RF Safety & Power-Down Procedure SWMS
RF exposure management, transmitter power-down lockout, occupational vs general public limits. ARPANSA RPS S-1 + RPS 3 framework. Used in conjunction with antenna and tower work SWMS.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
RF safety and power-down lockout procedures for telecommunications workers entering active antenna zones. Manages RF exposure against ARPANSA RPS S-1 occupational limits, controls transmitter shutdown, and verifies de-energisation before tower or rooftop access. Required under WHS Regulation 2025 where workers may exceed general public exposure thresholds near transmitters.
Hazards identified
3 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Tissue heating, burns, long-term health effects
Acute RF overexposure and serious injury
Cumulative RF exposure above compliance threshold
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Power down and lockout/tagout transmitters per AS/NZS 4836; verify zero RF with calibrated personal monitor.
- 2Issue RF permit-to-work defining exclusion zones, occupational limits and carrier coordination for co-located sites.
- 3Workers wear personal RF monitors with audible alarm set to ARPANSA RPS S-1 occupational threshold.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Mandatory RF exposure limits — occupational and general public
Lockout/tagout and isolation verification procedures
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
Transmitters and feeder lines remain energised electrical equipment until verified isolated and locked out.
RF power-down procedures support tower access work where antennas and transmitters are present.
HRCW SWMS mandatory before work starts under WHS Reg 291.
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS customisable to site and carrier
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation schedule (NSW/VIC/QLD/WA/SA/TAS/ACT/NT)
- ✓RF hazard register with ARPANSA exposure thresholds
- ✓Worker sign-on register for RF permit acknowledgement
Related legislation
- WHS Regulation 2025 Part 4.5 (Plant) and Reg 291 (HRCW)
- ARPANSA Radiation Protection Standard RPS 3
- Radiocommunications Act 1992 (Cth)