Dr. Joe Palsa (K3WRY) VA Section Manager sent out this alert for Virginia-based ARRL members but it is applicable to all amateur radio operators:
ARLB011 Updated Radio Frequency Exposure Rules Become Effective on May 3
The FCC has announced that rule changes detailed in a lengthy 2019 Report and Order governing RF exposure standards go into effect on May 3, 2021. The new rules do not change existing RF exposure (RFE) limits but do require that stations in all services, including amateur radio, be evaluated against existing limits, unless they are exempted. For stations already in place, that evaluation must be completed by May 3, 2023. After May 3 of this year, any new station, or any existing station modified in a way that’s likely to change its RFE profile – such as different antenna or placement or greater power – will need to conduct an evaluation by the date of activation or change.
You can download the full bulletin here.
Ed Gibbs (KW4GF) is working with a VA Section club leader who will present this information on who should or shouldn’t conduct this RFI audit and how it is done. The presentation is slated for October 2021. If there are concerns ahead of that time, please let Ed know (KW4GF@ARRL.NET), let Dr. Palsa know (K3WRY@ARRL.ORG), or direct your query to ARRL HQ.