Electromagnetic energy toolbox talk

What it is

Radio-frequency and other electromagnetic energy from antennas, transmitters and similar equipment that can cause burns or heating of the body.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Identify the sources of electromagnetic energy and the exclusion zones around each antenna or transmitter, using the operator's site information.
2. Ask the carrier or operator to power down or reduce the transmitter before work in its exclusion zone.
3. Use a personal RF monitor to warn when levels are above safe limits, and keep it on while working near antennas.
4. Mark the exclusion zones with signs and barriers, and keep other people outside them.
5. Plan the work to limit the time spent near the antenna, and keep clear of its front-on beam.
6. Train workers to read the site signs and the warning from the monitor, and to leave the area at once when it alarms.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with electromagnetic energy:

• Emergency responseRespond to emergencies, including RF over-exposure and other incidents.From Working On/Near Telecommunications Towers
• Working near telecommunication transmittersControl exposure to electromagnetic energy near transmittersFrom Medical Gas Pipe System Installation

Questions for the crew

1. Where could electromagnetic energy come up on this job today?
2. The most effective control is: “Identify the sources of electromagnetic energy and the exclusion zones around each antenna or transmitter, using the operator's site information”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
3. Which controls for electromagnetic energy are missing or not working on this site?
4. When would you stop work because of electromagnetic energy, and who would you tell?
5. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?