13 NCAC 07F .0600 through .0609 - Communication Tower Standards

Scope: This standard provides the requirements pertaining to employer responsibilities. 

Special Requirements: Competent person, inspect, references other standards

(a) The employer shall require employees to adhere to acceptable conditions for access, as defined by 13 NCAC 07F .0602(1) - definitions, prior to climbing the tower at heights above six feet. 

(b) The employer shall ensure that at least two employees, including at least one competent person, are on site at all times when employees are exposed to fall hazards above six feet, provided however, an employer shall not be required to have more than two employees on site at any given time. 

(c) A competent person shall visually inspect the tower base for damage, deterioration, structural deficiencies and functionality of safety features and anchorages before employees are allowed to climb the tower at heights above six feet. Additionally, the employer shall ensure that the tower is visually inspected for these items, as it is ascended, to the elevation point where work is being performed.

Scope: This standard provides for hazard identification and assessment.

Special Requirements: Hazard assessment, identify meteorological conditions, inspections, competent person, controls, evaluate, assess, document, information, rule, PPE, references other standards

(a) In addition to the inspections required by 13 NCAC 07F .0603(c) - employer responsibilities, and 13 NCAC 07F .0605(b) - fall protection, the employer shall conduct a hazard assessment to identify, assess, and control employee exposure to hazards as required by the rules in this Section and any other applicable state or federal statutes, rules or regulations. 

(b) The employer shall perform and document the hazard assessments required by this Rule: 

• (1) Initially and daily for each site prior to permitting employees to climb the structure; and 

• (2) When safety and health information or change in workplace conditions indicates that a new or increased hazard may be present. 

(c) The hazard assessments required by this Rule shall: 

• (1) Be performed by a competent person; 

• (2) Evaluate new equipment, materials, and processes for hazards before they are introduced into the workplace; and 

• (3) Identify meteorological conditions that could affect work at heights above six feet on a tower, such as wind, rain, snow or ice. 

(d) If hazards are identified, the employer shall assess the severity of identified hazards and implement means to control such hazards, including providing employees with personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to control the identified hazards and ensuring the proper use of the PPE by the employees.

Scope: This standard provides the fall protection requirements.

Special Requirements: Fall protection systems, inspection, rescue team, verify, rescue plans, competency, simulated rescue operations, communicate (documented), available, tested, alternative means, inspect, competent person, planning, documentation, documented, fall protection equipment, trained, procedures (documented), designate, qualified climber, demonstrate, fall protection plan, PFAS, manufacturer's recommendations, American Red Cross, first aid/CPR certification, first aid supplies, training, references other standards

(a) General. Prior to employees climbing the tower at heights above six feet, the employer shall ensure that 100% fall protection systems compatible with the tasks assigned are provided, used, and maintained. The rules in this Section shall not require the retrofitting of communication towers; provided, that employees who are exposed to fall hazards above six feet while performing work on communication towers are protected from such hazards by means of a 100% fall protection system.

(b) Pre-Climb Planning and Inspection. In addition to the criteria for pre-climb planning and inspection included in Paragraph (g) of this Rule, the employer shall ensure that the following items occur prior to employees climbing the tower at heights above six (6) feet:

• (1) All climbing jobs shall be planned by a competent person;

• (2) All climbing facilities shall be visually inspected daily at the tower base by a competent person for rust, corrosion, deterioration, or other hazards. Additionally, the employer shall ensure that the climbing facilities are visually inspected for these items, as it is ascended, to the elevation point where work is being performed. If any such hazard is identified during this inspection, employees shall not use the climbing facility until such hazards are abated;

• (3) A competent person shall ensure that all fall protection equipment is inspected prior to each use for wear, damage, defect or other deterioration by employees who have been trained in accordance with 13 NCAC 07F .0609 - training. Defective equipment shall be identified as defective and immediately removed from service;

• (4) Components of a fall protection system and the fall protection equipment utilized by employees shall be compatible with one another and shall be utilized in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations; and

• (5) The employer shall ensure that the planning and inspections are performed and documented. The documentation shall be maintained on site while work is being performed, and thereafter by the employer at its place of business. The documentation shall include the date of the planning and inspection, the name of the competent person performing the planning and inspection, and the site location.

(c) Fall Protection Systems. In order to comply with the requirements of Subparagraph (a)(1) of this Rule, the employer may permit employees to utilize the 100% fall protection systems described in Paragraphs (d) through (g) of this Rule. If the fall protection systems described therein are not present on the tower, the employer shall not permit employees to climb the tower at heights above six feet unless:

• (1) an alternative means of 100% fall protection is utilized that is at least as effective as the fall protection systems described in Paragraphs (d) through (g) of this Rule;

• (2) an alternative means of access to the work area is utilized such as an aerial lift or elevated work platform; or

• (3) the employer can demonstrate that the requirements for a fall protection plan under Paragraph (i) of this Rule have been met.

(d) Guardrail Systems. The employer shall ensure that guard rail systems and their components that are utilized by employees as a means of 100% fall protection conform to the criteria in 29 CFR 1926.502(b) - fall protection systems and criteria

(e) Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS). The employer shall ensure that personal fall arrest systems and their components that are utilized by employees as a means of 100% fall protection conform to the criteria in 29 CFR 1926.502(d) - fall protection systems and criteria, and are utilized according to the manufacturer's recommendations. When utilized by employees as an anchorage as part of a PFAS, the employer shall ensure that step bolts and the attachment point to the structure are designed to meet the requirements of an approved anchorage in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.502(d), and are designed to ensure the connector will not slip off the end of the step bolt.

(f) Positioning Device System. The employer shall ensure that positioning device systems and their components that are utilized by employees as a means of 100% fall protection conform to the criteria in 29 CFR 1926.502(e).

(g) Ladder Safety Systems. The employer shall ensure that, in addition to the applicable criteria in 29 CFR 1926, Subpart X - stairways and ladders,  ladder safety systems and related support systems for fixed ladders that are utilized by employees as a means of 100% fall protection conform to the following criteria: [Reference paragraph (g)(1) - (3)].

(h) Fall Protection Plan. This Paragraph applies when employees are working on a structure where no adequate tie-off anchorage point(s) exist, the fall protection systems described in Paragraph (c) of this Rule are not feasible or create a greater hazard, and the work can not be completed utilizing an alternative means of access to the work area such as an aerial lift or elevated work platform. If an employer demonstrates the foregoing conditions are present, then in addition to the criteria in 29 CFR 1926.502(k), the employer shall conform to the following provisions:

• (1) The employer shall ensure that each employee under the fall protection plan has been trained as a qualified climber;

• (2) The fall protection plan shall be made available and communicated to exposed employee(s) prior to the employee(s) beginning work, and such communication shall be documented; and

• (3) The fall protection plan shall identify each location on the tower structure where fall protection methods as described in Paragraph (c) of this Rule cannot be used. As soon as adequate tie-off anchorage points or other fall protection systems can be established, the employer shall utilize any of the fall protection systems described in Paragraph (c) of this Rule.

(i) Emergency and Rescue Procedures. [Reference paragraph (i)(1) - (3)].

(j) First Aid/CPR Training and Supplies. In addition to the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.151 - medical services and first aid, and 29 CFR 1926.50 - medical services and first aid, the employer shall ensure that at least two employees on site are trained and hold current certifications in basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) issued by the American Red Cross or any other organization whose standards are equivalent to the American Red Cross; provided, however, where there are only two employees on site, then an employer may comply with the requirements of this Paragraph if one employee is trained and holds current certifications in basic first aid and CPR and one employee has been designated by the employer as a probationary employee and has been employed for less than six months.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements pertaining to nonionizing radiation.

Special Requirements: Federal Communications Commission (FCC), engineering controls, administrative controls, tagged out, locked out, LOTO devices, method, notified, checked, competent person, written control procedures, exposure, assess, exposure levels, written safety and health program, RF Safety Program, post temporary signage, RF protective clothing, PPE, references other standards

(a) General. Employers shall ensure that employees performing work on communication towers are not exposed to Radio Frequency (RF) Electromagnetic Fields in excess of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits for exposure as prescribed in 47 CFR 1.1310. 

(b) Protection from Radiation Exposure. 

• (1) Employees shall not enter areas where RF exposure levels are above the general population/uncontrolled MPE's described in 47 CFR 1.1310 unless they understand the potential for exposure and can exercise control over the exposure. 

• (2) Control Procedures. Prior to employees performing work in areas on a communication tower where RF exposure levels exceed the occupational/controlled MPE values stated in 47 CFR 1.1310, the employer shall enact and enforce written control procedures that provide for the reduction, elimination, avoidance or protection from such RF levels. These written control procedures shall include the following: 

  • (A) Reducing the transmitter power to a level that ensures RF exposure levels in areas where employees are working do not exceed the occupational/controlled MPE values stated in 47 CFR 1.1310, and that the transmitter power level is not increased until all employees have ceased working in those areas. If this method is chosen, the transmitter power shall be locked out and tagged out at the reduced level by a competent person in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.147 - the control of hazardous energy. Prior to removing lock out/tag out devices and restoring the original transmitter power level, all employees shall be notified and the work area shall be checked to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned and removed; 

  • (B) If the transmitter power level in areas where employees are working cannot be reduced and maintained at a level that ensures RF exposure levels do not exceed the occupational/controlled MPE values stated in 47 CFR 1.1310, the transmitter power shall be locked out and tagged out by a competent person in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.147 - the control of hazardous energy. Prior to removing lock out/tag out devices and restoring the transmitter power level, all employees shall be notified and the work area shall be checked to ensure that all employees have been safely positioned and removed; 

  • (C) If the transmitter power level can not be reduced or eliminated, an employer may permit its employees to access areas where the occupational/controlled MPE values stated in 47 CFR 1.1310 are exceeded if it implements engineering or administrative controls that comply with the FCC's regulations concerning such exposure, including limiting the duration of the exposure and utilizing monitoring equipment, RF protective clothing and other related PPE; or 

  • (D) If an employer cannot ensure that the conditions in Parts (A), (B) or (C), of this Subparagraph, are met, employees shall not be permitted to access areas where RF exposure levels exceed the occupational/controlled MPE values stated in 47 CFR 1.1310. 

(c) Use of Controls. Prior to commencing work on a communication tower, a competent person shall assess potential RF hazards of areas which may be accessed by employees in the course of their work, and post temporary signage to indicate areas where the RF hazard exceeds the general population/uncontrolled MPE limits for exposure set forth in 47 CFR 1.1310. Temporary signage shall remain in place while work is performed and the hazard exists. 

(d) RF Safety Program. When employees are exposed to RF fields in excess of the general population/uncontrolled MPE limits established in 47 CFR 1.1310 as a consequence of their employment, the employer shall develop, implement, and maintain a written safety and health program with site specific procedures and elements based on the electromagnetic radiation hazards present, in accordance with 13 NCAC 07F .0609(g) - training.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for hoists and gin poles. 

Special Requirements: Marked, inspection (documented), testing, design, competent person, qualified person, maintenance, manufacturer, licensed professional engineer, documentation, training certification, operating manual, gin pole load chart, manufacturer specifications, stamped, monitoring, load limits, documentation, references other standards

(a) Hoists. Hoists used during the construction, alteration, repair, maintenance, or demolition of communication towers shall meet the following requirements: [Reference paragraph (a)(1) - (4)].

• (1) All hoists shall meet the requirements set forth in this rule, 29 CFR 1910, Subpart N - materials handling and storage, and 29 CFR 1926, Subpart N - - helicopters, hoists, elevators, and conveyors, where applicable. 

• (2) All hoists shall meet applicable requirements for design, construction, installation, testing, inspection, maintenance, and operation as prescribed by the manufacturer, or a licensed professional engineer. 

• (3) Employers shall maintain at the work site the operating manual developed by the manufacturer for the specific make and model hoist being used, as well as documentation for any inspection, testing, and operator training certification required by the rules in this Section, 

(b) Gin Poles. 

• (1) Rigging Equipment. [Reference paragraph (b)(1)(A) - (E)].

  • (A) Wire rope, slings, chains, shackles, turnbuckles, links, hooks, sheaves, rotating rooster heads, blocks, and hoists, used in a gin pole lifting arrangement shall meet the manufacturer's safe working load limits. In addition, each component shall have a nominal breaking strength of no less than five times the static load applied. Consideration for end fitting losses and actual positioning of connecting parts shall be given; 

  • (B) Lugs or other devices for lifting or attaching the gin pole in position shall be designed with load and resistance factors appropriate for their intended use; 

  • (C) Only alloy chains marked by the manufacturer with an 8, T, or an A, rated for lifting, shall be used; 

  • (D) Only quenched and tempered hooks and shackles shall be used. The manufacturer's load rating shall be stamped on the product; and 

• (2) Gin Pole Use. 

  • (A) A user's gin pole load chart shall be provided for each pole; [Reference paragraph (b)(2)(A) - (D)].

  • (B) Any special engineered pick, which is outside of the load chart, shall only be allowed at the direction of a licensed professional engineer. Monitoring and measuring conditions, as specified by a licensed professional engineer, shall be provided and used during all special engineered picks; 

  • (C) Modifications or repairs of a gin pole shall be made with like or similar materials to meet or exceed the original specifications. Modifications or repairs shall be recertified by a licensed professional engineer; and 

• (3) Wire Rope. Wire rope used for rigging shall be as follows: [Reference paragraph (b)(3)(A) - (E)].

  • (B) Lubricated in accordance to manufacturer specifications to prevent corrosion and wear; 

  • (C) End connections shall be terminated per industry and manufacturer's specifications; 

• (4) Inspections. 

  • (A) Gin poles shall have a documented inspection annually by a qualified person; 

  • (B) In addition to the annual inspection, the employer shall designate a competent person who shall visually inspect the gin pole and rigging prior to each use, and during use, to make sure it is in safe operating condition. Any deficiencies shall be repaired before use continues; 

  • (C) During each inspection, the qualified or competent person shall inspect the legs and bracing members for bends or distortion; 

  • (D) During each inspection, the qualified or competent person shall inspect the straightness tolerances for the overall assembly (including leg and bracing members); 

  • (E) During each inspection, the qualified or competent person shall visually inspect the welds for quality, deformation, cracks, rust, or pitting or loss of cross sectional area; 

  • (F) During each inspection, the qualified or competent person shall inspect the members for excessive rust or pitting or loss of cross sectional area; 

  • (G) During each inspection, the qualified or competent person shall inspect the sling attachment points for distortion, wear, cracks, and rust; 

  • (H) During each inspection, the qualified or competent person shall ensure that proper bolts are utilized and all associated hardware is in good condition; 

  • (I) During each inspection, the qualified or competent person shall inspect side plates on rooster heads for distortion or other damage; 

  • (J) During each inspection, the qualified or competent person shall inspect all attachment hardware, including rigging and parts such as cables, slings, and sling attachment points, shackles, hooks, and sockets for wear, distortion, cracks, and rust; and 

  • (K) During each inspection, the qualified or competent person shall ensure that all problems identified during the inspection are corrected before placing the gin pole into service.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for recordkeeping.

Special Requirements: Records, tests, maintenance, calibration, analysis, material, program, references other standards

In order to fulfill responsibilities under the provisions of the rules in this Section, the employer shall, upon request, provide the Deputy Commissioner of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health or his designee access to the following records: 

• (1) Training Records. All material related to the employer’s training and education program, pursuant to 13 NCAC 07F .0609 - training. 

• (2) Medical Records and Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure Records. All medical records [in accordance to 29 CFR 1910.1020(d)(1)(i) - access to employee exposure and medical reocrds] and material related to each analysis using exposure or medical records (in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020(d)(1)(iii). 

• (3) Equipment Inspections and Testing Records. All material related to the modification, repair, test, calibration or maintenance service of all equipment.

Scope: This standard provides the training requirements.

Special Requirements: Approved, qualified person, training, retraining, training records, competency, written work procedures, manufacturers' operating manuals, operating procedures, instructed, fall protection training, inspecting, PPE, fall protection systems, materials, pictures, symbols, supervision, training program, instruction, references other standards

(a) In order for employees to work at heights above six feet on a communication tower, they must be approved for such work by a qualified person.

(b) Competency of the Trainer. Training of employees in communication tower work shall be performed by or under the supervision of a qualified person.

(c) Written Work Procedures.

• (1) The employer's written work procedures shall be provided to employees as part of their training.

• (2) Pictures and symbols may be used as a means of instruction if employee understanding is improved using this method.

• (3) Manufacturers' operating manuals for personnel hoisting systems satisfy the requirement for operating procedures for the respective equipment, or can serve as the basis for these procedures.

(d) Hazardous Materials Training. Employees required to handle or use flammable liquids, gases, or toxic materials shall be instructed in the safe handling and use of these materials and made aware of the specific requirements contained in 29 CFR 1926.55 - Gases, vapors, fumes, dusts, and mists, and 29 CFR 1910.1200 - hazard communication, as applicable.

(e) Fall Protection Training.

• (1) The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards.

• (2) The program shall enable each employee to recognize the hazards of falling and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed in order to minimize these hazards.

• (3) The employer shall ensure that each employee has been trained by or under the supervision of a qualified person in the following areas: [Reference paragraph (e)(3)(A) - (H)].

(f) Hoist Operator Training. The employer shall maintain documentation that the hoist operator has practical training on the hoist he is operating. Training of hoist operators shall meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.179 - overhead and gantry cranes, and 29 CFR 1926, Subpart N - helicopters, hoists, elevators, and conveyors.

(g) RF Training.  [Reference paragraph (g)(1) - (2)].

(h) Retraining. Unless stated otherwise in this Rule, when the employer or qualified person has reason to believe that any employee who has already been trained does not have the understanding and skill required to safely perform the work assigned, the employer shall retrain each such employee. Circumstances where retraining is required include situations where: [Reference paragraph (h)(1) - (3)].

(i) Training Records. [Reference paragraph (i)(1) - (5)].