1. AMATEUR RADIO TRAINING
Safety
Release: v1.2
hamtrain.co.uk

2. Voltage & Earths RF Burns Shack safety Antenna safety

3. Voltage & Current High voltage carries a risk of electrocution
High current carries a risk of overheating and fire
Take care with mains-powered equipment (230V AC)
Switch off and unplug equipment before working on it
Take care with batteries and avoid short circuits. Even a low voltage battery can overheat and cause a fire.
Electrocution: Disconnect the power immediately. Ensure power off before touching victim. Summon medical help

4. Mains Plugs Brown: Live Blue: Neutral Yellow/Green: Earth
Plug / cable undamaged
Correct value fuse (P = V x I)
Avoid whiskers
Flex secured

5. Earths
Earth connections prevent metalwork becoming ‘live’ in fault conditions
Don’t mix the mains earth with the RF earth
‘PME’ - Protective Multiple Earthing
Be aware of “PME”. Some homes use this – the neutral and earth are connected. Out-of-scope for this course, but be aware of the term.

6. RF Burns
Can be very nasty, and the effects are not always felt immediately
Do not touch antenna whilst transmitting
Insulated wires, such as antenna and feeder cable, can still give an RF burn
Be careful when wearing watches, rings, etc. near RF

7. Shack Safety
Ensure your shack has a single, clearly- marked ‘OFF’ switch
Exercise care when using and storing tools
Take care when using headphones – loud noise can damage your hearing. Damage can be cumulative
Trailing wires are a trip hazard
Avoid liquids near equipment

8. Antenna Safety Avoid overhead cables and phone lines
Secure antennas and feeder safely, insuring no accidental contact
Care when using a ladder (ladder secured,wear a hard hat)
At least one adult must be present
Risk of lightning strike on high antennas
Do not touch an antenna whilst transmitting

9. Outdoor Safety Car batteries:
High current, danger of overheating, corrosive acid
Risk of tripping over cables
Risk of overhead wires
In-car: Unsecured equipment; distractions ; use hands-free equipment

10. Summary Understand the dangers of high voltage and current
Do not touch a casualty until power is disconnected
Mains plugs: correct fuse value ; check for damage
Understand the risk of RF burns
Care with ladders and antennas
Keep your shack safe – “OFF” Switch
Watch for wires below you (trip hazard) and above (antennas and ladders)

11. SAFETY
Any questions?
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