Community RF Safety FAQ

As more communities set up UHF repeaters and two-way radio networks for emergency resilience, questions about radiofrequency (RF) safety come up regularly. Here are answers to the most common ones.

What is RF radiation?

Radiofrequency (RF) radiation is a form of non-ionising electromagnetic radiation. Unlike X-rays or gamma rays (ionising radiation), RF radiation does not have enough energy to break chemical bonds or remove electrons from atoms. UHF and VHF radios used in community networks operate in frequency ranges well within established safety limits.

Are UHF repeaters safe to live near?

Yes, when installed and operated to Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) standards. UHF repeaters typically operate at power levels of 5–25 watts. At the distances most community members live from a repeater (usually 50m+), exposure levels are a tiny fraction of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) maximum exposure standard.

For context: a standard mobile phone held against your ear typically produces higher localised RF exposure than living near a properly installed community UHF repeater.

What are the ARPANSA limits?

ARPANSA sets Maximum Exposure Levels (MELs) for RF fields in Australia, aligned with international standards (ICNIRP). For frequencies in the UHF range (400–500 MHz), the public exposure limit is 2 W/m² (watts per square metre). A 25-watt repeater at 100 metres produces exposure levels many orders of magnitude below this threshold.

What about handheld radios?

Handheld UHF radios (like those used by community members for local communication) typically transmit at 0.5–5 watts. At normal operating distances (held at arm's length, or on a belt clip), exposure is well within safe limits. The highest exposure occurs when the antenna is held directly against the body while transmitting — best practice is to hold the radio slightly away from the body during transmission.

Who do I contact if I have concerns?