RF & Microwave Radiation Safety Course

Introduction

With the growth in use of sources of radio-frequency radiation in communications, radar, industrial processing and other fields, there is an increasing need to ensure that those concerned with such equipment understand the current guidance and regulations on safe levels of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, the use of measuring equipment to verify exposure levels and the general approach to risk assessment and safety management.

Course Objectives

• Understand the nature and properties of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and the difference between ionising and non-ionising radiation.
• To perform simple predictions of EMF radiation from different types of antenna.
• Understand the health effects of EMF on the human body.
• Understand associated indirect effects; shocks and burns, flammable atmospheres, Electro Explosive Devices (EEDs), EMC of medical implants.
• Understand the need for basic restrictions (exposure limit values) on exposure to EMF and the permitted electric, magnetic and power density exposure reference levels (action levels).
• To be able to select and operate suitable EMF monitoring equipment and perform risk assessment surveys.
• To be able to identify and comply with the current UK guidance, regulations and the EU Physical Agents (EMF) Directive (PAD).
• To an EMF survey to address both leakage and intentional radiation.
• To be aware of the associated hazard of parasitic x-ray radiation.

Course Content

• Electromagnetic Radiation:
  The nature of EM radiation, non-ionising and ionising radiation, transverse electromagnetic wave, electric and magnetic field relationships, modulation types, biological effects of RF radiation, flammable materials.
• EM Radiation Calculations:
  Antennas and their properties, flammable material ignition threshold calculations.
• Nature of RF Radiation:
  Health and safety at work, the effects of RF radiation on the body, indirect effects of RF radiation.
• RF Measuring Equipment and Methods:
  RF radiation measuring instruments, practical portable measuring instruments, instrument use, other instruments, regulatory compliance standards, SAR testing, practical measurement exercises.
• Regulatory Aspects and Safety Management:
  Regulatory bodies, guidance for exposure to RF radiation, reference levels, time & spatial averaging, NRPB Vol.15 No.2 2004, advice on limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields, Physical Agents Directive (Electromagnetic Fields) 2004.
• Planning and Investigations:
  Radiation field surveys and leakage surveys, physical site environment, safety controls, flammable and explosive substances, investigation of alleged over-exposures, equipment and facilities.
• Measurement and Recording:
  Equipment leakage measurements, special calculations for radiation field surveys, carrying out radiation field surveys, measurement recording, calibration and uncertainty of measurement.
• X-Ray Radiation and Safety:
  X-rays, UK statutory law, measurement units, unwanted X-ray production, measuring X-ray leakage, shielding materials.

Benefits of Attending

• Protect employees and the general public from EMF health hazards.
• Enable compliance with Health and Safety legislation and Health Protection Agency guidance.
• Hands on use of measurement instrumentation.

Who Should Attend

Those involved in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of sources of RF radiation. Safety practitioners from all disciplines, supervisors and managers of people working with RF radiation; people from other disciplines who use RF radiation in research, medical work, printing and other industries.

For further information or to book a place on one of our open courses, please contact Sandie Houghton, SHoughton@tuvps.co.uk.