Design and Construction

DOE-HDBK-1092-98

6. Electromagnetic interference may cause equipment to malfunction.

7. Electromagnetic fields may cause unintended ignition of explosives, fuel, and ordnance.

8. Grounding and bonding conductors that are adequate for dc and power frequencies may

develop substantial voltage when fast pulses and radio frequency currents are present, due to

induction and other means.

10.8.4.2

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Engineering control in accordance with ANSI/IEEE C95.1 (1991) should be the primary method

used to restrict exposure whenever practical. If engineering controls are not practical, such as: work-

time limits, based on the averaging intervals and other work-practice and administrative controls,

must be used.

1. Warning Signs. Signs commensurate with the RFMW level must be used to warn personnel

of RFMW hazards. These signs must be posted on access panels of irradiated enclosures and

at entrances to and inside regulated areas.

2. Access Limitation. Access can be limited by controls such as barriers, interlocks, administrative

controls or other means. The operation supervisor controls access to regulated areas and must

approve nonroutine entry of personnel into these places. When practical, sources of RFMW

radiation should be switched off when not in use.

3. Shielding. Shielding that encloses the radiating equipment or provides a barrier between the

equipment and the worker may be used to protect personnel; the shielding design must account

for the frequency and intensity of the field.

4. Interlocks. Chamber or oven-type equipment that uses microwave radiation must have

interlocks designed to (1) prevent generation of the radiation unless the chamber is sealed and

(2) shut off such equipment if the door is opened.

5. Lockout/Tagout. The design shall incorporate features that allow the equipment to be locked

out and tagged out for servicing.

6. Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE such as eyewear is not readily available and is

generally not a useful option as protection against RFMW radiation and fields. Protection must

therefore be achieved by other means.

10.8.4.2.1 EXEMPTIONS TO RFMW EXPOSURE LIMITS

The following items are exempt from the RFMW exposure limits; however, their manufacture is

subject to Federal RFMW emission standards:

1. Cellular phones

2. Two-way, hand-held radios and walkie-talkies that broadcast between 10 kHz and 1 GHz and

emit less than 7 W

3. Microwave ovens used for heating food

4. Video display terminals.

10-9