The process of installing an aerial on a property can be a challenging one. From working at height to working with electrics during an installation, Aerial Erectors deal with a vast number of health and safety risks and dangers while getting on with their everyday jobs. While the job has inherent dangers, there are several ways that you can improve your safety as an Aerial installer and reduce the chances of any injuries, falls, damage or accidents while on the job. To help you get started, we’ve put together a simple guide to what an Aerial Erector is, the risks they face, and what you can do to protect yourself at work.
What Is Aerial Erection?
An Aerial Erector is precisely what the name might suggest – someone who erects an aerial on a property when and where needed. However, aerial erectors don’t just install aerials – there is far more to the job and as a result, the risks can be numerous. On any given day, an aerial erection team could:
- Install TV aerials on residential or commercial property
- Install Radio aerials on residential or commercial property
- Install digital TV aerials
- Test electrical equipment at height, including existing aerials and satellite equipment
- Conduct repairs to aerials where needed.
While all involve working at height and with specific equipment, each task has potential risks. But what are those risks, and how can you avoid them?
What Are The Risks?
Every job comes with risks and Aerial Installation is no exception. They can range from something as simple as a scratch or bruise from the aerial itself to falls from height or electrocution. The following list is by no means exhaustive, but some of the most common risks include:
- Working at Height – When working at height, regardless of the job or task at hand, there is always a risk involved. There is the risk of falling, dropping tools and causing injury or damage to people or things below and more.
- Injury – Injury as a result of working with cables, metalwork and other sharp tools or objects is also another risk worth considering. Cuts, bruises and impact injuries are all risks.
- Poor Placement – If you place the aerial poorly, you may find that your client is unhappy with the result. Whether it’s poor signal, poor structural integrity or they don’t like the appearance, you could be called back to fix the problem and often are expected to do this without any additional charge.
- Property Damage – Working on a client’s property always comes with a risk of property damage if care is not taken. Whether scaffolding causes dents in the brickwork, a dropped tool damages the pavement or poor installation damages the roof, these are all risks that should be managed.
- Electrocution – While it’s important to ensure that no live wires are used and that all electricity is shut off during the work being done, the risk of electrocution is still one that is worth noting and being aware of.
- Improper Licensing – As an aerial erector, you have several licencing responsibilities. These include authority permits, financial permits and insurance – the wrong licences or protections could lead to legal claims made against you.
How Do I Stay Safe At Work?
While there are risks you need to be aware of, being an aerial erector isn’t all doom and gloom – with the right safety measures and risk assessments, you can work safely and securely. From insurance to protect you and your clients, to risk assessments, safety harnesses and fall protection systems, here are some of the key ways you can stay safe at work as an Aerial Erector:
- Insurance – Insurance is a must for any tradesmen looking to operate safely and securely. Public Liability Insurance for Aerial Erectors protects you in cases where damage is caused to your clients’ property, or where a member of the public is harmed as a result of your business activity. Suppose a member of the public tripped over your equipment or was hit by falling objects or even a tile knocked loose. In that case, public liability insurance protects you and your business financially against claims, including compensatory support and legal fees.
- Risk Assessments – Full and comprehensive risk assessments for every job you do can help you better prepare for the situation at hand. A well-maintained roof, for example, may be less of a risk than one that has several loose tiles. When offering quotes for your work, conducting an assessment to ensure that you or your employees will be safe while working is crucial.
- The Right Licensing – Licensing isn’t always relevant, but some situations require additional permissions and licences. Scaffolding that will affect public walks or highways, for example, will require additional permits from the local authorities before you can put any scaffolding into place. Each local authority may be different in terms of requirements, but without these permits, you could end up with hefty fines.
For more information about our Public Liability Insurance for Aerial Erectors, we are on hand to help. Get in touch with Ashburnham Insurance on 0800 1696137 for help finding the perfect policy for you and your business, today.