Page 24 - BOSS Today Issue 39

ENVIRONMENT

OUT IN THE

FIELDS?

xposure to system (tingling, muscle sources of EMFs exist and The Control of
E Electromagnetic contraction, heart arrhythmia) at what frequency range. Electromagnetic Fields at Work
Fields (EMFs) is not a new and thermal stress (rises in n Prove and ensure that Regulations 2016 provides
phenomenon. Everyone body/limb temperature). exposure is below Exposure a non-exhaustive list of ‘low
is constantly exposed to Indirect effects include Limit Values (ELVs) exposure equipment’ where no
a complex mix of weak interfering with pacemakers n Implement control measures further action is required, apart
electric and magnetic fields and body implants. – for example, periodic from documenting findings
from telecommunications, Those most at risk fixed wire testing, PAT (except where employees
domestic appliances, industrial from EMFs are: testing, cable shrouding are at particular risk). These
equipment and the generation n Expectant mothers: working and the use of trained and include office equipment
and transmission of electricity. with specific levels of EMFs certified electricians (photocopiers, computers,
EMFs are magnetic and could result in a greater risk IT equipment and phones),
electromagnetic fields with n Workers with active HSG281 is a guide to the mobile phones and landlines.
frequencies up to 300 GHz implanted medical devices: Control of Electromagnetic Sources of EMF that may
are produced whenever a eg cardiac pacemakers Fields at Work Regulations exceed exposure limit values
piece of electrical or electronic n Workers with passive 2016 and refers to two sets of include electrical circuits
equipment is used. They are implanted medical devices: values: Action Levels (ALs) and that are bundled together
present in most workplaces eg orthopaedic implants Exposure Limit Values (ELVs). and collectively carry an
and exposure to high levels or joints, pins and plates ELVs are the legal limitations unbalanced current of >100A.
of EMFs can give rise to either n Workers with body- on the exposure of employees It is wise to listen your
direct or indirect effects. worn medical devices: to EMFs and primarily relate employees and check on their
Direct effects include nausea, eg hearing aids to the levels of exposure to well-being, since they could be
vertigo, a metallic taste in the EMFs within the body. These exposed to electromagnetic
mouth, flickering sensations in The law requires are often impossible or difficult hazards they cannot see.
peripheral vision and auditory employers to: and expensive to measure
effects such as perception n Identify those employees at directly. For this reason, a n FOR MORE
of clicks or buzzing. Health particular risk (see above) separate set of values, known INFORMATION, CONTACT
effects can include nerve n Assess the levels of EMFs that as ALs, has been produced YOUR REGIONAL HS&E
stimulation, effects on the employees are exposed to by relating to quantities that can ADVISER OR VISIT WWW.
central and peripheral nervous identifying the areas where be measured more easily. BRITISHPRINT.COM/HSE

24 BOSS TODAY | April/May 2018