1. Assessing EMF Levels Guidance and Recommendations
ITU Workshop on
“Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)”
(Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013)
Assessing EMF Levels Guidance and Recommendations
Mike Wood
EME Management Education & Compliance Telstra
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

2. This presentation covers
Introduction
This presentation covers
Radio communications in the community
Environmental radio spectrum plot
Mobile network facilities
Typical EMF assessments & methods
ITU EMF recommendations
Conclusions
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

3. Radio Communications Services
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

4. Radio Communication Powers
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

5. Radio Communication Spectrum Plot
Typical radio signal levels in a community
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

6. Typical EMF Assessments
Safety
EMF compliance at sites
OH&S for workers and public
Environmental
Radio signals in the community
Educational & informative
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

7. Mobile Networks in the Community
Example Town
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

8. Towers Masts or Poles
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

9. Rooftop Base Stations
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

10. Micro Cells
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

11. EMF Safety Assessment EMF Compliance Assessments on rooftops
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

12. EMF Safety Assessment - Public
Assessment to the ICNIRP Guidelines
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

13. EMF Safety Assessment Assessment to the ICNIRP Guidelines
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

14. EMF Safety Assessment - microcells
Micro cells operate at low power and typically have small compliance zones
Assessment to the ICNIRP Guidelines
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

15. Example EMF Safety Assessment
Building Rooftop
Yellow – Public limit
Red – Occupational limit
Assessment to the ICNIRP Guidelines
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

16. Recommendations for EMF Assessments
Safety
EMF compliance at sites
OH&S for workers and public
Mitigation options to manage access
Environmental
Radio signals in the community
Educational & informative
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

17. EMF Assessment Methods
Calculations or Measurements?
EMF Assessment method depends on site & environment
Calculations - suitable in many cases, & have significant benefits - accurate, fast & cost effective.
Measurements - required in very complex environments.
Field Monitoring - Field monitoring is effective when working on towers for safety - Field surveys can provide public reassurance - Continuous monitoring – limited long term benefit where EMF levels are low and stable
ITU Recommendations - guidance on both calculation and measurements
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

18. ITU Recommendations for EMF Assessments
ITU-T K.91 guidance on how to assess and monitor human exposure to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) in areas with surrounding radio communication installations based on existing exposure and compliance standards – inc advantages and disadvantages of methods
ITU-T K.83 guidance on how to make long-term measurements & monitoring of EMF in the selected areas that are under public concern, in order to show that EMFs are under control and under the limits.
ITU-T K.70 defines techniques which may be used by telecommunication operators to evaluate the cumulative (total) exposure ratio in the vicinity of transmitting antennas and to identify the main source of radiation – includes EMF Estimator software ITU-T K.52 Guidance on complying with limits for human exposure to electromagnetic fields (telecommunications installations and handsets)
ITU-T K.61 Guidance to measurement and numerical prediction of electromagnetic fields for compliance with human exposure limits for telecommunication installations
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

19. EMF Assessment Example - Australia
Environmental EMF report is prepared for all base stations - follows Government calculation method & gives communities EMF information.
Site ICNIRP Compliance Assessment is prepared for all base stations - follows accredited calculation and measurement process
Government conducts site compliance audits & measurements at selected sites – ensures compliance, accurate information & public trust
All site reports on internet database
Public confidence has increased through transparency
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

20. Conclusions and Recommendations
EMF Safety
Important to assess EMF compliance at sites
Important to establish OH&S procedures
Environmental
Educational & informative
Radio signal levels are typically low & stable
Calculation vs monitoring – a balance is needed
Effective Public Communications
Quito, Ecuador, 14 August 2013

21. Links & Additional Information
ITU-T/SG5 “Environment & Climate Change”
ITU-T/SG5 Series K Recommendations (free of charge)
ITU-T and EMF
Thank You