HAZARDS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC
RADIATION TO FUELS
The Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to
Fuels (HERF) Program was developed to protect fuel-
ing operations. During fueling operations, RF electro-
magnetic fields with a very large intensity could
produce a spark that could ignite the volatile com-
bustibles. Therefore, certain radars may need to be
shut down during fueling operations. Check your
HERF publications for specific details.
HAZARDS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC
RADIATION TO PERSONNEL
The Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to
Personnel (HERP) Program was developed to protect
personnel from RF electromagnetic radiation. Wher-
ever a radar or a transmitter is operating, there is a
danger that the RF electromagnetic fields may pro-
duce harmful biological effects in humans exposed to
them. The following subsections identify the typical
hazards and the steps you can take to minimize those
hazards.
Radio-Frequency Hazards
Radio-frequency (RF) hazards to personnel are
caused by overexposure to RF energy. As a Fire Con-
trolman, you should refer to NAVSEA OP 3565,
volume I, to understand the biological hazard levels
for exposure to RF radiation, as established by the
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
SAFE LIMITS.— Safe limits are based on the
power density of the radiation beam and the exposure
time of the human body. Table 3-2 (an example of
tables in NAVSEA OP 3565, volume I) identifies the
safe limits associated with common electronics equip-
ment.
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