RSI: F.A.

Q #49

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FAQ #49 RF Safety signs Update on Comm Tower Rules What do the signs mean?

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Most all of the Wireless operators and Tower site owner groups and many states are using this outline for installing RFR safety signs. Some older sites still have signs posted under the old 10 mw under OSHA CRF 1910.97 old standard posting the Warning sign at 10mw (Note: This is ten times higher in some cases that the new FCC worker standard and they should be updated). The new FCC standard is down to .2mw for the general population, now there are two standards workers and the General population exposure limits, the following outline and color coding works better to warn workers of the Dangers. Anytime you work above the worker standard there is Danger of RFR. The workers must be "know" before they go into that area of the RFR Danger, they must be warned so the can control the hazard. The time is less than six minutes at that point. Color coding at the site is easy: Blue Signs, you must have permission to be in the area "No Trespassing", there also could be RF leaks or other signs warning you of higher levels. OSHA's CRF 1910.145 Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags. YELLOW IS A CAUTION AREA (i) Caution signs shall be used only to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices. NOTE: The Uncontrolled Limit is OSHA's action limit. Note: This area is above the general public standard and you must be trained to work in this area under caution. WARNING (DANGER) SIGNS ARE RED. (i) There shall be no variation in the type of design of signs posted to warn of specific dangers and radiation hazards. NOTE: Above the Controlled Worker Standard. You can not stay in this area more than six minutes. RSI Note: See the word doc and the MP3 video clip we did with the FCC/OSHA a few years ago. The site used in this RSI video is the Denver site that the FCC uses for training and follows this outline for signage. It's easy to train people with this outline and makes good since, (Yellow signs are always caution areas and Red signs are Stop signs, Danger areas). See this in the MP3 video clip Safety Signage: http://www.rfcomply.com/products_services/safety_signage/index.php (a) Scope. (1) These specifications apply to the design, application, and use of signs or symbols intended to indicate and, insofar as possible, to define specific hazards of a nature such that failure to designate them may lead to accidental injury to workers or the public, or both, or to property damage. These specifications are intended to cover all safety signs except those designed for streets, highways, railroads, and marine regulations. (2) All new signs and replacements of old signs shall be in accordance with these specifications. (c) Classification of signs according to use -- (1) Danger signs (Red). (i) There shall be no variation in the type of design of signs posted to warn of specific dangers and radiation hazards. NOTE: Above the Controlled Worker Standard. (2) Danger signs(WARNING signs). The colors red, black, and white shall be opaque & glossy. (ii) All employees shall be instructed that danger signs indicate immediate danger and that special precautions are necessary. (ie safety plans and training) (2) Caution signs. (i) Caution signs shall be used only to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices. RSI NOTE: The Uncontrolled Limit is OSHA's action limit. (ii) All employees shall be instructed that caution signs indicate a possible hazard against which proper precaution should be taken. Blue "NOTICE" signs should be posted at the point of access to the site such as at the site entrance gate or near the door to the equipment rooms, as under certain circumstances the RF emissions at the site or in the equipment room MAY exceed the uncontrolled/general population exposure limits. Yellow "CAUTION" signs should be posted in areas where the RF assessment has determined RF emissions exceed the FCC Uncontrolled/General Population exposure limits. These may include areas such as at the bases of communications towers where if personnel were to climb may find themselves in RF fields that exceed the FCC Uncontrolled/General population limits, but are less than the Controlled/Occupational limits. Note: OSHA has stated that the uncontrolled criteria is the action limit for which a safety program should be implemented. Red "WARNING" signs should be posted in advance of the areas that have been determined to have RF emissions levels that exceed the Controlled/Occupational RF limits or borderline Controlled-Occupational/Above Controlled areas. This would include those areas with high power broadcast or paging or areas within a few feet of most other antennas. Note: Personnel that require access to areas where the RF emissions exceed the controlled limits should have a higher level of training in how

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RSI: F.A.Q #49

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to control their exposure and limit excursions into the field to 6 minutes for 100% controlled limits, 3 minutes for 200% controlled limits, and 1 minute for 600% controlled limits. An RF safety plan with training is mandated for these environments. Red "WARNING" signs Induced or contact current signs, should be placed at any sites with the potential for induced current, i.e. broadcasting sites or industrial facilities with RF heating equipment "Danger areas" (Note don't use metal signs in these areas, they can burn you!) FOR SIGNS SEE: Safety Signage http://www.rfcomply.com/products_services/safety_signage/index.php Print Close

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4/27/2011