Radiofrequency Program Guidelines

TB 430133

The relationship of power per unit area is similar to the relationship of pounds per

square inch or pressure. Both relate to force per unit area. The larger the force per unit

area, the greater the potential for injury. Power density can be measured directly or in-

ferred by taking measurements of either the electric field strength in Volts per meter, the

magnetic field in Amps per meter, or both. The tables at DoDI 6055.11, Enclosure 6, list

the safety standards and PELs for personnel working with RF radiation in controlled and

uncontrolled environments. Additionally, it lists the RF induced current standard, which

relates to the current density in small crosssectional areas of the body such as the

ankle area and at various other joints. The exclusions or relaxation to the PEL limits,

are found at Enclosure 6 to DoDI 6055.11. The Partial Body exposure rule is at para-

graph B.6.a; the SAR Exclusion Rule for controlled and uncontrolled environments is

addressed in paragraphs B.6.b.(1) and B.6.b.(2), respectively; and the LowPower De-

vice Exclusion is at paragraph B.6.c in DoDI 6055.11.

b. Radiofrequency Program Guidelines. The following guidelines are offered

to assist commanders in setting up and maintaining a complete radiofrequency radi-

ation protection program. Incorporate these guidelines into your local non-ionizing radi-

ation protection programs and procedures as applicable:

(1) Maintain an inventory and description of all potentially hazardous RF radi-

ation producing equipment (AR 405, Paragraph 99.a.(2)(f)).

(2) Prepare an SOP describing the local RF radiation protection program for

each area or activity using potentially hazardous RF sources (AR 405, paragraph

99.a.(2)(a)). Post the SOP conspicuously in the vicinity of the RF operations (DoDI

6055.11, Enclosure 5, paragraph 10.; AR 405, paragraphs 99.a.(2)(b) and

99.a.(2)(e); CECOMR 38517, paragraph 7.b).

(3) Perform periodic surveys of potentially hazardous RF sources to ensure

compliance with applicable regulations and TMs (CECOMR 38517, paragraph 8.j).

(4) Assure that all RF radiation workers attend annual RF safety briefings.

These briefings shall discuss the nature of RF radiation, the hazards associated with

RF sources and the means by which personnel can avoid potentially hazardous expo-

sures (DoDI 6055.11, Enclosure 5, paragraph 6; and CECOMR 38517, Paragraph

6.f.6)).

(5) Include appropriate personnel in a medical surveillance program in accor-

dance with (IAW) Department of Army Surgeon General (DASG) Memorandum, 11 April

1994, paragraphs 4 through 6; and TB MED 523, paragraph 5.

(6) Assure first aid personnel with appropriate training and equipment are

available at a level commensurate with the associated RF hazards (i.e., electrical

shock, RF exposure, etc.) (CECOMR 38517, Paragraphs 7.c and 10.a).

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