Sign Placement Guide

Where do I need signs?

Anywhere there is risk of serious injury or death

 

Anywhere exposure levels might exceed the occupational limits

 

Anywhere exposure levels might exceed the public limits

 

Anywhere RF equipment is in use, and under normal operation and maintenance there are no public or occupational exposure issues

 

Why should I post signs?

Why should I post signs, lock controlled areas, create a written exposure management program, train all personnel, and provide personal protective equipment? :

Here are excerpts from one FCC Notice of Apparent Liability for a rooftop exposure issue that gets the point across loud and clear

 

Examples

Examples of Transmitter Sites using RFSigns Envelope Method™

Where should I place signs?

  Are there locations with risk of serious injury or death?

Shock?

Burns?

Extreme heating?

– Live AM tower with high base potential?

– Exposed RF terminals, relays, etc?

YES

   Mark the hazard itself with a sign.

   Secure the hazard with a locked fence, building, room, or cabinet (a Positive Envelope).

   Mark the Positive Envelope with signs.

 

   EXAMPLES (See red and orange markings in example.)

NO

   Danger and Warning signs not necessary

 Are there locations where occupational exposure levels can be exceeded?

– Inside a fenced tower compound

– On or part way up a tower

– Inside a building or other secured area where testing or routine operation could cause non-compliant exposure?

– At exposed gear or waveguide openings that would not immediately injure but are above the occupational limits?

– Near antenna?

YES

   Use Occupational RFSigns to mark the boundary in one of two ways:

    Positive Envelope: Put on outside of fence or building or room where occupational overexposure could occur.

    Passive Envelope: Put on stakes, stanchions, cabinets, or other non-secure boundaries within which the occupational limits could be exceeded. Be sure to also mark outside of building or fence with caution or notice signs as appropriate to inform people entering the space that some areas are off-limits.

EXAMPLES (See yellow occupational markings in example.)

NO

Do not use Caution Occupational RFSigns.

 Are there locations where the public exposure limits can be exceeded?

– Inside a fenced tower compound

– On or part way up a tower

– Inside a building or other secured area where testing or routine operation could cause non-compliant exposure?

– At exposed gear or waveguide openings that would not immediately injure but are above only the public limits?

– Near antenna?

YES

   Use Public RFSigns to mark the locked gate, door, fence, etc that securely and positively separates the public from the area. (Positive Envelope only)

EXAMPLES (See blue markings in example.)

NO

   Do not use Notice Public RFSigns.

 Are there locations where RF equipment is in use, and under normal operation and maintenance there are no public or occupational exposure issues?

– Do these locations have site policies to oversee maintenance and access to things or spaces that generate RF?

Yes to either question

   Use Generic RFSigns to inform people of the presence of a site policy or other rules.

EXAMPLES (See blue markings in example.)

No to Both Questions   No Notice Generic Sign necessary.

Examples of Transmitter Sites using RFSigns Envelope Method™