What are the EMF Risks in your Organisation?

Do You Have EMF Risks In Your Organisation?

What are EMF’s?

Electromagnetic fields are areas of energy which surround electronic devices. The natural world produces electromagnetic fields, however these fields have a low intensity and rarely cause health risks to individuals. Health risks can however be caused by more intense electromagnetic fields, for example those produced by some forms of technology, so it’s important that employer’s understand their responsibilities to their workforce.

Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)

Bioelectrical signals help to regulate many processes within the human body and science suggests that every cell in your body could have their own EMF. If strong artificial EMFs enter your body they can interfere with the natural way your body functions meaning that your health could be affected.

EMF Risks in your Organisation

There is a diverse range of electronic equipment in the workplace which could lead to exposure of EMFs for an employee.

Examples of Equipment in the Workplace with Low Frequency EMFs include:

• Computers and Laptops
• Air Conditioners
• Power Tools

Examples of Equipment in the Workplace with High Frequency EMFs include:

• Mobile Phones
• WiFi Routers and Equipment
• Bluetooth Equipment

What does an Employer need to do to protect against EMF Risks?

It is an employer’s duty to shield their workers from the effects of EMFs as much as is reasonably possible. They need to carry out a thorough risk assessment and fully train staff to understand and recognise the effects of EMFs.

Methods of Reducing Exposure to EMF in the Workplace:

• Use lower voltage and shielded equipment which restricts the distance between equipment and the worker who is operating it.
• Unplug equipment when it is no longer in use.
• Keep a safe distance between the employee and working electronic equipment.

 

View our Three Day Electromagnetic Field Exposure – Competent Persons Course