CHAPTER 4 RADAR You are now a radar systems technical expert. As an  Electronics  Technician,  Second  Class,  and  possible work center supervisor, you also must understand the basic  safety  requirements  for  radar  maintenance  and operation. In ET Volume 1, Safefy, we discussed the following safety items that apply to radar: (1) the proper handling of  cathode-ray  tubes  (CRTs),  (2)  measuring  voltage  on energized   equipment,   (3)   the   use   of   protective equipment, (4) tag-out procedures, (5) working aloft, and (6) RF hazards. We will not cover that material in this volume. However,  we  will  test  your  understanding  of  that material in the NRTC for this volume. Therefore, if you have not completed Volume 1, you may want to do so before proceeding with this course. RADIATION  HAZARDS Much of your radar gear (if labeled correctly) will have  radiation  hazard  (RADHAZ)  warnings  attached. These labels indicate a radiation hazard producing RF electromagnetic   fields   intense   enough   to   actuate electro-explosive   devices,   cause   spark   ignition   of volatile combustibles, or produce harmful biological effects in humans. You will probably not be able to eliminate the hazards caused by normal operation of your  radar  equipment.  Therefore,  you  will  need  to minimize  them  during  certain  evolutions. The most effective way to reduce radiation hazards is  to  shut  down  equipment  when  possible  or  to  locate equipment so that radar main beams do not illuminate ordnance, personnel, or fuels. NAVSEA  OP  3565  requires  each  commanding officer to establish procedures for maintaining positive control  of  RF  transmitting  equipment  and  to  coordinate the  actions  of  personnel  working  near  emitters  or handling ordnance. By instruction, no one may turn on a n y   transmitting   equipment   without   proper authorization  from  the  supervisor  in  charge  of operations. That means that you need permission to operate, test operate, rotate, or radiate electronic gear. Each   command   has   an   Emissions   Control (EMCON) Bill that establishes the level of EMCON SAFETY required  during  certain  types  of  operations.  The EMCON bill identifies the equipment to be secured while  each  EMCON  level  is  set.  Label  your  radar equipment  according  to  your  EMCON  bill  to  make identification  easy  and  to  provide  for  timely  shut  down. The  following  paragraphs  discuss  the  primary adverse  affects  of  electromagnetic  radiation  on  material and personnel and the programs designed to minimize those   effects. HERO—HAZARDS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION TO ORDNANCE During on-loading or off-loading of ammunition, there is a danger that RF electromagnetic fields could accidentally  activate  electro-explosive  devices  (EEDs) or electrically-initiated ordnance. This is a very real hazard to the ordnance, the ship, and the crew. The HERO  program  was  developed  to  control  these  types  of situations. When HERO is set, it usually requires that radars be secured. When you are in port and must conduct any radar  maintenance  requiring  rotating  the  antenna  or radiating, always coordinate your actions with Base Operations  via  the  CDO.  HERO  conditions  anywhere in the area could be affected by your radar. Even if you just want to radiate a short period for an operational test, check with the OOD or CDO first. Table 4-1 identifies ordnance hazards associated with common electronic equipment. This is an example of tables found in NAVSEA OP 3565 Volume II, part 1. HERF—HAZARDS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION TO FUELS The  HERF  program  was  developed  to  protect fueling operations. During  fueling  operations,  RF electromagnetic fields with a large enough intensity could produce a spark that could ignite the volatile combustibles. Therefore, certain radars may need to be shut  down  during  fueling  operations.  Check  your HERF publications for specific details. 4-1