The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today approved a regulation that would require manufacturers of citizen band (CB) base stations and television antennas to supply consumers with safety information at the time of purchase.
CPSC estimates that approximately 220 persons in 1975 and 275 in 1976 were electrocuted in accidents involving communications antennas. The majority of the electrocutions occurred as a result of antenna contact with power lines while the antennas were either being erected or taken down. This number of deaths makes communications antennas the number one cause of electrocutions among all consumer products.
The regulation - which will require warning labels, safety installation instructions, and written information on hazards- will affect an estimated 150 manufacturers of citizen band (CB) base station antennas, television antennas, and certain antenna supporting structures.
CPSC estimates that the cost of labels and installation instructions to the manufacturer will be between 10¢ and 35¢ per product item with a probable increase in the retail price of approximately $1 per unit. CPSC believes that the cost is justified in view of the severe nature of the hazard associated with these products.
The regulation will become effective 90 days after publication in the FEDERAL REGISTER. CPSC urges consumers to seek professional advice before installing an outside antenna. Local electric utilities and CB organizations can provide information on local electrical code regulations and antenna mounting.
The Commission advises consumers to use the following precautions when installing an antenna:
Site Selection
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 lines 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.
Antenna Installation
Properly assemble the antenna according to 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 Electrical Code.
Rooftop Installations
DO NOT assume that just because you're on a roof, you're 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, use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until a doctor or ambulance arrives and relieves you. If the heart has stopped, closed-chest cardiac massage must be done simultaneously. 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 a heart defibrillator and carrying trained personnel.
These safety tips are contained in CPSC's CB Alert Sheet which is available by calling the Commission's toll-free hotline 800/638-2772.
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
For lifesaving information:
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- Contact a media specialist.
Please use the below phone number for all media requests.
Phone: (301) 504-7908
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