PDC 106: A Gentle Approach to Radiofrequency for Industrial Hygienists, Part I

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

CM Credit Hours: 7 

*Please note: PDCs are at an additional cost, and preregistration is required*
To register, please visit: https://aihaconnect.org/register

The purpose of this professional development course is to make radio frequency radiation a more approachable subject for industrial hygienists who have a stronger background in chemistry than physics. For the purposes of this course, "radio frequency" or "RF" is defined broadly to include microwave frequencies, extremely low frequencies (ELF), and static magnetic fields (0 Hz), in order to address magnetic field hazards for individuals with implanted medical devices.

The use of RF sources continues to grow in both occupational and non-occupational settings. Industrial hygienists are uniquely equipped to anticipate, recognize, evaluate and control RF hazards, but many are not prepared to conduct an RF assessment of a rooftop antenna.

This course takes a gentle approach to RF evaluation, introducing a seven-step method for assessing RF sources. Each step is explained and followed by a practice exercise. Participants will receive an Excel-based RF calculator tool that incorporates the seven-step method and will have opportunities to practice using it.

The seven steps form the acronym PANCAKE: Parameters, Absorption, Near/Far Fields, Continuous/Pulsed, Antenna of Interest, Keep-Out Zone, and Exposure

Additional topics include: The "Periodic Table of RF", RF health issues, Transmitters, conductors and antennas, RF safety program elements, RF controls, and RF exposure standards

*Registration includes boxed luncheon. **Power strips will not be provided at each attendee's seat; however, laptop charging stations will be provided in each course room.

• RF relevance, spectrum and health effects
• RF math and use of decibels
• RF emitters: transmitters, conductors and antennas
• RF exposure limits and overexposure risks
• Understanding the three fields in front of an antenna
• Overview of main antenna types
• Using pulsed signal information for greater accuracy
• Applying the RF PANCAKE evaluation method
• RF controls
 

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Identify predictable trends going from low to high RF frequency.
• Use decibels in the context of RF.
• Define the parts of an RF emitter.
• Explain the parameters used in RF assessments.
• Demonstrate use of the RF PANCAKE Excel calculator to estimate an RF exposure.
• Describe what constitutes overexposure to RF.
• Identify where to locate RF exposure standards
• Explain how RF can be controlled
 

Participants will take away a practical experience in which they become familiar with a 7-step method for calculating RF exposure. They will also become familiar with an Excel tool that facilitates the 7-step method. Participants will be able to identify the most common types of transmitting rooftop antennas and how to tailor an RF assessment to these antenna types. 

This RF course equips participants to perform basic RF evaluations using an RF survey meter or by calculation. The expected outcomes include knowing when an RF control plan is required; what the keep-out zone distance is away from an antenna; and what the RF exposure is at a distance X from the antenna. 

Laptop

Scientific Calculator

Introductory

Exposure Assessment

Radiation (Ionizing and Nonionizing)

Toxicology / Human Disease

Education and training

Exposure Assessment

Radiation protection and monitoring

Risk assessment and management

Toxicology

In-person

Professional

Group activities

Hands-on demonstrations and practicum

Live Polling

Problem Solving /Practice Exercises

Test/Quiz