RF HAZARD METER

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	RF HAZARD METER TEST FACILITY
Telstra has appointed EMC Systems (a subsidiary of EMC Technologies) as the exclusive distributor of a Portable Radio Frequency (RF) Hazard Meter Test Facility. This unique RF Hazard Test Facility was especially developed by Telecom Research Laboratories for the on site testing of RF Hazard detection probes used to measure the level of RF incidental radiation emitted by transmitting antenna systems such as those used for Radio communications, radio and TV broadcast, microwave repeaters, CDMA, 3G, and GSM mobile phone base stations. It has been recognised for a long time that exposure of the human body to high levels of electromagnetic radiation may lead to adverse health effects.
".....fault with the meter could place the operator or nearby persons in a hazardous situation as the misleading faulty meter reading..... .....may inadvertently result in exposure to potentially hazardous electromagnetic fields."	EMC Systems are proud to be the sole distributors of the Portable Radiation Hazard (RadHaz) Meter Test Facility developed by Telecom Research Laboratories.
To ensure the protection of personnel working on site and members of the general public, it is essential that the levels of RF radiation around these transmitter installations is known when determining compliance with ARPANSA Radiation Protection Standard - Maximum Exposure Levels to Radio Frequency Fields - 3 kHz to 300 GHz - Radiation Protection Series No. 3 : 2002
Safe working practices involve the routine surveying of these antenna installations and the surrounding areas where the electromagnetic radiation may be radiated at significant levels. The surveys quantify the level of radiation using a range of portable RF hazard meters. These meters are used on a day to day basis by staff working at these installations in order to assess their personal exposure levels. The failure rate of these RADHAZ meters has been particularly high and is generally a consequence of the fragile nature of the instruments and the environment they are used in. These faults have included drops in sensitivity and isotropicity of the RADHAZ probe such that it indicates a very low field strength even when it is exposed to high and potentially hazardous fields. Any such fault with the meter could place the operator or nearby persons in a hazardous situation as the misleading faulty meter reading may inadvertently result in exposure to potentially hazardous electromagnetic fields.
As a site survey is designed to locate all areas exceeding the ARPANSA Radiation Protection Standard, (which supersedes AS2772) maximum exposure level in order to restrict access to those areas, incorrect survey results could lead to staff over exposure on a regular or continuing basis. The accuracy and credibility of the results is therefore of paramount importance.
The credibility of survey results is dramatically improved if the RADHAZ meter is tested immediately before and after each use. To ensure that all RADHAZ meters are fully operational, Telecom Research laboratories developed this inexpensive TEM cell designed specifically to test the operation of the most common RADHAZ probes including Narda, Raham and Holaday. Housed in an attractive robust carry case, the unit comprises an RF source, transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell and an RF power meter. Operating from 12 VDC, it is compatible with most vehicle cigarette lighter outlets making it particularly useful for use at sites where mains power is not available. The units offer test field strength accuracy of 0.5 dB and isotropic response error of 0.5 dB. For further information about this unique product, contact; EMC Systems: Melbourne: +61 3 9365 1000 or Sydney +61 2 9624 2777