RF Hazard Assessment
Tower – Ground Level & Vertical
Woodward, OK
Prepared for
RSI Sales Department
Copy ____ of _____ By ______
This is a controlled document. Unauthorized reproduction without the express written consent of RSI is
strictly prohibited
Radiofrequency Safety International Corporation
1310 Main
Kiowa, Kansas 67070
Phone 888-830-5648 Fax 866-825-4324 (toll free)
February 17, 2016
Electromagnetic Energy Emissions Hazard Assessment Report
And FCC/OSHA Compliance Recommendations for the
RSI Sales Department Tower Communication Site
Site Location:
3 miles southeast on hwy 183/270 on Road E0440
Southeast of Woodward, OK
FCC Tower Registration Number:
010101010
Prepared For:
RSI Sales Department
1310 Main St.
Kiowa, KS 67070
ABSTRACT
At the time of the assessment1, RF emissions in assessed areas at ground level were below the
FCC Uncontrolled/General Population limit for human exposure to Radiofrequency energy as
outlined in 47 CFR §1.1301 through §1.1319. RF emission readings in the equipment room were
below the applicable limits as well. RF emission readings taken on the tower exceeded the
FCC Uncontrolled/General Population limit and the FCC Controlled/Occupational
standard at certain points.
Assessment also meets the OSHA definition of “survey” as defined in §1910 Subpart I App B 1910.140 (3) (a) Survey. Conduct a walk-through
of the areas in question. The purpose of the survey is to identify sources of hazards to workers and co-workers.
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INTRODUCTION
RSI is a University based safety service organization. Our reports have been reviewed by and are
on record with the FCC and other government agencies. This report is a safety and NEPA
compliance report as required by the agencies, and is not intended to be an engineering
document. An engineering report would not reflect the various safety issues that are encountered
at many sites. RSI uses competent and qualified safety professionals and OSHA authorized
trainers to review and develop programs. This document reflects this expertise
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The electromagnetic energy emissions (EME) assessment for the communications site was
completed following recommendations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Office of Engineering and Technology and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA). The purpose of the EME hazard assessment at the communications site was to
determine the ambient levels of electromagnetic energy (EME) in areas of concern. In addition,
the assessment was conducted in order to detect and document whether EME fields present at the
site are above FCC standards for human exposure to radio frequency (RF) emissions. The
assessment also determines what areas should be defined as “hot” zones, or areas that contain RF
levels above occupational/controlled limits.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The report is divided into six sections:

The first section explains why the assessment was performed, describes the site’s and the
vicinity’s overall characteristics, clarifies the methods of data collection, the instrumentation
used, and provides a description of what the collected data means in terms of compliance to
RF and other safety issues.

The second section is a map that indicates where the site is located.

The third section contains photographs of the site, equipment and associated rooms or
structures. They show what areas were assessed and document what was found at the site in
terms of hazards at the time of the assessment.

The fourth section contains computer-aided renderings of the layout of the site, which show
the orientation of the antennas and related appurtenances to their surroundings.

The fifth section shows the readings at the site expressed in computer-assisted rendering
format.

The sixth and final section includes all report exhibits; certificates of calibration of the RF
measuring equipment used at the site, color-coded map indicating levels of RF emissions.
Measurement Values
The measurements were taken at specific points throughout the site, around the various structures
and vertically on the tower. The readings were taken directly from the data the RF measurement
instrumentation displayed at the given measurement point. Readings were taken by extending the
probe to arm’s length, pointing it in the direction of the RF source and moving the probe up and
down while oscillating the wrist and sampling RF emissions. The rotation of the probe and the
action of pointing the probe at the RF source eliminates the isotropic response and ellipse ratio
that could increase the shaped electric probe’s deviation factors. The readings taken from the
shaped electric field probe are expressed in percent of FCC controlled/occupational standard.
Due to the fact that the electric field instrument’s probe is a shaped electric field probe, it has the
ability to take into account a wide range of frequencies at the site and express their RF emission
in percent of controlled standard for the electric component of the electromagnetic field.
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Electric field emissions sampled are taken in percent of FCC controlled/occupational standard.
The RF emissions assessment instrumentation used by RSI shows the readings on an LCD
display in percent of FCC controlled standard. The Federal E-field limit for
occupational/controlled workers is 100% of the controlled standard. The FCC uncontrolled
standard is one-fifth (1/5th) of the Controlled standard. This is displayed as 20%. "Uncontrolled"
persons, or the general population, cannot be exposed to RF emissions at 20% or above for more
than thirty minutes. Therefore, if the instrumentation measures an area where the RF emissions
are reading 27.0%, the uncontrolled standard has been exceeded by 35 percent.
Magnetic (H-field) field emission readings are expressed in milliwatts per square centimeter
(mW/cm2). The FCC standards are frequency dependent and the most stringent range is from 30
to 300 megahertz. The standards in this frequency range are 0.20 mW/cm2 for the
Uncontrolled/General Population and 1.00 mW/cm2 for Controlled/Occupational persons.
Transmitters utilizing this frequency range are present at the site.
Peak readings were recorded during the assessment. For most safety programs, OSHA requires
that the most conservative action be taken when determining hazards. This is what is indicated
on the color-coded site map in this report. The use of peak readings documentation provides the
most conservative approach to RF emissions safety compliance. The use of peak reading
documentation provides a margin a safety, which may otherwise be overlooked using averaging
techniques (i.e. microwave signals, duty cycle changes, re-radiation, etc.)
Due to changes in weather conditions such as temperature and humidity, the RF emissions that
were sampled on the day of the assessment may not represent the RF emissions on days of
differing weather conditions. However, any variation would be minimal due to the methodology
of data collection at the time of the assessment.
All significant contributors (as defined by the FCC) are responsible for insuring the applicable
standards are adhered to. When performing an evaluation for compliance with the FCC’s RF
guidelines all significant contributors (5%) to the ambient RF environment should be consider,
including those otherwise excluded from performing routine RF evaluations, and applicants are
expected to make a good-faith effort to consider these other transmitters. The FCC states “we
can see no easy way to define a “site” or to specify some arbitrary radius around antennas at
which compliance must be evaluated.”
The FCC standard permits time averaging of RF exposure. Reliance on the time-averaging
provision of the standard for non-trained workers per OSHA would require precise knowledge of
the exposure level at all times as determined by precise scientific instrumentation and a higher
level of worker training. Therefore, such mitigation measures are not recommended in this
report.
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SITE DESCRIPTION
Location
The site is located approximately three miles to the southeast of Woodward, Oklahoma in a rural
area. The tower is east of State Highway 270/183 on Road E0440 on the south side.
Construction
The site tower is a guyed tower approximately 480 feet in height.
Access
The site is enclosed within a locked security fence topped with barbed wire. There is a “no
trespassing” sign posted on the fence.
RF equipment
Antennas on the tower include omnidirectional whip, folded dipoles and multi-distribution
service broadcast tube antennas at the top. There are satellite dish antennas mounted at ground
level. The equipment shelter at the site is a 25’ x 32’ concrete block and brick structure located
to the south of the tower. There is a blue “NOTICE” sign posted at the site gate along with
chemical hazard signage. A yellow “CAUTION” sign and the tower registration number are
posted at the tower base.
METHODOLOGY AND INSTRUMENTATION
The EME assessment was conducted following sound scientific principles as outlined in the RSI
Superior Survey Techniques manual. See the measurement values section above for data
collection techniques. Instrumentation used in the collection of data is calibrated to factory
specifications and maintained in good working condition in order to provide the best data
collection available.
Mr. Ken Wagenbach and Mr. Gary Gerber performed the assessment on January 23, 20XX. The
site assessment began at 11:00 a.m. and concluded at 3:15 p.m. The weather conditions at the
beginning of the assessment were sunny and windy with a temperature of 50o Fahrenheit and a
relative humidity of 65%. The weather conditions at the conclusion of the assessment were
unchanged with a temperature of 67o Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of 55%.
The following instrumentation was used:
Narda Microwave – East
Electromagnetic Radiation Survey Meter
Model Number: 8718-10
Serial Number: 01610
Narda Microwave – East
Electric Field Probe
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Model Number: A8722D
Serial Number: 05007
Frequency Range: To 50 GHz
Narda Microwave – East
Magnetic Field Probe
Model Number: A8732D
Serial Number: 05007
Frequency Range: To 200 MHz
Palomar Engineers
RF Current Meter
Model: PCM-1
Model A-0145 Wandel & Goltermann ESM-20 Shaped RF/EME Safety Monitor for E and H
fields. Frequency range 3MHz-1GHz H field, 3 MHz-18 GHz E field.
RESULTS
RF emission readings taken on the tower exceeded the FCC Uncontrolled/General Population
standard and the FCC Controlled/Occupational limit. RF emission readings taken at ground level
were all below the FCC Uncontrolled/General Population standard.
The following recommendations are meant to act as a guide for the managers/owners of the site
to pursue compliance and due-diligence to FCC and OSHA regulations regarding human
exposure to electromagnetic radiation as well as other safety related issues. Only observances
from photographs or the assessor’s notes were used to make assumptions for compliance. It
should be noted that the following recommendations are meant as a general guide to compliance.
Management for the site may have already addressed certain conditions. Current programs in
place have not been reviewed and may be sufficient. It is the responsibility of the management
and owners of the site to determine if any of the following recommendations are indeed
applicable:
SAFETY CONCERNS/RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The site owner/manager should prepare a comprehensive written safety program and train
workers on that program so that all company personnel that may be affected by the real or
potential hazards in the workplace are aware of their potential exposure to the hazards and
have the necessary intellectual and physical tools to allow them to control or mitigate their
exposure. As OSHA deems RF energy a physical hazard, the written program must include a
section on human exposure to radiofrequency energy for those areas with RF emissions that
exceed the applicable limits.
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2. Personnel that require access in close proximity to the antennas should employ LockOut/Tag-Out procedures to isolate the RF source prior to servicing equipment 29 CFR
1910.147(a)(3)(i) This section requires employers to establish a program and utilize
procedures for affixing appropriate lockout devices or tagout devices to energy isolating
devices, and to otherwise disable machines or equipment to prevent unexpected energization,
start up or release of stored energy in order to prevent injury to employees. 1910.147(a)(3)(ii)
When other standards in this part require the use of lockout or tagout, they shall be used and
supplemented by the procedural and training requirements of this section.
Definitions applicable to this section:
Affected employee: An employee whose job requires him/her to operate or use a machine or
equipment on which servicing or maintenance is being performed under lockout or tagout, or
whose job requires him/her to work in an area in which such servicing or maintenance is
being performed.
Authorized employee: A person who locks out or tags out machines or equipment in order to
perform servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment. An affected employee
becomes an authorized employee when that employee's duties include performing servicing
or maintenance covered under this section.
Capable of being locked out: An energy isolating device is capable of being locked out if it
has a hasp or other means of attachment to which, or through which, a lock can be affixed, or
it has a locking mechanism built into it. Other energy isolating devices are capable of being
locked out, if lockout can be achieved without the need to dismantle, rebuild, or replace the
energy isolating device or permanently alter its energy control capability.
Energized: Connected to an energy source or containing residual or stored energy.
Energy isolating device: A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or
release of energy, including but not limited to the following: A manually operated electrical
circuit breaker; a disconnect switch; a manually operated switch by which the conductors of a
circuit can be disconnected from all ungrounded supply conductors, and, in addition, no pole
can be operated independently; a line valve; a block; and any similar device used to block or
isolate energy. Push buttons, selector switches and other control circuit type devices are not
energy isolating devices.
Energy source: Any source of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical,
thermal, or other energy.
Lockout: The placement of a lockout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance
with an established procedure, ensuring that the energy isolating device and the equipment
being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed.
Lockout device: A device that utilizes a positive means such as a lock, either key or
combination type, to hold an energy isolating device in the safe position and prevent the
energizing of a machine or equipment. Included are blank flanges and bolted slip blinds.
Servicing and/or maintenance: Workplace activities such as constructing, installing, setting
up, adjusting, inspecting, modifying, and maintaining and/or servicing machines or
equipment. These activities include lubrication, cleaning or unjamming of machines or
equipment and making adjustments or tool changes, where the employee may be exposed to
the unexpected energization or startup of the equipment or release of hazardous energy.
Tagout: The placement of a tagout device on an energy isolating device, in accordance with
an established procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being
controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.
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Tagout device: A prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, which
can be securely fastened to an energy isolating device in accordance with an established
procedure, to indicate that the energy isolating device and the equipment being controlled
may not be operated until the tagout device is removed.
29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1) Energy control program. The employer shall establish a program
consisting of energy control procedures, employee training and periodic inspections to ensure
that before any employee performs any servicing or maintenance on a machine or equipment
where the unexpected energizing, startup or release of stored energy could occur and cause
injury, the machine or equipment shall be isolated from the energy source and rendered
inoperative. Personnel that require access in close proximity to the antennas that cannot be
locked out/tagged out for maintenance or installation purposes must have the proper training
to allow them to control their exposure.
3. Personnel that require access in close proximity to the antennas that cannot be locked
out/tagged out for maintenance or installation purposes must have the proper training to
allow them to control their exposure. In addition, the use of RF Personal Protection Monitors
(PPM) that match all frequencies at this site should be mandated. Personnel must be trained
to the point of Competent and Qualified in the use of these monitors.
4. Any personnel that require access to any tower to a height above six (6) feet must be fully
trained in climbing techniques and personal fall arrest systems that meet OSHA specification.
100% tie-off and body harnesses are required per the OSHA Fall Protection Standard.
5. A Red “WARNING” sign should be posted at the base of the tower and indicate at what
point RF emissions exceed the FCC Controlled/Occupational standard.
6. The Material Safety Data Sheet for the batteries should be referred to in order to determine if
fifteen (15) minutes continuous flushing ability is required for the eyewash station per ANSI
Standard 2358.1-1990.
7. 29 CFR §1910.268 (b) (3) Medical and first aid. First aid supplies recommended by a
consulting physician shall be placed in weatherproof containers (unless stored indoors) and
shall be easily accessible. Each first aid kit shall be inspected at least once a month.
Expended items shall be replaced. 29 CFR §1910.151 (b) In the absence of an infirmary,
clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace, which is used for the treatment of all
injured employees, a person or persons, shall be adequately trained to render first aid. First
aid supplies approved by the consulting physicians shall be readily available.
8. 29 CFR §1910.303 (f) Identification of disconnecting means and circuits. Each disconnecting
means required by this subpart for motors and appliances shall be legibly marked to indicate
its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. Each service, feeder, and
branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, shall be legibly marked to
indicate its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. These markings
shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.
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9. 29 CFR §1926.150 Fire Protection (c) Fire extinguishers must be provided for each 3,000
square feet of the protected building area, or major fraction thereof. Travel distance from any
point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher shall not exceed 100 ft. (viii)
Portable extinguishers shall be inspected periodically and maintained in accordance with
Maintenance and Use of portable fire extinguishers, NFPA No. 10A-1970. Additionally, 29
CFR §1910.157(e)(1 - 3) The employer shall be responsible for the inspection, maintenance
and testing of all portable fire extinguishers in the workplace. Portable extinguishers or hose
used in lieu thereof under paragraph (d)(3) of this section shall be visually inspected
monthly. The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are subjected to an annual
maintenance check. Stored pressure extinguishers do not require an internal examination.
The employer shall record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year
after the last entry or the life of the shell whichever is less. The record shall be available to
the Assistant Secretary upon request.
10. Un-terminated coaxial cable or hardline should be removed from the site or capped in order
to lessen the possibility of RF emissions re-radiating along the cable and entering the
equipment room. Any un-terminated lines may constitute an unintentional emitter of RF
energy that may introduce RF emissions above the FCC uncontrolled/general public standard
into the equipment room.
CONCLUSION
RF emission readings taken at ground level at the site were below the FCC Uncontrolled/General
Population limit for human exposure to Radiofrequency energy as outlined in 47 CFR §1.1301
through §1.1319. However, RF emission readings taken on the tower were above the FCC
Uncontrolled/General Population limit and the FCC Controlled/Occupational standard. Only
personnel that have been properly trained and that are properly equipped should be allowed to
access the upper portion of the tower until a program can be put in place to insure that personnel
on the tower on not exposed to RF emissions above federally mandated levels. RF emission
readings in the equipment shelter were below the applicable limits.
Should transmitter or antenna characteristics at the site change an additional RF hazard
assessment would be warranted. The RSI corporate safety staff reviewed this report. For
additional information regarding RF safety & compliance visit www.rfcomply.com. Should
questions arise concerning any portion of this report, or further information is requested,
inquiries should be forwarded to the following:
RSI Corporation
1310 Main
Kiowa, KS 67070
(888) 830-5648 Fax (866) 825-4324
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CERTIFICATION
The data and information in this report is certified by RSI to be true and correct on this date. I
have thoroughly reviewed this site compliance report and believe it to be accurate.
Respectfully,
Greg Kechter, CUSA
Operations Manager
RSI Corporation
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Limited Warranty & Disclaimer
RSI Corp. disclaims all other warranties either express or implied, including, but not limited to,
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. This limited
warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have others, which vary from state to state.
RSI Corp’s entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be return of the price paid to RSI
Corp. for the assessment.
In no event will RSI Corp. be liable for damages, including any loss of profits, lost savings, or
other incidental or consequential damages arising out of your use or inability to use the
assessment. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for
consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.
RSI Corp. will not be responsible for any matters of legal nature that affect the property or area
being assessed on the basis of it being under the responsible ownership or that our client has the
legal right to conduct business at this site.
RSI Corp. has no control over the area and will not be responsible for any hazards or conditions
that exist or for any cost to make repairs, engineering, testing or changes to the site. RSI Corp.
does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of any items of information furnished by
others.
This is a technical document and may contain minor grammatical and/or spelling errors.
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