Which of the following is an important safety rule to remember when using a crank-up tower?
The correct answer is C: This type of tower must not be climbed unless it is retracted, or mechanical safety locking devices have been installed. An important safety rule for crank-up towers is that they must not be climbed unless retracted or mechanical safety locking devices are installed. Crank-up towers can collapse if the mechanism fails while someone is climbing. The tower must be fully retracted (safest) or have mechanical locks engaged to prevent collapse. For amateur radio operators, this is a critical safety requirement that prevents serious injury or death.
Exam Tip
Crank-up tower = don't climb unless retracted or locked. Think 'C'rank-up = 'C'ollapse risk if climbed extended. Must be fully retracted or have mechanical locks engaged. Not about paint or grounding.
Memory Aid
"Crank-up tower = don't climb unless retracted or locked. Think 'C'rank-up = 'C'ollapse risk. Must be fully retracted or have mechanical locks engaged before climbing. Critical safety rule."
Real-World Application
Your crank-up tower is extended to 60 feet. You need to work on the antenna. You either (1) fully retract the tower to ground level and climb it safely, or (2) engage the mechanical safety locking devices that prevent the tower from collapsing, then climb. Never climb an extended crank-up tower without locks - if the mechanism fails, the tower can collapse with you on it.
Key Concepts
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Crank-up towers can be painted - paint doesn't affect safety. The issue is climbing safety, not paint.
Option B: Incorrect. Crank-up towers must be grounded - all towers need proper grounding for lightning protection. Not grounding would be unsafe.
Option D: Incorrect. Since A and B are not correct, 'all of the above' cannot be correct. Only the climbing restriction is the safety rule.
题目解析
The correct answer is C: This type of tower must not be climbed unless it is retracted, or mechanical safety locking devices have been installed. An important safety rule for crank-up towers is that they must not be climbed unless retracted or mechanical safety locking devices are installed. Crank-up towers can collapse if the mechanism fails while someone is climbing. The tower must be fully retracted (safest) or have mechanical locks engaged to prevent collapse. For amateur radio operators, this is a critical safety requirement that prevents serious injury or death.
考试技巧
Crank-up tower = don't climb unless retracted or locked. Think 'C'rank-up = 'C'ollapse risk if climbed extended. Must be fully retracted or have mechanical locks engaged. Not about paint or grounding.
记忆口诀
Crank-up tower = don't climb unless retracted or locked. Think 'C'rank-up = 'C'ollapse risk. Must be fully retracted or have mechanical locks engaged before climbing. Critical safety rule.
实际应用示例
Your crank-up tower is extended to 60 feet. You need to work on the antenna. You either (1) fully retract the tower to ground level and climb it safely, or (2) engage the mechanical safety locking devices that prevent the tower from collapsing, then climb. Never climb an extended crank-up tower without locks - if the mechanism fails, the tower can collapse with you on it.
错误选项分析
Option A: Incorrect. Crank-up towers can be painted - paint doesn't affect safety. The issue is climbing safety, not paint. Option B: Incorrect. Crank-up towers must be grounded - all towers need proper grounding for lightning protection. Not grounding would be unsafe. Option D: Incorrect. Since A and B are not correct, 'all of the above' cannot be correct. Only the climbing restriction is the safety rule.
知识点
Crank-up towers, Tower climbing safety, Mechanical locks, Tower safety
Verified Content
Question from official FCC Technician Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.