RF Mapping

All broadcasters must comply with the FCC RF exposure standards whether they own the tower site or not. While most FCC and FAA regulations on towers, e.g. painting, lighting, etc. are the responsibility of the tower owner, it is the Licensee for the RF generating equipment that must ensure that the emissions from their antennas do not result in excessive levels of human exposure to RF energy. This means identifying and marking any place on or around the tower that can be accessed by any person, general population or occupational, where they can be exposed to excess levels of RF radiation.

Addressing excess RF problems is critical to broadcasters that have or intend to file applications for new stations, major modifications or license renewals since they must supply information about their facilities potential to expose workers or the general public to RF energy in excess of the FCC RF exposure guidelines. If at a later date it is determined that the stations radiation pattern has resulted in the exposure of anyone to excess radiation the station can be held accountable for misrepresentation or worse. RF mapping of the tower and transmitter site is more critical than ever during the DTV transition period.

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