RF BURNS

Close or direct contact with RF transmission lines or antennas may result in RF burns. These are usually deep, penetrating, third-degree burns. To heal properly, these burns must heal from the inside to the skin surface. To prevent infection, you must give proper medical attention to all RF burns, including the small "pinhole" burns. Petrolatum gauze can be used to cover burns temporarily before the injured person reports to medical facilities for further treatment.

DIELECTRIC HEATING

Dielectric heating is the heating of an insulating material by placing it in a high frequency electric field. The heat results from internal losses during the rapid reversal of polarization of molecules in the dielectric material.

In the case of a person in an RF field, the body acts as a dielectric, If the power in the RF field exceeds 10 milliwatts per centimeter, a person in that field will have noticeable rise in body temperature. The eyes are highly susceptible to dielectric heating. For this reason, you should not look directly into devices radiating RF energy. The vital organs of the body are also susceptible to dielectric heating. For your own safety, you must not stand directly in the path of RF radiating devices.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING ALOFT

Prior to going aloft, you must follow all NAVOSH and local requirements such as wearing a harness and a hard hat. You must have a safety observer and meet all other requirements.

When radio or radar antennas are energized by transmitters, you must not go aloft unless advance tests show that little or no danger exists. A casualty can occur from even a small spark drawn from a charged piece of metal or rigging. Although the spark itself may be harmless, the "surprise" may cause you to let go of the antenna involuntarily, and you may fall. There is also a shock hazard if nearby antennas are energized.

Rotating antennas also may cause you to fall when your are working aloft. Motor safety switches controlling the motion of rotating antennas must be tagged and locked opened before you go aloft near such antennas.

When working near a stack, you should draw and wear the recommended oxygen breathing apparatus. Among other toxic substances, stack gas contains carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is too unstable to build up to a high concentration in the open, but prolonged exposure to even small quantities is dangerous.

SUMMARY

Naval communications using satellite and various antennas types must always be ready to shift from peacetime to wartime requirements. To this end, the diversity of fleet communication operations has given the Navy an expanded capability to meet ever-increasing command, control, and support requirements by use of satellites and assorted antennas.

Additionally, this variety of communications technology has increased the requirements for greater proficiency from all operating personnel. As a Radioman, you will be tasked with higher levels of performance in an increasingly technical Navy.