Are all antennas presumed to be active?

All antennas are presumed to be active as a standard safety precaution in the field of telecommunications. This presumption is crucial because it ensures that technicians approach any work on antennas with the mindset that they could be transmitting signals and therefore pose a risk of exposure to harmful radio frequency (RF) energy. Assuming that an antenna is active helps in enforcing proper safety protocols, such as maintaining a safe distance and using personal protective equipment while working near these installations.

In practice, even if an antenna appears to be inactive or powered down, it may still be connected to systems that could inadvertently activate it. This presumption encourages diligence and reinforces the importance of following lockout/tagout procedures, making sure that suitable safety measures are in place during maintenance or installation tasks. Safety first is a motto that underscores the importance of this presumption in preventing accidents and injuries in the field.