Health & Safety Audits

The AIB Wireless Health & Safety Audit provides:

• Compliance with the complexities of European electromagnetic exposure legislation based on measurements of RF levels taken during an on-site survey
• Confidence for employers, employees and the general public about the safety of wireless technology within a given environment
• Proactive, cost-effective solutions to electromagnetic emission problems
• A 'clean bill of health' to deploy wireless technologies and enjoy their benefits

The Challenge

The European Union has adopted a Directive [2004/40/EC] which is designed to protect workers and the general public from any possible health risks associated with exposure to electromagnetic radiation fields such as those generated by overhead power lines, radio transmitters and mobile phone masts. Under the auspices of this Directive, all employers have a legal duty to their staff to protect them from the short term health risks which may be caused by excessive exposure to EMFs.

Employers need to assess the levels of electromagnetic fields to which their staff are exposed and measure these against ICNIRP (International Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation) guidelines, which define a best practice to ensure that people are not exposed to field strengths which exceed the agreed reference levels. In addition, there is a requirement for a risk assessment which needs to take into account the indirect effects that electromagnetic fields could have - such as interfering with pacemakers and other electronic medical equipment

Why AIB Wireless?

Although worries relating to electromagnetic exposure are frequently visible in newspaper headlines and comment columns, wireless technology and its emissions are, of course, invisible. And whilst it may be possible to gauge the severity of many other health and safety issues with a mixture of the naked eye and common sense, the assessment of electromagnetic emissions requires more specialist investigation to provide not only the required information, but also the requisite level of confidence for all concerned.

AIB Wireless has developed the Health & Safety Audit as a fast, cost-effective and comprehensive method of assessing electromagnetic fields within a specified area. The Audit provides clear, practical solutions to any potential problem areas and ensures ongoing compliance with the complexities of the changing legislation

The AIB Wireless Health & Safety Audit is appropriate not only for employers with direct responsibility for their own staff, but also for local authorities, building owners, cellular operators and the general public.

The AIB Wireless Approach

An AIB engineer surveys the building and/or area under investigation by carrying out a walkthrough and using a wideband isotropic antenna to collect and measure electromagnetic field data. A continuous scan is complemented by measurements at specific locations where there is a likelihood of raised levels.

The AIB Wireless Health & Safety Deliverables

The collected data is analysed and correlated against the relevant ICNIRP guidelines and presented as a report, which contains a management summary, text and tables identifying the findings in each area including those which are safe and those which require attention. The report contains samples of the core data and corresponding graphs to clearly illustrate the findings, together with conclusions and recommendations for change, where necessary.

There are many low-cost and relatively easy steps which can be taken to reduce electromagnetic radiation to acceptable limits. As part of the Health & Safety Audit, AIB Wireless will recommend the most appropriate action, which might include:

• Limiting the duration and intensity of individual workers' exposure to electromagnetic radiation
• Establishing maintenance programmes to ensure that equipment works properly
• Altering the design and layout of workplaces and workstations
• Installing shielding and other health protection mechanisms