RF Awareness

Introduction

Radiofrequency signals are wireless electromagnetic transmissions utilized as a form of transmission of data. RF waves come from solar flares and stars. But in today’s world, Humans have artificially made radio waves that oscillate at different chosen frequencies. RF communication is utilized in numerous enterprises including TV broadcasting, radar frameworks, PC and versatile stage organizations, controllers, and remote metering/checking. A few instances of RF radiation are X-beams.

Radiofrequency (RF) radiation, which incorporates radio waves and microwaves, is at the low-energy end of the electromagnetic spectrum. Radiofrequency is a kind of non-ionizing radiation. Non-ionizing radiation needs more energy to eliminate electrons from an atom. On the off chance that RF radiation is consumed by the body in huge amounts, it can deliver heat. This can burn and harm body tissue.

Why are RF signals used?

RF signals are utilized because RF signal propagation does not need any medium to convey from one point to another. That’s why RF signals propagate very fast. Range of RF signals from around 20 kHz to around 300 GHz. Hertz is the unit of RF signal. These RF signals are utilized more than other signals. Radio frequencies are utilized in communication devices like transmitters, receivers, PCs, TVs, and cell phones. It has been utilized in medical treatments.

RF radiation warning signs

There are blue, yellow, and red signs giving notice, alert, or notice to RF hazards. Additional notices might be set up by the owner of the equipment to warn of dangers.

Blue NOTICE Signs

It gives warning to persons that they are endeavouring to get to a space where RF exposure levels could potentially exceed the Uncontrolled MPE. The Controlled Exposure Limit is < 20%.

Yellow CAUTION Signs

It gives warning to persons that they are endeavouring to access a space where RF emissions exceed the FCC Uncontrolled/General Population exposure limits. And These are less than Controlled limits. These may incorporate regions, for example, at the communications towers where, if personnel were to climb, they may find themselves in RF fields.

Red WARNING Signs

It gives warning to persons that they are endeavouring to enter a region where the RF exposure may exceed the Controlled limits of ≥ 100%.

Identification of RF radiation components:

Rod-shaped Antennas

These antennas produce RF radiation in many directions up to 360 degrees.

Rectangular Panel Antennas, Dish-shaped, and Microwave Antennas

These antennas transmit RF radiation in a single direction.

Hidden Antennas

These antennas mix into environmental elements. It is difficult to distinguish and identify their RF radiation emitting direction.

Mobile phone:

RF radiation is increased when situated near the mobile phone base station antenna. RF power density is progressively impacted by the landscape topography, buildings, and trees that induce reflection and absorption with the increasing distance.

What are the risks?

RF radiation power levels fluctuate. When you begin working and spike to higher levels, then the amount of RF radiation can be low.
When individuals near the antennas the RF radiation hazard increases the longer they work in the RF radiation field. RF radiation might impede medical devices, and solid RF fields can cause thermal burns and nerve harm.

Why is RF awareness important?

The sufficiently high levels of Exposure of RF can heat body tissue and that can harm tissue. There are several potential health impacts of RF radiation. These are:

Thermal impacts: warming of tissue, visual impairment and sterility.

Non-thermal impacts: impact on the immune system and the nature of the electrical and chemical signals conveyed through the cell membrane.

Health Effects:

Symptoms of overexposure may include:

Reproduction, Growth & Development, Cardiovascular, Labored breathing, Perspiring, Pain, Headache, Numbness, Paresthesia, Malaise, Diarrhea, Skin erythema and Burns.

How a person is exposed to radiofrequency radiation:

Natural sources include:

Outer space and the sun.
The sky: including lightning strikes.
From earth: radiation from the earth is infrared.

Artificial radio frequency sources:

RF fields are found because of radio and TV broadcasting and from media communications offices like radar, WiFi, Bluetooth gadgets. RF exposure from communications offices is less than from radio or TV broadcasting. Microwave ovens, cell phones, wireless computer networks, and remote controls are the source of RF radiation in the home.

When workers in the broadcasting, transport and communications industries work close RF transmitting antennas and radar systems then high levels of exposure to RF fields can occur. Some industrial processes that utilize RF fields to heat materials can also produce high exposure to workers.
Cell towers are mounted in various ways, for example, rooftop, side of a building, or pole/tower mounted.
Wireless LAN frameworks work on incredibly low power.
Microwave ovens are generally utilized in research labs.
Waveguides, co-axial cables, generators, sealers, and ovens are man-made radio frequency sources.

Protect from RF radiation:

Reduce the Utilization of your cell phone.
When you are on call with someone then use speaker mode, headphones to place more distance between your head and the cell phone.
Try not to make calls when the signal is weak.
Do message rather than talk.
Keeping away from occupations with expanded RF exposure.
Restricting the time you spend close to appliances, equipment, and other devices that give off RF radiation.
Restricting the time you spend with a cell phone placed against your ear.
Block Radio Waves in Your House by utilizing a window EMF/RF shielding film and electric filters.

RF Awareness Guidelines:

FCC Exposure Limits

FCC is the Federal Communication Commission. The FCC set up safety guidelines for RF radiation. It has Jurisdiction over-communicating administrations authorized by the FCC. Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits are the restrictions set up by FCC for human exposure. The human exposure limits accommodate two groups of potentially exposed individuals.

Occupational – Individuals are exposed as a result of their business and are completely aware of the potential for exposure and can practice command over their exposure.
General Population – Any individuals who may not be made completely aware of the exposure or can’t practice command over their exposure. They don’t get RF Safety & Awareness Training.

Guidelines for Working in Rooftop Radiofrequency Environments

Individuals have to follow these rules when working around electromagnetic energy (EME):

All faculty entering the site ought to have training in radiofrequency radiation awareness.
They have to follow all posted signs.
Assume all antennas are active.
They should tell owners and disable appropriate transmitters before working on antennas.
Keep up with at least 3 feet clearance from all antennas.
Try not to stop before antennas.