Why is RF (radio frequency) radiation from an active radar or satcom dome a specific hazard for someone working aloft near it, beyond the general isolation requirement?

A. At close range, RF energy can cause thermal effects (localised heating, potential burns) and is associated with concerns about effects on sensitive tissue, so isolation/shutdown is a genuine safety control, not just an operational courtesy

B. RF radiation is only a concern for the radar operator inside the bridge, never for someone outside near the antenna

C. It is not actually a hazard — isolation alone fully addresses any risk

D. RF radiation hazards only apply to military vessels, not merchant ships

A. Yes, but only if the Master personally watches from the bridge wing

B. Yes, provided the AB carries a personal locator beacon

C. No — lone height work should not be authorised regardless of experience or task duration; the Master should direct that the task wait for an observer to be available or be carried out by an alternative method

D. Yes, given the AB's experience and the short duration of the task

A. Wait for the battery to be replaced before taking any action, with the worker remaining in position

B. Continue observing visually and assume everything is fine since the worker hasn't signalled distress

C. Shout instructions down to the worker and consider that sufficient going forward

D. Treat the loss of communication as a trigger to pause the task and recover the worker, since the absence of an agreed backup method means there is no reliable way to receive an instruction or distress call