PROGRAM NOTES,  by George

       Thanks to all who attended the July evening meeting at Channel 2 TV.   Richard Goldy presented the Powerpoint presentation on SBE Certification.   This is a presentation that was required reading for every chapter, in an effort to enlighten the membership to the benefits of becoming certified.   Richard did a great job of making the presentation interesting and informative.   SBE certification has been a tremendous benefit to the careers of many engineers and technicians in our profession.   Adding to the fraternal benefits of the organization, it takes your membership in the SBE to a new level.   If you haven't applied to test, I highly encourage you to do so.
     We also had the chance to watch the video on antenna mast safety.   The primary causes of antenna mast accidents are (1) the rush to set up and begin broadcasting because of the competitive nature of our business, and (2) the lack of adequate training for employees working in and around broadcast vehicles.   What should you do if you are inside a broadcast truck that has come into contact with high-voltage power lines?   Can you safely exit the vehicle?   What is the minimum clearance for antenna masts from high-voltage power lines?   If you didn't attend and don't know the answers to these important questions, you can still check out the video by contacting me at 281-446-5725.   I recommend that you check it out and show it to your entire remote staff; even if they don't drive a broadcast truck.   Due to the rash of accidents involving antenna masts, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is scrutinizing the broadcasting business's safety practices.   This scrutiny will ultimately fall on the shoulders of the engineering departments.   I, for one, don't believe we need the feds telling us to practice common sense safety in our work places.   
     Along the vein of electrical safety, we intend to have a representative from Reliant Energy (formerly HL&P) at our August evening meeting to discuss light company operations and disaster preparedness from their standpoint.   Keep tuned, right here, for more information about location and time for that event.   As always, your suggestions and comments about future programs are welcome.
                                                                                                                                      George Schank