STATEMENT OF WORK FOR INSPECTION OF DEFENCE
MASTS & TOWERS
1.
The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to identify the necessary steps
required to complete an inspection of Defence Masts and Towers (M&T) that are managed by
DSRG. The inspection regime is designed to determine ownership of the M&T, its structural
condition, current maintenance and radiation hazard (RADHAZ) status. For newly identified
towers, WHS compliance review must be carried out during the initial inspection. The
recommended timeframes are derived from AS 3995 Appendix A “Maintenance and
Inspection”. It is recommended to use these timeframes for all M&Ts. The information
gathered will assist in determining funding and planning for maintenance regimes.
DEFINITIONS
2.
In general M&T’s constitute a wide range of structures and/or equipment. Freestanding
M&T, are classed as structures, while any M&T attached to or on a building, are known as
equipment. There will be some exceptions to this rule particularly with older structures.
However, all new M&T are to be recorded using this directive.
3.
A general description of M&T follows with some illustrated examples. M&T
constitutes any elevated structure that has the principle role of supporting equipment such as
antennas, lights, observation platforms or other equipment. An M&T can be lattice towers,
guyed masts, monopoles, or other fabricated structures. M&T can be installed on rooftops of
buildings and other structures including water tanks, silos and other utility structures.
4.
The defining identification for an M&T is that its principle purpose is the
structural support of equipment. A tower is a tall, slender structure with a circular or
polygonal base plan. A mast is a slender, vertical structure or tower generally
supported by guy ropes.
5.
In general terms, the height of the M&T is based on two broad criteria. An elevated
structure is greater than 3m in height. The low height structures, less than 3m high, is
principally used for supporting equipment such as weather stations, radio equipment, radar
installations, airfield lights or beacons and so on. Care is required limiting the definition of a
M&T based on the height criteria. The importance of classification of the supported
equipment should then dictate if it falls under the definition of either a Mast or Tower.
6.
Structures not included in the M&T portfolio include utility service poles for supporting
overhead power and communications lines, climbing, repelling and/or training towers used in
obstacle courses. Note; climbing, repelling and/or training towers are classified as nominate
training facilities and maintained as such.
7.
In summary, the definition of an M&T is as follows:
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Lattice Towers
As the name describes, lattice towers consists of a lattice structure as shown directly below.
Guyed towers
These structures consist of an elevated central structure that is held in position with a series of
guy wires positioned symmetrically around the central structure. The central structure
generally consists of a lattice type design. However the central structure can be constructed
of concrete, timber or steel in the form of a monopole.
Roof top mounted guyed lattice tower (also Guyed mast
known equipment on DEMS)
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Monopoles
These structures consist of a certificate standing single column generally constructed of
concrete, timber or steel. Flagpoles can be classified under the definition of monopoles.
Monopole with head-frame installed
Monopole with antennas on top
Building mounted M&T (Equipment listed in DEMS)
Existing buildings and utility structures (including tanks and silos) are often used for locating
M&T installations to achieve a height advantage. Generally, a M&T installation on buildings
consists of a framed steel structure or a single mounting pole fixed to the building structural
system as shown below.
Roof top mounted antenna poles
Roof top mounted frame with antennas
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Water tank with antennas & lattice tower
in the background
Water tank with antennas mounted on
top
THE AUDIT AND INSPECTION
8.
Using the information obtained from DEMS for existing M&Ts, the inspection is to be
conducted as follows:
a.
Find and identify each Defence mast/tower, confirming location with data
supplied.
b.
Structures identified as masts or towers that are not in the data supplied should be
added. Point of Contacts (POCs) for each region will supply structure numbers
for newly identified masts and towers.
c.
Each mast/tower is to be reviewed to establish (or confirm) the following;
(i)
Ownership of the tower;
(ii)
The ongoing inspection frequency in accordance with paragraph 10,
(iii) General condition assessment (including recommendations for detailed
structural assessment if required);
(iv) Whether drawings and specifications are available and their location1;
(v)
RADHAZ survey with safety regulations to be documented in a folder
described under tagging (if applicable);
(vi) Current maintenance regimes, if applicable;
(vii) Status of previously identified works;
(viii) The type of equipment attached to the mast or tower; and
(ix) Ownership and responsibility of the equipment supported by the tower.
1
The structural specifications will be necessary to complete an assessment of the structural integrity in the
future.
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9.
In conducting the audit, all data, colour photographs, inspection results, outcomes, and
associated documentation are to be collected and stored electronically on DEMS.
MAINTENANCE INSPECTION FREQUENCY
10. The inspection intervals need to be related to the operational environment and
structural/service functional needs. Structures that have known vibrational problems that are
in a corrosive, high wind or ice environment may need more frequent inspections. The
interval between maintenance inspections in particular will depend on factors such as;
a.
Corrosion potential of the environment and the degree of protection required for
maintenance of design reliability;
b.
Importance of the structure to its service;
c.
Severity of local conditions (i.e. wind, ice);
d.
Sensitivity to structural response; and
e.
Influence of ground conditions.
11. It is recommended that the interval between inspections should be between two and five
years according to the relative importance of the above factors.
DELIVERY OF THE INSPECTION AND REPAIR REGIME
12. The inspection of M&T should be delivered by the CMS contracts under Engineering
Operations. For each M&T inspection carried out, a general inspection report shall be
provided detailing findings and recommendations. The report is to provide an assessment on:
13.
a.
the condition of the structure (including safety equipment);
b.
identify what maintenance is being done;
c.
confirm an ongoing inspection frequency; and
d.
recommended repairs.
The inspection is be carried out by a competent person.
14. For structural repairs and modifications to the M&T, depending on the extent and nature
of the work, an engineering assessment may be required. An engineering assessment involves
such activities as design verification, engineering calculations, and the provision of
engineering drawings. The specific purpose of an engineering assessment is to confirm the
work meets all applicable standards and guidelines, and that the structure is in a sound state
and fit for purpose. The engineering assessment is to be carried out by a competent person
engaged by the CMS.
15. If an engineering assessment, repairs, or modifications to the structure is required, a
CSIR along with a risk assessment is to be submitted for funding. If urgent repairs are
required and no regional funding is available, emergency funding should be obtained.
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M&T IDENTITY METHODOLOGY
16. A suitable tagging system (DEMS Structure/Equipment Identification number) is
required to be fixed to the M&T. Defence M&T should have the model and serial numbers
stamped onto the structure near the base (if applicable). As the structure is located in the open
and subject to deterioration due to the elements along with general wear and tear, a robust
non-corrosive labelling system must be used. This information will need to be kept up-todate whenever changes are made to the equipment fixed to the structure or the M&T structure
itself.
17. For M&Ts supporting microwave or radar radio transmission equipment, a site radiation
folder (provided by the equipment owner) will be required for each structure. This
information should be kept close to the structure so personnel are aware of any radio
frequency hazards. If no building is available, this information could be kept in a waterproof
cabinet located in a suitable location nearby the M&T.
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INSPECTION GUIDANCE FLOWCHART
Confirm location and identify the mast
or tower.
The M/T is
listed on
DEMS?
No - Allocate
structure ID
from range given
by Regional
POC.
Yes - Is the
information
correct?
No – include
correct details in
comment field
prefixed by **
(double asterisk)
Yes
Is a radiation
survey
required?
Yes – prepare or
update RADHAZ
documentation
No
Complete the following
1 - Confirm details, and update DEMS.
2 - Tag structure.
3 - Document specification availability, ensure RADHAZ documentation correct
and available. Also Prepare or update detailed information folder.
4 - Proceed with structural condition assessment.
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OCCUPATIONAL AND WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY
18. It is important that Defence standards for accessing M&T be clearly understood. As the
WHS legislation across Australia varies between States and Territories, local requirements
should be clearly understood. When assessing a M&T, the following general items that need
to be considered:

Definition of fall zones when at heights.

Use of handrails and personal protective equipment (PPE) e.g. harnesses,
lanyards, horizontal and vertical safety lines.

Use of portable ladders versus fixed ladders.

Use of roof mounted walkways to access M&T located on buildings.

Use of elevated work platforms.

Use of riggers to access equipment via double lanyard system.

Provision of anti-climb devices on structures including ladder guards, barbed
wire deterrents and other security devices.

Provision of lifting devices to move equipment safely up and down the structure.

Lighting requirements for personnel to access the site at night.

Radiation Hazards.
OHS/WHS Legislation
Location
Victoria
Commonwealth
South Australia
Western Australia
Tasmania
Northern
Territory
ACT
Queensland
New South Wales
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Legislation
OHS Act
WHS Act
WHS Act
OSHA
WHS Act
WHS Act
WHS Act
WHSA (Qld)
WHS Act
STANDARDS, LEGISLATION & CODES
Defence Standards
Defence Safety Manual - Safetyman
Australian Standards (but not limited to)
Directly applicable
AS 3995 – Design of steel lattice towers and masts. (Appendix A
Maintenance and Inspection)
Associated Standards
AS 1111.1 – ISO metric hexagon bolts and screws – Product grade C – Bolts
AS 1111.2 – ISO metric hexagon bolts and screws – Product grade C – Screws
AS 1163 - Structural steel hollow sections
AS 1170.1 - Minimum design loads on structures – Dead and live loads and load
combinations
AS 1170.2 – Minimum design loads on structures (known as the SAA Loading Code) – Wind
loads.
AS 1170.3 – Minimum design loads on structures – Snow loads
AS 1170.4 – Minimum design loads on structures – Earthquake loads
AS 1214 – Hot-dipped galvanised coatings on threaded fasteners
AS 1252 – High strength steel bolts with associated nuts and washers for structural
engineering
AS 1289 - Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes - General requirements and list of
methods
AS 1302 – Steel reinforcing bars for concrete
AS 1303 – Steel reinforcing wire for concrete
AS 1304 – Welded wire reinforcing fabric for concrete
AS 1418 – Cranes including EWP
AS 1554.1 – Structural steel welding – Welding of steel structures
AS 1554.5 – Structural steel welding – welding of steel structures subject to high levels of
fatigue loading
AS 1554.6 – Structural steel welding – Welding stainless steels for structural purposes
AS 1559 – Hot-dip galvanised steel bolts with associated nuts and washers for tower
construction
AS 1657 - Fixed Platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and
installation.
AS 1725 Galvanised rail-less chainwire security fences and gates.
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AS 1768 – Lightning Protection
AS 1891 – Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Safety belts and harnesses.
AS 2159 – Piling - Design and installation – Guidelines
AS 2311 – Guide to the painting of Buildings
AS 2312 - Guide to the protection of structural steel against atmospheric corrosion by the use of
protective coatings
AS 2319 - Rigging screws and turnbuckles
AS 2772.2 – Radiofrequency radiation – Principles and methods of measurement – 300 kHz
to 100 GHz.
AS 2832 - Cathodic Protection of Metals
AS 2865 – Safe working in a Confined Space
AS 3000 – Electrical installations
AS 3100 – Approval and test specification – General requirements for electrical equipment
AS 3516 – Siting for Radio Communications facilities
AS 3600 – Concrete structures.
AS 3678 – Structural steel-Hot rolled plates, floor plates and slabs
AS 3679.1 – Structural steel-Hot rolled bars and sections
AS 4065 - Concrete utility services poles.
AS 4100 – Steel structures – Commentary (Supplement to AS 4100-1998)
AS 4488 – Industrial Rope access systems
AS 4676 - Structural design requirements for utility services poles.
AS 4674 – Structural Design Requirements for Utility Service Poles
AS 4677 - Steel utility services poles.
AS 4680 – Hot-dip galvanised (zinc) coatings on fabricated ferrous articles
Building Code of Australia.
OTHER APPLICABLE REGULATIONS LEGISLATION
Telecommunications Act 1997.
Telecommunications Code of Practice 1997
ARPANSA Radiation Protection Series No. 3 – Maximum Exposure Levels to Radiofrequency Fields
– 3 kHz to 200 GH
Radio communications Licence Conditions (Apparatus Licence) Determination 2003
State Planning Laws – additional details required for local council LEP & DCP
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State
Victoria
Legislation
Planning & Environment Act
South Australia
Western Australia
Tasmania
Northern
Territory
Queensland
New South Wales
Development Act
Town Planning & Development Act
Land Use Planning & Approvals Act
Planning Act & Territory Plan
Integrated Planning Act
Environment Planning & Assessment
Act
INDUSTRY CODES
ACIF Industry Code – Deployment of Radio communications Infrastructure, ACIF
C564:2002
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Annex B
PROPOSED
ENGINEERING
OPS
SOW
WORDING
TO
ALLOW
INCORPORATION OF MASTS AND TOWERS INSPECTIONS STATEMENT OF
WORK
1.
The Contractor is required to conduct an initial inspection and report for various masts
and towers that are maintained in the #### Region.
2.
Using the M&T SOW, structures and equipment (attached to M&T) are to be inspected
and checked to give an overall condition assessment.
3.
An on-going inspection routine is to be established for future inspections based on the
requirements detailed in the M&T SOW. The proposed on-going inspection regime will
identify the reason for the proposed inspection frequency. A fee for conducting future
inspections in accordance with this inspection routine is to be submitted with the initial report.
4.
The inspection reports, supported by digital photographs, are to include
recommendations, cost estimates, and a risk assessment for any further detailed assessment,
repairs, or modifications that may be required. Following consideration of the report by
Defence, the Contractor will be required to incorporate the recommendations into the IA
process and develop any necessary documentation to support a bid for funding.
PROPOSED ENGINEERING OPS SOW WORDING FOR ONGOING MASTS AND
TOWERS INSPECTIONS
5.
The Contractor is required to conduct an inspection and report for various masts and
towers that are maintained in the #### Region.
6.
Using the M&T SOW, structures and equipment (attached to M&T) are to be inspected
and checked to give an overall condition assessment.
7.
The frequency of inspections and next inspection due data is provided in the attached
document. <Region insert document reference>.
8.
The inspection reports, supported by digital photographs, are to include
recommendations, cost estimates, and a risk assessment for any further detailed assessment,
repairs, or modifications that may be required. Following consideration of the report by
Defence, the Contractor will be required to incorporate the recommendations into the IA
process and develop any necessary documentation to support a bid for funding.
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