27-07-2018, 09:57 AM
I work in an industry where RADHAZ (radiation hazards) is an ever present safety theme.
At work we are dealing with kilowatts and ranging in frequencies from HF to microwave, so we use a number of layers of protection, but in this case I will only refer to those layers that apply only to personnel not working on or with the radiating equipment.
First up, we use a visual notification as you enter the work area that indicates either RADHAZ (in Red) or RADHAZ SAFE (in green). Red means the systems may radiate, green means all radiating systems are locked out. (Warning and Education).
Certain areas (especially near antennas, wave guides etc) are designated as RADHAZ zones, regardless of the RADHAZ status, anyone entering those area must seek permission and be signed in and out of a log. Clearly permission will be denied if the RADHAZ is present. (Active Management).
Many areas are locked if RADHAZ is present (Physical Barrier).
Relating this back to a Ham Shack and Antennas:
Physical Barrier - Preventing ingress to the area while RADHAZ is present is a given - fences, gates and physical separation are the obvious methods.
Active Management - being aware of who is about when using the equipment is the key. Is a log book overkill? I would think it was, but the operators should be aware of who is about and exercise care, reminding those about not to touch is not unreasonable.
Warning and Education - This is a sticky one. Signage may invite neighbour issues. If the emitters are in use when visitors are present verbal warnings would suffice I would expect.
If the three management elements are satisfied, then I would think that the ACMA Field Officer would be hard pressed to find major fault.
The field officers I have met have been professional and want to work with, rather than against, the people they deal with, so if sensible steps have been taken then I wouldn't expect any issues.
At work we are dealing with kilowatts and ranging in frequencies from HF to microwave, so we use a number of layers of protection, but in this case I will only refer to those layers that apply only to personnel not working on or with the radiating equipment.
First up, we use a visual notification as you enter the work area that indicates either RADHAZ (in Red) or RADHAZ SAFE (in green). Red means the systems may radiate, green means all radiating systems are locked out. (Warning and Education).
Certain areas (especially near antennas, wave guides etc) are designated as RADHAZ zones, regardless of the RADHAZ status, anyone entering those area must seek permission and be signed in and out of a log. Clearly permission will be denied if the RADHAZ is present. (Active Management).
Many areas are locked if RADHAZ is present (Physical Barrier).
Relating this back to a Ham Shack and Antennas:
Physical Barrier - Preventing ingress to the area while RADHAZ is present is a given - fences, gates and physical separation are the obvious methods.
Active Management - being aware of who is about when using the equipment is the key. Is a log book overkill? I would think it was, but the operators should be aware of who is about and exercise care, reminding those about not to touch is not unreasonable.
Warning and Education - This is a sticky one. Signage may invite neighbour issues. If the emitters are in use when visitors are present verbal warnings would suffice I would expect.
If the three management elements are satisfied, then I would think that the ACMA Field Officer would be hard pressed to find major fault.
The field officers I have met have been professional and want to work with, rather than against, the people they deal with, so if sensible steps have been taken then I wouldn't expect any issues.