Guidance on the assessment of human exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from Australian amateur radio stations was developed in collaboration between the national regulator and the amateur radio community in the early 2000s.

The ACA booklet; Human Exposure to EMR: Assessment of Amateur Radio Stations for Compliance with ACA Requirements, was initially prepared by Keith Malcolm VK1KM (SK) and Gilbert Hughes VK1GH, both of the Wireless Institute of Australia, based on material developed by the ARRL and the FCC, and first issued by the Australian Communications Authority (ACA - now the Australian Communications and Media Authority ACMA) in 2000. 

Version 2.0 was subsequently published by the ACA in May 2005 and can be downloaded here.

The ACA guideline contains both an analytical method to determine compliant exclusion distances, and tables and examples showing exclusion distances for common amateur station configurations at various power levels.

The tables and examples in the 2005 Guideline document are the basis for the recommendations in the WIA EMR flowchart and established practice in the amateur community.

The information provided on this website is intended as general guidance to assist amateur radio operators in assessing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) compliance of their stations.

This material has been developed by the Wireless Institute of Australia Education Committee and reflects commonly accepted practices within the amateur service. It has not been formally reviewed, approved, or endorsed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority or Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.

Operators remain responsible for ensuring that their station complies with all applicable regulatory requirements. Where necessary, reference should be made to the relevant legislation, standards, and official guidance material.