The Telecommunications Industry Foundation (TIF) and NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association have released a new training video providing contractors with a detailed look at the proper installation of collar ring mounts on monopoles—one of the most critical steps in building a safe and level antenna platform.
The latest installment in the organization’s ongoing educational series emphasizes that proper planning and installation are essential to both worker safety and long-term structural integrity.
“Because the installation is the foundation of the antenna platform, it’s important to get it right,” the video notes, adding that the partnership between TIF and NATE is focused on elevating safety, enhancing quality, and accelerating deployment of the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Andrew Parker of Ontivity walks viewers through the process, stressing the importance of verifying that the supplied hardware matches both the engineering drawings and the specific monopole before work begins. He also encourages crews to identify clearance issues, hardware conflicts, and step-bolt interference early, obtaining engineering revisions when necessary rather than forcing an installation.
The video, narrated by Sean Gilhooley, also highlights best practices for fall protection, ground assembly, proper rigging techniques, and maintaining equal gap dimensions and level while tightening the collar ring mount.
“If your measurements aren’t correct… you could damage the collar ring mount itself and the monopole structure,” Parker cautions.
The training concludes by reminding installers to verify there is no slippage or shifting after the load is removed before continuing with installation of the platform and antenna components.
“As part of the ongoing #ClimberConnection campaign, the video reinforces NATE and TIF’s commitment to delivering practical safety guidance and technical education directly to the industry’s workforce,” stated NATE Director of Safety & Education Brian Bicknese. “The series is designed to spotlight trustworthy work practices, provide actionable insights, and serve as a trusted resource for contractors, engineers, and stakeholders working at height,” Bicknese added.
“The Telecommunications Industry Foundation was excited to partner with NATE on this video as the content reflects our organizations’ shared ‘for the good of the industry’ mission to advance education, promote best practices, and support the continued evolution of telecommunications infrastructure through collaboration and knowledge-sharing,” said TIF Board Chair Michelle Kang, PE from Colliers Engineering & Design.
