STFC SHE GroupCorporate Services

This code should be read by:

All STFC staff, tenants who are responsible for equipment or facilities generating strong time varying Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMFs) – this would include Radio Frequency (RF) and microwaves.

And all staff, tenants, visitors, facility users and contractors who work in areas where strong time varying Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMFs) exist

STFC SHE GroupCorporate Services

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE)

GroupIntroduction to SHE Code 23

“Managing risks from strong time-

varying Electro Magnetic Fields - including RF and microwave power

sources”

STFC SHE GroupCorporate Services

Why an STFC Electro-Magnetic Field

(EMF) SHE Code?• The STFC uses equipment that generates strong EMFs in

the Radio Frequency (RF) and Microwave regions of the electro-magnetic spectrum. These include:

•RF systems of particle accelerators;•Radars;• Imaging systems; and •Radio transmission systems.

• It is recognised that EMF radiation may, under certain conditions, give rise to health hazards. Alleged, long term risks are difficult to quantify and subject to ongoing research and establishing ‘safe’ levels of exposure is not straight forward.

STFC SHE GroupCorporate Services

Key features

• Establishes Director appointed EMF Protection Advisors (EPAs) to provide guidance on EMF safety and undertake EMF surveys of equipment.

• Establishes for EMFs measurable:– Action Values - frequency-dependent EMF field strength

above which documented risk assessments are undertaken, EMF surveys conducted and warning signs posted; and

– Limit Values - frequency-dependent EMF field strength the exposure of people above which requires medical assessment by Occupational Health Advisors. 

• Action Values established at general public exposure limits.

STFC SHE GroupCorporate Services

Key points• Read that part of the Code relevant to you.• If your work involves, or you plan to use,

equipment that generates significant EMFs: – Inform and consult your EMF Protection Advisor (EPA); – Ensure warning signage is place in areas where strong

EMFs exist;– Ensure EMF surveys are conducted for all equipment

generating EMFs above the Action Value– Undertake documented Risk Assessments for all areas

above the EMF Action Value; and– Restrict access to EMF areas for those with implanted

medical devices (e.g. pacemakers) • Report all incidents or near misses involving strong

EMFs to your manager and in SHE Enterprise.

STFC SHE GroupCorporate Services

• 1 day ‘RF Safety Awareness’ training events are available for EMF Protection Advisers (EPAs) and managers responsible for equipment or areas where strong EMFs exist

• To book this training contact your local SHE training contacts: DL/RAL 8288; SO 2061; UKATC 8325

• Further questions should be directed to SHE Group- Graeme Finlan, DL, 3147, RAL, 6249- Mark Roberts, DL, 3283- Matt Dickson, RAL, 5329

Or your Departmental Safety Contact

SHE Training