Let us not forget the tragic death of a radio pioneer from the 1920's by the name of Ralph Wilson Goddard. He was the Dean of the Engineering School at what would eventually become New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM. The 1920's experimental campus radio station employed a Spark-Gap transmitter and was powered by a dynamotor. The station bore the call sign of KOB. According to legend, Dr. Goddard was electrocuted when he attempted to place two dynamotors in series to raise the voltage applied to the final stage of the transmitter. With one of the dynamotors operating with the case above ground, Dr. Goddard accidentally came in contact with the floating case and was killed. Though this is the story that is told, the actual cause of his tragic electrocution remains uncertain.
In the 30's, KOB was moved to Albuquerque, NM and through a number of frequency assignments was re-assigned to 770 in 1941 where it remains today as KKOB-AM. In memory of Dr. Goddard's early work in the field of broadcasting, the College radio and TV stations at New Mexico State bear his initials to this very day, those of KRWG FM and TV. One has to wonder if Dr. Goddard had taken a little extra precaution, what changes in the industry would have taken place through his work?
The tragic death of the contract engineer in MS serves as a reminder to those of us who work around broadcast transmitting equipment. Respect the transmitter, regardless of its size. Don't let some PD or GM pressure you into doing something in a hurry that could cost you your life. (If they do, find another client) A disconnect switch and a shorting stick can be your best friends! Develop a site safety plan including the location of all disconnects and circuit breakers associated with the transmitter(s) at your site and label them accordingly as items necessary to disengage in order to have power to the box completely removed before you go an even attempt to stick your hand inside a transmitter cabinet. As the roll call sergeant on Hill Street Blues used to say, "Let's Be Careful Out There"!