The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) held the first of two newly scheduled Web-based RF safety courses Wednesday following the success of the first SBE-sponsored course in late June.
The remaining course will be conducted Aug. 2 from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (EDT). Others may be scheduled in the future, the SBE said.
The Aug. 2 course can accommodate up to nine login points from which students can participate with the webcasts and receive audio via toll-free telephone connection.
The SBE RF Safety Course is designed for broadcast station personnel, such as chief and assistant chief engineers, transmitter site engineers, ENG and SNG maintenance personnel and managers, who need to understand RF safety issues and regulations. Teaching the course is RF safety authority Richard Strickland of RF Safety Solutions.
The course covers the biological effects of RF radiation and the distinct differences between RF radiation and ionizing radiation. It explains FCC and OSHA regulations and what broadcasters need to do to comply. Strickland discusses workplace hazard sites, including transmitter sites, SNG and ENG trucks, remote operations such as rooftops and the unique issues at AM stations. He also covers RF hazard protection equipment and signage.
Each participant receives a presentation handout via e-mail prior to the course. Those attending receive a certificate of attendance from the SBE.
Locations for the Aug. 2 course include: Orlando, FL; Long Island, NY; Memphis, TN; Spokane, WA; Manhattan, KS; Gainesville, FL; St. Louis; Washington, D.C.; and Farnsworth Peak, UT (near Salt Lake City).
Most locations are open to those in the broadcasting community, but a few are restricted to personnel from the companies hosting the site. Check with the SBE National Office for open sites.
For more information, visit www.sbe.org/pub_sc.php#RFSAFE.
