Commission To Develop Standard On Omnidirectional CB Antennas

WASHINGTON, D. C. (April 13) -- The Commission yesterday voted to begin developing a mandatory standard for citizens band (CB) antennas which would require manufacturers to insulate or otherwise equip their base station omnidirectional antennas to protect consumers from electrocution.

CPSC estimates that more than 200 people have been killed annually in recent years in accidents in which antennas come into contact with high voltage power lines. Deaths occurring from these accidents make communications antennas the number one cause of electrocutions among all consumer products.

Yesterday's decision, which marks the Commission's first use of its newly enacted authority to develop its own proposed safety standards under the Consumer Product Safety Act, is expected to substantially reduce the annual death toll.

CPSC also will study the feasibility of establishing safety requirements for directional CB antennas. The initial standard effort will cover only the omnidirectional antennas, which account for more than 85 per cent of the deaths and injuries associated with C B antennas.

There currently is no voluntary industry standard which addresses the hazards associated with outdoor communications antennas. The Electronic Industries Association (EIA) now is developing its own voluntary standard covering the omnidirectional CB base- station antennas. CPSC will be monitoring progress of the EIA voluntary standard to evaluate its suitability for adoption as a mandatory standard.

In 1976 and 1977 CPSC conducted 78 in-depth investigations of accidents involving contact of outside communications antennas with overhead power lines. Seventy-three of these accidents involved CB antennas, and most of the electrocutions occurred as a result of antenna contact with power lines while antennas were being erected or taken down.

These investigations revealed that even when injuries are not fatal they often involve severe burns, prolonged hospitalizations, skin grafts, and they occasionally result in loss of limbs. An injury that occurs near the head can result in eye cataracts. Many of the accidents involved multiple victims; in the 78 investigations, 86 deaths and 61 serious injuries were reported.

The Commission estimates that between 50 and 60 firms manufacture CB base-station antennas which would be regulated under the standard. At least one manufacturer presently is producing insulated antennas.

The standard development effort initially will apply only to the omnidirectional antennas, which are less complex than the directional antennas; the latter are composed of many horizontal and vertical elements and may require additional technical analysis by C PSC standards development staff.

A CPSC regulation effective in September 1, 1978, requires manufacturers and retailers to attach warning labels to CB antennas, outdoor TV antennas, and support structures to alert consumers to the potential electrocution hazard. That regulation requires that instructions also be provided on how to install antennas safely.