In the rapidly evolving telecommunications sector, the infrastructure enabling global connectivity is both vast and complex. Technical personnel, who play a pivotal role in installing, maintaining, and repairing antenna systems, navigate a landscape where precision and safety are paramount. Mediaco, a leader in the European lifting and material handling industry, boasts an extensive network across France with 90 local agencies and a dedicated team of 2,300 professionals.
In telecommunications maintenance, Mediaco collaborates closely with telecom giants to ensure the robustness of this essential infrastructure. As a crucial safety measure against electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, Mediaco equips its technicians with RF safety personal protection monitors, especially when there's uncertainty about whether power to the antennas has been deactivated before maintenance. This ensures the protection of both personnel and equipment.
The Invisible Hazard: Addressing RF Radiation in Telecom Work
Technicians working near telecom Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) antennas, essential for facilitating communication between the network and mobile devices, encounter unique challenges. Positioned close to powerful sources of RF radiation emitted by these antennas, they are exposed to invisible yet significant hazards. This proximity necessitates stringent safety measures to mitigate the risk of RF radiation, a byproduct of our increasingly connected world that can adversely affect both human health and equipment functionality.
Technicians face the risk of RF emission, a concern exacerbated by the growing sensitivity of their machinery to electromagnetic fields. Aerial work platforms, such as the Nacelle, are particularly vulnerable to RF-induced disruptions, which can cause unpredictable behavior in machinery—posing a potential risk to technicians working at heights.
Mr. Sébastien Le Moal, a former telecom technician who serves as a Technical Sales Manager for Aerial Platforms in Brittany at Mediaco, shares that the crew experienced unexpected machine behavior due to RF disturbances. The aerial work platform, essential for reaching high points on the structure, reacted unpredictably when exposed to electromagnetic fields. This situation, while under control and without any risk to the technicians thanks to safety harnesses, underscored the potential for RF interference to profoundly affect equipment operation. Such experiences highlight the critical need for precise detection and management of RF radiation levels to ensure both technician safety and operational efficiency in Mediaco’s maintenance tasks.
Despite thorough planning and site assessments to deactivate communication systems beforehand, the possibility of remote system reactivations introduces an element of unpredictability into their operations. Mr. Le Moal underscores the vital role of RF detectors in this context, stating, “The importance of the detector cannot be overstated,” as it is crucial for ensuring that operations proceed only when safety is assured. Mediaco’s commitment to comprehensive safety protocols, including pre-operational tests and cautious operator approaches with RF detectors, demonstrates their dedication to safeguarding personnel and equipment in the complex environment of telecommunications maintenance.
Tech Meets Safety: The EME Guard XS Solution for RF Detection
The MVG EME Guard XS emerges as a key solution to these challenges. “We tried RF detection devices from other companies and found some were too heavy,” Mr. Le Moal explained, underscoring the need for a reliable, user-friendly tool. “This RF safety tool is extremely easy to use and creates a safer working environment in the areas of installation and maintenance.” The EME Guard XS’s ability to provide real-time EMF monitoring ensures that technicians can work within safe EMF thresholds, significantly mitigating the risks associated with RF radiation exposure.
Mediaco’s commitment to safety is exemplified through meticulous operational practices. Before commencing work, technicians verify that power to the antennas is disconnected to prevent exposure to harmful EMF levels, with the EME Guard XS serving as an indispensable tool for confirming safe conditions. “Tower techs need devices to detect RF waves. It’s more than a need—they can’t work safely without an RF detector,” Mr. Le Moal emphasized.
Ahead of the Curve: Mediaco’s Vision for Safer Telecommunications
The adoption of the EME Guard XS has set new safety standards within the telecom sector, demonstrating the impactful role of technology in addressing operational challenges. Mediaco says its forward-looking approach is characterized by a continuous commitment to leveraging innovative solutions that enhance safety and operational efficiency. “As the industry evolves, so will our solutions,” Mr. Le Moal noted, looking towards a future where advancements in technology further safeguard those who maintain the critical infrastructure of our connected world.
The Microwave Vision Group offers cutting-edge technologies for the visualization of electromagnetic waves. With advanced test solutions for antenna characterization, radar signature evaluation, and electromagnetic measurements, MVG supports company R&D teams in their drive to innovate and boost product development.
Click here for more information on MVG's EME Guard XS.
