Authors: Valič, B.; Gajšek, P.
BioEM 2024, Chania Crete, 16-21 June, 2024
Abstract
5G private networks are becoming a platform for ‘wire-free’ networking for professional applications from factory floor automation through to automated warehousing, logistics, autonomous vehicle deployments in campus environments, mining, material processing and more. Although the time-averaged transmit power of used radio transceivers is likely to be low, the resulting overall magnitude and temporal pattern of exposure to which workers are exposed in such situations is yet unknown.
To obtain an insight of the occupational exposure to RF EMF emitted by 5G private networks, analysis was carried on a real case scenario in the Port of Koper, Slovenia. Two different types of infrastructure were analysed: private standalone 5G base station
and public non-standalone 5G base station operating at 3,5 GHz, located inside the area of Port of Koper with a private slice dedicated for private use. Besides, the RF EMF exposure of a driver in a terminal tractor equipped with 5G getaway was measured. RF EMF exposure of the workers due to 5G networks in the analysed cases was found to be low. Mainly there are two reasons for this. First, the output power of most 5G sources used for private 5G networks, was quite low. It is expected that this is similar also for most indoor scenarios due to relative low output powers of base stations used for indoor private networks. Second, it is common practice to mount the antennas of base stations at the adequate height, mainly to obtain good coverage, thus reducing the exposure on human accessible locations.