Introduction to RF Radiation Safety / 10 / 10.4

10.4 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

An RF radiation safety program functions effectively only when duties, authority, and accountability are clearly defined. Exposure limits and controls provide little protection if people are uncertain about their responsibilities or assume that another party will manage the risk.

Responsibility is shared among the people who conduct the business or undertaking, own or operate RF sources, manage the facility, design or supply equipment, supervise work, perform the work, or enter the site. Consultation, cooperation, and coordination connect these responsibilities into one risk-management system.

10.4.1 Senior Management

Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that the organization manages RF risks and provides a safe working environment.

This includes establishing and approving the RF radiation safety policy, allocating resources, consulting workers, appointing competent personnel and the Responsible Person, and ensuring that the risk-management process is implemented, monitored, and reviewed. Compliance with applicable legislation and exposure standards should form part of normal business operations.

Perhaps most importantly, management sets the safety culture of the organization. A strong commitment to RF safety by senior leadership encourages compliance throughout the organization and demonstrates that safety is regarded as an operational priority rather than an administrative requirement.

10.4.2 The Responsible Person

RPS S-1 requires a Responsible Person to be appointed by the person conducting a business or undertaking, facility manager, or facility owner for each Controlled Area. The Responsible Person manages the area with respect to people who need to work in or transit it, and their name and contact details must be readily available to anyone seeking access.

The Responsible Person ensures that current information about all RF sources affecting the work area is available; areas above public and occupational limits are delineated; people are familiar with the sources, access arrangements, and safe work relevant to their activities; and access to the Controlled Area is secure.

Source owners and operators, facility duty holders, workers, contractors, and visitors must consult, cooperate, and coordinate with the Responsible Person. Appointment of the Responsible Person does not replace or lessen any duty of care held by the business or undertaking, facility manager, facility owner, or source owner or operator.