TITLE:	ES&H Manual
DOCUMENT ID:	6420 Appendix T1 Radio Frequency Survey

Jefferson Lab has determined that working with non-ionizing radiant energy carries an unmitigated Risk Code >2. At a minimum all tasks requiring with non-ionizing radiant energy are discussed with the supervisor prior to commencement of work. An Operational Safety Procedure (OSP) is written for work considered to be Risk Code >2 in accordance with ES&H Manual Chapter 3210 Work Planning, Control, and Authorization Process.

1.0 Purpose

Jefferson Lab considers radio frequency (RF) energy to be a hazard issue. The degree of danger from RF energy is directly related to: the source power level; distance and shielding; and the frequency, or wavelength, of the radio waves. This appendix provides the process steps for determining when an RF survey is required; how to schedule it; performance and documentation requirements; and when follow-up actions are required.

2.0 Scope

Sources of RF energy at Jefferson Lab include:

· Accelerator components, and

· Microwave ovens*

*This appendix does not apply to microwave ovens located in a “common” or “break” area when used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Enter a Facilities Management Work Request if break area equipment is damaged or not working properly. Use of microwave ovens for other than manufacturer’s instructions is considered a Risk Code >2 and requires a Work Control Document.

RF is denoted with the following signage:

Jefferson Lab recognizes that listing the requirements for every RF source would be prohibitive, it is therefore required that an RF survey be performed on all sources; and safety mitigation established and observed by all workers.

The process steps for this procedure are performed in coordination with ES&H Manual Chapter 6420 Non-Ionizing Radiant Energy (i.e.: Radio Frequency (RF), Microwave, and Electro Magnetic).

3.0 Responsibilities

NOTE: Management authority may be delegated at the discretion of the responsible manager.

3.1 Qualified RF Surveyor

· Complete and maintain appropriate RF Survey Training.

3.2 Industrial Hygiene

· Provide appropriate RF Survey Training.

4.0 Process Steps

Unless otherwise stated anyone may perform the following process steps:

4.1 RF Survey

Step 1: Determine if a RF Survey is Required

An RF Survey may be performed at any time, is recommended for any of the following conditions, and is required per department procedures:

· Prior to commissioning new RF equipment;

· After installation leak test of high-power RF equipment, including waveguides;

· After changes to operating power for equipment set-ups.

NOTE: Check the RF emission frequency with the manufacturer; you may need to monitor for induced currents.

Step 2: Schedule

Contact a Qualified RF Surveyor (See Industrial Hygiene for a list of Qualified RF Surveyors)

NOTE: It is recommended that safety interlocks be incorporated into RF equipment design and installation. Whenever feasible, high-power waveguides must be pressurized, with loss of pressure automatically deactivating the RF source.

Step 3: Perform and Document

Surveys are performed and recorded in accordance with documented department procedures that have been reviewed by Industrial Hygiene. (See Industrial Hygiene Supplement – RF Survey – Non-Ionizing Radiation for an example.)

Minimum survey requirements include:

· Date and Time – Provide both current and most recent

· Source Description

a. RF emission frequency

b. duty cycle

c. power

· Source Description/Schematic

· Safety Controls (i.e. interlocks, signs, Work Control Documents)

· Meter/Probe Information:

a. Model Number

b. Serial Number

c. Last Calibration Date

· Measurement

· Technician signature

Step 4: Follow-up

Contact Industrial Hygiene when fields exceed the occupational exposure limit below.

Figure 1 - Occupational Exposure Limits

5.0 References

ACGIH – 2005 TLVs and BEIs – Based on the Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices.

6.0 Revision Summary

Revision 1 – 07/16/12 - Updated to reflect current laboratory operations.

ISSUING AUTHORITY	TECHNICAL POINT-OF-CONTACT	APPROVAL DATE	EXPIRATION DATE	REV.
ESH&Q Division	Jennifer Williams	07/16/12	07/16/15	1

This document is controlled as an on line file. It may be printed but the print copy is not a controlled document. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the document is the same revision as the current on line file. This copy was printed on 10/19/2012.