x-rays as shown in figure 3-2. You will be concerned
primarily with radio frequency (RF) and laser hazards.
RADIO-FREQUENCY RADIATION
HAZARDS
Radiation from antennas fed by high-powered,
radio-frequency (RF) transmitters has the potential to
directly injure the soft tissue of personnel who are near
the radiating antennas. These injuries result from the
tissue being “cooked” in a manner similar to the way
food is cooked in a microwave oven. Transmitters
aboard ships, on aircraft, and at shore stations are
potential sources of harmful radiation.
The sensations caused by exposure to excessive RF
radiation vary. You should remain alert in any area in
which you may be exposed to RF radiation because, at
some frequencies, exposure to excessive levels of RF
radiation will not produce a noticeable sensation of
pain or discomfort to give warning that injury may be
occurring.
Radiated RF energy can also cause indirect injury
to personnel by inducing high RF voltage levels in
metal objects. If you touch such an object while it
contains a high RF voltage, you will likely receive an
RF burn. The current will produce heat as it overcomes
the resistance of your skin. The effect of the heat may
range from warmth to a painful burn.
LASER RADIATION HAZARDS
The word laser is the acronym for light
amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. A
laser is a concentrated beam of optical radiation. As a
technology has increased, the use of lasers has
increased from industrial and medical purposes to both
offensive and defensive military purposes.
3-6
ATTENTION
Static Sensitive
Devices
Handle Only at
Static Safe Work
Stations
Reusable Container
Do Not Destroy
MIL STD 129H Symbol
ATTENTION
Static Sensitive
Contents
Destructable
Handling
Precautions Required
Contents
JEDEC 14 Symbol
CAUTION
CONTENTS SUBJECT TO DAMAGE BY
STATIC ELECTRICITY
DO NOT OPEN
EXCEPT AT APPROVED
STATIC-FREE WORK STATION
70102
FCf03001
Figure 3-1.—ESD warning symbols.
