What safety hazard is posed by ice accumulation on a tower?

Ice accumulation on a tower primarily poses the safety hazard of increased weight and risk of structural failure. As ice builds up on the structure, it significantly adds to the overall load that the tower must support. This extra weight can lead to stress on the metal components and joints, potentially causing bending, buckling, or even collapse of the tower if the ice load exceeds the design specifications or the structural integrity of the tower. This particularly becomes a concern in areas with heavy winter storms or fluctuating temperatures that promote ice formation.

The other options do not directly address the primary structural concerns associated with ice accumulation. For instance, decreased visibility, lower signal strength, and reduced equipment lifespan may be affected by other environmental factors but are not the main risks related to ice weight on a tower. Thus, focusing on the increased weight and its potential to lead to structural failures is critical for understanding the safety hazards associated with ice on telecommunications towers.