Federal Communications Commission Regulations; Compliance With Rf Exposure Standards - L3Harris XL Series Operator's Manual

This two-way radio uses electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum to provide
communications between two or more users over a distance. It uses RF energy or radio waves
to send and receive calls. RF energy is one form of electromagnetic energy. Other forms include,
but are not limited to, electric power, sunlight, and x-rays. RF energy, however, should not be
confused with these other forms of electromagnetic energy, which, when used improperly, can
cause biological damage. Very high levels of x-rays, for example, can damage tissues and genetic
material.
Experts in science, engineering, medicine, health, and industry work with organizations to develop
standards for exposure to RF energy. These standards provide recommended levels of RF
exposure for both workers and the general public. These recommended RF exposure levels
include substantial margins of protection. All two-way radios marketed in North America are
designed, manufactured, and tested to ensure they meet government-established RF exposure
levels. In addition, manufacturers also recommend specific operating instructions to users of two-
way radios. These instructions are important because they inform users about RF energy
exposure and provide simple procedures on how to control it. Refer to the following websites for
more information on what RF energy exposure is and how to control exposure to assure
compliance with established RF exposure limits:
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html
http://www.osha.gov./SLTC/radiofrequencyradiation/index.html
1.3

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION REGULATIONS

Before it was marketed in the United States, the XL Series mobile radio was tested to ensure
compliance with FCC RF energy exposure limits for two-way mobile radios. When two-way radios
are used as a consequence of employment, the FCC requires users to be fully aware of and able
to control their exposure to meet occupational requirements. Exposure awareness can be
facilitated using a label directing users to specific user awareness information. The radio has an
RF exposure product label. Also, this manual includes information and operating instructions
required to control RF exposure and to satisfy compliance requirements.
1.4

COMPLIANCE WITH RF EXPOSURE STANDARDS

The XL Series mobile radio is designed and tested to comply with a number of national and
international standards and guidelines regarding human exposure to RF electromagnetic energy.
This radio complies with the IEEE and ICNIRP exposure limits for occupational/controlled RF
exposure environment at duty-cycle times of up to 50% (50% transmit, 50% receive), and it is
authorized by the FCC for occupational use. In terms of measuring RF energy for compliance with
the FCC exposure guidelines, the radio's antenna radiates measurable RF energy only while it is
transmitting (talking), not when it is receiving (listening), or in a standby mode.
Table 1-1 lists the recommended minimum safe lateral distances for a controlled
environment and for unaware bystanders in an uncontrolled environment, from
transmitting antennas (i.e., monopoles over a ground plane, or dipoles) at rated radio
power for mobile radios installed in a vehicle. Transmit only when unaware
bystanders are at least the uncontrolled recommended minimum safe lateral distance
away from the transmitting antenna.
14221-1850-2000, Rev. C
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