This is the last part of eight in this series. Visit the main article here.
PART 8: Safety Concerns and Warnings
SAFETY CONCERNS & WARNINGS
You MUST read this Safety Concerns and Warnings section before starting this project. This is a MUST.
The information covered here can not by itself guarantee a successful install and its’ long life. At this time my 34′ high install with hex antenna and rotator on top have endured winds of around 50 mph with no apparent issues. The 35# weight on top far exceeds any manufacturer recommendations so extreme care must be taken at every step for safety’s sake. I DO NOT recommend this 35# experiment on a telescopic more than 34 feet high, the height of a Rohn 9H50. Note: Rohn does NOT approve of this type of install and cannot be held responsible for any mast failures. Theirs is a quality product when used to their recommendations.
I have modified and used the telescopic beyond the stated recommendations. Again, there is no guaranty of success and this project, if attempted, must be considered an experiment with the participant responsible for all actions involved.
If you feel unsafe about this project as stated, DO NOT attempt it-walk away. If that’s the case, you may find some aspects of it that you can use to your benefit. If so, go ahead with it. My products, described herein, are not proprietary.
GENERAL & SPECIFIC SAFETY CONCERNS & WARNINGS
- Select a safe location, especially considering the location of power lines. If no safe location can be found, don’t continue with this project.
- Very Important: Read all about safety and procedures before you start. Use your web browser. Type in:
a. antennas and power line safety
b. antenna mast safety
c. ladder safety
d. antenna mast grounding
e. guy system
- Plan your steps carefully. Do NOT take chances.
- Wear necessary safety gear/clothing
- Have enough manpower on hand.
- Do Not work during inclement weather and/or windy conditions.
- Do Not rush the project-No mistake is worth it.
There’s a lot out there regarding the safe use of pushup/telescopic antenna masts. Some important considerations are:
- -its height
- -the weight of the antenna that may be placed on top
- -the guying requirements
- -falling limbs, snow, ice
- -strong/gusty winds
- -the size of the mast material to use
My Reinforcers are very rugged and provide more strength and rigidity than the mast material itself. When used with the Winch-It-Up Mast Support and guyed to levels recommended by the manufacturer, the Reinforcer supported mast should yield excellent results.
READ AGAIN ——– IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: No antenna mast is complete without a good guy system. It’s the best insurance you can have to protect your mast, yourself, others and property. Typically a guy level is necessary for every 10 feet of unsupported mast. An online search can provide you with detailed installation information. DON’T SHORTCUT YOUR GUY SYSTEM!! For my rope guy system on the top level, I use Mastrant-P 5mm/0.197” rope rated at 1102 lbs. For lower levels I use STI Antenna Support Rope, 3/16”, 0.187”, rated at 770 lbs. The 770# is very adequate for most antennas. I use the four guy system for masts 30′ and above and all those with significant antenna/rotator weight on top.
If you don’t feel you have a safe spot to locate the mast or you are not comfortable with the information provided here, you should go elsewhere. Also, there are nay-sayers out there with opinions. However, with this design and using the extra support Reinforcers, and with minimal maintenance, I believe this mast that will provide long and dependable service.
If you’ve read all the information provided, you can see that I’ve covered many many possible concerns. When raising objects high in the air, there will always be concerns. And every install is different so you should expect some issues. Be Prepared – Be Careful – Be Safe. It’s in your hands-you are responsible.
Return to Part 7. Extending the telescopic sections.
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