PDC 503: A Gentle Approach to Radiofrequency for Industrial Hygienists, Part 2

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

CM Credit Hours: 3.5 

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

The primary goal of this course is to provide hands-on experience in assessing radio frequency (RF) sources. Participants will work with several RF sources and explore evaluation and control methods not covered in Part 1.

The session begins with a review of key concepts from Part 1 that are essential for practical application. Multiple stations will be set up, each featuring a different RF source, allowing participants to gain experience in recognizing and evaluating RF sources across various frequencies. These exercises are applicable to both rooftop antenna assessments and indoor RF source evaluations. Magnetic fields are also included, as they can affect individuals with implanted medical devices.

Participants will compare the results of an RF survey meter assessment with calculated outcomes using the RF Excel tool introduced in Part 1. Each participant will complete one assessment using an RF instrument survey form and will receive a copy of the RF Excel PANCAKE tool to take home.

The PANCAKE acronym represents the seven-step RF assessment method: Parameters, Absorption, Near/Far Fields, Continuous/Pulsed, Antenna of Interest, Keep-Out Zone, and Exposure.

The RF Excel PANCAKE tool helps industrial hygienists determine four key outcomes for any RF source: Where the far field begins; Whether an RF control plan is required; The keep-out zone distance; An employee's exposure at a specific distance from the antenna.

*Please note: Only participants registering for two (2) half-day PDCs on the same day will receive a box lunch. **Please note: power strips will not be provided at each attendee's seat; however, charging stations for laptops will be provided in each course room.

• Review of foundational concepts from Part 1
o Key elements that support hands-on RF assessment exercises.
• Hands-on practice with RF survey meters
o Rotating stations featuring different RF sources for practical evaluation.
• Comparative assessment
o Analyze differences between RF survey meter readings and calculated results using the RF PANCAKE Excel tool.
• Field documentation exercise
o Complete an RF survey using a standardized field survey form.
• Expanded discussion on assessment and controls
o Explore evaluation and control strategies not covered in Part 1.
 

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Use an RF survey meter to assess a high and a low frequency RF source
• Use a gauss meter to assess a magnetic source with application to implanted medical devices.
• Document an instrument survey with a field survey form.
• Compare and interpret basic differences between calculated results from the RF PANCAKE Excel tool and measurements obtained using an RF survey meter.
 

This class requires participants to have previously taken, 'A Gentle Approach to RF for IHs, Part 1.' This course may have been taken as a PDC over the past 5 years (i.e., Nashville, Phoenix, Columbus, Kansas City, or New Orleans). Also, students need to bring to class a laptop with Excel and a scientific calculator (or a phone that is equipped with this) 

Attendees will receive the RF Excel PANCAKE tool to take home and will develop practical skills in using it during the course. They will also build proficiency in operating RF survey meters to assess sources across various frequencies, as well as gauss meters to measure magnetic fields. 

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

Intermediate

Exposure Assessment

Radiation (Ionizing and Nonionizing)

Work Environments, Occupations, and Industrial Processes

Exposure Assessment

Radiation protection and monitoring

Regulatory compliance

Risk assessment and management

Toxicology

In-person

Professional

Case Studies

Group activities

Hands-on demonstrations and practicum

Problem Solving /Practice Exercises