# 4 Keys to a Quality Tower Inspection

Published 2020-01-29 · Updated 2026-06-09 · Engineering & Construction on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/engineering-and-construction/quality-tower-inspection

> #1 – USE AN EXPERIENCED TOWER INSPECTOR 5+ years of active “on-the-tower” experience Physical agility to ascend/descend 2,000’ towers Training, certifications, and credentials to climb[1] #2 – PROVIDE CUSTOMER-CENTRIC REPORTING Tower inspection reports are engineering documents; must be clear, concise, complete Inspection reports must match needs and expectations of tower owner[2] Insurance companies/local jurisdictions can…

**#1 – USE AN EXPERIENCED TOWER INSPECTOR**

- 5+ years of active “on-the-tower” experience
- Physical agility to ascend/descend 2,000’ towers
- Training, certifications, and credentials to climb[[1]](#_ftn1)

**#2 – PROVIDE CUSTOMER-CENTRIC REPORTING**

- Tower inspection reports are engineering documents; must be clear, concise, complete
- Inspection reports must match needs and expectations of tower owner[[2]](#_ftn2)
- Insurance companies/local jurisdictions can specify additional inspection/reporting requirements to protect tower assets, ensure public safety.

**#3 – KEEP QUALITY INSPECTION RECORDS AND FOLLOW INSPECTION SCHEDULES**

- Guyed Towers – every 3 years. Self-Support & Monopole Towers – every 5 years[[3]](#_ftn3)
- Benefits of regular inspections:  Reduced maintenance costs – by identifying/treating problems early Greater operational efficiency – by extending lifespan of aging structures Minimizing risk – by preventive measures that avert tower failures and potential injuries/deaths to tower workers and general public  

**#4 – STAY FOCUSED ON SAFETY**

- Always strive for quality service in a timely manner, but never sacrifice safety.
- Conduct thorough job hazard assessments prior to climb; wear required personal protective equipment (PPE); possess credentials to climb, prevent falls, perform rescues.
- Be knowledgeable of OSHA requirements and related safety standards.[[4]](#_ftn4)

**Types of Tower Inspections**

- *General Inspection*: high-level visual examination of structure to identify obvious errors or damage.
- *Condition Assessment*: more in-depth evaluation of structure and its components, including appurtenances. Requires specialized training.
- *Mappings* (2 primary types):  Tower Mapping – locates all appurtenances on tower Structural Mapping – documents size and shape of structural members, gusset plate dimensions, tower geometry, and other critical components for structural analyses  

**Basic Components of a Tower Inspection**

- Foundations and footings
- Structural verticality
- Structural condition, note deformities, cuts, warping, bending, corrosion
- Connections, tight and secure
- Appurtenance attachment and integrity
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) obstruction lighting, marking
- Safety components
- Grounding protection

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*FDH Infrastructure Services provides engineering, nondestructive investigation, and construction services to critical infrastructure markets, and is a leading provider of structural engineering services to the telecommunications and broadcast industries.*

To contact a tower inspection expert, email: [info@fdh-is.com](mailto:info@fdh-is.com). For more information on [FDH’s tower services](https://1daxy334expa2e1vm52o2rgo-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FDH-IS_What-Makes-A-Quality-Tower-Inspection_2019-12.pdf), visit www.FDH-IS.com.

\*Be sure check out the NATE Star initiative [here](https://natehome.com/safety-education/nate-star-initiative/)!

[*[1]](#_ftnref1) Based on industry standards and regulations, as established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA), and others.*

[*[2]](#_ftnref2) Requirements may vary between wireless and broadcast towers*

[*[3]](#_ftnref3) Per requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), A10.48, Criteria for Safety Practices with the Construction, Demolition, Modification and Maintenance of Communications Structures; and Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) 222 Revision H, Structural Standard for Antenna Supporting Structures, Antennas and Small Wind Turbine Support Structures.*

[*[4]](#_ftnref4) Participation in the National Association of Tower Erectors’ NATE STAR Initiative is a strong indication of a company’s safety commitment.*

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