When Do Personal RF Monitors Need Recertification?

The use of RF personal monitors is widespread among wireless tower climbers and technicians. This is a relatively new development of the last five years or so. Prior to that, only a few monitors were in use. These were typically models developed for use by engineers, with a host of features not needed for routine climber protection. Consequently, they were expensive and not frequently used. With safety managers now mandating personal monitors for wireless facility work, cost-effective equipment has emerged.

Typical of these monitors is LBA Technology’s widely used SafeOne Pro®, the popular fieldSENSE 2.0, and its successor, fieldSENSE 60 . Thousands of these monitors are in use worldwide.

Many safety managers are concerned about personal training, PPE, and testing and validation of safety equipment, including personal RF monitors. That raises the questions “When do monitors need recertificaton?” and “Who can perform recertifications?”

When do monitors need recertificaton?

Most manufacturers recommend a functional calibration or recertification every two years. This is computed from the date of first use (customer delivery) or from the date of the calibration certificate included in the original purchase if delivery records do not exist. At LBA Group, we keep a serial number record of each monitor that it sells and its shipment date. LBA customers can check their shipment-based recalibration date by contacting LBA, if it is not posted on the monitor.

LBA agrees with this advice but recommends an annual check for instruments used outdoors or in construction/climbing environments. In any event, a function test by the user is advised prior to each day’s work.

There is no practical way to validate RF performance in the field. If the function test is abnormal or the RF monitor alarms differ from nearby units worn by coworkers, submit the unit for recertification.

Who can perform recertifications?

To comply with manufacturer’s specifications, a specialized laboratory is necessary to verify the operation of a personal RF monitor. Because the occupational MPE’s monitored represent high levels of RF power, this circumstance must be duplicated in the lab. Each recertification requires a high power amplifier, specially calibrated antenna, a monitor positioning device, and a shielded enclosure – an unusual and pricey set of equipment. Lab personnel must also be familiar with personal RF monitors and have access to manufacturer’s data.

LBA maintains a lab facility suitable to test SafeOne® and fieldSENSE 2.0 monitors, and the recently introduced fieldSENSE 60 as it’s calibration intervals come due in the future. Monitor tests are supervised by iNARTE-certified EMC engineers. LBA believes its facility to be the only one specifically dedicated to these monitors. Other labs having suitable equipment, but not regularly testing these monitors, may be expected to charge several times LBA’s rates for one-off setups.

What is included in an LBA Group recertification?

Each submitted monitor is given a physical exam for general condition. If in physically good shape, the batteries are replaced and the monitor is cycled through its functions, and their performance validated. Successfully passing this performance check, the RF monitor is positioned in a test fixture in the RF test chamber. Calibrated RF fields are applied to the monitor at four different orientations, and conformance within the manufacturer’s requirements for that condition is verified.

Upon successful recertification, a date sticker is applied, and a pass-fail record of tests is completed. The monitor and documentation are then returned to the submitter, ready for immediate use.

If the monitor fails to pass at any point, or if problems are found that would suggest end-of-life, the submitter is notified with options. As a practical matter, repairs may be expected to be a significant part of the cost of a new monitor, and are not recommended. Usually, the best action is to authorize shipment of a new replacement monitor. Because of the safety hazard presented, known defective monitors should never be returned to service, and should be destroyed to avoid inadvertent use.

It is our policy to extend a 50% rebate on test charges for failed units when a replacement unit is purchased form LBA.

What does recertification cost?

LBA Group charges $155.00 per monitor, which includes return surface shipping in the US. Turnaround time at LBA is normally five business days. A discount is available for bulk quantity submittals, and flexible scheduling is available to minimize impact on customer operations.

Initiate your PR Safety Monitor Recalibration today!

For assistance on personal monitor calibration, or to purchase new monitors, contact us at lbagrp@lbagroup.com or 252-757-0279.