties
a minimum of 30 minutes after the hot work is complete.
Flares – Indicates flares, torches, fuses, red lanterns, reflectors or any other equipment that is adaptable for the
purpose intended.
Foreman or Supervisor – Any person, regardless of classification, who is directly in charge of a specific job or
specific jobs.
Fraying – Description of the exposed and broken threads on damaged woven material such as webbing, rope and
cloth.
Free Climbing – Climbing on a tower without any positive fall protection in place
Free Fall – The act of falling before a personal fall arrest system begins to apply force to arrest the fall.
Free Fall Distance – The vertical distance the fall arrest attachment points on the climber’s body harness travels
between onset of the fall and just before the system begins to apply force to arrest the fall. This distance excludes
deceleration distance, and lifeline/lanyard elongation, but includes any deceleration device slide distance of selfretracting lifeline/lanyard extension before they operate and fall arrest forces occur.
Frequency – The number of times a radio wave passes through one cycle. The “frequency Spectrum” is divided
into sections and allotted by Federal license to the various users. Different frequencies have different behaviors.
Microwave and PCS are on the high end of the spectrum; AM radio is on the low end. The rate at which cycles are
produced. How rapidly the current reverses or how often the voltage changes polarity.
27 | P a g e
G
Galvanized, Hot Dip – Coated with zinc. In relationship to metal, it refers to a process where the galvanizing is
applied by dipping the steel into molten zinc or using an approved chemical application of the zinc
Gin Pole – A lattice device used to erect guyed or self-supporting towers that are 200 feet or taller. This device is
attached to the tower and slides up to a taller height than the tower during erection. Cables and rigging are attached
to the gin pole, which is then used to hoist tower sections or other accessories to the workplace.
Goggles – Glasses worn for eye protection
Guardrail System – A barrier erected to prevent employees from falling to lower levels. Barriers erected to prevent
persons from a fall hazard. Used as fall prevention, not a fall arrest system.
Guy – Slang for guy wire or guy connection including connections at the tower and at the ground.
Guy anchor, Anchor Point – Steel shaft with concrete anchorage below grade used to support guy cables.
Guy Wire – A multi-strand steel wire of various sizes, coated with copper (copper weld), Aluminum (Alumoweld) or
galvanized. The supporting cable used to fasten some communication towers and poles to the ground.
Guyed Tower – Lattice tower with a guy cables to support the structure vertically. Typically used where heavy
loads are required and land is plentiful. Lease expensive per foot.
H
Hangers – Typically stainless steel or plastic devices used to fasten coaxial cable to a tower or other structure.
There are standards on how often coax needs to be fastened, typically every 3-4 feet.
Hard Hat – The common term for helmets that protect the wearer’s head from impact damage.
Hardware – The physical components of a computer system, such as the circuit boards, plug in boards, chassis,
enclosures, peripherals.
Hazard Assessment – The act of detecting either real or potential hazards through the use of a recognized
procedure.
Hazards – Items, materials, chemicals, and situations that pose danger and risks to persons and property
Headache Ball – Item used as a counter weight at the end of a cable or rope to bring the weight of the cable down
the tower. A slang term for the heavy weight used to draw a rigging line back to the ground. The large ball of the
whip line of a crane is referred to as the headache ball. A headache ball may or may not have a hook or block
assembly included.
Headache! – A term often used by linemen to warn groundsmen of falling objects.
Hoisting Grip – W ire device used to lift coaxial cable without damaging the coax. Similar to a Chinese Finger.
Hole – A gap or void 2 inches (5.1cm) or more in its least dimension, in a floor, roof, or other walking working
surface.
I
Ice Bridge/Cable Bridge – A structure placed above cables and transmission lines to protect the cable from falling
ice. Installation elevations may vary as necessary.
Infeasible – It is impossible to perform the construction work using a conventional fall protection system (i.e.
guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system) or that it is technologically impossible to use any
one of these systems to provide fall protection.
Ionizing – A type of energy, in the upper end of the electromagnetic spectrum that has the ability to strip electrons
from atoms and molecules. This process can produce molecular changes that can lead to damage in biological or
human tissue.
28 | P a g e
J
Jib (Boom Extension) – A fixed length extension used on either cable or hydraulic cranes attached to the main
boom to provide more height. The load lifting capacity diminishes rapidly the longer the jib is.
K
Kick Plate – A board or bar set at pole butt to protect backside of hole from caving in when setting a pole by pike
method.
L
Laddercage – A structure built around a ladder such that a climber is protected inside the cage.
Lanyard – A flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap, which generally has a connector at each end for connecting
the body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline, or anchorage. Safety strap attached by one end to the structure
and the other end to the lineman.
Lattice Tower – Tower that utilizes diagonal and horizontal bracing in its structural design.
Leading Edge – The edge of a floor, roof, or formwork for a floor or other walking/working surface (such as the
deck), which changes location as additional floor, roof, decking or formwork sections are placed, formed, or
constructed. A leading edge is considered to be an “unprotected side or edge” during periods when it is not actively
and continuously under construction.
Lifeline – A component consisting of a flexible line that connects to an anchorage at one end to hang vertically
(vertical lifeline). A means for connecting other components of a personal fall arrest system to the anchorage.
Load Line – A wire rope cable use with a winch to lift objects up and down a tower.
Lock Out – The placement of a locking out device on an energy-isolating device, in accordance with an established
procedure, ensuring that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until
the lockout device is removed.
M
Man-Lift Basket – A basket of safe design attached to a boom or cable used for lifting workers.
Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) – The rms and peak electric and magnetic field strengths, their squares,
or the plane-wave equivalent power densities associated with these fields and the induced and contact currents to
which a person may be exposed without harmful effect and with an acceptable safety factor.
Minimum Breaking, Strength – The minimum load at which a new sling or component will break when loaded to
destruction in direct tension.
Monopole – Cylindrical pole with platforms attached to support antennas. Typically used where aesthetics is an
issue and land is scarce. Most expensive structure per foot.
N
NATE – National Association of Tower Erectors
Non-Ionizing – A type of energy, in the lower range of the electromagnetic spectrum that does not have the
stability to strip ions from molecules.
29 | P a g e
Non-Standard Structure – Locations for mounting wireless communications other than communication towers.
(i.e., rooftops, tanks, billboards.)
O
Occupational Illness – Illness directly related or attributed to an occupation; job related.
Occupational Injury – Injury directly related or attributed to an occupation; job related.
Opening – A gap or void 30 inches (76cm) or more high and 18 inches (48cm) or more wide, in a wall or partition,
through which employees can fall to a lower level.
OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Division of the Department of Labor
Outrigger – An extension from any machine to the ground, to help level it and prevent it from tilting or overturning.
P
Parapet – A low wall or railing (as at the edge of a platform or bridge).
Personal Fall Arrest System – A system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level. It consists of an
anchorage, connectors, and body harness, and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable
combination of these. As of January 1, 1998, the use of a body belt for fall arrest is prohibited.
PFAS – Personal Fall Arrest System. A system including but not limited to an anchorage, connectors, and a full
body harness used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level.
Port – A Connecting point of centralized entry point for cables.
Positioning Belt – The climber’s belt that is used to connect the climber relative to the work area. May be separate
from the full body harness if it is worn under the harness and the harness is connected to a fall restraint. Generally
has D-rings on each hip.
Positioning Device System – A body belt or body harness system rigged to allow an employee to be supported on
an elevated surface, such as a wall or tower, and work with both hands free while leaning.
Positioning Lanyard – A lanyard used to attach the worker so that he is close enough to his work but held
sufficiently to prevent a significant fall (2 feet or less). Usually made of webbing, rope, braid, or chain; usually having
no arrest mechanism. A restraint lanyard.
PPE – Personal Protective Equipment such as harnesses, gloves, eye protection, etc. Includes PFAS, earplugs,
boots, and any tools designed to protect an individual employee from the hazards of the workplace.
Precaution – Warning. Causes to consider, rethink, and confirm plan.
Proof Test – OSHA 1926.550, (g)(5)(vi). At each job site, prior to hoisting employees on the personnel platform or
with a winch, and after any repair or modification, the platform and rigging shall be proof tested to 125 percent of the
platform’s rated capacity by holding it in a suspended position for five minutes with the test load evenly distributed
on the platform (this may be done concurrently with the trial lift). After proof testing, a competent person shall
inspect the platform and rigging. Any deficiencies found shall be corrected and another proof test shall be
conducted. Personnel hoisting shall not be conducted until the proof testing requirements are satisfied.
Pulley – A wheel which is grooved on the outer circumference to hold a rope in place while turning. Allows
mechanical advantage for lifting.
Q
Qualified Person – A person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or
who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or
resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.
30 | P a g e
R
Radiofrequency (RF) Spectrum – Although the RF spectrum is formally defined in terms of a range from 0 to 3000
GHz, the FCC exposure guidelines range of interest is from 300 KHz to 100 GHz.
Rated Capacity – The load which a new wire rope sling may handle under given operating conditions and at an
assumed Design Factor.
Red Tag – A common expression for marking a device or equipment out of service. Derived from the use of a
physical red tag attached to the device as warning.
Restraint Lanyard – A lanyard used to keep one from reaching a fall hazard.
RF – Radio Frequency. Describes the type of energy that is used to send signals through antenna systems and the
atmosphere. Not radiation in the same sense as Nuclear Radiation, or Ionizing Radiation. The effects of RF
Radiation do not build up in the body; the only known effect on the body is to heat like a microwave oven.
RF Burns – A small but painful burn caused by touching tower members, antennas or RF conductors in a RF
environment.
RFR – Radio Frequency Radiation
Rigging – Chains, ropes, pulleys, hooks and all accompanying hardware for lifting, lowering, suspending and
fastening loads with a mechanical advantage.
Roof – The exterior surface on the top of a building. This does not include floors of formwork that, because a
building has not been completed, temporarily become the top surface of a building.
Roof-Top Site – Antenna site where an existing building is used to elevate antenna systems, typically used in cities
where tower sites are unavailable or economics dictates co-location.
Rope Grab – A deceleration device, which travels on a rope lifeline and automatically, by friction, engages the
lifeline and locks so as to arrest the fall of an employee. A rope grab usually employs the principle of inertial locking,
cam/level locking, or both.
S
Safe Working Load – This term is potentially misleading and is, therefore, in disfavor. Essentially, it refers to that
portion of the nominal rope strength that can be applied either to move of sustain a load. It is misleading because it
is only valid when the rope is new and equipment is in good condition. (See Rated capacity.)
Safe-Climb Device – An attachment to a structure that allows a climber to maintain 100% fall prevention while
ascending or descending. Generally includes a form of a rope grab.
Safety Factor – An industry term denoting theoretical reserves capacity. Usually computed by dividing the catalog
stated ultimate load by the stated working load limit and generally expressed as a ratio such as 5 to 1.
Safety Helmet – Head wear which protects the wearer from impact damage.
Safety Plan – A program instituted by a company that provides a plan of action-limiting worker’s exposure to
hazards at a workplace. The implementation of a safety plan mandates implementation of training.
Safety Violation – A violation of the Code of Federal Regulations concerning worker/ occupational safety.
Safety-Monitoring System – A safety system in which a competent person is responsible for recognizing and
warning employees of fall hazards.
Self Retracting Lifeline/Lanyard – A deceleration device containing a drum-wound line, which can be slowly
extracted from, or retracted onto, the drum under slight tension during normal employee movement, and which,
after onset of a fall, or sudden tension, automatically locks the drum and arrests the fall.
Self-Supporting Tower – Lattice tower which slopes with the tower base being wider than the top. Typically used
where heavy loads are required and land is scarce.
31 | P a g e
Service, Out of – The act of removing an item from any use due to its dangerous or ineffective condition or
function. ( See Red Tag.)
Shackle – A connecting device used in rigging. Made of steel and capable of holding heavy loads. It is constructed
with a large horseshoe-shaped body called the bow and connected at the ends by a pass through or bolt.
Sheave – A grooved pulley for wire rope.
Shock Load – An acute stress caused by sudden weight
Site Inspection – A thorough check of a site before ascending or climbing a tower or structure (check the
conditions of the anchors and guy wires, any signs of structural damage, natural hazards, etc.
Slapstrap – A slang term for a positioning lanyard.
Sling – Typically a manufactured loop of nylon or polyester designed to attach to loads or used to pick up heavy
loads.
Sling, Wire Rope – An assembly fabricated for Wire Rope, which connects the load to the lifting device.
Snaphook – A connector comprised of a hook shaped member with a normally closed keeper, or similar
arrangement, which may be opened to permit the hook to receive an object and, when released, automatically
closes to retain the object. Snaphooks are generally one of two types: (1) The locking type with a self-closing, selflocking keeper which remains closed and locked until unlocked and pressed open for connection or disconnection;
or (2) The non-locking type with a self-closing keeper, which remains closed until pressed open for connection and
disconnection. As of January 1. 1998, the use of a non-locking snaphook as part of personal fall arrest systems and
positioning device systems is prohibited
Spatial Averaging – A means of measuring a RF field by taking a total body average.
Static Load – The force applied by a constant load or weight.
Structure – A component in a transmission line that supports conductors and insulators. Common types are
wooden poles, metal poles and lattice towers.
T
Tag Line – Typically a rope line used with a winch and attached to a tower used in conjunction with the load line to
keep objects and personnel from coming into control position of a load during ascent or descent.
Tag Out – The placement of a tag out device on an energy-isolating device, in accordance with an established
procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled may not be removed until
the tag out device is removed.
Tailgate or Toolbox Meeting of Session – A short, informal discussion of the work to be accomplished and the
safety measures to be incorporated. Normally conducted by the foreman.
Tensile Strength – The greatest load in weight pulling in the direction of length that a given substance can bear
without tearing apart.
Three-point Contact Rule – Two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot must be in contact with the ladder,
pegs, or structure at all times when ascending, descending, or transitioning on a tower.
Tied Off – Secured to an anchorage. Fixed to a point by a line
Toeboard – A low protective barrier that will prevent the fall of materials and equipment to lower levels and provide
protection from falls for personnel.
Tool Belt – A special belt worn by construction workers, which includes pockets and loops to carry tools and parts.
Not used for fall arrest or fall restraint.
Tower – A vertical structure, which is generally more vertical than linear. In communications, the term refers to the
structure, which supports antennae.
Tower Face – One side of a tower. The flat section of a tower between two legs.
32 | P a g e
Tower Inspection – Procedure in which personnel climb and visually inspect the tower for potential problems and
test for tower plumbness and guy cable tension. W ritten reports typically accompany tower inspections.
Trial Lift – Testing a load of at least the anticipated lift weight from ground level to the location of where personnel
or equipment are to be hoisted; A trial lift is repeated each time the winch/hoist is moved and set up in a new
location, returned to a previously used position, or the lift route is changed. Maintain a safety factor of 10:1 when
lifting personnel.
Two Block: Anti-Two-Block Device – A wired or wireless, two-component system consisting of a boom-mounted
switch and a receiver panel. This system warns the winch operator of an imminent two-block condition with both
audible and visual alarms. It also provides the output signal necessary for shut off devices, which will stop the winch
up function shut off system, such as a hydraulic dump valve, the anti-two-block system prevents the hook block on
the gin or load line from coming in to physical contact with the sheave(s) on the tip of the gin pole, crane boom or
top of the tower.
Two-Blocking – An unsafe condition that occurs on a crane or gin hoist system when the overhaul ball, hook block
or headache ball on the load line comes in contact with the main load sheave at the top of the boom. Should this
occur, the potential for the load line to break is imminent.
U
U-Bolt Cable Clip – A protective sleeve to protect cable or hold two or more cables together tightly.
Uncontrolled/General Public Environment – The FCC maximum RF exposure levels for those persons that are
not fully aware of their exposure potential and cannot exercise control over their exposure.
Unprotected Sides and Edges – Any side or edge (Except at entrances to points of access) of a walking/working
surface (such as a floor, roof, ramp or runway) where there is no wall or guardrail system at least 39 inches (1.0m)
high.
V
Vertical Lifeline – A line for connecting fall protection, connected vertically, that allows connecting a sliding lock
device or connectors along the vertical surface.
Violation – An error against laws or standards.
Volt – The electric pressures that causes current to flow. Also known as electromotive force (EMF) or potential
force. The force that sets charges in motion. The potential energy difference that exists between two points is what
causes a current flow.
W
Walking or Working Surface – Any surface an employee stands on while walking or working. The surface can be
vertical or horizontal and includes floors, roofs, ramps, bridges, framework, etc. Access ways are not working
surfaces. Access ways are not working surfaces. Access ways include ladders, pegs, vehicles, trailers and
elevators.
Warning Line System – A barrier erected on a roof to warn employees that they are approaching an unprotected
roof side or edge, and which designates an area in which roofing work may take place without the use of a
guardrail, body belt, or safety net system to protect employees in the area.
Warning Signs – Any sign or similar means of employee or public notification alerting an employee to an actual or
possible hazard. Included are “Danger” signs, “Caution” signs, traffic protection signs, instruction signs and
information signs.
Water Tower Site – Antenna sites where an existing water tower is used to support antennas. Commonly used
where land is scarce or economics mandate co-location.
33 | P a g e
Waveguide – A hollow, very sensitive, tube shaped device constructed of metal used for conducting RF energy
from an emission source, such as microwave transmitter, to an antenna, or from an antenna to a receiver.
Waveguide comes in various shapes including, rectangular, elliptical, or circular, and in sizes dictated by the
frequency in use.
Waveguide Ladder – A device that resembles a climbing ladder but is designed to install multiple transmissions
(waveguide) lines vertically.
Wavelength – The wavelength (A) if an electromagnetic wave is related to the frequency (f) and the velocity (v) by
the expression v =fA. The velocity of an electromagnetic wave in free space is equal to the speed of light, i.e.,
approximately 3x108 m/s (meters per second)
Weather – Temperature, humidity, fog, rain, snow, ice and hail, wind, sleet and other natural conditions.
Weep Holes – Drain holes on hollow rod constructions made to prevent standing water from rusting the inside.
Whip Antenna – Single element, vertically polarized antenna, in the shape of a single pole or stick.
Willful Violation – The act of knowingly committing a violation of the federal safety and health standards. A willful
violation is the most serious finable offense.
Winch – Also known as a hoist. A device with cylindrical drums that uses cable or rope to hoist items up and down
the tower. Also used to hoist personnel to work stations on the tower. Usually hydraulically operated with gas or
diesel engines.
Work Area – A walking/working surface where job duties are performed.
Working Load – The load rating assigned to indicate safe working capacity.
34 | P a g e
Tower Safety Handbook
EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I,
, acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Tower Safety
Handbook by SBA. I understand that by signing this I agree to follow all safety policies contained within.
___________________________________________
___________________________
Employee Signature
Date
35 | P a g e