T0C: Routine station evaluation (practical applications for VHF/UHF and above operations)


It is not necessary for you to perform mathematical calculations of the RF radiation exposure if your station transmits with more than 50 watts peak envelope power (PEP). There are alternate means to determine if your station meets the RF radiation exposure limits.

If you do not have the equipment to measure the RF power densities present at your station, you might ensure compliance with the FCC RF radiation exposure limits by using one or more of the methods included in the amateur supplement to FCC OET Bulletin 65.


You make sure the antenna of a hand-held transceiver is not too close to your head when transmitting to reduce your exposure to the radio-frequency energy. You should position the antenna of a hand-held transceiver away from your head and away from others while you are transmitting.

For the lowest RF radiation exposure to passengers, you would mount your mobile antenna on the roof of your car. Mobile transceivers produce less RF radiation exposure than hand-held transceivers because when mounted on a metal vehicle roof, mobile antennas are generally well shielded from vehicle occupants.

For safety, if you put up a UHF transmitting antenna, you should make sure the antenna will be in a place where no one can get near it when you are transmitting.

You should make sure your antennas are located so that no one can touch them while you are transmitting because touching the antenna might cause RF burns.


For safety, before removing the shielding on a UHF power amplifier make sure the amplifier cannot accidentally be turned on.

To reduce the risk of shock from high voltages and reduce RF radiation exposure, you should never operate a power amplifier unless its covers are in place.