258 Section 4A: Safety
Using Your Phone Near Other Electronic Devices
Most modern electronic equipment is shielded from radiofrequency (RF)
signals. However, RF signals from wireless phones may affect inadequately
shielded electronic equipment.
RF signals may affect improperly installed or inadequately shielded
electronic operating systems and/or entertainment systems in motor
vehicles. Check with the manufacturer or their representative to determine
if these systems are adequately shielded from external RF signals. Also
check with the manufacturer regarding any equipment that has been
added to your vehicle.
Consult the manufacturer of any personal medical devices, such as
pacemakers and hearing aids, to determine if they are adequately shielded
from external RF signals.
Note:Always turn off the phone in health care facilities and request permission before
using the phone near medical equipment.
Turning Off Your Phone Before Flying
Turn off your phone before boarding any aircraft. To prevent possible
interference with aircraft systems, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) regulations require you to have permission from a crew member to
use your phone while the plane is on the ground. To prevent any risk of
interference, FCC regulations prohibit using your phone while the plane is
in the air.
Turning Off Your Phone in Dangerous Areas
To avoid interfering with blasting operations, turn your phone off when in a
blasting area or in other areas with signs indicating two-way radios should
be turned off. Construction crews often use remote-control RF devices to
set off explosives.
Turn your phone off when you’re in any area that has a potentially explosive
atmosphere. Although it’s rare, your phone and accessories could generate
sparks. Sparks can cause an explosion or fire, resulting in bodily injury or
even death. These areas are often, but not always, clearly marked. They
include:
ⅷ
Fueling areas such as gas stations.
ⅷ
Below deck on boats.
ⅷ
Fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities.