Satellite & Antenna Installers
Installers mount dishes and antennas on roofs, walls and poles, then run cables through attics and crawl spaces. The work puts them on ladders and roofs daily, often alone, and close to power lines.
- Installers
- Technicians
- Contractors
Hazards
- Ladder and roof falls: the leading cause of serious injury and death for installers. See Extension Ladders and Roof Work.
- Power lines: metal masts, ladders and dishes can touch overhead lines when raised. See Overhead Power Lines.
- Lightning: do not work during storms.
- Electrical shock from wiring in attics and walls. See Hidden Wiring.
- Heat, tight spaces and insects in attics and crawlspaces. See Attics & Crawlspaces.
- Drilling into pipes or wires in walls.
- RF exposure near transmitting antennas. See RF, Microwave & Laser Hazards.
- Dogs, weather and customer property.
Ladder and roof safety
- Choose the right ladder, extend it 3 feet above the roof edge and set it at the 4-to-1 angle. Tie off or stabilize. Use a non-conductive (fiberglass) ladder near power.
- Use fall protection on roofs: a harness and anchor, guardrails or other methods. Do not rely on skill alone. See Personal Fall Arrest Systems.
- Do not go on a wet, icy, steep or fragile roof. Use a different mounting if the roof is unsafe.
- Keep three points of contact and do not carry heavy loads up a ladder; use a hoist line.
Power line rules
- Look up before you raise anything. Stay at least 10 feet from lines up to 50 kV, and more at higher voltages. Check the service drop to the house too.
- Plan the mast and ladder paths so a fall or slip cannot move them toward a line.
- Call the utility if the only mounting spot is near lines.
Installation checklist
- Walk around the property for hazards, pets and utility lines
- Choose a mounting location that is safe to reach
- Ground the dish or mast to the building's grounding system per code
- Seal roof penetrations to prevent leaks
- Wear safety glasses, gloves, a hard hat in attics and sturdy boots
- Check for lightning, wind and rain before climbing
Standards & references
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