Which radiation hazard has the smallest permissible personnel distance?

• A. V/UHF-1 & 2
• B. HF3 & 4
• C. MMR APY-11
• D. HF1 & 2

Answer: (A)

Radiation hazard distance is set by maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits, which vary with frequency. The higher the energy density allowed at a given frequency, the closer personnel can be to the source while still staying safe. The V/UHF-1 & 2 transmitters operate in the V/UHF range, where the regulatory limits and the way energy is distributed around the antenna result in a smaller restricted zone. In comparison, the HF bands and the MMR APY-11 radar either radiate with higher local energy or operate under stricter exposure guidelines for their frequencies, producing larger hazards radiating out farther. So the system in the V/UHF band has the smallest permissible personnel distance.