Alphawave VDR Basic RF Awareness Course November2023 - Session1 (Print)

Welcome to ….
Basic RF
Exposure
Awareness
Course
Introductions
• Presenters:
Mzandile Manyiki
Jean-Pierre Els
Christo Visser
Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 2
Alphawave Mobile Network Services (Pty)

Ltd. 1
Online Assessment
Assessment link:
https://forms.office.com/r/fBUVD7uH4x
Please start by filling in your personal
details on the first page.
Do not close your browser before

you have completed the assessment
and submitted all answers.
Course Details
• Six Modules:
Radio frequency waves
Health risks at Base Stations sites
Hazard zones at Base Stations sites
… Break
Safety Signs
Operator Responsibilities
Safe Working at a Base Station site
Assessment:
Multiple choice test
… Certification

Ltd. 2
First module ….
Radio frequency
waves
Radio frequency (RF) waves

YELLOW / CAUTION RED / WARNING
• RF wave signals sent out by
base station antennas public hazard zone RF worker hazard zone
... received by cell phones
on ground
• RF waves have energy

which is highest at the antenna
and reduces when moving
away

Ltd. 3
Antennas at a Base Station
• Various antennas at a BTS site
• Likely to transmit RF waves
First module ….
Radio frequency
waves

Ltd. 4
Second module ….
Health risks at Base

Station sites
Electromagnetic spectrum
Can Cause Heating Can Cause Cancer
Mobile
Phones
AM FM Lasers
radio radio Satellite
TV
1 10 100 1 10 100 1 10 100 1 10 100 1 10 100 X rays Gamma rays

Hz kHz MHz GHz THz
Radio frequency Ionising

radiation radiation
Non-ionising radiation Ionising radiation
10

Ltd. 5
5G and EMF Safety
• 5G is latest Mobile Network Technology. Offering more speed and lower
latency
• Same guidelines apply
• SA currently using 3.5GHz 5G (Rain, Vodacom, MTN)
• 5G can also operate at various other frequency bands, including
millimeter waves (e.g. 24 ~ 28, 39 GHz)
• What makes 5G different from 2/3/4G?
– mMIMO beam forming and steering
• What are the EMF safety implications?
– Still assess the installation based on the same guidelines
– Exclusion zone dimensions still depend on technical parameters
– Some technical changes, such as Actual Maximum Transmit
Power
• Use to cater for beam variations in time and space
Some images from IEC and Equipment Vendor documentation
11
RF health risks – current research

• World Health Organisation www.who.int
“A large number of studies have been performed over the last two decades to
assess whether mobile phones pose a potential health risk. To date, no
adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile
phone use.” [Factsheet No193 revised October 2014]
“From all evidence accumulated so far, no adverse short- or long-term health

effects have been shown to occur from the RF signals produced by base
stations.” [Factsheet No304 May 2006]
• Swedish Radiation Safety Authority www.stralsakerhetsmyndigheten.se

14th report by SSM’s Scientific Council covering recent research on EMF and
Health Risk studies published up to and including December 2018. The report
deals with different areas of EMF and different types of studies such as
biological, human and epidemiological studies. The report concludes that “No
new established causal relationships between EMF exposure and health risks
have been identified” that can cause adverse effects on human health.”
[April 2020]
12

Ltd. 6
RF health risks – current research
• World Health Organisation www.who.int
Radiation: 5G mobile networks and health
“5G, or fifth Generation, is the latest wireless mobile phone technology, first widely deployed in 2019. 5G is
expected to increase performance and a wide range of new applications, including strengthening e-Health
(telemedicine, remote surveillance, telesurgery).
5G represents an evolution in telecommunication standards. To enable increased performance, 5G will extend into
higher frequencies around 3.5 GHz and up to a few tens of GHz. The higher frequencies are new to mobile phone
networks, but are commonly used in other applications, such as point-to-point radio links and body-scanners for
security checks.
To date, and after much research performed, no adverse health effect has been causally linked with exposure to
wireless technologies. Health-related conclusions are drawn from studies performed across the entire radio
spectrum but, so far, only a few studies have been carried out at the frequencies to be used by 5G.
Tissue heating is the main mechanism of interaction between radiofrequency fields and the human body.
Radiofrequency exposure levels from current technologies result in negligible temperature rise in the human body.
As the frequency increases, there is less penetration into the body tissues and absorption of the energy becomes
more confined to the surface of the body (skin and eye). Provided that the overall exposure remains below
international guidelines, no consequences for public health are anticipated.
WHO is conducting a health risk assessment from exposure to radiofrequencies, covering the entire
radiofrequency range, including 5G, to be published by 2022.”
[Statement February 2020]
13
RF health risks – whole body heating

• Known effect of RF waves is heating
• Excessive heating may lead to:
− Overheating & dehydration
− Ultimately heatstroke
• Control measures
− ICNIRP guidelines (www.ICNIRP.org)
− Avoid/ move away from antenna
− Switch off antenna
Temperature
increase
YELLOW / CAUTION
Public hazard zone
RED / WARNING
RF worker hazard zone
14

Ltd. 7
ICNIRP established RF exposure guidelines
• Network limits (124 ICNIRP, 11 FCC)
• Incl. DRC
15
ICNIRP established RF exposure guidelines

4.5 250
4
4
3.5 200
Power density [W/m2]
3
10 x reduction
50x reduction
SAR [W/kg]
150
2.5
2
100
1.5
1 50
0.5 0.4
0.08
0 0
Mild heat stress Occupational (controlled) Public (uncontrolled)
SAR Reference levels(900MHz)
• Cannot measure temperature increase/ SAR in the field

• Can measure field strengths in either E (V/m) or H (A/M)
• Reference levels are conservative exposure indicators
16

Ltd. 8
RF health risks – whole body heating
How to avoid overexposure:
– Do not perform work in the red zone
– Climb / walk quickly pass
antennas that are switched on
Occupational Public
Zone zone
17
RF health risks – metal implants
• When working close to antennas implants

could increase the risk of localized heating
• RF Worker with implant ...
... could have no risk, but must be
investigated
18

Ltd. 9
RF health risks – electronic implants
• RF waves could interfere with cardiac

pacemakers causing them to malfunction.
• Before an employee with a pacemaker
or other electronic medical implant
may work close to antennas ...
... the risk should be investigated
19
Medical questions
20

Ltd. 10
Second module ….
Health risks at Base

Station sites
21
Third module ….
Hazard zones
at Base Station
sites
22

Ltd. 11
Things that effect hazard zones
• Type of antenna (zone shape)
• Power into antenna (zone size)
• Beam forming (zone shape & size)
• Multiple antenna’s (zone shape & size)

– Cumulative Exposure
23
RF hazard zones – sectored macro cell

• Feed cable 0m
50m
100m
• Traffic 25%
100% Kathrein 742272
• 900 MHz: 100 W/pol
-2dBdB
-4dB
-6dB
-8dB
-10
• 1800 MHz:
MHz : 100 W/pol
-3dBdB
-6dB
-9dB
-12
• 2100 MHz:
MHz : 60 W/pol
-3.3dB
-6.6dB
-6dB
-9.3dB
-13dB
5.4m
3.1m
2.5m
1.5m
0.9m
8m
Top view
24

Ltd. 12
RF hazard zones – more than one antenna
All co-located
sources, regardless
of frequency
combine to form a
compound zone.
25
RF hazard zones – Pentaband panel antenna
Front view
1.25m
Side view
15.6m
Kathrein 80010892
9.1m 21.3m
Band Power E-Tilt
900 80W/pol 6˚
1800 80W/pol 6˚
2100 80W/pol 6˚
2300 80W/pol 6˚
2600 80W/pol 6˚
Top view
26

Ltd. 13
RF hazard zones – internal micro cell
0.45m
Ceiling mounted
0.35m
Passage coverage
Generic indoor
Band Power
900 4W
1800 4W
Wall mounted panel
2100 2W
27
RF hazard zones – Singleband Omni antenna
3.3m
0.3m
1.5m
Top view Kathrein 736347 Side view

Band Power E-Tilt
900 80W 0˚
28

Ltd. 14
RF hazard zones – Beamforming 5G antenna
Huawei AAU5613
4.1m *TDD without power lock
Side view Band Power
3500 200W
18.4m
8.2m
Top view
29
RF hazard zones – microwave links

• Low power ...Usually NO hazard zone
• Zone straight in front of link
– Avoid having body directly in front of dish
– Never touch or stand in front of feedhorn
Frequency L
0.3 M DIAMETER DISH ANTENNA
15→32 GHz (22-24dBm) 3.2m
38→52 GHz (3-18dBm) 0.5m
1.2 M DIAMETER DISH ANTENNA
4 GHz (33dBm) 2.4m

6 →8 GHz (33dBm) 4.8m
11 →13 GHz (33dBm) 7.8m
5 & 10 GHz; 15→52 GHz (3–30dBm) 0.5m
3 M DIAMETER DISH ANTENNA
4→32 GHz (33dBm) 0.5m
30

Ltd. 15
RF hazard zones – coaxial cables
• Inner and outer conductor
• DO NOT touch exposed connectors– possible RF burn
• Poorly tightened connections can radiate
• If disconnected, power reflected back to transmitter
Outer conductor
Inner conductor
31
RF hazard zones – waveguides

• All power travelling inside the “pipe”
• Overstressed flexible waveguides can radiate
• Poorly tightened connections can radiate
• If disconnected, power radiates out
• NEVER look into a waveguide
32

Ltd. 16
RF hazard zones – terrestrial television
Various configurations of bays & panels
• Maintain 2m clearance beneath antennas
• Use RF monitor **
• Occupational exclusion zone, 10m radius
• Public exclusion zone, 22m radius
4 bay, 4 panel
Band Power
586MHz 1 kW
33
RF hazard zones – 2-way communication

2-way communication systems
• Not always active
• Can have large hazard zones for short periods
34

Ltd. 17
RF exclusion zones - Example
High Power Site
• Zones?
• Accessibility?
35
RF exclusion zones – Example

Mast Site
• Zones?
• Accessibility?
36
36

Ltd. 18
RF exclusion zones – Example
Rooftop Site
• Zones?
• Accessibility?
37
RF safety signs – Rooftop Example

Rooftop Site
• Zones?
• Accessibility?
• Signage?
38

Ltd. 19
Third module ….
Hazard zones
at Base Station
sites
39
Course Details
• Six Modules:
Radio frequency waves
Health risks at Base Stations sites
Hazard zones at Base Stations sites
… Break
Safety Signs
Operator Responsibilities
Safe Working at a Base Station site
… Break & Travel to Site*
• Site Visit(s)*:
RF Exposure awareness
• Assessment:
Multiple choice test
… Certification
40

Ltd. 20
Fourth module ….
RF Safety
Signs
41
Vodacom RF safety signs
NOTICE/SITE INFO
Beginning of Access Controlled
Area
42

Ltd. 21
Vodacom RF safety signs
YELLOW CAUTION RED WARNING

No public, but RF No RF worker allowed to
worker may enter work in RED ZONE
43
RF safety signs
Typical Mast Site:
• Blue Notice
• Yellow Caution
• Warning not generally
used
44

Ltd. 22
RF safety signs – Mast Example
Mast Site
• Zones?
• Accessibility?
• Signage?
• Notice
• Caution
• Possible Warning
45
45
RF safety signs
Rooftop Site
• Notice (First Access)
• Caution (Public Boundary)
• Warning (Occ. Boundary)
46

Ltd. 23
Rooftop Site
• Zones?
• Accessibility?
• Signage?
47

Rooftop Site
• Zones?
• Accessibility?
• Signage?
48

Ltd. 24
Fourth module ….
RF Safety
Signs
49
Fifth Module...
Vodacom
responsibilities
for RF safety
50

Ltd. 25
Responsibilities for RF safety
Vodacom Group
Occupational Health & Safety
RF Safety Officers - DRC
RF Workers
General staff
51

RF Safety Officer David Okitosomba
[+243 81 444 4766]
– Point of contact for employees / contractors on all RF safety

matters
– Provides hazard zones ... if necessary
– Assist with power down of non-Vodacom
transmitters, if required
– Must have RF monitors available ... if required
52

Ltd. 26
RF workers
– May enter access controlled areas
– May enter & work in Yellow zones
– Must know where to expect
Red zones
– May pass through Red zone
– May not work in Red zone
– Must follow RF safety
procedures and obey
all RF safety signs
53
Fifth Module...
Vodacom
responsibilities
for RF safety
54

Ltd. 27
Sixth module ….
Safe Working at
Base Station
sites
55
Safe working at Vodacom Base Stations

1. Entering Blue:
– Call or SMS NMC for
access to site
2. Entering Yellow:
– Call NMC
– Know where not to work
3. Pass through Red:

– Call NMC
– Move quickly passed
antennas
– Don’t work in front of
antennas
56

Ltd. 28
Safe working at Vodacom Base Stations
4. Work in Red Zones:

– Call and talk to NMC
– Make sure power-down
– Use RF monitor … when working close
(within 3 metres) to other non-Vodacom
antennas
5. Physically touching antenna /
connection:
– Call and talk to NMC
– Make sure shut-down
NMC
Unregistered: [081 4440 100]
57
RF Environment
• Investigate all RF transmitters before commencing work
• Don’t get close to unknown / other antennas
• Ask Site Owner/Supervisor/Safety Officer for assistance
when antenna or safety information is needed
• Use a suitable RF monitor
58

Ltd. 29
Personal RF Monitors
• Basic operation
• Exposure indicators
• Body impact
• Frequency range
• Probe architecture
• Calibration validity
59
FieldSENSE 2.0 (and FS60*)

• Basic operation
• Frequency Range*
60

Ltd. 30
Narda Radman XT
• Basic operation
• Frequency Range
61
Using a Personal RF Monitor
• LED indicating exposure increase while nearing active antenna

• Buzzer sounded at 50% occupational and increases frequency above 50%
• 100% occupational at edge of red zone
* Not to scale
62

Ltd. 31
Sixth module ….
Safe Working at
Base Stations
site
63

Ltd. 32

Alphawave VDR Basic RF Awareness Course November2023 - Session1 (Print)

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Welcome to ….

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 2

Alphawave Mobile Network Services (Pty)

Do not close your browser before

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 3

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 4

Alphawave Mobile Network Services (Pty)

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 5

Radio frequency (RF) waves

• RF waves have energy

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 6

Alphawave Mobile Network Services (Pty)

• Various antennas at a BTS site

• Likely to transmit RF waves

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 7

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 8

Alphawave Mobile Network Services (Pty)

Health risks at Base

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 9

1 10 100 1 10 100 1 10 100 1 10 100 1 10 100 X rays Gamma rays

Radio frequency Ionising

Non-ionising radiation Ionising radiation

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 10

Alphawave Mobile Network Services (Pty)

Some images from IEC and Equipment Vendor documentation

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 11

RF health risks – current research

“From all evidence accumulated so far, no adverse short- or long-term health

• Swedish Radiation Safety Authority www.stralsakerhetsmyndigheten.se

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 12

Alphawave Mobile Network Services (Pty)

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 13

RF health risks – whole body heating

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 14

Alphawave Mobile Network Services (Pty)

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 15

ICNIRP established RF exposure guidelines

• Cannot measure temperature increase/ SAR in the field

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 16

Alphawave Mobile Network Services (Pty)

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 17

RF health risks – metal implants

• When working close to antennas implants

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 18

Alphawave Mobile Network Services (Pty)

• RF waves could interfere with cardiac

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 19

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 20

Alphawave Mobile Network Services (Pty)

Health risks at Base

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 21

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 22

Alphawave Mobile Network Services (Pty)

• Type of antenna (zone shape)

• Power into antenna (zone size)

• Beam forming (zone shape & size)

• Multiple antenna’s (zone shape & size)

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 23

RF hazard zones – sectored macro cell

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 24

Alphawave Mobile Network Services (Pty)

Basic RF Exposure Awareness Course 25

RF hazard zones – Pentaband panel antenna