b'Advisory Bulletin Radiofrequency Radiation and Electromagnetic FieldsAn update from the CRCA National Technical CommitteeT heincreasednumberofradiation has more energy than non- the Government of Canada wouldIfworkneedstobeperformedment is present. It be would pru-cellularantennasandotherionizingradiation.Ionizingradia- takestepstoprotectthehealthwithin a potentially hazardous area: dentforworkerstobeawareof communicationequipmenttion, like x-rays or gamma rays, hasofCanadians.Check the site survey or roof planrooftopequipmentandtousethat generates radiofrequency (RF)enoughenergytocausechemicalfor potential exposure levels. personal RF monitors when work-radiation and electromagnetic fieldschanges by breaking chemical bonds.How Protect Yourself from Pre-plan work tasks and traveling around antennas in order to be(EMF)maybeexposingroofersSources of this type of radiation canRF Radiation routessoyoucanlimittripsalerted when the RF radiation is at andothercontractorstoharmfulbe found in hospitals, nuclear energyThe risks associated with RF ra- through the RF field and timedangerous levels.levelsofradiationwhenworkingplantsandnuclearweaponsfacili- diation increases with the number ofspent on tasks therethe goalTheopinionsexpressedherein on rooftops, sides of buildings andties.Non-ionizingradiationcausesdevices present, the closer a worker isis to get in and out as quicklyarethoseoftheCRCANational other locations where RF-generatingmoleculestovibrate,whichgener- to the equipment/device(s) and theaspossible.TechnicalCommittee.ThisAdvi-antennas are located. This bulletinates heat. RF radiation is a type ofmore time that is spent in the area. Avoid standing directly in frontsoryBulletiniscirculatedforthe will focus on radiation types, safetynon-ionizingradiationandistheWorkers can protect themselves byof or close to an antenna. As apurpose of bringing roofing infor-limits and mitigating exposure. energy used to transmit wireless in- doing the following: rule of thumb, stay 1.5 metresmation to the attention of the read-With the ever-increasing use andformation. RF radiation is invisible,(six feet) away from a single an- Complete a visual assessment ofer. The data, commentary, opinions developmentofcommunicationand power levels of equipment andtenna and three metres (10 feet) technology, there is an increased riskamount of RF radiation can fluctu- the area to determine if cellularaway from a group of antennas.and conclusions, if any, are not in-forthoseworkinginandaroundate without warning. antennas or other RF radiation-UseapersonalRFmonitor.tended to provide the reader withcommunication devices and equip- generatingantennasarepres- The monitor will warn you ifconclusive technical advice, and the ment that emit radiofrequency elec- About Safety Code 6 ent. If you are not sure, ask youryou are in an area where RF ra- reader should not act only on the tromagneticfields(EMF)suchasHealth Canada publishes Safetysupervisor, the building ownerdiation is at a dangerous level.roofinginformationcontainedin smart meters, cell phone towers andCode 6, 1which sets out recommend- or the property manager if RF- Thereareseveralhandheldthis Advisory Bulletin without seek-equipmentusing5Gtechnology.ed safety limits for human exposuregenerating antennas are presentEMF personal safety monitorsingspecificprofessional,engineer-Roof areas are often prime locationstoradiofrequencyelectromagneticwhere you need to work. Theavailableonthemarketthating or architectural advice. Neither for this type of equipment, and any- fields (EMF) in the frequency rangebuildingownerorpropertymeasureexposureandallowtheCRCAnoranyofitsofficers, one accessing these roof areas for anyfrom three kHz to 300 GHz. Thismanagershouldhavethein- workers to work in an exposeddirectors, members or employees as-reason should be aware of the Occu- range covers the frequencies used byformation, or know whom toareaforalimitedtime.Usesume any responsibility for any of pational Health and Safety require- communications devices and equip- contact for information aboutpersonal monitors and protec- the roofing information contained ments and the Safety Code 6. Con- ment that emit radiofrequency EMFantennas,theirlocationsandtive clothing while work is be- herein or the consequences of any in-sultwithprovincialand/orfederalsuchas:Wi-Fi,cellphones,smartthe RF radiation levels.ing performed, and if an alarmterpretation which the reader may authoritieshavingjurisdictionfork for warning signs postedsounds, stop work and leave the meters, cell phone towers and those Loo take from such information.furtherinformation/guidanceforusing 5G technology. nearRFantennas;thesignsarea immediately.most stringent requirements. SafetyCode6isreviewedonashould identify the hazard andReferencesWhat Is Radiofrequencyregular basis to confirm that it con- tell you where to get more in- Summary 1.www.canada.ca/en/health-tinues to provide protection againstformation.Insummary,constructionem-(RF) Radiation? all known potentially adverse health Contactthebuildingowner/ ployers and their employees shouldcanada/services/health-risks- Therearetwotypesofradia- effects.Ifnewscientificevidencemanagerandtheantennali- beconcernedaboutRFradiationsafety/radiation/occupa tionionizing radiation and non- weretoshowthatexposuretora- censee to have the equipmentif they perform work on rooftops,tional-exposure-regulations/ionizing radiation. Both are forms ofdiofrequency EMF below the levelstemporarilypowereddownsidesofbuildingsorotherareassafety-code-6-radiofreque electromagnetic energy, but ionizingfound in Safety Code 6 poses a risk,ormoved. wheretelecommunicationsequip- cy-exposure-guidelines.html ORN THE ONLY SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ICI ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN ONTARIO ONTARIO ROOFING NEWSISSUE 3 202319'