Introduction to RF Radiation Safety / 1 / 1.5

1.5 RF RADIATION HAZARDS (RADHAZ)

The vast majority of RF systems operate safely throughout the world every day without causing harm to people or equipment. Nevertheless, sufficiently strong RF electromagnetic fields can present hazards if they are not properly managed. The nature of these hazards depends upon the characteristics of the RF source, the operating frequency, the exposure conditions, and the object or person exposed to the electromagnetic field.

The term RF Radiation Hazards (RADHAZ) is widely used to describe the potential hazards associated with exposure to RF electromagnetic fields. Although originally developed within military and naval organizations, the concept is equally applicable to many civilian communications, broadcasting, aviation, industrial, and scientific environments. Traditionally, RF radiation hazards are divided into four broad categories according to what is being affected:

• Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Personnel (HERP) concern the potential effects of RF electromagnetic fields on people.
• Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Equipment (HERE) arise when electromagnetic fields interfere with the normal operation of electrical or electronic equipment.
• Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) concern the unintended initiation of electrically activated explosive devices by RF electromagnetic fields.
• Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Fuel (HERF) relate to the possibility that RF-induced voltages or electrical discharges could ignite flammable vapors during fuel handling operations.