Other Safety Considerations

 

Poole Radio Society offers the following information ONLY to help candidates obtain their Foundation Licence.  It is the responsibility of readers of this site to properly understand and assess the risks and precautions needed when carrying out amateur radio related activities.

Wires

 

·          Do not have wires trailing across floors

 

·          People may trip over them, and injure themselves in the fall.

·          They may drag equipment, possibly live equipment, off the bench or table, which can then cause injury, and possibly exposes live wires.

·          There is also a risk of the insulation becoming frayed, resulting in a risk of electrocution or fire.

Elevated wires and antennas

 

·          Elevated wires, feeders and antennas must be suitably located and secured. 

 

·          They need to be clear of being walked into, resulting in direct injury, or being pulled down, thereby causing injury.

·          They need to be properly fixed so that they don’t get blown down by the wind and by a bird flying into them.

 

·          They should not be sited close to overhead power cables.  If they should come down (perhaps in a storm) they could come into contact with high voltages, with a risk of electrocution of people nearby. 

 

·          Erecting antennas is potentially hazardous.  It is advisable to have someone to help you.  Workings on a ladder, raising heavy items, represent increased risks.  You should always have an adult present when undertaking potentially risky activities.  There should always be a second person present to summon help if an accident does occur.

·          Antenna elements should not be touched when transmitting and should be mounted to avoid accidental contact.  This does not apply to low powered hand-held equipment.

 

·          Antennas and feeders carrying r.f. can cause burns by arcing or by energy absorption in tissue.  This is possible even if the wires are insulated but unscreened.  Accidental contact by people and animals needs to be considered.

 

·           Particularly high antennas may need special protection against lightening strikes.  Antennas should be disconnected from equipment when not in use.

 

Using Headphones

 

·          Excessive volume when using headphones can cause damage to hearing.

 

·          The volume should not be turned up too loudly. 

 

·          The damage from excessive volume can cause damage over many years that cannot be reversed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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