Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and Radio Frequencies (RFs) can present a significant risk to employees, which is why organisations, employers, and contractors must manage risk and keep employees safe from EMF exposure.
This is particularly important for network operators and landlords, as legally they owe a duty of care to all workers including visitors and passers-by, and must assess and limit their exposure to EMFs and RFs. Organisations must adhere to government legislation that affects them, in particular the requirements set out in the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016 (CEMFAW). There may be instances where specialist EMF contractors are called in to deal with any EMF exposure risk that’s discovered, which presents an added challenge.
At Praxis42, we offer an EMF and RF Awareness training course that is IOSH approved and developed by trained professionals in EMF and RF matters for those who come into contact with EMFs on a daily basis.
Allowing access to contractors
Network operators and landlords who control areas where EMF or RF radiation is present owe a duty of care to any contractors they allow access to. Specialist EMF contractors may be needed by an organisation for a number of reasons. Whether this is because they are on-site to carry out service and maintenance on an EMF or RF source (such as antennas), or they’re simply working in an area where EMF or RF radiation reaches potentially harmful levels, landlords and network operators have to ensure that workers are not put at risk.
In compliance with the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016, any organisation or individual responsible for EMF or RF sources must ensure that employees are not exposed to EMF or RF levels above the exposure limit values (ELVs). While the legislation applies specifically to employees, if you have hired a contractor then they can be seen as an employee and require the same duty of care as anyone else in your organisation.
Employees at particular risk of EMF exposure
Organisations must pay extra attention when it comes to employees who are identified as being at particular risk when working in proximity of EMFs and RFs due to one or more of the following reasons:
- Expectant mothers who have made your organisation aware of their pregnancy.
- Employees who have the need for body-worn medical devices (BWMDs).
- Employees wearing passive implanted medical devices (PIMDs).
- Employees with active implanted medical devices (AIMDs).
- Employees who have metal plates, artificial joints, pins or shrapnel.
Any employee who falls under one or more of these categories is considered to be at greater risk when working in proximity of EMFs and RFs. Therefore, these employees should undergo a specific risk assessment before they are allowed on site. If necessary, precautions may need to be taken to protect them.
Does Praxis42 offer EMF exposure training?
Our EMF and RF awareness training course is aimed at anyone who may come into contact with EMFs and RFs as part of their work.
The training offers guidance that will help both managers and employees understand the hazards posed by EMFs and RFs. It’s a course developed by the Praxis42 team in collaboration with health and safety experts who specialise in EMF and RF. The course is IOSH approved, CPD certified and SCORM compliant, as are all of our training courses.
This eLearning course is designed to raise awareness of the dangers involved with EMFs and RFs and the most common hazards that organisations and employees should both be aware of. By providing employees with a basic understanding of how exposure to high EMF and RF levels could negatively impact their health, the course teaches and equips individuals with the knowledge required to keep themselves safe when working in proximity to EMFs and RFs.
At Praxis42, we offer an EMF and RF Awareness training course that is IOSH approved and developed by trained professionals in EMF and RF matters for those who come into contact with EMFs on a daily basis.
