10.10 SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
Safe work depends on how the task, source states, people, and controls are planned and coordinated. A person can be exposed when an affected source is overlooked, an isolation is incomplete, another operator restores service, or work continues after conditions change.
A safe system of work is the documented arrangement for performing a task safely. It identifies the hazards and exposure conditions, selects and sequences the controls, assigns responsibilities, and states the checks required before, during, and after the work. It is the practical link between the applicable RF Radiation Safety Plan and the task.
The detail should reflect the risk and complexity of the work. Procedures must be available to everyone involved, supported by appropriate information, training, instruction, and supervision, and reviewed when the sources, operating modes, work, or controls change.
10.10.1 Planning The Work
Before maintenance, installation, inspection, testing, or other access is authorized, the work should be reviewed to determine:
- the task, work location, and planned sequence;
- every RF source and source owner that can affect the work area;
- the people involved, their exposure categories, competence, and supervision;
- the maximum and reasonably foreseeable source states and exposure conditions;
- the controls, isolations, verification, and communications required; and
- other electrical, work-at-height, thermal, mechanical, or site hazards.
Early planning allows time to obtain current source information, coordinate outages or down-powering, establish access and exclusion zones, arrange specialized equipment, and resolve conflicts with other work.