Focused on keeping your RF workers safe, LBA University’s Radio Frequency (RF) Safety Awareness courses cover multiple job settings and available in multiple languages. Our knowledgeable instructors address Radio Frequency health and safety issues, in accordance with OSHA guidelines. Learn more about RF Safety >>
Why Take Occupational RF Awareness Safety Training?
- Non-ionizing radio frequency energy often referred to as just “RF”, is increasingly common in the workplace. Accidental or uninformed exposure to RF can result in health hazards and safety hazards. Often, the sources of RF are disguised. Thus, hazard recognition is an important workplace skill. Both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulate workplace exposure in the US, and Health Canada similarly maintains RF standards there. Knowledge of these standards and compliance with them is important to safe working. In addition, in such occupations as cellular, tower climbing, and related technologies, crews without RF awareness certified workers are often not even permitted on the worksite, and the use of trained workers may also be an insurance matter.
- Non-ionizing radio frequency energy often referred to as just “RF”, is increasingly common in the workplace. Accidental or uninformed exposure to RF can result in health hazards and safety hazards. Often, the sources of RF are disguised. Thus, hazard recognition is an important workplace skill. Both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulate workplace exposure in the US, and Health Canada similarly maintains RF standards there. Knowledge of these standards and compliance with them is important to safe working. In addition, in such occupations as cellular, tower climbing, and related technologies, crews without RF awareness certified workers are often not even permitted on the worksite, and the use of trained workers may also be an insurance matter.
What Are Examples of RF Exposure Situations?
- Exposure can occur while working around antennas on cell or broadcast towers. Many antennas are disguised and may not be obvious to trades working on roofs, signs, or street hardware. Antennas are increasingly being integrated into infrastructure accessed by utility crews. High power RF has many applications in industry for semiconductor production, heat treating, baking, and welding. First responders may encounter RF in many places unknown to them, as well as from base and mobile communications.
- Exposure can occur while working around antennas on cell or broadcast towers. Many antennas are disguised and may not be obvious to trades working on roofs, signs, or street hardware. Antennas are increasingly being integrated into infrastructure accessed by utility crews. High power RF has many applications in industry for semiconductor production, heat treating, baking, and welding. First responders may encounter RF in many places unknown to them, as well as from base and mobile communications.
Who Needs RF Awareness Safety Training?
- RF safety training is a necessity for radio technicians, radar maintainers, tower climbers, industrial maintainers and others who work directly with RF. Others with occupations incidentally or unknowingly exposing them to RF also need RF awareness training. That might include roofers, HVAC technicians, landscaping personnel, painters, building managers, public safety/first responder personnel, and custodial staff.
- RF safety training is a necessity for radio technicians, radar maintainers, tower climbers, industrial maintainers and others who work directly with RF. Others with occupations incidentally or unknowingly exposing them to RF also need RF awareness training. That might include roofers, HVAC technicians, landscaping personnel, painters, building managers, public safety/first responder personnel, and custodial staff.
What Is Taught In LBAU RF Safety Awareness Training?
- An introduction to the roles of industry standards including FCC, OSHA, Canada Code 6, NEPA & ICNIRP. An appreciation of biological effects of RF energy including thermal / non-thermal / startle effects, shock & burn contact, and ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Recognizing controlled and uncontrolled areas according to maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits including the “six-minute rule.” The meaning of RF Safety signage and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).How to identify RF emitters and sources, including stealth antennas, concealed hazards, and safe work practices. Unique subjects related to the specific course focus.
- An introduction to the roles of industry standards including FCC, OSHA, Canada Code 6, NEPA & ICNIRP. An appreciation of biological effects of RF energy including thermal / non-thermal / startle effects, shock & burn contact, and ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Recognizing controlled and uncontrolled areas according to maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits including the “six-minute rule.” The meaning of RF Safety signage and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).How to identify RF emitters and sources, including stealth antennas, concealed hazards, and safe work practices. Unique subjects related to the specific course focus.
Are LBAU RF Courses Useful Internationally?
- Yes. The principles of RF safety are universal. The codes and norms recognized by different countries vary, but most are based on the exposure standards of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) which closely align with the standards of the United States and Canada, used in our courses. Indeed, many countries refer to US standards as de facto national standards. Not only will the course material serve the international trainee well, but the LBAU Certificate of Completion is a prestigious career document for many workers. Online access to training, payment, and credentials make international learning convenient. At present, select LBAU RF safety courses (and many others) are available in English, Spanish, and French.
- Yes. The principles of RF safety are universal. The codes and norms recognized by different countries vary, but most are based on the exposure standards of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) which closely align with the standards of the United States and Canada, used in our courses. Indeed, many countries refer to US standards as de facto national standards. Not only will the course material serve the international trainee well, but the LBAU Certificate of Completion is a prestigious career document for many workers. Online access to training, payment, and credentials make international learning convenient. At present, select LBAU RF safety courses (and many others) are available in English, Spanish, and French.
How Often Must RF Awareness Certificate Be Renewed?
- We recommend that retraining occur annually. However, there are no formal rules besides OSHA’s general standard that requires a safe workplace and adequate training. Many contractors and employers require that Certificates of Completion be dated within one year. Because the RF exposure field is so broad, we suggest taking a differently focused RF Awareness training course for renewal to broaden your background in RF hazards.
- We recommend that retraining occur annually. However, there are no formal rules besides OSHA’s general standard that requires a safe workplace and adequate training. Many contractors and employers require that Certificates of Completion be dated within one year. Because the RF exposure field is so broad, we suggest taking a differently focused RF Awareness training course for renewal to broaden your background in RF hazards.
What Online RF Safety Training Courses Are Offered by LBAU?