Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1922-07-27
ACCIDENT PREVENTION FOR
THE RADIO AMATEUR

IllE hHDAO HuAh ASse
Serious accidents have occurred
due 10 the fouling of radio antennae
with energized power lines. Inc
hazard rom this source is serious
unless the antenna is so installed as
to make accidental contact between
il and the power wires lmpossloIe.
Keep in mind that it is not only
dangerous to erect the antenna close
TO an energized power line but sucn
location brings about serious inter
ference with the operation OF the
equipment.
To this end, that the radio anna
teur NAV be protected and that the
development of radio may be Stabl-
lied and safeguarded, the AleXan-
dria Light and Power Company re-
quests all persons interested IN ra-
do TO be warned against attaching
aerials to any pole or tower carry
ing wires, stringing radio antennae
over or under other wires, attaching
antennae to any but substantial
supports, climbing poles upon which
wires are supported.
We request the cooperation OF
the public and authorities and es-
peciallv the parents of young radio
enthusiastic in this matter purely IN
the interest of public safety.
For the interests of alt concerned,
individuals desiring to use radio
transmitters should consult with the
power company regarding, the prop
or connection 10 the power lines. In
reference preventers must be IN
stalled. or there will result consider
able Inconvenience TO the company
and 70 IFS customers in the lmmedl-
ate locality of the radio transmit
ter.
Persons erecting radio antennae,
especially young persons, are es-
pecially cautioned to use great care
in climbing about on roofs, IN trees
or other elevated places. Wear rub
hers or Sneakers" to reduce the
danger of slipping on roofs. use
only sound, substantial ladders.
Don't try to use spurs as they are
unsafe unless you are experienced
in their use, and they ere in the
best condition. Remember that even
the most experienced lineman IS OBJ
liged 10 wear heavy safety belt to
work safely on poles. Above all the
Young amateur should be on the look
out for wires that may pass close
to the roof and keep both his aerial
and himself away from them.
In planning your set 1t Is well 70
remember that an outdoor aerial Is
not absolutely necessary-that IN
door antennae will operate well II
proper instruments are provided. i
is hoped that the use of the indoor
type of antenna may be developed
so that it will in time supplant the
expensive and dangerous outdoor
antenna.
The antenna should always be
grounded when not in use This may
be accomplished by making a sub
stantial connection of No. 4 B & )
gauge copper wire to water pipes
(not gas pipes or heating syStemsl :
TO one or more pipes driven several .
feet into the ground or to a copper
plate buried in charcoal or crushed
coke in moist earth or 6 feet deep /
The effectiveness Of a ground may /
be increased by placing a quantlty I
of coarse salt around the pipes or
under the plate. Connection to the ,
antenna should be made through a /
double throw, single pole switch OF
100 amperes capacity, the antenna
being connected to the center and .
the instruments on one end and the
ground to the other In this way
the Instruments are cut out when .
the antenna is grounded.
IF in spite of all precautions an .,
accident should occur, and the per-
son working on or listening to the
radio set should receive a shock |
rendering him unconscious. the frsr
thing TO do is to clear the victim
from the conductors. then instantly !
attend to his breathing by the prone l
pressure method of resuscitation. !
Electric shock rarely kills outright. .
and if the victim can be kent breath
ing until he ~egains sufficient con- .
SERIOUSNESS fc~ the control of his vital .
functions, MANY otherwise fatal l
cases may be saved.