Working safely around Radiofrequency (RF) Transmitters

Exposure to excessive levels of radiofrequency (RF)

emissions may affect your health

This Mobile Carriers Forum (MCF) Fact sheet series is

designed to inform all who are required to work on sites
located near operating radiofrequency transmitting
antennas (RF Site). This includes:
 Mobile Phone Carrier personnel and contractors
working on RF Sites as part of Carrier operations; and
 Workers involved in activities such as roof
maintenance, window cleaning, facade maintenance
and delivery of plant where access to the roof is
required and there are Mobile Phone Carrier
transmitters in close proximity.

RF Safety 1: About RF Safety and Health

RF Safety 2: About RF Transmitters and

Who are RF Workers

RF Safety 3: I need to access a roof/structure as part of my

work duties near Mobile Phone Carrier RF
Transmitters

RF Safety 4: I am an RF Worker and I need access to an

RF Site as part of Mobile Phone
Carrier operations

RF Safety 5: What if I believe I have been

over-exposed to RF EME?
About RF safety and health

What is Radiofrequency Can RF EME cause adverse

Electromagnetic Energy (RF EME)? health effects?
RF EME is the radio waves generated by mobile phone Yes, if a person is exposed above maximum
transmission antennas. recommended exposure levels.

EME is the energy stored in an electromagnetic field. RF EME can heat objects in the same way that
Transmission antennas with a frequency from 3 kHz to 300 microwave ovens heat food although microwave
GHz transmit radio waves. Microwave transmissions are ovens use much higher power in a confined space
included in this radiofrequency band. compared to mobile telecommunications transmitters.

RF EME is a factor of everyday life. It is emitted by natural Harmful heating of body tissue is a possibility where
sources like the sun and the earth, and by man-made there is exposure to RF fields above maximum
sources such as radio, television, mobile telephones and recommended exposure levels. Damage may result
paging transmission antennas. because the human body is unable to cope with
excessive heat generated by very high RF exposures
RF EME is also referred to as RF Radiation, EMR and can result in whole body heating, localised
(electromagnetic radiation), RF Fields and EMF heating (in limbs, torso, head), surface heating of the
(electromagnetic fields). body and auditory clicks. Also, shocks, similar to
electric shocks, due to touching or receiving arcs from
RF transmitters are also possible from over-exposure
to RF radiation. These possible bioeffects are
dependent on the frequency, duration or intensity of
the exposure.
Heating is generally accepted as the main bioeffect
although it is recognised that very high RF exposures,
typically much higher than the exposure levels
generated from mobile telecommunications
transmitters, may lead to the formation of cataracts in
the eyes.

Microcell Mounted on In-Building Antenna

Traffic Lights (Dimension 10cm x 5cm)
About RF safety and health
In relation to adverse health effects the World Health What RF exposure level is safe?
Organisation has released a fact sheet (N0 304, May 2006)
which says “no adverse short or long-term health effects The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear
have been shown to occur” and this includes cancer. This Safety Agency (ARPANSA) have set the
recommended maximum exposure levels for RF fields,
is for continuous exposures at or below the maximum safety
being in the range of 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
limits.
Specifically in relation to any cancer risk associated with The recommended RF exposure limits depend on
base stations and wireless technologies, the World Health whether the exposure is occupational (i.e. for persons
classified as ‘RF Workers’) or non-occupational (i.e.
Organisation says:
for the general public and persons who are not
“Over the past 15 years, studies examining a required to work within electromagnetic fields).
potential relationship between RF transmitters and
cancer have been published. These studies have not For RF Workers, the basic exposure restriction for
provided evidence that RF exposure from the whole-body average Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
transmitters increases the risk of cancer. Likewise, has been set at 0.4 W/kg averaged over a six minute
long-term animal studies have not established an period. Whole body average SAR is determined by
increased risk of cancer from exposure to RF fields, dividing the total power absorbed in the body by the
even at levels that are much higher than produced by total mass of the body.
base stations and wireless networks.” For the general public, the basic exposure restriction
Sometimes suspected cancer clusters are reported in the for whole-body average SAR is 0.08 W/Kg averaged
media and the WHO advice is over a six minute period.

“Media or anecdotal reports of cancer clusters The basic restrictions for RF Workers and the general
around mobile phone base stations have heightened public have included safety margins of 10-fold and 50-
public concern. It should be noted that fold from the level of the first known adverse health
geographically, cancers are unevenly distributed effect (nominally a 1°C rise in core body temperature).
among any population. Given the widespread
presence of base stations in the environment, it is
expected that possible cancer clusters will occur
near base stations merely by chance.
Moreover, the reported cancers in these clusters are Where can I find more Information?
often a collection of different types of cancer with no
common characteristics and hence unlikely to have a Australian Radiation Protection & Nuclear Safety
common cause. Scientific evidence on the Agency (ARPANSA)
distribution of cancer in the population can be Phone (03) 9433 2211 or 1800 022 333
obtained through carefully planned and executed Web: www.arpansa.gov.au
epidemiological studies.”
World Health Organisation
EMF Project Home Page:
Web: www.who.int/peh-emf/
About RF Transmitters and who are RF Workers
Where would I find RF Transmitters? RF Workers require appropriate RF training. Also a
“pre-placement health assessment” should be
Wherever 2-way radio, paging systems, mobile phone,
undertaken for those RF Workers with bio-medical
AM/FM and TV broadcast equipment is located.
implants and/or hearing aids. Pregnant women are
The antennas utilised by this equipment may take various encouraged to always wear RF monitors and should
forms. To reduce any negative visual impact of a site, some not enter areas with RF exposure levels above
of this equipment may sometimes even be concealed. General Public limits.
For this reason, personnel accessing commercial rooftops, Mobile Phone Carrier personnel and contractors
lattice towers, monopoles, or other areas of transmission working on sites as part of Carrier operations should
sites should consult with the site or building owner to find out contact their Team Leader or the OH&S Manager for
if there is any RF transmitting equipment on site before additional information.
entering the site.
What if I am not an RF Worker?
Am I an RF Worker?
Those individuals who would not be considered as an
If you are exposed to RF EME under controlled conditions RF Worker do not require special RF training.
as an intrinsic part of your work activities then you may be However, they should contact the building
considered an RF Worker. owner/manager to determine if they will be working
near any RF transmission equipment and, if so, obtain
Numerous Mobile Phone Carrier personnel and contractors information about safe working procedures.
who undertake maintenance, servicing or modification of
Base Station Transmitting sites particularly on the antenna
systems would be classified as RF Workers. Base station
equipment huts or rooms generally do not have any
restricted areas or EME levels approaching the general
public safety limits. Maintenance personnel that only work in
equipment huts in most cases would not be classified as RF
Workers but would still be trained in radio maintenance
safety.
I need to access a roof/structure as part of my work duties near
Mobile Phone Carrier RF Transmitters
How does the Mobile Phone Carrier How to read the RF Hazard drawings
Industry control RF exposure?
Plan and elevation view RF Hazard drawings display
Mobile Phone Carriers utilise various methods to minimise or horizontal and vertical cross-sections of the emission
control exposure to sources of RF EME. These controls patterns from transmitting antenna.
include:
RF ASSESSMENT & DESIGN
Sites are designed and transmission equipment positioned Red & Yellow Zone
with a view to ensure full RF EME compliance and to = No Access to public or building
minimize unnecessary RF exposure. maintenance personnel
Yellow Zone
ENGINEERING = Limited access to specially trained
carrier personnel (RF Workers)
Securing, barricading or other means of restricting access to White Zone
the site or to areas where RF exposures exceed the = General access
maximum recommended limits.
SIGNAGE
Positioning of signage on perimeter fencing/doors, the base
of structures or other suitable positions to indicate the
presence of RF hazards and safe areas.
TRAINING
Training persons who perform work on RF equipment. This
may include general induction, RF awareness, and Working
at Heights
SITE MANAGEMENT BOOK Important - General Public and Maintenance
Production of a Radiocommunications Site Management Personnel and staff associated with the
Book (RCSMB) which provides important RF safety building/property do not enter red or yellow zones.
information for anyone who has to work near mobile phone
base station transmitters.

The RCSMB contains site

contact details, information
on RF Hazard drawings,
site access control,
equipment installed at the
site and Safe Working
Procedures.
I need to access a roof/structure as part of my work duties near
Mobile Phone Carrier RF Transmitters
Where do you get the RCSMB?
Where MORE THAN ONE Carrier is identified at a site,
A copy of the RCSMB is given to the property it is IMPORTANT to call EACH Carrier Network
owner/manager. All the MCF Member Mobile Phone Carriers Operations Centre so that any other necessary switch
load the completed RCSMBs onto a central database called OFF or “powering down” procedures are
the National Site Archive. Property owner/managers can IMPLEMENTED and PROPERLY COORDINATED.
directly access the RCSMB for their site through the NSA Personal monitoring devices (e.g. RADMAN) are
website: www.rfnsa.com.au recommended for use on these sites.
If you cannot locate the RCSMB from the property Please note that Mobile Phone Carrier Base Station
owner/manager there is a 24 hour Mobile Phone Carrier transmitters have power supplies independent of the
contact number that should also be displayed at the entry mains power to the building.
point to the rooftop or base station. This number is the
What if there are RF transmitters other than Mobile
Mobile Phone Carrier Network Operations Centre. See the
Phone Carriers’ on the roof?
Table below, for specific details for each Carrier.
The facility manager should have the safety
What if I have to work in an RF Hazard Zone?
information for all radio operators at the site. The
Prior to undertaking work on/around operational equipment, RCSMB should show all RF transmitters operating on
the RF hazard areas need to be identified for the site (that is the site, including other mobile phone carriers and
red and yellow areas). Section 5, Safe Work Procedure of other operators such as paging, emergency services,
the RCSMB should be read and followed. taxis etc. Site contact details for other operators are
shown in the RCSMB.
In areas where high emissions are indicated, the transmitting
equipment should be switched OFF and isolated. In many Personal monitoring devices (e.g. RADMAN) are
instances only “powering down” is required. recommended for use on co-located sites, or where
numerous sources of RF radiation (i.e. paging
You must contact the Mobile Carrier Network Operations
systems, two-way radio etc) are identified. Calibration
Centre to co-ordinate either “switch OFF and isolation” or
and correct use of this equipment is essential.
“powering down”. Wherever “powering down” is utilised,
correct procedures for isolation must be followed. The
Mobile Phone Carrier contact will clearly explain required
procedures.

Telstra Where can I find more information?

Global Operations Centre Carrier Network Operations Centres (see
(Telstra GOC) phone contacts opposite)
0418 707 000
Australian Radiation
Optus Protection & Nuclear
Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
Network Surveillance & Control Group (Optus
1800 022 333
NSAC)
Web: www.arpansa.gov.au
1800 505 777
Worksafe Victoria
Vodafone Worksafe Advisory Service
Fault Management Centre/ Network Operations Phone: (03) 9641 1444 or
Centre Phone (03) 9433 2211 or tollfree 1800
(Vodafone FMT-NOC) 136 089
1800 683 683 Web: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
I am an RF Worker and I need site access as part of Mobile Phone
Carrier operations
RF Workers entering a Mobile Phone Additional precautions when other
BTS (Base Station Transmitting) Site RF transmitters are on site
Mobile Phone Carrier personnel and contractors working on On numerous sites, the specific Mobile Phone Carrier
sites as part of Carrier operations should adopt the following equipment that you are working on is co-located with
precautionary measures to minimise any risk of RF the equipment of other telecommunications carriers.
overexposure. In some cases, other equipment may also be
operating at the site, for example, emergency services,
1. Check with your Team Leader/Manager that you are
TV and radio broadcasting, paging systems etc.
appropriately trained.
Prior to access to these sites, the Project
2. If you are working alone or in a remote area, ensure
Supervisor (Team Leader/ Manager) must take all
check-in procedures are followed.
reasonable steps to determine the type, location and
3. Contact relevant Carrier Network Operation Centre (see exclusion zones of ALL transmission equipment on
Table below) site.
4. Consult any RF signage and RF Site Management Book While accessing/working: Monitoring equipment
(RCSMB). If it is the first time on site and/or required by the should be used by personnel to ensure that accidental
site access procedure, organise to meet a representative of exposure does not occur.
the property owner who is familiar with the equipment on the
The Mobile Phone Carriers want to know of any
building or structure.
unsafe situations
5. Attempt to identify all potential sources of RF emissions
The Mobile Phone Carriers are committed to ensure
and only access the site via dedicated walkways and safe
safety and compliance on all of their BTS sites. If ANY
areas.
UNSAFE SITUATION is noticed, please immediately
6. Where “Shutdown” has been requested, confirm REPORT it to the relevant Network Operations Centre
shutdown (with all identified Carriers) prior to commencing using the numbers provided in the above Table.
work.
7. Use a personal RF Monitor to check safety conditions and Where can I find more information?
confirm power down Carrier Network Operations Centres (see
8. Ensure appropriate RF monitoring equipment is phone contacts opposite)
serviceable, available and used correctly.
Australian Radiation
Protection & Nuclear
Telstra Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
Global Operations Centre 1800 022 333
(Telstra GOC) Web: www.arpansa.gov.au
0418 707 000
Worksafe Victoria
Optus Worksafe Advisory Service
Network Surveillance & Control Group (Optus NSAC) Phone: (03) 9641 1444 or
1800 505 777 Phone (03) 9433 2211 or tollfree 1800 136 089
Web: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
Vodafone
Fault Management Centre/ Network Operations Centre
(Vodafone FMT-NOC)
1800 683 683
What if I believe I have been over-exposed to RF EME?
The safety of all is of paramount importance to the Mobile The EME Manager, Team Leader or Manager will
Phone Carrier Industry. Immediate notification is essential confirm the status of the RF EME sources in the area
if you believe you may have been over-exposed to RF or and other relevant information, including:
you feel unsure about the status of your exposure.
• Power output of transmitters
Mobile Phone Carrier staff and their contractors should:
• Frequencies of transmitters
• IMMEDIATELY notify their Team Leader or Manager and
• Location of Worker from emission sources(s)
fill in an incident report form.
• Duration of exposure
General Workers (e.g. roof & lift maintenance, window
cleaners) should: • Status of Worker (RF Worker or Non-RF Worker)
• IMMEDIATELY inform their own company Supervisor or If it becomes clear on initial investigation that no over-
exposure has occurred, then no further action is
Manager;
required.
AND
If a “suspected over-exposure” (i.e. RF exposure
• IMMEDIATELY contact the relevant Carrier’ specialist EME levels in excess of prescribed ARPANSA
Occupational Exposure Limits for RF Workers or
Manager (or contact the Carrier’s Network Operations
ARPANSA General Public Exposure Limits for non-RF
Centre).
Workers), then a full incident investigation will be
conducted by the Carrier EME Manager, Team
Leader or Manager. Suspected overexposures require
referral to a physician with knowledge of RF for health
Telstra assessment including psychological and physical
symptoms and accurate records kept.
Geoff Bail, EME Operations Manager 1300 368 387
This investigation report will be submitted to the
Network Operations Centre 0418 707 000 Carrier and relevant company OH&S Managers.
[email protected]
Vodafone Where can I find out more information?

Taras Saczko, EME Operations Manager 0414 207 Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety
002 or 02 9415 7002 Agency (ARPANSA)
Network Operations Centre 1800 683 683 – Maximum Exposure Levels to Radiofrequency Fields
[email protected] – 3 kHz to 300 GHz, (Radiation Protection Series No. 3)

Optus Phone: (03) 9433 2211 or 1800 022 333

Web: www.arpansa.gov.au/Publications/codes/rps3.cfm
Worksafe Victoria
– WorkSafe Alert - Radiofrequency (RF) radiation
– Dangers of exposure
Worksafe Advisory Service
Phone: (03) 9641 1444 or tollfree 1800 136 089
Web: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au