Options for controlling exposure
Controlling exposure
Managing safety risks
Controlling exposure
Other ways of controlling exposure to risk:
- Signage - paint colour coded lines on the floor and display signs to indicate areas of restricted entry
- Training - train workers about the hazards and risks of RFR and how they can safely use and maintain RF generating plant
- Job rotation - rotate workers between RF and non-RF tasks so that each worker is exposed for a minimum amount of time
- Monitor exposure levels
- Medical surveillance - make sure that any person overexposed to RFR has been assessed by an occupational physician
- Maintenance - ensure that plant is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's directions
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) - there is no PPE readily available that effectively controls RFR. However, if the RFR source produces infrared radiation and workers view the hot materials, suitable protective goggles should be worn
Monitor and review the risks - measure the RFR exposure levels regularly and use the control checklist for industrial RF Generating Plant in Appendix 2 of Guide to the Safe Use in Industry of Radio Frequency Generating Plant (PDF, 296 KB)
For more information on controlling exposure to radio frequency (RF) generating plant, read Appendix 2 of the Guide to the Safe Use in Industry of Radio Frequency Generating Plant (PDF, 296 KB).
Managing safety risks
How to manage safety risks associated with:
- Heat stress - since exposure to RF fields can raise core body temperature, it is important to reduce other sources of heat by:
- heat shields, fans, appropriate clothing
- providing cool areas for rest breaks
- Plant related - avoid injuries from RF generating plant from:
- the high closure speed of weld bar
- the closure force of the weld bar
- a weld starting when hand or body is in contact with bar
- nip or pinch points with moving parts of plant
- read the Plant Code of Practice 2005 on managing risks
- Lighting - lighting levels should be adequate for the type of work, 600 lux if work is detailed, otherwise 400 lux is adequate
- Electrical safety - electrical equipment used for manufacturing or repair must be maintained in a safe condition
In addition, the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (PDF, 1 MB) sets out specific requirements about electrical equipment and installations at a workplace.
- Manual tasks - risks can be associated with:
- lifting or carrying heavy or bulky loads
- lifting while the back is twisted or bent
- transferring loads, and working for extended periods with arms and shoulders raised
- check the Manual Tasks Advisory Standard 2000 (now known as a Code of Practice) about mechanical aids, maintenance, and safe work methods
- Fire or explosion - flammable gases, solvents or fuels or electro-explosive devices should not be stored or used in strong RF fields
Containers that have been emptied of the above materials can also cause a hazard if they are stored within a strong RF field when not flushed and cleaned.
For more information on managing safety risks of radio frequency (RF) generating plant, read Section 5 of Guide to the Safe Use in Industry of Radio Frequency Generating Plant (PDF, 296 KB).
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