1. Forum
  2. Fidonet
  3. LS ARRL

  • Todays Safety Tip

    From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Mon Apr 10 00:03:26 2023
    Here is today's Ham Shack Safety Tip:

    Cancel ALL tower work if there is any threat of thunderstorms.
    Lightning can strike as much as 20 to even 200 miles away from
    the parent thunderstorm, and the tower is basically just one big
    lightning rod. If you are on it, and the tower is struck,
    you could be severely burned, if not fatally electrocuted.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Thu Apr 13 00:03:48 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Sun Apr 16 00:04:31 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Wed Apr 19 00:04:34 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Sat Apr 22 00:04:09 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Tue Apr 25 00:05:45 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Fri Apr 28 00:06:46 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Sun Apr 30 00:03:42 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Thu May 4 00:04:50 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Sun May 7 00:04:42 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Wed May 10 09:47:11 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Sat May 13 00:03:55 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Tue May 16 00:03:39 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Fri May 19 00:04:41 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Mon May 22 00:03:32 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Thu May 25 00:03:32 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Sun May 28 00:03:59 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Tue May 30 00:03:16 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Sun Jun 4 00:03:33 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Wed Jun 7 00:03:19 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Fri Jun 16 00:03:22 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Mon Jun 19 00:03:30 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Thu Jun 22 00:03:44 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Sun Jun 25 00:03:48 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Wed Jun 28 00:05:06 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to All on Fri Jun 30 00:03:13 2023
    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 (1:2320/33)