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BT Radio Structures Information and Documentation Code of Practice The following provide guidance on Safe Working, Control of access and Approval of Climbers, some documents can be downloaded following the links provided. Safe Working on Radio Towers and Masts. BT Code of Practice Document Ref TPU 1874Download Microsoft Word Document Access and Maintenance Policy for BT Masts and TowersBT Wholesale masts and towers are controlled by the rigging team managers (or RCLO's) in each of 10 geographical zones. These RCLO's are responsible for ensuring that all routine inspections are carried out and that the towers are adequately maintained. The RCLO is responsible for controlling access to all towers in his patch. No ascent can be made without his permission. His telephone number is posted on a sign at the base of each tower. Formal application to climb must first be lodged on the appropriate form through the central application point. The RCLO is responsible for making climbers aware of any hazards on the structure, such as those caused by RF, structural defects or ongoing maintenance or construction works. He is also responsible for providing a Clerk of Works to supervise all climbing activities. The role of the Clerk of Works is purely to monitor and observe, ensuring that climbers are competent and properly equipped, informing them of hazards and monitoring their operations to ensure that they are working in accordance with the BT Code of Practice, and their own company Safety Policies and Method Statements. He is not responsible for leading or taking part in their operations. BT does not issue documentation relating to the condition of the structure. People will not be allowed to climb unless the RCLO believes that it is safe to do so and that the people concerned are competent for the task to be undertaken All structures are routinely inspected at regular intervals. The intervals for these inspections varies and depends on several factors, such as loading intensity, location, age, type and size of structure, proximity to third parties and the consequences of failure. Fixtures and fittings are inspected at more frequent intervals on some structures as they tend to be less durable than the structural members. Approval of Climbers and Climbing CompaniesDetails of the procedures, equipment, competence and other standards are laid out in the BT Code of Practice for Work on Radio Masts and Towers. Climbers and Companies wishing to work on BT radio towers must comply with this Code of Practice and submit a signed copy of the form at the end of it confirming their agreement. This Code of Practice explains that BT does not give blanket approvals either to companies or individual climbers, but ensures that for each job on each site, both the company and the individual climbers possess the necessary skills to carry out that particular job safely. For each job the company will have to submit the following information :- Names and competence details for each climber Site specific Method Statement with Lifting Plan (if lifting operations involved) If the company has not previously carried out work on BT towers then they will need to provide evidence of their competence in this field, such as previous similar work for other clients (with reference contact details), and details of their general climbing safety policies. Companies climbing regularly on BT towers are encouraged to submit competence details for all their climbers and to regularly update them. Climbers and riggers who have not previously submitted details will need to provide documentary evidence of their training and experience within the industry (similar to a CV) which will be retained on file. Minimum competency standards for climbers (survey or similar) work will be based on Units 1 and 5 of NVQ Installing and Maintaining Aerial Equipment (IMA2), or pages 1 and 7 of the Climbers Record of Competence. Each work party must consist of at least 2 competent climbers, working together. A BT Works supervisor will be present but will take no part in the work activity, purely providing a monitoring and observation role. The BT Works Supervisor is also trained to deal with emergency situations, and will take appropriate action to safeguard personnel and minimise disruption to BT operations. All climbers on BT towers must undergo periodic medical examinations to ensure that they do not have any medical conditions which may interfere with their work or put themselves or others at risk. Section 6 of the SADG Guidance Note on the SADG website outlines the minimum standards agreed by the major tower operators. Climbers may be asked to provide evidence of a current medical examination. Download Microsoft Word Document BT Radio Structures Information and Documentation The following links provide information to ease the process of obtaining the necessary documentation relevant to your enquiry |