ASSP Updates Safety Standard for Communication Structures

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has published a revision to a voluntary national consensus safety standard that involves communication structures, which can present many risks for workers across the country. The updated ANSI/ASSP A10.48 standard will be effective on January 1, covering the latest safety practices and training recommendations for the construction, demolition, modification and maintenance of communication structures.

The digital standard establishes minimum criteria that companies can implement to keep workers safe when performing work on communication structures, including antenna and broadcast supporting structures.

The A10.48 standard provides comprehensive safety guidance on communication structures, including the following sections: pre-job planning, site conditions, fall protection and rescue, radio frequency, base-mounted hoists, personnel lifting and accessories, rigging, gin poles, climbing facilities and access, structural loading considerations, training programs, capstan hoist, demolition, helicopters used for lifting external loads, and electrical safety.

Voluntary national consensus standards provide the latest expert guidance and fill gaps where federal regulations don’t exist. Companies rely on them to drive improvement, injury prevention and sustainability. With regulatory requirements being slow to change and often out of date, compliance is not sufficient to protect workers.

For more information, visit https://www.assp.org.