ISOTRON 80/40 COMBINATION

 

 

 FROM THE CPSC
  
 DANGER
 
WATCH FOR WIRES
 
 YOU CAN BE
 KILLED
IF THIS ANTENNA COMES
 NEAR ELECTRIC POWER
 LINES.
 
 READ
 INSTRUCTIONS
 
 IT IS FOR YOUR SAFTEY!

 

Strong words? Absolutely! This warning is required to accompany antennas marketed for the Citizens Band. However, it is not just Citizen Band operators that get hurt or killed. Amateur and commercial operators do also. The information below is required to accompany base station antennas for the Citizen Band. However, it does apply to all that install their own antennas.

 

 

Select a safe site to install the antenna.

 

The distance between any power lines and the installation site should be at least one and one-half times the height of the antenna and mast assembly. Make the distance even greater, if at all possible. Since all overhead power look somewhat alike, consider them all dangerous and stay well away from them.

 

If you have power lines in the area, call your local electric utility for assistance.

 

 ANTENNA MOUNTING

 

NEVER work alone; always have someone near who can summon help.

 

Certain clothing may provide a degree of safety, but don't depend on it for your life (rubber boots or shoes, industrial rubber gloves and a long sleeve shirt or jacket).

 

Check weather conditions. Be sure  that it hasn't rained  recently and that the lawn is not wet or muddy. Make sure that rain or thunderstorms are not predicted for the day you decide to install the antenna.

 

The wind can blow the antenna into a nearby power line. Don't install or remove antennas in moderate or heavy winds.

 

If you need to use a ladder, make sure it is made of non-conductive (non-metallic) material. (This is a safety rule that you should follow whenever you're working with electrical equipment.)

 

If possible, have someone present who has been trained in electric shock first aid.

 

 

Properly assemble the antenna according to the instructions (do this where the antenna is to be put up).

 

Tie off the mast  with dry non conductive ropes so you can control the side sway and the direction of fall as you walk the assembly up. If it does start to fall, let go of it and let it fall.

 

Don't attempt to "walk up" a mast over 30 feet tall. Get a professional to do it for you.

 

Once the antenna is up in full vertical position, securely fasten it by tying it to the side of the house or by using "guy" wires and GROUND the antenna according to the National Electric Code.

 

 ROOFTOP INSTALLATIONS

 

DO NOT assume that just because you're on a roof, your isolated from ground. You may still be electrocuted or fall off the roof..

 

 EMERGENCY AID FOR SHOCK

 

It is advisable to work with several other people when installing or removing an antenna. One person should stand  aside to direct  the effort and watch for signs of trouble. If someone does receive a shock, don't touch the victim while his body is still in contact with the electricity. Instead, pry or pull him away from the source of electricity with a length of dry wood, rope, a blanket, or another non-metallic object.

 

If breathing has stopped, start CPR resuscitation until a paramedic or ambulance arrives and relieves you. The ambulance should be informed when called that an electric shock has occurred; it can bring proper equipment such as an intensive care or cardiac care mobile unit equipped with heart defibrillator and carrying trained personnel.

 

These safety tips are contained in CPCSC's Alert Sheet which is available by calling the Commission's toll free hotline 800/638-2772.                                         

 

 

73,

Ralph WD0EJA

 

APRIL 2017