Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Towers should have sufficient guy wire support, the capacity
for the planned antennas, and good soil conditions to hold
the tower in place. This also includes the weight of the tower
climber. If the climber is too heavy, the risk of falling off
the tower increases. In short, people who are overweight, or
with other health issues, should NOT climb towers!! If you have
to hire a professional to do it, do so.
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Be sure that all shack equipment is insulated and grounded. Unplug
all gear, and disconnect all antennas during thunderstorms, whether
in or near your area.

The U.S. Storm Prediction Center has "Convective Outlooks" where
at least 10% coverage of thunderstorms is expected. However,
thunderstorms can form outside of this coverage area...especially
during the heat of day in the summer. Check with the forecast
from your area National Weather Service or Meteorological Agency
for the forecast of thunderstorms in your area.

Also, have access to weather radar...so if you see something
developing, it's time to "shut things down".
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Check with local building codes, have all the needed tools
BEFORE starting work, and be sure enough help is on hand for
the project. Make sure that you have acquired all of the proper
permits, paid the appropriate fees, etc. If not, you could be
in trouble with local officials.
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Those living in areas with Covenants, Creeds, and Restrictions
(CC&R's), and/or Homeowner Association Agreements (HOA's) may NOT
be allowed to erect outdoor antennas...plus, indoor antenna setup
may be restricted, if not prohibited altogether. PRB-1 does NOT
cover these CC&R's and HOA's. Check the paperwork BEFORE you sign
any kind of lease agreement.

While the Amateur Radio Parity Act is moving through Congress,
there's no guarantee that it'll pass. But, even if it does, that
likely will NOT give carte' blanche' to hams to do whatever they
want with towers, etc.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Avoid placement near power lines at all costs. If the tower
tilts and comes in contact with a power line, anyone on or
near the tower, will be fatally electrocuted.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

If attaching antennas to a structure, make sure the structure is
sturdy enough to hold it. You don't want the antenna in a severe
storm coming down, taking the side off of a structure...let alone
power lines. The lines on the ground could start a fire.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Wear gloves and other safety gear as you climb the tower. In
the daytime, especially in summer heat, the metal of the tower
will become very HOT, and severe burns can result if your arms,
hands, feet, are not protected.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Have adequate eye protection when working in the shack, or on a
tower. You don't want to have debris from solder, electronics,
or otherwise in your eyes...or intense light from the sun off of
metal surfaces outside. Either way, you could lose your eyesight
in a hurry.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Do NOT eat or drink food in the shack if working on equipment.
Ingesting things could cause violent illness or death. Outside,
save all food and drink (especially alcoholic beverages) for "on
the ground", and AFTER ALL tower work is completed.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Have plenty of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages for
hydration if working outside. Both caffeine and alcohol will
dehydrate you quickly. The heat coming off of the tower, combined
with the hot sun, will combine with dehydration to "rock your
world in a bad way". Again, save the alcoholic beverages until
AFTER ALL tower work is FINISHED.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

If there is a Heat Advisory, Excessive Heat Watch, or Excessive
Heat Warning in effect for the area, CANCEL any and all tower
work...treating it like a day with thunderstorm potential. Hot
temperatures can lead to heat illness, heat exhaustion, and
potential heat stroke; the latter can be fatal, if medical help
is not summoned promptly.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Make sure your insurance policy is adequate. Increase coverages
if necessary. This will benefit you in case of an accident, or
if someone files a lawsuit for damages.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Owners of towers more than 200 feet high, that are near or at a
public use airport, must notify the FAA, plus the FCC...and must
have proper lightning on the tower.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Be sure that all power is OFF, and all circuits are SUFFICIENTLY
DISCHARGED, before working on them. Do NOT have anything metal on,
such as jewelry, belts, etc., that could complete an electrical
circuit through you. If you don't know what you're doing, send it
to a ham radio dealer for servicing. The cost incurred for repair
is not worth paying with the price of your life!! As little as 1
amp (1000 milliamps) of electricity, if even that, can be fatal!!

With some of the gear nowadays, it's cheaper to throw it in the
trash, if it quits working, and buy a replacement rig...rather
than send it off for repairs.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

If sending gear off for repairs, send it to a reputable dealer.
Area hams may mean well, and try to save you some money, but if
they make one wrong wiring deal, it could set your shack ablaze,
or even injure or kill you when you turn it in.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Keep people and pets away from RF Output. An RF safety evaluation
is REQUIRED above certain levels, and it varies by band. Do NOT
touch antennas while transmitting, as you can get a nasty RF burn,
which is quite painful upon infliction, and it will take a
considerable amount of time to heal.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Keep up with the latest safety regulations, especially with
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and the regulations for
Part 97 on RF safety. Ignorance of such can cost you your life!!
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Never work alone, in the shack or elsewhere. If something happens,
you may not be found until after you're injured (you likely will
be too injured to call for help), or after you're dead.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Have safety gear for you, and all involved, along with a First Aid
Kit, and someone nearby to render aid, or to call 911, if needed.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should only be administered
by those with proper training.

In the latter case, critical seconds can literally mean the
difference between life and death.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Do NOT store flammable liquids, including gasoline (i.e. for power
generators) in the shack. If you have these, they should be placed
in approved containers in approved storage areas. In those areas
do NOT smoke or use any open flames!!
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

If you smell gas in the shack, get to the shut off valve, and turn
it off. Evacuate everyone from the property, and call the Fire
Department and the Gas Company. Do not re-enter the structure
until it has been checked for safety. One spark or open flame
could trigger a fiery, fatal, huge, explosion.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Never refill the tank of a generator while it is running. Turn it
off, and let it cool down considerably, before refueling it. Then,
let any spill residue evaporate, before restarting the generator.
Otherwise, a flash fire or explosion could result.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Never run the generator in an enclosed space. The unit will produce
deadly carbon monoxide fumes that are colorless, odorless, and
tasteless; and inhaling these over even a short period of time
will cause either serious illness, unconsciousness, and ultimately,
death.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Have an EMERGENCY EXIT out of the shack, and make sure that it is
NOT blocked, in case you need to exit the shack quickly.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Beware of used towers and gear, which may have hidden defects.
Most hams will not give others "a bum steer", but there are
some who are willing to make a quick buck on a useless item,
basically "a worthless boat anchor doorstop". In short "you get
what you pay for". It's best to buy "fresh tower", as it were,
even if it costs more.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

If there is a Heat Advisory, Excessive Heat Watch, or Excessive
Heat Warning in effect for the area, CANCEL any and all tower
work...treating it like a day with thunderstorm potential. Hot
temperatures can lead to heat illness, heat exhaustion, and
potential heat stroke; the latter can be fatal, if medical help
is not summoned promptly.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Do NOT place the tower where insects or reptiles may be a problem.
Stinging insects such as bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, etc.
may build their nests near, or on the towers. Also, watch for fire
ant mounds, and snakes. Stings or bites will be very painful, and
in some cases, fatal, if prompt medical attention is not obtained.

If you are allergic to insect stings, have an EpiPen handy for quick
injection. Because that is a massive dose of epinephrin, you need to
have an ambulance summoned, and take you to an Emergency Room quickly.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Be sure that all shack equipment is insulated and grounded. Unplug
all gear, and disconnect all antennas during thunderstorms, whether
in or near your area.

The U.S. Storm Prediction Center has "Convective Outlooks" where
at least 10% coverage of thunderstorms is expected. However,
thunderstorms can form outside of this coverage area...especially
during the heat of day in the summer. Check with the forecast
from your area National Weather Service or Meteorological Agency
for the forecast of thunderstorms in your area.

Also, have access to weather radar...so if you see something
developing, it's time to "shut things down".
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Check with local building codes, have all the needed tools
BEFORE starting work, and be sure enough help is on hand for
the project. Make sure that you have acquired all of the proper
permits, paid the appropriate fees, etc. If not, you could be
in trouble with local officials.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Those living in areas with Covenants, Creeds, and Restrictions
(CC&R's), and/or Homeowner Association Agreements (HOA's) may NOT
be allowed to erect outdoor antennas...plus, indoor antenna setup
may be restricted, if not prohibited altogether. PRB-1 does NOT
cover these CC&R's and HOA's. Check the paperwork BEFORE you sign
any kind of lease agreement.

While the Amateur Radio Parity Act is moving through Congress,
there's no guarantee that it'll pass. But, even if it does, that
likely will NOT give carte' blanche' to hams to do whatever they
want with towers, etc.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Avoid placement near power lines at all costs. If the tower
tilts and comes in contact with a power line, anyone on or
near the tower, will be fatally electrocuted.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

If attaching antennas to a structure, make sure the structure is
sturdy enough to hold it. You don't want the antenna in a severe
storm coming down, taking the side off of a structure...let alone
power lines. The lines on the ground could start a fire.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Wear gloves and other safety gear as you climb the tower. In
the daytime, especially in summer heat, the metal of the tower
will become very HOT, and severe burns can result if your arms,
hands, feet, are not protected.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)

Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

Have adequate eye protection when working in the shack, or on a
tower. You don't want to have debris from solder, electronics,
or otherwise in your eyes...or intense light from the sun off of
metal surfaces outside. Either way, you could lose your eyesight
in a hurry.
--- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7)