ITU Workshop on
“Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields
(EMFs)”
(Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013)
Assessing EMF Levels
Guidance and Recommendations
Mike Wood
EME Management Education & Compliance
Telstra
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013
Introduction
This presentation covers
Radio communications in the community
Environmental radio spectrum plot
Mobile network facilities
Typical EMF assessments & methods
ITU EMF recommendations
Conclusions
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Radio Communications Services
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Radio Communication Powers
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Radio Communication Spectrum Plot
Typical radio signal levels in a community
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Typical EMF Assessments
Safety
EMF compliance at sites
OH&S for workers and public
Environmental
Radio signals in the community
Educational & informative
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Mobile Networks in the Community
Example Town
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Towers Masts or Poles
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Rooftop Base Stations
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Micro Cells
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EMF Safety Assessment
EMF Compliance Assessments on rooftops
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EMF Safety Assessment - Public
Assessment to the ICNIRP Guidelines
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EMF Safety Assessment
Assessment to the ICNIRP Guidelines
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EMF Safety Assessment - microcells
Micro cells operate at low power and
typically have small compliance zones
Assessment to the ICNIRP Guidelines
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Example EMF Safety Assessment
Building Rooftop
Yellow – Public limit
Red – Occupational limit
Assessment to the ICNIRP Guidelines
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Recommendations
for EMF Assessments
Safety
EMF compliance at sites
OH&S for workers and public
Mitigation options to manage access
Environmental
Radio signals in the community
Educational & informative
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EMF Assessment Methods
Calculations or Measurements?
EMF Assessment method depends on site & environment
Calculations - suitable in many cases, & have significant
benefits - accurate, fast & cost effective.
Measurements - required in very complex environments.
Field Monitoring
- Field monitoring is effective when working on towers for safety
- Field surveys can provide public reassurance
- Continuous monitoring – limited long term benefit where EMF
levels are low and stable
ITU Recommendations - guidance on both calculation and measurements
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ITU Recommendations
for EMF Assessments
ITU-T K.91 guidance on how to assess and monitor human exposure to
radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) in areas with surrounding
radio communication installations based on existing exposure and
compliance standards – inc advantages and disadvantages of methods
ITU-T K.83 guidance on how to make long-term measurements &
monitoring of EMF in the selected areas that are under public concern, in
order to show that EMFs are under control and under the limits.
ITU-T K.70 defines techniques which may be used by telecommunication
operators to evaluate the cumulative (total) exposure ratio in the vicinity of
transmitting antennas and to identify the main source of radiation –
includes EMF Estimator software
ITU-T K.52 Guidance on complying with limits for human exposure to
electromagnetic fields (telecommunications installations and handsets)
ITU-T K.61 Guidance to measurement and numerical prediction of
electromagnetic fields for compliance with human exposure limits for
telecommunication installations
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EMF Assessment Example - Australia
Environmental EMF report is prepared for all base
stations - follows Government calculation method & gives
communities EMF information.
Site ICNIRP Compliance Assessment is prepared for
all base stations - follows accredited calculation and
measurement process
Government conducts site compliance audits &
measurements at selected sites – ensures compliance,
accurate information & public trust
All site reports on internet database www.rfnsa.com.au
Public confidence has increased through transparency
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Conclusions and Recommendations
EMF Safety
Important to assess EMF compliance at sites
Important to establish OH&S procedures
Environmental
Educational & informative
Radio signal levels are typically low & stable
Calculation vs monitoring – a balance is needed
Effective Public Communications
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Links & Additional Information
ITU-T/SG5 “Environment & Climate Change”
http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/studygroups/com05/index.asp
ITU-T/SG5 Series K Recommendations (free of charge)
http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/recommendations/index_sg.aspx?sg=5
ITU-T and EMF
http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/emf
Thank You
Mike.wood@team.telstra.com
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