9.4.4 Verification Of Compliance
RPS S-1 requires compliance to be verified by direct measurement or computation using AS/NZS 2772.2 or relevant IEC or IEEE standards. If an assessment standard differs from RPS S-1 in a limit value or an evaluation requirement, including spatial or temporal averaging, the RPS S-1 requirement takes priority.
Measurements and computations used to prove compliance must be performed by an appropriately qualified and experienced testing authority. That authority selects the suitable method. The assessment must represent the conditions that produce the highest exposure during normal operation, and it must be reconsidered after any modification that could increase exposure.
Worker-accessible areas are assessed against the applicable occupational requirements, and publicly accessible areas against the general-public requirements. Current records of measurements or computations must be retained for the assessed site configuration. Type testing or evaluation of representative sites may be used only where the sources or sites are sufficiently comparable and their field behavior is predictable.
9.4.5 Exposure Groups And Controlled Areas
Occupational exposure under RPS S-1 is not simply any exposure that occurs at work. It is potential exposure above the general-public limits under controlled conditions after risk analysis, training, and suitable controls have been established. Other workplace exposure remains subject to the general-public limits.
The standard recognizes several occupationally exposed groups: RF Workers whose work intrinsically involves RF exposure; Controlled Area Workers who may need to work in a controlled area; Aware Users trained to operate portable transmitters that may exceed public restrictions; and Supervised Visitors who transit a controlled area under direct supervision.
A Controlled Area is one in which exposure may reasonably exceed the general-public limits. Access is restricted to appropriately informed and trained people, the public and occupational boundaries must be identified, and a Responsible Person manages RF safety information, access, signage, safe work practices, and coordination among source owners, employers, workers, contractors, and visitors.
General-public exposure covers everyone outside the defined occupational arrangements. Because members of the public may be continuously exposed without knowledge or control, areas that could exceed the public limits must be identified, access restricted, and appropriate signs or notices provided.