RF, Microwave & Laser Hazards

Non-ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to strip electrons from atoms like X-rays, but it can still burn skin, damage eyes and heat tissue. Common sources are radio antennas, microwave equipment, lasers and ultraviolet light from welding and sunlight.

• Tower Climbers
• Telecom
• Welders

Radio-frequency (RF) and microwave

• Cell, radio and TV antennas, radar and satellite uplinks emit RF energy. Close to a high-power antenna, the energy can heat body tissue and cause burns or internal heating.
• Workers on towers and rooftops can be near antennas that exceed safe levels if they are not powered down.
• RF fields can also induce currents in metal objects and cause burns on contact.

Controls

• Treat sites with antennas as RF areas. Look for warning signs, markings and site rules. See Tower Climbers.
• Get a site briefing and follow the carrier's lockout or power-down procedures before working near antennas.
• Use a personal RF monitor where required and stay out of areas marked as exceeding limits.
• Do not stand in front of an active antenna or dish.
• Limits are set by FCC and by ICNIRP/IEEE exposure guidelines. Employers follow them for workers.

Lasers

• Lasers are grouped in classes. Class 3B and 4 lasers can injure eyes, even from reflection, and Class 4 can burn skin and ignite materials.
• Construction lasers (levels) are usually low power but should never be aimed at eyes.
• Controls: use the lowest class that does the job, post warning signs, use enclosures and beam stops, avoid reflective surfaces, and wear laser safety eyewear rated for the wavelength. See Laser Safety Eyewear.

Ultraviolet (UV)

• Welding arcs produce intense UV that causes "arc eye" (photokeratitis) and skin burns. See Welding Helmets.
• Sunlight causes skin cancer over time. See Sun Protection.
• Cover skin, shield bystanders, and use tinted screens. See Welding Screens.

Last updated: October 8, 2026