Question T0C13
From subelement T0 - T0C
Who is responsible for ensuring that no person is exposed to RF energy above the FCC exposure limits?
Why is this correct?
The station licensee is responsible for RF exposure compliance. While the FCC sets the limits, they don't monitor every station. People near antennas and local zoning boards have no regulatory authority over RF safety. As the person operating the station, you must ensure your RF emissions don't exceed Maximum Permissible Exposure limits for anyone in your coverage area—family, neighbors, or passersby.
Memory tip
Remember this responsibility pattern: In amateur radio, the licensee bears personal accountability for station compliance. This applies to spurious emissions, bandwidth limits, identification requirements, and RF exposure—not external agencies or bystanders.
Learn more
This responsibility extends beyond just calculating power density. You must re-evaluate RF exposure compliance whenever you modify your transmitter or antenna system. A setup safe at 100 watts might exceed exposure limits with an amplifier. Your frequency privileges come with the duty to protect public safety through proper station engineering and operation within established emission standards.
Think about it
Why do you think the FCC places RF exposure responsibility on individual licensees rather than conducting regular inspections of every amateur station?