Worker Safety

Working safely around mobile base stations and other facilities with radio frequency transmitters

In August 2025, Safe Work Australia published guidance on working safely around radio frequency electromagnetic radiation explaining that everyone in the workplace has WHS duties under the WHS Act.


The information sheet from Safe Work Australia provides practical guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) on managing work health and safety (WHS) risks for workers who may be exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation sources, particularly from radiofrequency transmitting antennas.

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has also developed two practical resources to assist in identifying site owners and to provide safety information:

  • The Radiofrequency National Site Archive (RFNSA) database provides free access to maps showing the location, EMR reports and carrier details for both existing or proposed mobile telecommunications sites which are near a worksite.
    • Note: the RFNSA database focuses primarily on infrastructure related to mobile and wireless communications. It does not include all sources of EMR, such as those from other types of infrastructure or industries.
    • If the details of the telecommunications site owner are not shown on the RFNSA, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) register of Radio licences can identify the relevant licence holder so contact may be made.
  • RadioWorkSafe which provides the basic safety steps for working at known mobile and wireless communications network RF transmitting sources and includes resources to assist PCBUs and workers understand who to contact, and where to access training, safety videos and information resources.

Unknown transmitters: If a transmitter or antenna owner cannot be identified, the equipment must be treated as live. Work must not be undertaken near it until the exclusion zone is identified by the facility manager and the area where work can be undertaken safely is understood.

Resources
SafeWorkAustralia information sheet – information sheet from Safe Work Australia
AMTA RF Safety Program – https://amta.org.au/category/health-and-safety/mobile-networks-safety/

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