The Society of Broadcast Engineers first Web-based RF safety course has been so well received that the organization is adding two more dates to its schedule.
The first course, held on June 27, was attended by more than 80 participants across nine different sites in the U.S. The two additional dates for the course are July 25 and August 2. Both courses will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. Each course can accommodate up to nine “log-in” points where participants can log in to the Webcasts and receive their audio via toll free telephone connection. By projecting the Webcast on a larger screen and amplifying the audio connection, many more participants can be accommodated at each site.
The SBE RF Safety Course is designed for broadcast station personnel, including chief and assistant chief engineers, transmitter site engineers, ENG and SNG maintenance personnel and management that need to understand RF safety issues and regulations. 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. Other topics covered include workplace hazard sites, including transmitter sites, SNG and ENG trucks, remote operations such as rooftops and the unique issues at AM stations, as well as RF hazard protection equipment and signage.
Richard Strickland of RF Safety Solutions leads the course. Each participant receives a presentation handout via e-mail prior to the course and those attending receive a certificate of attendance from SBE.
Each of the nine login points have already been reserved for the July 25 and August 2 courses. Most locations are open to those in the broadcasting community but a few are restricted to only personnel from the companies hosting the site. Check with the SBE National Office when registering to be sure the site you wish to attend is an open site.
Locations for the July 25 course include:
- Buffalo, N.Y.
- Patchogue, N.Y.
- Columbus, Ind.
- Portland, Ore.
- Pittsburgh
- San Diego
- San Jose, Calif.
- Austin, Texas
- St. Louis, Mo.
August 2 course locations include:
- Orlando, Fla.
- Long Island, N.Y.
- Memphis, Tenn.
- Spokane, Wash.
- Manhattan, Kan.
- Gainesville, Fla.
- St. Louis, Mo.
- Washington, D.C.
- Farnsworth Peak, Utah (near Salt Lake City).
SBE has created a waiting list for those who wish to participate in future courses. If interested, contact the SBE at rfsafety@sbe.org. For more information and a registration form, visit the SBE Web site page, http://www.sbe.org/pub_sc.php#RFSAFE.
