Articole

Experimental Research on Reducing Risks in The Installation of GSM Antennas

MZ
M. ZAMFIR
National University of Science and…
OC
O.R. CHIVU
National University of Science and…
CL
C. LUCA
National University of Science and…
NM
N. MERLOI (ENE)
National University of Science and…
MB
M.G. BOBOCEA
National University of Science and…
AI
A.Ş. IACOB
National University of Science and…
Vol. 1 / Nr. 1 pp. 298–310 Engleză DOI: 10.65631/JFD.1(37).2026.36
Journal of Fiability and Durability · 2026
The paper presents the results of experimental research on the identification and reduction of occupational risks associated with GSM antenna installation activities, in a context characterized by technical complexity and multidimensional exposure to hazards. The study was conducted on two representative types of sites (urban and suburban), using a mixed methodology that integrated dosimetric measurements of the electromagnetic field, ergonomic assessments using the RULA method, and analysis of workers’ risk perception. The results highlighted the uneven distribution of electromagnetic fields, with maximum values in the frontal area of the antennas, as well as the presence of significant ergonomic risks, particularly in activities involving manual handling of equipment. The analysis of anchoring systems demonstrated the superiority of chemical anchors compared to mechanical solutions in terms of safety factors. In addition, the study confirmed the decisive role of human and organizational factors, with operational errors and communication deficiencies being the main causes of incidents. Based on these results, integrated corrective measures were implemented, including technical solutions (mechanized lifting equipment), organizational measures (Lock-Out/Tag-Out procedures), and monitoring measures. Post-implementation evaluation indicated a significant reduction in incidents (by up to 83%), as well as improvements in ergonomic conditions and reduced exposure to risks. The conclusions of the study emphasize the need for a systemic and integrated approach to occupational health and safety management in the telecommunications sector. The obtained results contribute to the substantiation of best practices and provide support for the development of modern risk prevention strategies in GSM antenna installation and maintenance activities.
GSM occupational safety and health electromagnetic field RULA work at height telecommunications.
Publicat
01.04.2026
MZ
M. ZAMFIR Corespondent
National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
OC
O.R. CHIVU
National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
CL
C. LUCA
National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
NM
N. MERLOI (ENE)
National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
MB
M.G. BOBOCEA
National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
AI
A.Ş. IACOB
National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
M. ZAMFIR, O.R. CHIVU, C. LUCA, N. MERLOI (ENE), M.G. BOBOCEA, A.Ş. IACOB (2026). Experimental Research on Reducing Risks in The Installation of GSM Antennas. Journal of Fiability and Durability, 1(1), 298–310. https://doi.org/10.65631/JFD.1(37).2026.36
[1]. McAtamney, L., & Corlett, E. N. (1993). RULA: A survey method for the investigation of work-related upper limb disorders. Applied Ergonomics.
[2]. ICNIRP (2020). Guidelines for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (100 kHz to 300 GHz).
[3]. SR EN 50385: Standard privind evaluarea expunerii umane la câmpuri electromagnetice. [4]. SR EN 363: Sisteme de protecție individuală împotriva căderilor de la înălțime.
[5]. Reason, J. (1997). Managing the Risks of Organizational Accidents. Ashgate Publishing. [6]. ILO (International Labour Organization) (2021). Safety and health in construction and telecommunications sectors.
[7]. International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (2020), Guidelines for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (100 kHz–300 GHz). Health Physics, 118(5), 483–524.(ghid utilizat pentru evaluarea expunerii la CEM)
[8]. European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (2017), EN 50385: Product standard for demonstrating compliance of base station equipment with RF exposure limits. [9]. International Telecommunication Union (2019), ITU-T K.145: Protection of workers against RF electromagnetic fields.
[10]. Ribeiro, R.F., et al. (2021), Occupational safety risks during maintenance of telecommunication towers. Production Journal.
[11]. Al-Sadi, N. et al. (2025), Assessment of exposure levels of telecommunication tower workers. Springer Nature Journal.
[12]. Rosu, S.M. (2015), Risk assessment of work accidents during telecommunication activities, Environmental Engineering and Management Journal.
[13]. Prayitno, A.H. (2026). Ergonomic Risk Evaluation of Telecommunication Tower Workers. International Journal of Scientific Research.
[14]. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (2021), Telecommunications Towers Safety Hazards and Risk Assessment.
[15]. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (2020), Tower Worker Fatality Investigation Report.
[16]. International Labour Organization (2021), Safety and health in telecommunications sector.
[17]. Hollnagel, E. (2012), FRAM: The Functional Resonance Analysis Method. Ashgate Publishing.
[18]. Mitrakas, C. (2025), Expanding the Fine-Kinney Methodology Using Fuzzy Logic.
Safety Journal.
[19]. Jeschke, P. et al. (2022), Protection of workers exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. Frontiers in Public Health.
[20]. Băbuț, G.B., Moraru, R.I. (2024), Occupational safety in working at height in telecommunications. Mining Revue Journal.
[21]. IFC (World Bank Group) (2007), Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for Telecommunications.
Scroll to Top