Ham Radio Technician Test Safety Procedures & Risk Management 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to FCC rules, who is responsible for ensuring that an amateur radio station complies with RF exposure limits?
- The antenna manufacturer
- The FCC field office nearest the station
- The licensed amateur radio operator controlling the station (Correct answer)
- The local amateur radio club
Correct answer: The licensed amateur radio operator controlling the station
The licensee is solely responsible for ensuring their station operates within permissible RF exposure limits.
Question 2: What does 'time averaging' allow an operator to do when evaluating RF exposure compliance?
- Transmit at any power level as long as the session is short
- Average high-power transmit periods with low-power or no-transmit periods to remain within MPE limits (Correct answer)
- Ignore exposure limits during contest weekends
- Count only the first 6 minutes of each hour
Correct answer: Average high-power transmit periods with low-power or no-transmit periods to remain within MPE limits
Time averaging lets operators mix transmit and non-transmit (or lower-power) intervals so the average exposure stays within the MPE limit over the averaging period.
Question 3: What is the safest way to discharge a large electrolytic capacitor before working on equipment?
- Short the leads together with a screwdriver to drain the charge instantly
- Remove power and let it discharge through the circuit over several minutes, then verify with a meter (Correct answer)
- Heat the capacitor with a heat gun to accelerate discharge
- Touch one lead at a time with an insulated probe
Correct answer: Remove power and let it discharge through the circuit over several minutes, then verify with a meter
The safe method is to remove power, allow natural discharge through the circuit, and confirm zero voltage with a meter before touching anything.
Question 4: When is it acceptable to work alone on a tall antenna tower?
- Only during daylight hours with good visibility
- Whenever the operator is experienced and has all required tools
- It is never recommended — a ground person should always be present (Correct answer)
- Anytime the tower is shorter than 50 feet
Correct answer: It is never recommended — a ground person should always be present
A ground person is always required to call for help in an emergency, assist with equipment, and maintain a watch.
Question 5: What precaution should be taken before connecting an antenna to a transceiver that has been stored for several years?
- Apply maximum power briefly to burn off any corrosion on the antenna element
- Inspect all coax connectors, cables, and the antenna itself for corrosion, damage, or water intrusion before operating (Correct answer)
- Replace the transceiver's PA transistors as a precaution
- Transmit on reduced power for 30 seconds to warm up stored components
Correct answer: Inspect all coax connectors, cables, and the antenna itself for corrosion, damage, or water intrusion before operating
Long-stored equipment and cables can develop dangerous faults due to corrosion or degraded insulation that must be inspected before use.
Question 6: What is the purpose of placing warning signs near a transmitting antenna installation?
- To satisfy FCC licensing requirements for commercial installations only
- To warn uninformed persons of potential RF exposure so they can maintain safe distance (Correct answer)
- To deter theft of antenna equipment
- To mark property boundaries near tower guy wires
Correct answer: To warn uninformed persons of potential RF exposure so they can maintain safe distance
Warning signs alert people who may be unaware of RF hazards so they can avoid close proximity to a transmitting antenna.
Question 7: Which condition makes a ladder the most dangerous tool for tower work?
- Using an aluminum ladder instead of fiberglass
- Leaning the ladder against the tower while a second person climbs the tower independently (Correct answer)
- Placing the ladder on a soft surface such as grass
- Using a ladder rated for only 250 lbs when the operator weighs 200 lbs
Correct answer: Leaning the ladder against the tower while a second person climbs the tower independently
Simultaneous ladder and tower climbing can cause vibrations or shifts that destabilize both climbers; only one person should be on a structure at a time.
Ham Radio Technician Test Safety Procedures & Risk Management 5
According to FCC rules, who is responsible for ensuring that an amateur radio station complies with RF exposure limits?