Fall Occupational Safety and Health Committee Conference September 26, 2017

Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront

Radio Frequency Electric Distribution and Transmission Information

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Overview

• Why did we need to act?

• Regulations and standards

• Common utility exposures to radio frequency

• Getting started

• What have we done?

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Why did we need to act?

Wireless communication attachment requests are increasing.

Attachments are more widespread across our footprint. Surge of requests around time of large sporting event. Requests for access to the communication space. Different types of equipment are being proposed.

As a result, the employer needs to closely evaluate the hazards, and take steps to protect the employees, public,

and other joint use personnel.

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Regulations and Standards

NESC • 2017 edition

added a rule (410 A.6) requiring RF training (3 kHz – 300 GHz)

• Applies to those working around antennas that exceed exposure limits

• References: OSHA, FCC, IEEE

IEEE • C95.1 – 2005 Std

for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz – 300 GHz

• C95.7 – 2014 Recommended Practice for Radio Frequency Safety Programs, 3kHz to 300 GHz

FCC • OET Bulletin 65:

Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields

• This is the basis for most of the regulatory information surrounding RF

• Establishes the exposure levels for RF

OSHA • 1910.97:

Nonionizing Radiation

• Basic guidance on exposures

• Not as much detail as FCC or IEEE

• OSHA Lock out/Tag out laws may come into play.

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The FCC guidelines establish two tiers of exposure - Controlled: These are occupational limits that pertain to

exposures as a consequence of their employment. (training required)

- Uncontrolled: These are exposure limits set for the general public or employees who are not fully aware of the potential for exposure.

Exposures are based on power densities (mW/cm2) The exposure limits vary by frequency

Exposure Limits

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Common Utility Exposures

Pole attachments

Roof-top antennas

Others at our working height

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Pole Attachments

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Identified & Quantified Exposures Identified existing RF emitting equipment. Reviewed data associated with the equipment. Determined whether or not our employees would

be exposed. Evaluated the equipment to determine the

exposure levels.

Getting Started: What did we do?

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Determined the most appropriate control methods; using a layered-protection approach. Directionality/Type of Antenna Positioning of equipment Distance Setting time limits for work Monitoring equipment Lockout/Tagout Work practices Signage Training

Getting Started: What did we do?

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Radiofrequency Safety Program (RFSP) We developed an RFSP, so that we could organize our

guidelines, work procedures, exposures, and controls. IEEE and EPRI both have best practices for

developing an RFSP.

Getting Started: What did we do?

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Developed procedures and trained employees Worked with employees, leadership, and SME’s to

develop procedures for working around RF emitting equipment.

Trained employees based on their potential for exposure level, and will continue to hold refresher training.

Getting Started: What did we do?

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Where are we?

• Our safety department works closely with our pole attachment and joint use group, engineering, and legal when evaluating proposed equipment.

• We’ve developed an RF Safety Program and work practices to address employee exposures.

• We documented our Pole Attachment RF Safety Guidelines.

• We trained our employees initially, and plan to hold refresher training to address new types of attachments.

• We’ve been in consultation with a group that specializes in RF Safety

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What’s next?

More Attachments Increased Monitoring

New Employee

Training Updating our program

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FCC OET 65: Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields

IEEE C95.7 – 2014: Recommended Practice for Radio Frequency Safety Programs, 3kHz to 300 GHz

Resources

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association that represents the U.S. investor-owned electric industry. Our members provide electricity for 220 million Americans, operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and directly employ more than 500,000 workers. Safe, reliable, affordable, and clean electricity powers the economy and enhances the lives of all Americans. The EEI membership also includes dozens of international electric companies as International Members, and hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members. Since 1933, EEI has provided public policy leadership, strategic business intelligence, and essential conferences and forums for the energy industry. For more information, visit our Web site at www.eei.org.