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Radiation Safety Services
Eight-Step Radiation Safety Services Program

The proliferation of RF transmitting facilities worldwide is staggering. When Comsearch entered the wireless industry more than two decades ago, there were only a few satellite and point-to-point microwave facilities worldwide, serving primarily government and corporate communications needs. Today, virtually everyone who owns a pager, cell phone, or wireless Palm Pilot is transmitting radio frequencies at some level. Antenna facilities can be found on hillsides, on roof tops, and even hidden in the steeples of churches-all radiating ever-increasing levels of RF electromagnetic energy. With every exciting new technology there comes safety concerns and proposed regulations. The FCC felt it was time to impose and strictly enforce compliance with national guidelines for RF Radiation Safety.

September 1, 2000 marked the deadline when all antenna facilities must be in compliance with the FCC Guidelines for human exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) Radiation. Facility managers should be familiar with the FCC requirements regarding multi-user towers and rooftops. Site-wide compliance efforts need to be implemented and documented to validate radiation safety programs.

It is important to recognize that the FCC's radiation exposure rules apply to all facilities. Even though the FCC may categorically exclude a particular RF system or device from routine evaluation for exposure, the overall facility must still comply with the imposed guidelines.

Comsearch provides comprehensive Radiation Hazard Services, which include in-house computer modeling of the RF environments, training, regulatory support, developments of safety plans, and on-site measurements. With three decades of wireless telecommunications engineering experience and expertise, Comsearch has assisted thousands of facility managers all over the United States and has performed these types of RadHaz analytical and measurement services for some of the most complex commercial and government facilities.

Radiation Safety Services Offered by Comsearch:

1. Facility RF Radiation Level Analysis - RF power density calculations to define Radiation Hazard areas, controlled/uncontrolled boundaries and locations for appropriate signage.
2. Facility RF Radiation Measurements (Broad and Narrow Band) - On-site measurements using broadband (isotropic probes) and narrow band (spectrum analyzers or test receivers) instrumentation to determine the radiated levels throughout the facility.
3. General RADHAZ Training - General: theory, practical applications and all safety regulations (2 days). Site-Specific: general training plus site-specific conditions (3 days).
4. Site Specific RADHAZ Training - Three-day course that covers all of the General RADHAZ training plus an extra day that covers the site-specific conditions of a customer's facility. This can be taught at a location designated by the customer.
5. Facility RF Radiation Safety Plan (Required by OSHA) - Preparation of safety procedures and practices documentation. All facility personnel must be made aware of safety procedures.
6. RADHAZ Exhibit for FCC License Application (When Required by the FCC) - Preparation of supporting documentation for FCC license applications.
7. Facility Segregation Plan of Controlled and Uncontrolled Areas and Proper Warning Sign Locations - Review of site RF conditions to define boundaries for controlled and uncontrolled areas and recommend locations for appropriate warning signs. This is especially for new facilities or existing facilities that have added transmitting equipment.
8. Assist Facility Owners in Lease Agreements and RF management of a Facility from a Radiation Safety Standpoint - Development of proper lease terminology and operational restrictions for tenants at a shared facility.

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On June 26, 2003, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) to amend and update the current guidelines for the compliance of transmitters and facilities with respect to human exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy. The NPRM is designed to inform the public that the FCC is updating the rules to make the environment safe with respect to RF energy and to institute the most accurate evaluation procedures. Proposed changes include a separation distance criteria for all transmitting antennas, evaluation procedures for mobile and portable devices that have come into use recently, a modification of compliance procedures for workers and the general public, labeling requirements for RF devices and site signs, medical implant transmitter evaluations, and a transition period for the new rules. These new rules are expected to take effect mid-year 2004.

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