Operability and maintainability hazards in communications systems

A discussion is presented of some industrial applications and lessons learned about hazards in the rapidly advancing communications technology which should be considered. Specific hazard areas revealed by hazards analysis include various electrical hazards, unusual lifting, material handling requirements, inadequate equipment access, inadequate drawing maintenance, and requirements for employees to work alone in hazardous, remote locations. It is demonstrated that these hazards can be controlled to an acceptable level of risk if they are approached seriously by program management using accepted hazards analysis and control procedures. It is shown that decision-making by management in developing technology fields must include a thorough assessment of acceptable risks if the company is to remain competitive