33.2 Policy #
UM staff shall not enter into a restricted (barricaded) area or work within six feet from the face of an antenna that has a RF field that exceeds the FCC General Population exposure limit. These areas are identified by the General Radio Frequency Safety Guideline (solid yellow) and Notice, Caution or Warning signage shown below. If work must take place within a restricted area or within six feet from the face of an antenna, the antenna must be shut down and locked out.
33.3 Procedure #
Radio Frequency Transmission Antennae Shutdown Procedures
For any roof work, the supervisor shall consult the Roof Top Safety Plan to determine if the building has a RF (typically a cellular node) hazard potential. If the building has a cellular node, supervisors will advise workers to remain six feet away from the face of an antenna. Barricades may also be present to indicate a restricted access zone.
- If barricades are not present, signs will be posted in the area to notify workers of the RF hazard.
- If workers cannot remain six feet from the face of antennas or if they must work within the barricaded area, a shutdown must be scheduled.
- Lockout Tagout procedures must be followed for all staff members working within a restricted access zone.
- If work takes place on a shared pole there may be an RF hazard, and there is a hazard potential if a blue “Notice”, yellow “Caution”, or orange “Warning” sign is present.
Facilities & Operations Shutdown Coordination must be notified of any work requiring a shutdown. This is accomplished by contacting the Facilities Service Center (647-2059 or [email protected]). After completion of work, follow the Lockout Tagout Program procedures for removal of locks/tags.
FCC RADIO FREQUENCY HAZARD SIGN EXAMPLES #
| GUIDELINES | NOTICE | CAUTION | WARNING |
This sign will inform anyone of the basic precautions to follow when entering an area with transmitting radiofrequency equipment. | This sign indicates that RF emissions may exceed the FCC General Population MPE limit. | This sign indicates that RF emissions may exceed the FCC Occupational MPE limit. | This sign indicates that RF emissions may exceed at least 10x the FCC Occupational MPE limit. |
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