statement of work for inspection of defence masts & towers

STATEMENT OF WORK FOR INSPECTION OF DEFENCE MASTS & TOWERS

1. The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to identify the necessary steps required to complete an inspection of Defence Masts and Towers (M&T) that are managed by DSRG. The inspection regime is designed to determine ownership of the M&T, its structural condition, current maintenance and radiation hazard (RADHAZ) status. For newly identified towers, WHS compliance review must be carried out during the initial inspection. The recommended timeframes are derived from AS 3995 Appendix A “Maintenance and Inspection”. It is recommended to use these timeframes for all M&Ts. The information gathered will assist in determining funding and planning for maintenance regimes.

DEFINITIONS

2. In general M&T’s constitute a wide range of structures and/or equipment. Freestanding M&T, are classed as structures, while any M&T attached to or on a building, are known as equipment. There will be some exceptions to this rule particularly with older structures. However, all new M&T are to be recorded using this directive.

3. A general description of M&T follows with some illustrated examples. M&T constitutes any elevated structure that has the principle role of supporting equipment such as antennas, lights, observation platforms or other equipment. An M&T can be lattice towers, guyed masts, monopoles, or other fabricated structures. M&T can be installed on rooftops of buildings and other structures including water tanks, silos and other utility structures.

4. The defining identification for an M&T is that its principle purpose is the structural support of equipment. A tower is a tall, slender structure with a circular or polygonal base plan. A mast is a slender, vertical structure or tower generally supported by guy ropes.

5. In general terms, the height of the M&T is based on two broad criteria. An elevated structure is greater than 3m in height. The low height structures, less than 3m high, is principally used for supporting equipment such as weather stations, radio equipment, radar installations, airfield lights or beacons and so on. Care is required limiting the definition of a M&T based on the height criteria. The importance of classification of the supported equipment should then dictate if it falls under the definition of either a Mast or Tower.

6. Structures not included in the M&T portfolio include utility service poles for supporting overhead power and communications lines, climbing, repelling and/or training towers used in obstacle courses. Note; climbing, repelling and/or training towers are classified as nominate training facilities and maintained as such. 7. In summary, the definition of an M&T is as follows:

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Lattice TowersAs the name describes, lattice towers consists of a lattice structure as shown directly below.

Guyed towersThese structures consist of an elevated central structure that is held in position with a series of guy wires positioned symmetrically around the central structure. The central structure generally consists of a lattice type design. However the central structure can be constructed of concrete, timber or steel in the form of a monopole.

Roof top mounted guyed lattice tower (also known equipment on DEMS)

Guyed mast

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Monopoles These structures consist of a certificate standing single column generally constructed of concrete, timber or steel. Flagpoles can be classified under the definition of monopoles.

Monopole with head-frame installed Monopole with antennas on top

Building mounted M&T (Equipment listed in DEMS)Existing buildings and utility structures (including tanks and silos) are often used for locating M&T installations to achieve a height advantage. Generally, a M&T installation on buildings consists of a framed steel structure or a single mounting pole fixed to the building structural system as shown below.

Roof top mounted antenna poles Roof top mounted frame with antennas


Water tank with antennas & lattice tower in the background

Water tank with antennas mounted on top

THE AUDIT AND INSPECTION

8. Using the information obtained from DEMS for existing M&Ts, the inspection is to be conducted as follows:

a. Find and identify each Defence mast/tower, confirming location with data supplied.

b. Structures identified as masts or towers that are not in the data supplied should be added. Point of Contacts (POCs) for each region will supply structure numbers for newly identified masts and towers.

c. Each mast/tower is to be reviewed to establish (or confirm) the following;

(i) Ownership of the tower;

(ii) The ongoing inspection frequency in accordance with paragraph 10,

(iii) General condition assessment (including recommendations for detailed structural assessment if required);

(iv) Whether drawings and specifications are available and their location1;

(v) RADHAZ survey with safety regulations to be documented in a folder described under tagging (if applicable);

(vi) Current maintenance regimes, if applicable;

(vii) Status of previously identified works;

(viii) The type of equipment attached to the mast or tower; and

(ix) Ownership and responsibility of the equipment supported by the tower.

1 The structural specifications will be necessary to complete an assessment of the structural integrity in the future.Version two release May 2013 4

9. In conducting the audit, all data, colour photographs, inspection results, outcomes, and associated documentation are to be collected and stored electronically on DEMS.

MAINTENANCE INSPECTION FREQUENCY

10. The inspection intervals need to be related to the operational environment and structural/service functional needs. Structures that have known vibrational problems that are in a corrosive, high wind or ice environment may need more frequent inspections. The interval between maintenance inspections in particular will depend on factors such as;

a. Corrosion potential of the environment and the degree of protection required for maintenance of design reliability;

b. Importance of the structure to its service;

c. Severity of local conditions (i.e. wind, ice);

d. Sensitivity to structural response; and

e. Influence of ground conditions.

11. It is recommended that the interval between inspections should be between two and five years according to the relative importance of the above factors.

DELIVERY OF THE INSPECTION AND REPAIR REGIME

12. The inspection of M&T should be delivered by the CMS contracts under Engineering Operations. For each M&T inspection carried out, a general inspection report shall be provided detailing findings and recommendations. The report is to provide an assessment on:

a. the condition of the structure (including safety equipment);

b. identify what maintenance is being done;

c. confirm an ongoing inspection frequency; and

d. recommended repairs.

13. The inspection is be carried out by a competent person.

14. For structural repairs and modifications to the M&T, depending on the extent and nature of the work, an engineering assessment may be required. An engineering assessment involves such activities as design verification, engineering calculations, and the provision of engineering drawings. The specific purpose of an engineering assessment is to confirm the work meets all applicable standards and guidelines, and that the structure is in a sound state and fit for purpose. The engineering assessment is to be carried out by a competent person engaged by the CMS.

15. If an engineering assessment, repairs, or modifications to the structure is required, a CSIR along with a risk assessment is to be submitted for funding. If urgent repairs are required and no regional funding is available, emergency funding should be obtained.


M&T IDENTITY METHODOLOGY

16. A suitable tagging system (DEMS Structure/Equipment Identification number) is required to be fixed to the M&T. Defence M&T should have the model and serial numbers stamped onto the structure near the base (if applicable). As the structure is located in the open and subject to deterioration due to the elements along with general wear and tear, a robust non-corrosive labelling system must be used. This information will need to be kept up-to-date whenever changes are made to the equipment fixed to the structure or the M&T structure itself.

17. For M&Ts supporting microwave or radar radio transmission equipment, a site radiation folder (provided by the equipment owner) will be required for each structure. This information should be kept close to the structure so personnel are aware of any radio frequency hazards. If no building is available, this information could be kept in a waterproof cabinet located in a suitable location nearby the M&T.


INSPECTION GUIDANCE FLOWCHART


Yes - Is the information

correct?

Yes

Complete the following

1 - Confirm details, and update DEMS. 2 - Tag structure. 3 - Document specification availability, ensure RADHAZ documentation correct and available. Also Prepare or update detailed information folder. 4 - Proceed with structural condition assessment.

No

No - Allocate structure ID from range given by Regional POC.

The M/T is listed on DEMS?

Confirm location and identify the mast or tower.

No – include correct details in comment field prefixed by ** (double asterisk)

Is a radiation survey

required?

Yes – prepare or update RADHAZ documentation

OCCUPATIONAL AND WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY

18. It is important that Defence standards for accessing M&T be clearly understood. As the WHS legislation across Australia varies between States and Territories, local requirements should be clearly understood. When assessing a M&T, the following general items that need to be considered:

Definition of fall zones when at heights.

Use of handrails and personal protective equipment (PPE) e.g. harnesses, lanyards, horizontal and vertical safety lines.

Use of portable ladders versus fixed ladders.

Use of roof mounted walkways to access M&T located on buildings.

Use of elevated work platforms.

Use of riggers to access equipment via double lanyard system.

Provision of anti-climb devices on structures including ladder guards, barbed wire deterrents and other security devices.

Provision of lifting devices to move equipment safely up and down the structure.

Lighting requirements for personnel to access the site at night.

Radiation Hazards.

OHS/WHS Legislation

Location LegislationVictoria OHS ActCommonwealth WHS ActSouth Australia WHS ActWestern Australia OSHA Tasmania WHS ActNorthern Territory

WHS Act

ACT WHS ActQueensland WHSA (Qld) New South Wales WHS Act


STANDARDS, LEGISLATION & CODES

Defence StandardsDefence Safety Manual - Safetyman

Australian Standards (but not limited to)Directly applicable

AS 3995 – Design of steel lattice towers and masts. (Appendix AMaintenance and Inspection)

Associated Standards

AS 1111.1 – ISO metric hexagon bolts and screws – Product grade C – Bolts

AS 1111.2 – ISO metric hexagon bolts and screws – Product grade C – Screws

AS 1163 - Structural steel hollow sections

AS 1170.1 - Minimum design loads on structures – Dead and live loads and load combinations

AS 1170.2 – Minimum design loads on structures (known as the SAA Loading Code) – Wind loads.

AS 1170.3 – Minimum design loads on structures – Snow loads

AS 1170.4 – Minimum design loads on structures – Earthquake loads

AS 1214 – Hot-dipped galvanised coatings on threaded fasteners

AS 1252 – High strength steel bolts with associated nuts and washers for structural engineering

AS 1289 - Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes - General requirements and list of methods

AS 1302 – Steel reinforcing bars for concrete

AS 1303 – Steel reinforcing wire for concrete

AS 1304 – Welded wire reinforcing fabric for concrete

AS 1418 – Cranes including EWP

AS 1554.1 – Structural steel welding – Welding of steel structures

AS 1554.5 – Structural steel welding – welding of steel structures subject to high levels of fatigue loading

AS 1554.6 – Structural steel welding – Welding stainless steels for structural purposes

AS 1559 – Hot-dip galvanised steel bolts with associated nuts and washers for tower construction

AS 1657 - Fixed Platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation.

AS 1725 Galvanised rail-less chainwire security fences and gates.


AS 1768 – Lightning Protection

AS 1891 – Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Safety belts and harnesses.

AS 2159 – Piling - Design and installation – Guidelines

AS 2311 – Guide to the painting of Buildings

AS 2312 - Guide to the protection of structural steel against atmospheric corrosion by the use of protective coatings

AS 2319 - Rigging screws and turnbuckles

AS 2772.2 – Radiofrequency radiation – Principles and methods of measurement – 300 kHz to 100 GHz.

AS 2832 - Cathodic Protection of Metals

AS 2865 – Safe working in a Confined Space

AS 3000 – Electrical installations

AS 3100 – Approval and test specification – General requirements for electrical equipment

AS 3516 – Siting for Radio Communications facilities

AS 3600 – Concrete structures.

AS 3678 – Structural steel-Hot rolled plates, floor plates and slabs

AS 3679.1 – Structural steel-Hot rolled bars and sections

AS 4065 - Concrete utility services poles.

AS 4100 – Steel structures – Commentary (Supplement to AS 4100-1998)

AS 4488 – Industrial Rope access systems

AS 4676 - Structural design requirements for utility services poles.

AS 4674 – Structural Design Requirements for Utility Service Poles

AS 4677 - Steel utility services poles.

AS 4680 – Hot-dip galvanised (zinc) coatings on fabricated ferrous articles

Building Code of Australia.

OTHER APPLICABLE REGULATIONS LEGISLATION Telecommunications Act 1997.

Telecommunications Code of Practice 1997

ARPANSA Radiation Protection Series No. 3 – Maximum Exposure Levels to Radiofrequency Fields – 3 kHz to 200 GH

Radio communications Licence Conditions (Apparatus Licence) Determination 2003

State Planning Laws – additional details required for local council LEP & DCP


State LegislationVictoria Planning & Environment Act

South Australia Development ActWestern Australia Town Planning & Development ActTasmania Land Use Planning & Approvals ActNorthern Territory

Planning Act & Territory Plan

Queensland Integrated Planning ActNew South Wales Environment Planning & Assessment

Act

INDUSTRY CODESACIF Industry Code – Deployment of Radio communications Infrastructure, ACIF

C564:2002


Annex B

PROPOSED ENGINEERING OPS SOW WORDING TO ALLOW INCORPORATION OF MASTS AND TOWERS INSPECTIONS STATEMENT OF WORK

1. The Contractor is required to conduct an initial inspection and report for various masts and towers that are maintained in the #### Region.

2. Using the M&T SOW, structures and equipment (attached to M&T) are to be inspected and checked to give an overall condition assessment.

3. An on-going inspection routine is to be established for future inspections based on the requirements detailed in the M&T SOW. The proposed on-going inspection regime will identify the reason for the proposed inspection frequency. A fee for conducting future inspections in accordance with this inspection routine is to be submitted with the initial report.

4. The inspection reports, supported by digital photographs, are to include recommendations, cost estimates, and a risk assessment for any further detailed assessment, repairs, or modifications that may be required. Following consideration of the report by Defence, the Contractor will be required to incorporate the recommendations into the IA process and develop any necessary documentation to support a bid for funding.

PROPOSED ENGINEERING OPS SOW WORDING FOR ONGOING MASTS AND TOWERS INSPECTIONS

5. The Contractor is required to conduct an inspection and report for various masts and towers that are maintained in the #### Region.

6. Using the M&T SOW, structures and equipment (attached to M&T) are to be inspected and checked to give an overall condition assessment.

7. The frequency of inspections and next inspection due data is provided in the attached document. <Region insert document reference>.

8. The inspection reports, supported by digital photographs, are to include recommendations, cost estimates, and a risk assessment for any further detailed assessment, repairs, or modifications that may be required. Following consideration of the report by Defence, the Contractor will be required to incorporate the recommendations into the IA process and develop any necessary documentation to support a bid for funding.

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Documents

statement of work for inspection of defence masts & towers