Radiation Hazard Assessment and Control For Telecommunication Systems

GP 31-03-03 Radiation Hazard Assessment and Control for Telecommunication Systems July 2013
Radiation Hazard Assessment and

Control for Telecommunication
Systems
GP 31-03-03
Scope
This Global Practice (GP) specifies the basic design requirements for ensuring safety of humans from
electromagnetic radiation from telecommunication transmitters. The GP covers Radio Frequency (RF)
exposure assessment and signage requirements on or near the radiating RF equipment.
Upstream © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 1 of 17
Copyright Waiver:
ExxonMobil (EM) hereby licenses the use of ExxonMobil Engineering Practices System (EMEPS) Global Practices (GPs) for use by any EM division, subsidiary, or
more-than-50% owned and in-fact operationally controlled affiliate. The GPs may be downloaded and modified as necessary for project and affiliate use. Written
permission from EM is not required. However, any modified GPs must be renumbered to a project-specific or affiliate-specific number to differentiate them from the GPs
on the EMEPS website. EM-operated Joint Ventures (JVs) may utilize the GPs to create project-specific or location-specific specifications. It is the responsibility of
each affiliate or Joint Venture to ensure that the use of GPs and their derivatives is limited to affiliate or JV-related business and not disclosed or used outside the JV
without appropriate EM management approval.
Note to Third Parties:
Copyright 2013 ExxonMobil. All rights reserved. No portion of this work may be reproduced or distributed by any means or technology or otherwise used in any manner
without the express written consent of ExxonMobil.
Table of Contents
Table of Figures ................................................................................................................ 3
1. Required References ............................................................................................... 4

1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices .................................... 4
2. Additional Requirements ........................................................................................ 4
2.1. Standards ........................................................................................................ 4
2.2. IEC–International Electrotechnical Commission ............................................ 5
2.3. IEEE–Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ................................. 5
2.4. LIA–Laser Institute of America ....................................................................... 5
2.5. OET–Office of Engineering and Technology ................................................. 5
3. Definitions ................................................................................................................. 6
4. Identification Requirements ................................................................................... 6
5. Radiation Source Identification .............................................................................. 7

5.1. Purpose ........................................................................................................... 7
5.2. Radio Frequency Radiation Sources.............................................................. 7
5.3. Light Radiation Sources .................................................................................. 7
6. Radiation Assessment ............................................................................................ 7
6.1. Purpose ........................................................................................................... 7
6.2. Assessment Requirements ............................................................................. 7
6.3. Assessment Results ....................................................................................... 8
7. Radiation Hazard Control Measures ...................................................................... 8
7.1. Purpose ........................................................................................................... 8
7.2. Types of Control Measures ............................................................................. 8
Appendix: RF Radiation Notification Signage Examples......................................... 10
Record of Change ........................................................................................................... 16
Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions ...................................................................... 17
UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 2 of 17

Table of Figures
Figure A–1: RF Notice Sign ...........................................................................................10
Figure A–2: RF Caution Sign ........................................................................................11
Figure A–3: RF Warning Sign .......................................................................................12
Figure A–4: Tower Danger Sign ...................................................................................13
Figure A–5: Pacemaker Warning Sign .........................................................................14
Figure A–6: Laser Radiation Danger Sign...................................................................15

1. Required References
This Section lists the Practices, codes, standards, specifications, and publications that shall be used with
this document. Unless otherwise specified herein, use the latest edition.
1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices

GP 12-01-01 Upstream Numbering System for Project Technical Documents
GP 12-01-02 Upstream Identification of Equipment, Components and Devices, Lines,
and Valves
GP 31-01-03 RF Cabling
GP 31-03-06 Non-Directional Beacon (NDB)
GP 31-06-01 Microwave and Radio Data Links
GP 31-06-02 Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT)
GP 31-07-01 Two-Way Radio Systems
GP 31-07-02 Communications Tower
GP 70-01-12 Upstream Human Factors
2. Additional Requirements
[*] This Section lists the additional Practices, codes, standards, specifications, and publications that shall
be used with this document only where specified. Unless otherwise specified herein, use the latest
edition.
2.1. Standards
1) Where no applicable local or international standard applies, standards and recommendations from the
following American associations and agencies shall form the basis for design and equipment selection
as far as they are not in conflict with local or international regulations:
a) American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
b) Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
c) Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
d) International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
e) National Electrotechnical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
f) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
g) Office of Engineering and Technology (OET)
2) Where no relevant local or international standards and codes are specified, the corresponding standard
of good engineering practice shall be applied.

2.2. IEC–International Electrotechnical Commission

IEC 62209-1 Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Fields from Hand-Held and Body-
Mounted Wireless Communication Devices - Human Models,
Instrumentation, and Procedures - Part 1: Procedure to Determine the
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for Hand-Held Devices used in Close
Proximity to the Ear (Frequency Range of 300 MHz to 3 GHz)
IEC 62226-1 Exposure to Electric or Magnetic Fields in the Low and Intermediate
Frequency Range - Methods for Calculating the Current Density and
Internal Electric Field Induced in the Human Body - Part 1: General
2.3. IEEE–Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

IEEE C95.1 Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio
Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz
IEEE C95.2 Standard for Radio-Frequency Energy and Current-Flow Symbols
IEEE C95.3 Recommended Practice for Measurements and Computations of Radio
Frequency Electromagnetic Fields with Respect to Human Exposure to
Such Fields, 100 kHz to 300 GHz
IEEE 802.16 Air Interface for Broadband Wireless Access Systems
IEEE 8802-11 Information Technology - Telecommunications and Information
Exchange between Systems - Local and Metropolitan Area Networks -
Specific Requirements - Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control
(MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications
2.4. LIA–Laser Institute of America

LIA Z136.1 Safe Use of Lasers
LIA Z136.8 Safe Use of Lasers in Research, Development, or Testing
2.5. OET–Office of Engineering and Technology

OET Bulletin 65 Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to
Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields

3. Definitions
Term Description
Microwave Link Radio communication system transmitting in the 300 MHz to 300 GHz
frequency ranges; part of a more extensive telecommunication network.
Radio Frequency (RF) RF and microwave radiation are electromagnetic radiation in the
Radiation frequency ranges 3 kHz–300 MHz, and 300 MHz–300 GHz,
respectively.
Specific Absorption As defined in OET Bulletin 65, a measure of the rate of energy absorbed
Rate (SAR) by (dissipated in) an incremental mass contained in a volume element of
dielectric materials such as biological tissues. SAR is usually expressed
in terms of watts per kilogram (W/kg) or milliwatts per gram (mW/g).
Guidelines for human exposure to RF fields are based on SAR
thresholds where adverse biological effects may occur.
4. Identification Requirements
1) All project technical documents to be used on all Company projects, which include the Front End
Engineering Design (FEED), detailed engineering, design/procurement/construction, Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Vendor, and Subvendor documentation, must comply with GP 12-
01-01.
2) All equipment and components must be identified per GP 12-01-02 which describes the system for
identification of all mechanical and electrical equipment (Primary and Auxiliary), components,
devices, support equipment, piping, specialty items, valves, Vendor Packages, and skids to be used on
onshore and offshore project facilities and plants. This identification system will be used on the
following document types:
a) Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)
b) Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
c) Utility Flow Diagrams (UFDs)
d) Piping isometrics
e) Vendor detail drawings
f) Equipment Layout (General Arrangement) drawings
g) Specifications
h) Technical Data Sheets
i) Purchase Requisitions
j) Equipment Identification Labels
k) Associated lists

5. Radiation Source Identification

5.1. Purpose
[I] The purpose of this Section is to provide information regarding telecommunication systems that are
possible sources of radiation levels above safety margins.
5.2. Radio Frequency Radiation Sources

Most telecommunication equipment has some level of RF radiation. Typically, telecommunication
equipment operates well within safety margins as defined in IEEE C95.1. However, the following
systems shall be assessed for radiation levels that may be above safe margins (as seen in GP 31-01-03, GP
31-03-06, GP 31-06-01, GP 31-06-02, GP 31-07-01, and GP 31-07-02):
1) Medium Frequency/High Frequency (MF/HF) Radio System
2) Nondirectional Beacons (NDBs)
3) Mobile and/or Handheld Radios
4) Satellite Communication Systems
5) Microwave Radio Links
6) Wireless Network Systems (IEEE 8802-11 and IEEE 802.16 based)
5.3. Light Radiation Sources

1) Fiber Optical Laser
2) Point-to-Point Laser/Infrared Wireless
6. Radiation Assessment
6.1. Purpose
[I] The Purpose of this Section is to provide information needed to assess, and to perform if required, an
analysis of potential radiation hazards. The basis for an assessment is provided in IEEE C95.1 and IEEE
C95.3. Information on calculating electric fields induced into the human body can be found in IEC
62226-1.
6.2. Assessment Requirements

1) The following information is required to perform an assessment or analysis of telecommunications
systems and their associated potential radiation hazards:
a) Type of antenna or emitting source structure:
i) Omni antenna
ii) Directional antenna
iii) Focused optical beam

b) Power levels in watts

c) Frequency of operation
d) Location of nearby structures that can either shield or reflect the source
e) Electronic copies of facility layout drawings
f) Emission value [to compare with Maximum Permissible Emissions (MPE) value as defined in
IEEE C95.1]
g) Absorption rate [to compare with the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) as defined in IEEE
C95.1and IEC 62209-1]
2) The following are determining factors on whether to continue with a full analysis:
a) Local regulatory requirements
b) Power level of the equipment
c) Intended use
d) RF radiation isolations built into the design
e) Exposure level of telecommunication systems maintenance personnel or other workers to high-
powered RF sources
f) Requirement for telecommunication systems that operate at high frequencies (> 300 MHz)
6.3. Assessment Results

1) The assessment shall identify all radiation hazards and provide control measure recommendations.
2) [A] The results of the assessment shall be incorporated into a report and submitted to Company for
approval.
7. Radiation Hazard Control Measures

7.1. Purpose
[I] The purpose of this Section is to provide a guide for the determining the proper barriers and/or signage
requirements for areas with equipment that has been determined to emit radiation beyond safe limits.
Additional information on warning signs can be found in IEEE C95.2 and GP 70-01-12.
7.2. Types of Control Measures

[S] Control measures for telecommunication systems that have been determined to emit radiation levels
beyond safety margins are as follows:
1) Signage (warns)
2) Barriers (restricts access)

7.2.1. Locations Requiring High Radiation Signage

[S] The proper warning signs are necessary to alert personnel of possible radiation dangers in particular
locations such as the following:
1) Equipment rooms
2) Telecommunication towers and shelters (including waveguide maintenance precautions)
3) Antenna decks
4) Satellite dish platform
7.2.2. Types of Warning Signs

1) [*] Specific local ordinances may dictate other signs or wording than provided in this GP. Refer to
local Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) for guidance. Signs shall be both in the local and
English languages.
2) Different signs warn of types of risk associated with the facility. The following are some examples of
signs that may be used:
a) Warning: RF Equipment Operates above Safe Levels for Human Exposure of RF Radiation
b) Warning: Active RF Equipment Nearby
c) Danger: Do Not Touch. Possible RF Burns
d) Danger: Possible Interference with Pacemakers or other Types of Equipment
3) Other signage notification wording may be appropriate. The Appendix provides additional example
signage that may be applied or modified.
7.2.3. Safety Barriers

[S] If equipment has been determined unsafe for exposure within a specified distance, then safety barriers,
such as the following, shall be set up to prevent inadvertent exposure by personnel:
1) Safety chains
2) Painted with safety stripes
3) Enclosures
4) Fences
5) Cages

Appendix: RF Radiation Notification Signage Examples

Figure A–1: RF Notice Sign
Source: OSHA
NOTICE
Radio frequency fields beyond this

point may exceed the FCC general
public exposure limit.
Obey all posted signs and site guidelines for
working in radio frequency environments.
In accordance with Federal Communications Commission rules on radio

frequency emissions

Figure A–2: RF Caution Sign

Source: OSHA
CAUTION
Beyond this point:

Radio frequency fields at this site
may exceed FCC rules for human
exposure.
For your safety, obey all posted signs and site
guidelines for working in radio frequency
environments.
frequency emissions

Figure A–3: RF Warning Sign

Source: OSHA
WARNING
Beyond this point:

Radio frequency fields at this site
exceed the FCC rules for human
exposure.
Failure to obey all posted signs and site
guidelines for working in radio frequency
environments could result in serious injury.
frequency emissions

Figure A–4: Tower Danger Sign

Source: Canadian Government
DANGER
HIGH LEVEL
RADIOFREQUENCY ENERGY
KEEP OUT
DANGER
EMISSION INTENSE
DE RADIOFREQUENCES
DEFENSE D’ENTRER

Figure A–5: Pacemaker Warning Sign
WARNING
IF YOU HAVE A PACEMAKER
OR OTHER SIMILAR
IMPLANTED DEVICE,
DO NOT GO BEYOND THIS SIGN.
PLEASE REQUEST ASSISTANCE
AND APPROPRIATE
MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN.

Figure A–6: Laser Radiation Danger Sign

Source: FCC: USA
DANGER
VISIBLE AND/OR INVISIBLE
LASER RADIATION
AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE
Your laser information
Your contact information

Record of Change
Version 1.0.0 Date: 12/07
Location Action Description
Initial Publish.
Version 1.1.0 Date: 07/13

General Modification Purpose Codes added/modified.
Rationales added.
Reference titles updated.
Figures updated.
Section 1 Modification LIA Z136.1, LIA Z136.8 added; IEEE 802.11 replaced with IEEE
8802.11
Section 4 Modification Item (2 d, f, g, h, j, k) modified.
Section 5.3 Addition Section added.
Section 6.3 Modification Item (1): "should" changed to "shall."
Figures 1–4 Modification Figures modified as to source.
All Global Modifications To standardize the format of the Global Practices and to meet other
Practices requirements, the following changes have been implemented:
"For ExxonMobil Use Only" has been replaced with "For Company Use
Only."
A copyright waiver has been added in the first page Footer.
The definition of asterisks in the Scope has been deleted. The asterisk is
now defined in the Purpose Code attachment and is used within brackets
as other Purpose Codes.
Multiple paragraphs within a Section have been numbered.
The standard text for Required References has been modified.
The standard text for Additional Requirements has been modified.
The [S] Purpose Code has been modified.
The following Purpose Codes have been added:
[*] for additional information or decision required of Owner's
Engineer.
[A] for approval requirements before beginning work or finalizing
design.

Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions

Code Description
* Assigned to paragraphs that require the Owner's Engineer to provide additional information or
make a decision.
A Assigned to paragraphs that require approval from the Owner's Engineer before the work may
proceed or the design is finalized.
C Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is reduced costs. Reduced cost in this context
refers to initial investment cost and does not include life cycle cost considerations. Life cycle
cost considerations are captured under reliability, maintainability, or operability purpose
codes.
E Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is driven by environmental considerations.
Environmental considerations typically include specifications intended to protect against
emissions/leakage to the air, water, and/or soil. Deviations from the specifications contained
in such paragraphs require formal review and approval according to local environmental
policy.
I Assigned to paragraphs that provide only clarifying information, such as Scope statements,
definitions of terms, etc.
M Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to provide for maintainability of equipment
or systems. Maintainability provisions are those that facilitate the performance of
maintenance on equipment/systems either during downtimes or during onstream operations.
O Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to assure operability of equipment or
systems. Operability is the ability of the equipment/system to perform satisfactorily even
though conditions are off-design, such as during start-ups, process swings, subcomponent
malfunction, etc.
R Assigned to paragraphs whose primary purpose is to improve or assure the reliability of
equipment or systems. Reliability is a measure of the ability of equipment/systems to operate
without malfunction or failure between planned maintenance interventions.
S Assigned to paragraphs containing specifications/guidance where the primary purpose is the
avoidance of incidents impacting personnel safety, process safety, and the public in general
and/or involving responses to emergency situations. Any deviation from the specifications
contained in such designated paragraphs requires formal review and approval according to
local safety policy.
Personnel Safety: Refers to the prevention of incident-related personnel injuries or illness,
e.g., burns, cuts, abrasions, inhalation of or exposure to dangerous
substances, etc., that could result in medical treatment, restricted work,
lost-time incidents, or fatalities.
Process Safety: Refers to the prevention and control of process releases, fires, and/or
explosions that could result in damage to equipment, process disruption,
or personnel injury or illness.

Radiation Hazard Assessment and Control For Telecommunication Systems

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GP 31-03-03 Radiation Hazard Assessment and Control for Telecommunication Systems July 2013

Radiation Hazard Assessment and

Upstream © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 1 of 17

1. Required References ............................................................................................... 4

4. Identification Requirements ................................................................................... 6

5. Radiation Source Identification .............................................................................. 7

Record of Change ........................................................................................................... 16

Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions ...................................................................... 17

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 2 of 17

Figure A–2: RF Caution Sign ........................................................................................11

Figure A–3: RF Warning Sign .......................................................................................12

Figure A–4: Tower Danger Sign ...................................................................................13

Figure A–5: Pacemaker Warning Sign .........................................................................14

Figure A–6: Laser Radiation Danger Sign...................................................................15

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 3 of 17

1.1. Global Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 4 of 17

2.2. IEC–International Electrotechnical Commission

2.3. IEEE–Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

2.4. LIA–Laser Institute of America

2.5. OET–Office of Engineering and Technology

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 5 of 17

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 6 of 17

5. Radiation Source Identification

5.2. Radio Frequency Radiation Sources

5.3. Light Radiation Sources

6.2. Assessment Requirements

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 7 of 17

b) Power levels in watts

6.3. Assessment Results

7. Radiation Hazard Control Measures

7.2. Types of Control Measures

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 8 of 17

7.2.1. Locations Requiring High Radiation Signage

7.2.2. Types of Warning Signs

7.2.3. Safety Barriers

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 9 of 17

Appendix: RF Radiation Notification Signage Examples

Radio frequency fields beyond this

In accordance with Federal Communications Commission rules on radio

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 10 of 17

Figure A–2: RF Caution Sign

Beyond this point:

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 11 of 17

Figure A–3: RF Warning Sign

Beyond this point:

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 12 of 17

Figure A–4: Tower Danger Sign

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 13 of 17

Figure A–5: Pacemaker Warning Sign

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 14 of 17

Figure A–6: Laser Radiation Danger Sign

Your laser information

Your contact information

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 15 of 17

Version 1.1.0 Date: 07/13

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 16 of 17

Attachment: Purpose Code Definitions

UPST © ExxonMobil 2013 Version 1.1.0 Page 17 of 17

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