Why should you make sure that no one can touch an open-wire transmission line while you are transmitting with it?

Open-wire transmission lines consist of unshielded, parallel conductors that carry high-voltage radio frequency (RF) energy directly to the antenna. Unlike coaxial cable, which safely contains the RF energy within an outer grounded shield, the conductors in an open-wire line are fully exposed. Touching these wires during transmission will result in high-voltage RF energy passing into the body, causing extremely painful RF burns. The distractors focus on secondary or technical issues, such as short circuits or spurious emissions. In amateur radio safety questions, the protection of human life and prevention of injury always take precedence over equipment concerns.