Verizon invests in RF inspection for rooftop antennas

Verizon Wireless says it has spent roughly $4.2 million to measure RF levels at its 5,000 rooftop antenna sites. The carrier’s initiative came in response to a Federal Communications Commission investigation, prompted by complaints that originated in Philadelphia and Hartford. Verizon paid a $50,000 fine to settle that complaint and promised to enforce rigorous RF safety training for its employees, contractors and others who may come into contact with elevated levels of radiofrequency emissions from Verizon’s antennas.
The carrier told the FCC that it has spent about $4.2 million so far inspecting approximately 5,000 rooftop antenna sites, and updating RFE warning signage when needed. In addition, Verizon is training all individuals who work at its network operations centers on how to answer calls from the public about exposure to radio frequency emissions.
Verizon’s initiative comes as the Occupational Health and Safety Administration is looking at RF exposure and its potential impact on tower climbers. Late last year, OSHA wrote a letter to tower companies and carriers asking about the increase in the number of tower climber deaths, and one of the questions in the letter concerned the presence of ambient RF. Effects of RF exposure can include impaired vision and confusion, both of which could play a role in a fall from a cell tower.
Network operators and tower companies can expect more questions about RF in the months ahead, as safety advocates and makers of safety equipment warn municipalities and construction workers about the possible dangers their employees could face. Rooftop antennas are a target because so many different types of workers can come into contact with them.
Verizon did not share any specifics about changes in safety gear for rooftop antenna workers. But the larger operators like Verizon are known for having strict safety protocols, with lapses more likely to be seen with smaller contractors. American Tower, which builds and maintains many Verizon cell sites, requires all climbers to wear protective gear that monitors radiation levels at all times. Climbers are told to wear the personal RF monitor on the torso, facing forward. Workers are instructed to immediately leave the site if the monitor alarms.
Follow me on Twitter.