ACMA EME

General

The ACMA EMR standard references ARPANSA RPS S-1, which defines exposure limits for occupational (or aware) users and general public (or unaware) persons. Aware users are considered to be appropriately trained and exposure is typically limited to a working day or shift. Unaware users are not trained and are  members of the general public or pregnant persons.

SAR Testing

For mobile or portable transmitters used by the general public, which operate above 20mW (13dBm) and are used less than 20cm from the human body or ear ILAC accredited SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) testing is mandatory per EN 62209-2 and/or EN 62209-1.

For mobile or portable transmitters used by aware users, which operate above 100mW (13dBm) and are used less than 20cm from the human body or ear ILAC accredited SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) testing is mandatory per EN 62209-2 and/or EN 62209-1.

Accredited overseas SAR reports may be acceptable.

EMR Assessment

For devices used by the general public that operate above 20mW and are used more than 20cm from the human body or ear an assessment against the limits of ARPANSA RPS S-1 per the methodology of AS/NZS 2772.2 is required. In most cases this can be completed as a desktop assessment with the provision of key RF technical data.

Overseas reports to standards such as EN 62311, EN 62479, FCC Part 2.1091 and RSS-102 may be used as part of the process.

Exemption

Mobile or portable transmitting equipment that does not exceed 20mW (general public) or 100mW (occupational) does not require evaluation.

If the power is less than the alternative low-power exclusion level of IEC 62479 it is also exempt from evaluation.

Compliance Categories and Levels

The ACMA General Rules defines three levels of compliance:

EME Compliance Level 1 – Devices that do not require evaluation per ARPANSA RPS S-1 Advisory Note

EME Compliance Level 2 – Devices that are not EME compliance level 1 and normally used more than 20 centimetres from the human body

EME Compliance Level 3 – Devices that are neither EME compliance level 1 nor EME compliance level 2

Compliance Level Requirements

• EME compliance level 1 – Device description. A report is not required.
• EME compliance level 2 – Device description and report.
• EME compliance level 3 – Device description and accredited test report.

For devices that do not have an integral antenna ACMA EME rules do not apply. General workplace OH&S rules may apply in which case an assessment against ARPANSA RPS S-1 is generally required.

HOT TIP 1: To avoid expensive SAR testing reduce the RF output power below 20mW (general public) or 100mW (occupational)

HOT TIP 2: If importing a device that must comply with SAR requirements, ensure the overseas test report is from an ILAC accredited laboratory.