1. RF Safety at Wireless Sites
Bob Johnson, L-3 Communications
Narda Safety Test Solutions
21/04/2017
Narda Safety Test Solutions GmbH ©

2. Presentation Overview
FCC Limits
Rooftops and Towers
RF Safety Compliance
AT&T vs. Orchitt and other legal happenings
The Golden Two Rules
Questions and Answers

3. Graphical Limits
47 CFR Radio-frequency exposure limits (in terms of equivalent power density)
1000
= Controlled/Occupational Environments
= Uncontrolled/General Public Environments H
100 E 10 S
1.0
0.1
mW/cm2
kHz
MHz
GHz

4. Important Points About Compliance
Note that limits are specified in “Controlled/Occupational” and “Uncontrolled/General Population”. A fence does not make your facility “Controlled/Occupational”.
Your property is an “Uncontrolled” environment without an RF safety plan.
IEEE C95.7 recommends that you initiate an RF safety program, and appoint an RFSO, if you exceed similar “Action” level.

5. Engineering Controls
Elevate Antennas
Reduce power
Relocate Antennas
Increase distance between antennas

6. Administrative Controls
Posting Signage
Installing Barriers
Employing Personal Monitors
Specific Site Safety Rules
21/04/2017
Narda Safety Test Solutions GmbH ©

7. Barriers
An attempt to comply was made, however restricted areas must be maintained!
Note, status of plastic chain fencing

8. EME Action Thresholds Only Fools Allowed Post Warning Signs 1000% RF
Qualified
And
Trained
Worker
EME Protective Clothing
High Level Site Specific
Awareness
Post Caution Sign
300%
100%
Site
Worker
Post Notice Sign, EME
Guidelines. General EME Awareness
20%
General
Public
No Procedures Required
21/04/2017
Narda Safety Test Solutions GmbH ©

9. Performing Surveys
Many have purchased “broadband equipment”. This system reads out directly in terms of “% of Std.”.
In this case, that is % of FCC limits for Occupational/Controlled” environments.
Therefore, any readings above 20% means a safety plan is required, with additional controls above 100%.

10. Performing Surveys
At Multiple emitter sites, broadband equipment cannot adequately measure 5% contributors.
Narrowband equipment such as the SRM-3000 can measure all emitters individually without turning any emitters off.
This type of a system is being trialed by the FCC Enforcement Bureau, now.

11. Personal RF Monitors
Wearable monitors are available for qualified person use in areas where high levels are known to exist, like on towers.
Models can be supplied with climbing pouches and higher alarm levels for use with suits.
Always worn on outside!

12. Review
Find out what the field levels are at your site.
Get proper signs, and install them in the right place.
Remember to spatially average readings, don’t overly restrict your emissions.
Remember 5% rule.
Follow-up with readings when antennas are changed or anything that could alter your action areas.

13. Recent Litigation
August 20, Decision of The Supreme Court of the State of Alaska No July 6, 2007 AT&T Alascom and Ward North America, Inc., v. John Orchitt; and The State of Alaska, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Workers' Compensation. Alaska Supreme Court Upholds Award for RF Radiation Injury Below Thermal Exposure Level.

14. Insure your employees cannot be over-exposed by any entities emitters
The Golden Rules
In order to comply with FCC RF Exposure regulations, you only need to do two things:
Insure your employees cannot be over-exposed by any entities emitters
Insure no person is over-exposed by your emitters
Safety programs must be in place for areas where the action (“Uncontrolled/ General Public”) level is exceeded.

15. Questions?
World leaders in RF safety programs, products and support for FCC licensees.
For help with your program, (even if your not buying anything!) give us a call at (631) Extensions 230 or 434.