Telecom Tower Technician 1 Practice Test

When working around RF (radio frequency) sources, the primary safety concern is to ensure that workers are not exposed to harmful levels of RF radiation. The first and most critical step in this regard is using an RF monitor. An RF monitor helps to detect and measure the levels of radiation in the environment, allowing technicians to make informed decisions about their safety. It alerts workers to the existence of RF fields, which can be harmful at certain power levels and frequencies.

Understanding the RF environment is essential because exposure to high levels of RF energy can lead to various health issues, including burns or other injuries. By using an RF monitor, technicians can assess whether it is safe to proceed with their work or if precautions must be taken to mitigate exposure.

While wearing gloves, implementing fall protection measures, and following the instructions of a signal person are important aspects of working safely in general, they do not specifically address the hazards posed by RF sources. Therefore, the proper use of an RF monitor takes precedence as the first step in ensuring safety when working in environments where RF exposure is a concern.