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
