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Radiofrequency (RF) radiation, a type of non-ionizing radiation, is the
energy used to transmit wireless information. At low levels it is not
considered a hazard. But at the levels produced by telecommunications
NON-PROFIT ORG.
RF RAdiAtion
equipment, including radio, television, and cellular antennas, U.S. POSTAGE RF radiation
can “pose a considerable health risk” 1 for workers. As demand PAIDfor cellular
and wireless services grows, more of these antennas are MOSAIC being placed on
1660 L L Street, N.W. Suite 800 800
An invisible rooftops dAnger and sides of buildings. Many are disguised to hide their presence.
Washington, D.C. 20036-5646
HAZARD
ALERT
THE JOURNEYMAN ROOFER & WATERPROOFER MAGAZINE
Antennas that generate RF radiation come in different
shapes and sizes and emit RF radiation in different
What is RF Radiation?
Know directions. Rectangular the basics…
panel antennas or dishshaped
transmitting antennas* generally send out RF
Radiofrequency (RF) radiation, a type of non-ionizing radiation, is the
energy used to transmit wireless information. At low levels it is not
radiation Ask in one questions direction. Cylindrical Ask or your rod-shaped supervisor if cellular
considered a hazard. But at the levels produced by telecommunications antennas antennas emit RF or radiation other RF in radiation more than generating one direction antennas are present.
equipment, including radio, television, and cellular antennas, RF radiation
At up a to minimum, 360 degrees. do your Hidden own visual antennas assessment. are designed The building to owner or
can “pose a considerable health risk” 1 for workers. As demand for cellular
property blend into manager their surroundings. should have, They or know can be whom stand-alone to contact for, information
and wireless services grows, more of these antennas are being placed on
on (e.g. the a antennas, flag pole) or their a panel locations, that blends and the into RF the radiation side of levels. a
rooftops and sides of buildings. Many are disguised to hide their presence. building, chimney, rooftop, or sign. These antennas are
HAZARD
ALERT RF RAdiAtion
2harder to identify and make it difficult to determine the
RF radiation emitting direction.
What to look for…
Follow instructions When RF
radiation is present, warning signs should be
Antennas that generate RF radiation come in different
An invisible posted Are dAnger that you include in information danger? on the hazard and a
shapes and sizes and emit RF radiation in different
point of contact for information on the antenna. If you
directions. Rectangular panel antennas or dishshaped
transmitting antennas* generally send out RF
should move or temporarily power down the device. 2 conceals 15 panel
Do you perform work where telecommunications
need to work within the RF field, the antenna owner
antennas are present? If the answer is YES, then you Faux chimmey
could be exposed to hazardous levels of RF radiation. antennas
radiation in one direction. Cylindrical or rod-shaped
Ask your supervisor to confirm it’s been powered
antennas emit RF radiation in more than one direction
down before proceeding.
What up to 360 degrees. is RF Hidden Radiation?
antennas are designed to Know Why it’s the dangerous… basics…
blend into their surroundings. They can be stand-alone
Radiofrequency (RF) radiation, a type of non-ionizing radiation, is the 3RF radiation is invisible.
(e.g. a flag pole) or a panel that blends into the side of a
energy used to transmit wireless information. At low levels it is not
Ask Keep questions your distance Ask your Avoid supervisor standing if cellular right in front of
building, chimney, rooftop, or sign. These antennas are
Power
considered a hazard. But at the levels produced by telecommunications
or antennas close levels to vary. or antennas. other The RF amount If radiation there of are RF generating radiation antennas can where antennas be low you when are present. working you start
harder to identify and make it difficult to determine the
equipment, including radio, television, and cellular antennas, RF radiation
or At on a working minimum, buildings and do close then your by, spike own make to visual higher sure assessment. the levels antennas without The are warning. building not pointed owner directly or
RF radiation emitting direction.
can “pose a considerable health risk” 1 for workers. As demand for cellular
toward property Symptoms your manager work are area. should often At have, a delayed. minimum, or know By stay the whom 6 time feet to you contact away feel from the for, symptoms, a information single
and wireless services grows, more of these antennas are being placed on
antenna on the such antennas, or as 10 overheating, feet their away locations, reddening from a group and of the the of RF antennas. skin, radiation and burns, A levels. personal you have RF monitor already
Are rooftops you and sides in of danger?
buildings. Many are disguised to hide their presence.
and/or been RF over-exposed. protective clothing may be needed. A monitor should sound an
Do you perform work where telecommunications
2alarm if you are in an area where RF radiation is at a dangerous level.
Your
What to look for…
Follow risk increases instructions the closer you are When to the RF antenna and the longer
antennas are present? If the answer is YES, then you Faux chimmey Protective clothing will shield you up to 1,000% of the FCC’s maximum
conceals 15 panel you work radiation in the is RF present, radiation warning field.
could be exposed to hazardous levels of RF radiation.
permissible exposure limit (MPE). It will signs not should protect be you from electrical
antennas
Antennas that generate RF radiation come in different
shocks posted
RF radiation
that or arc include
may
flash.
interfere
information
with medical
on the hazard
devices
and
(e.g.
a
pacemakers),
shapes and sizes and emit RF radiation in different
point
and concerns
of contact
have
for
been
information
raised
on
about
the
possible
antenna.
non-thermal
If you
Why effects
directions. it’s Rectangular dangerous…
panel antennas or dishshaped
transmitting antennas* generally send out RF
if you think you are in danger:
need
(e.g. nerve
to work
damage
within
and
the RF
psychological
field, the antenna
injuries).
owner
RF radiation is invisible.
should move or temporarily power down the device. 2
radiation in one direction. Cylindrical or rod-shaped
Contact Ask your supervisor your supervisor. to confirm it’s Contact been powered your union.
antennas Power levels emit RF vary. radiation The amount in more of than RF radiation one direction can be low when you start Call down Find the before out antenna proceeding. more owner about construction hazards.
up to working 360 degrees. and then Hidden spike to antennas higher levels are without designed warning. to
The contact To receive information copies should of this be Hazard listed Alert on the and warning cards on sign(s) other or topics provided by
blend Symptoms into their surroundings. are often delayed. They can By be the stand-alone time you feel the symptoms, 3the site owner/manager. Call Tell them 301-578-8500
you are a construction worker, describe the
(e.g. such a flag as pole) overheating, or a panel reddening that blends of the into skin, the and side burns, of a you have already work you Keep will be performing your near distance the RF radiation Avoid generating standing antennas, right in front and of
building, been chimney, over-exposed. rooftop, or sign. These antennas are
express or your close concern to antennas. about an If exposure there are hazard. antennas Request where a you site are power working down
harder to identify and make it difficult to determine the
for on any buildings work performed close by, within make the sure hazard the antennas area or written are not confirmation pointed directly that it
RF radiation Your risk emitting increases direction. the closer you are to the antenna and the longer is toward safe to your perform work work area. as At described a minimum, without stay a 6 power feet away down. from If there a single are
you work in the RF radiation field.
multiple antennas, repeat this process with each antenna owner.
antenna or 10 feet away from a group of antennas. A personal RF monitor
Are RF radiation you may in interfere danger? with medical devices (e.g. pacemakers), Call and/or the RF protective FCC – Get clothing on may the be Record needed. A monitor should sound an
Do and you concerns perform have work been where raised telecommunications
about possible non-thermal effects
1-888-225-5322 alarm if you are in an area (press where 5) RF radiation is at a dangerous level.
antennas (e.g. nerve are damage present? and If psychological the answer is injuries). YES, then you Faux chimmey Tell Protective them you clothing are a construction will shield you worker up to performing 1,000% of work the near FCC’s RF maximum radiation
conceals 15 panel
could be exposed to hazardous levels of RF radiation.
generating permissible antennas exposure and limit are (MPE). concerned It will about not protect an exposure you from hazard. electrical
antennas
Call shocks oSHA or arc flash. 1-800-321-6742
Find out more about construction hazards.
Why it’s dangerous…
Know the risks, and stay safe.
To receive copies of this Hazard Alert and cards on other topics
RF radiation is invisible. Call 301-578-8500
Power levels vary. The amount of RF radiation can be low when you start
working and then spike to higher levels without warning.
PHOTO CRedIT: deyANgeORgIeV/123Rf
PHOTO CRedIT: deyANgeORgIeV/123Rf
What to look for…
©2015, CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research, training, and service arm of N
job. Production of this card was supported by Grant OH009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The co
*Not dish-shaped TV receivers
1
if OSHA:
you Non-Ionizing
think Radiation
you https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/radiation_nonionizing/
2 “What is the fCC’s policy on radiofrequency are warning in signs?…” danger:
https://transition.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html
Contact your supervisor. Contact your union.
Call the antenna owner
©2015, CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research, training, and service arm of North America’s Building Trades Unions, and works to reduce or eliminate safety and health hazards construction workers face on the
job. Production of this card was supported by Grant OH009762 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH. www.cpwr.com
The contact information should be listed on the warning sign(s) or provided by
PHOTO CRedIT: PANCAkeTOm/123Rf
PHOTO CRedIT: deyANgeORgIeV/123Rf
PHOTO CRedIT: PANCAkeTOm/123Rf
ImAge COuRTeSy Of OSHA – PReSeNTATION “NON-IONIzINg
RAdIATION: STANdARdS ANd ReguLATIONS,” SLIde #112, OCT. 2002
ImAge COuRTeSy Of OSHA – PReSeNTATION “NON-IONIzINg
RAdIATION: STANdARdS ANd ReguLATIONS,” SLIde #112, OCT. 2002