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In some cases, the public may be concerned about possible health risks from exposures to the radio
            signals.  It  is  important  that  SSC  policies  for  EMF  exposures  follow  the  science‐based
            recommendations of WHO and ITU. International EMF exposure guidelines have been developed by
            ICNIRP to protect all persons from all established health risks. It is recommended that national
            governments base their EMF exposure limits on the ICNIRP exposure guidelines and that SSC adopt
            the  same  requirements.  Operators  and  manufacturers  of  wireless  technologies  should  ensure
            compliance with these limit values. ITU and IEC have developed technical standards that can be used
            for compliance assessments through calculations or measurements. The compliance assessment
            policies should follow the ITU‐T Recommendations.
            SSC should adopt standardized antenna permit procedures as this will reduce the administrative
            burden on both authorities and operators of wireless infrastructure. These permitting procedures
            should  be  harmonized  nationally  to  the  largest  extent  possible  and  specify  decision  periods,
            information requirements and include simplified procedures for matters such as installation of small
            cells and modifications to existing sites. SSC can also promote an efficient deployment by providing
            access to government building and lands. SSC should avoid policies, such as restrictive RF exposure
            limits or planning exclusion zones, that increase public concern and that can negatively impact
            deployment. In regard to community facilities, Recommendation ITU K.91 (2012) states that with
            respect  to  human  exposure  there  are  currently  no  technical  requirements  for  any  special
            consideration when locating base stations close to areas such as hospitals and schools.

            Siting rules should take into account the physical characteristics of the wireless network equipment.
            In  general,  the  requirements  needed  to  obtain  approvals  increase  according  to  the  size  of  the
            proposed  radio  base  station.  Physical  installations  of  wireless  equipment  should  consider  the
            surrounding environment and aim for visual integration. Whilst reducing the visual effect is a very
            important objective, other factors may have a substantial bearing on the final outcome. Higher data
            rate applications may require backhaul data connections by optical fibres, whereas in other cases
            radio  links  may  be  sufficient.  In  all  cases,  power  and  access  for  maintenance  are  critical
            considerations in wireless equipment siting. The position of antennas should also take into account
            the  orientation  and  size  of  EMF  compliance  zones.  Appropriate  signage  can  be  used  to  inform
            persons accessing areas near to antennas of safe working procedures.
            SSC officials, ICT industry and other stakeholders should base communications on reliable sources
            such  as  the  ITU  and  WHO  publications.  Good  risk  communication  practice  and  community
            engagement can reduce public concerns about EMF. Specific groups, such as workers that service
            or work with wireless ICT devices and equipment, may require EMF safety training.

            Having  acknowledged  the  importance  of  good  practices  in  the  deployment  of  wireless  ICT
            technologies and services for the efficient operation of SSC the ‘Smart Sustainability City EMF Check‐
            list’ (Annex 1) has been developed as a guide for policy and decision‐makers. It is recommended
            that city officials and planners apply the ‘Smart Sustainability City EMF Check‐list’ to ensure that SSC
            wireless ICT operates efficiently, and in compliance with EMF exposure standards.

















            636                                                      ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications
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