TITLE:

ES&H Manual

 

DOCUMENT ID:

6420 Non-Ionizing Radiant Energy

(i.e.: Radio Frequency (RF), Microwave, and Static Magnetic Fields)

 

 

Jefferson Lab has determined that working with non-ionizing radiant energy can carry an unmitigated Risk Code >2 and requires supervisor consideration prior to commencement of work.  An Operational Safety Procedure (OSP) is written for work considered to be Risk Code of >2 in accordance with ES&H Manual Chapter 3210 Work Planning, Control, and Authorization Process.

 

1.0             Purpose

 

Jefferson Lab uses and produces a variety of non-ionizing radiant energy, including:

 

·         Radio Frequency and Microwave

·         Electromagnetic

·         Static Magnetic

·         Ultraviolet, Visible and Infrared Radiation

 

To ensure the health and safety of individuals, equipment, and the environment this type of energy requires appropriate controls and mitigation. This chapter describes the controls and practices used to reduce the hazards; and it lists the minimum precautions necessary to ensure personnel and equipment safety.

 

This program satisfies applicable federal, state, and local requirements as outlined in ES&H Manual Chapter 2410 Appendix T1 Hazard Issues List.

 

2.0             Scope

 

This chapter and its associated appendices 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.

 

This chapter addresses the following sources of non-ionizing radiant energy:

 

·         Radio Frequency and Microwave

·         Electromagnetic

·         Static Magnetic

 

For information regarding ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation see ES&H Manual Chapter 6122 Hot Work (i.e. Welding, Cutting, Brazing, and Grinding) Safety Program; ES&H Manual Chapter 6410 Laser Safety Program, or contact Industrial Hygiene for a hazard evaluation.

 

3.0             Responsibilities

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

 

3.1             Anyone at Jefferson Lab

·         Request an equipment/area hazard evaluation from System Owner if compliance with these requirements is unclear.

·         Seek medical monitoring from Occupational Medicine if metallic objects in the body or bioelectronic devices are a concern.

 

3.2             Qualified RF Surveyor

·         Complete and maintain appropriate RF Survey Training.

 

3.3             System Owner

·         Complete a Work Control Document for magnets or RF under your authority that have been determined to be Risk Code >2. 

·         Perform equipment/area hazard evaluation and provide appropriate mitigation.  Ensure it is in place and functioning.

 

3.4             Supervisor/Technical Representative (TR)/Sponsor

·         Ensure warning labels are posted in accordance with requirements.

 

3.5             Industrial Hygiene

·         Provide appropriate RF and Magnetic Field Survey Training.

·         Identify mitigation requirements.

 

4.0             Technical Appendices

 

4.1             Radio Frequency (RF)

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. ES&H Manual Chapter 6420 Appendix T1 Radio Frequency Survey 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.

 

4.2             Work Control Documentation for Static Magnetic Fields

When a Task Hazard Analysis indicates that a specialty magnets poses an unmitigated Risk Code>2 a work control document (WCD) is required to ensure hazard issues are addressed and appropriately mitigated. ES&H Manual Chapter 6420 Appendix T2 Operational Safety Procedure Development for Qualifying Static Magnetic Fields provides the requirements for this WCD.

 

4.3             Engineering and Administrative Controls for Static Magnetic Fields

Jefferson Lab recognizes that magnets, and any associated external fringe static magnetic fields, may be dangerous. It is therefore required that they be controlled and the designated area provides warning of the potential hazards. ES&H Manual Chapter 6420 Appendix T3 Engineering and Administrative Controls for Static Magnetic Fields defines Jefferson Lab’s minimum engineering controls for this type of equipment; the administrative controls – including area postings; and how these are updated, repaired, and maintained.

 

4.4             Medical Monitoring Requirements

People who have metallic objects, or bioelectronic devices in their bodies (including but not limited to: cardiac pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, insulin pumps, or surgical clips) may experience serious, even fatal, medical outcomes when exposed to static magnetic fields. ES&H Manual 6420 Appendix T4 Medical Monitoring for Static Magnetic Field Exposure provides the process steps to be followed to ensure the safety of these individuals.

 

5.0             Revision Summary

Revision 1.1 – 07/28/21 – Periodic Review, updated the header and footer, changed SOTR to TR, minor edits only, no approval needed, TPOC asked for a one year extension per email on 6/16/2021

Periodic Review – 04/18/16 – No changes per TPOC

Periodic Review – 04/18/16 – No changes per TPOC

Revision 1.0 – 07/16/12 – Updated to reflect current laboratory operations

 

 

 

ISSUING AUTHORITY

TECHNICAL POINT-OF-CONTACT

APPROVAL DATE

REVIEW DATE

REV.

 

 

ES&H Division

Jennifer Williams

04/18/16

07/28/22

1.1

 

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 7/28/2021.