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EMF Testing

Electromagnetic Field Testing (EMF) is a critical aspect of health and safety compliance. An EMF is produced whenever an item of electrical or electronic equipment is used. Virtually every workplace will create electromagnetic fields to some degree. While the potential long-term health effects of overexposure to EMF sources are still under investigation, short-term reactions are unpleasant and range from skin irritation to nausea, heart palpitations and fatigue.

EMF testing is just one of the services offered here at Blue Turtle. Health and safety is our business and we’re here to keep your organisation safe and fully compliant. EMFs are static electric, static magnetic and time-varying electric, magnetic and electromagnetic (radio wave) fields with frequencies up to 300GHz. In the UK, the legal limit of EMF exposure is governed by the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016, which is part of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Employers must perform EMF testing to measure exposure against regulatory limits.

In the UK, work-related exposure should not exceed 10 mA m-2, which is 10 milliamperes per meter squared.

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Types Of Electro Magnetic Fields

Electromagnetic fields have always been present naturally, projected by the sun’s rays. But artificial EMFs became significant with the advent of technology. Electromagnetic fields are categorised by their frequency and whether they are ionising or non-ionising. Ionising EMFs are more dangerous, potentially breaking chemical bonds and damaging cells. Non-ionising EMFs don’t have enough energy. Electromagnetic fields are present everywhere in the environment, but invisible to the human eye.

Non-Ionising EMF (low frequency)

Emitted by devices like computers, mobile phones, microwave ovens and other household items. Non-ionising EMF is less harmful as the energy is weaker, unable to break electrons from atoms.

Ionising EMF (high frequency)

Produced by the sun’s UV rays, x-rays and gamma rays. High frequency EMFs can ionize atoms and molecules leading to cellular damage and an increased risk of cancer.

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this is a picture showing the spectrum of electromagnetic fields
this is a picture showing an unwell worker at a telecommunications site suffering from over exposure to EMF

What Are The Symptoms Of EMF Exposure?

The focus on EMF exposure has increased in recent years due to advancing technologies and social behaviour. Although we have always been exposed to natural EMF sources, nowadays most of us will encounter many hours of artificial radiation every day. Exposure to low-frequency EMFs pose little danger to human health, but what about the more harmful emissions? See the range of potential health impacts below.

  • Sleep disturbances including insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Dysethesia (painful, itchy sensation)
  • Lack of concentration
  • Nausea
  • Restlessness and anxiety
  • Changes in memory
  • Skin burning and tingling
  • Dizziness

Who Might Be Affected?

Although everyone is exposed to low levels of EMF, specific industries are more at risk of overexposure. These include healthcare workers, and employees working within the telecommunications, transport, broadcasting and energy distribution industries.

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Employers’ Duties

Employers must manage the health and safety of their workplace and control the risk to employees. This is part of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Employers must carry out a risk assessment to assess the levels of electromagnetic output and implement procedures to reduce the risk of exposure to employees. Employers must:

  • Assess and manage the health and safety risks at your workplace by conducting a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.
  • Identify employees exposed to EMFs.
  • Quantify how much EMF employees are exposed to
  • Take action to ensure EMF exposure does not exceed the legal limits
  • Provide employees with sufficient guidance and training to carry out their tasks safely
  • Carry out regular health surveillance checks and keep a record of the outcomes
  • Implement and retain risk assessment

Limiting exposure to harmful substances is essential in ensuring safety in the workplace. This includes radiation such as Electro Magnetic Fields (EMFs).

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How Blue Turtle Can Help

At Blue Turtle Ltd, our expert Occupational Hygiene Consultants are on hand to provide advice and implement correct procedures to keep your workplace fully compliant with UK health and safety legislation. An electromagnetic field test will measure the amount of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic exposure a product emits to its’ users.

We will identify potential sources of EMF, such as appliances, wiring, and other devices. Then, using specialised EMF testing meters, we will measure the strength of electric and magnetic fields and record measurements. Depending on the results, we identify those affected and recommend a strategy to manage and control the risk. Health and safety at work is our business, and our aim is to ensure you are operating in full compliance with the law.

Our Solution:

  • Highly trained experts measure EMF emissions within your workplace.
  • Step by step advice on how to become compliant with EMF legislation.

Exposure to electromagnetic fields is increasing exponentially. Call the experts at Blue Turtle to assess your workplace for EMF exposure and take the hard work out of health and safety.

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The Process

At Blue Turtle Ltd, we provide a professional and friendly service where a trained Occupational Hygienist will visit your place of work to conduct a survey to assess current workplace exposures, practices, current controls and to provide advice on what additional controls should be implemented. A typical EMF testing process will include:

  • Identify electromagnetic fields within the workplace.
  • Determine who might be affected by EMF exposure.
  • Assess the level of EMF exposure.
  • Evaluate the risk of EMF exposure on workers.
  • Recommend and implement control measures like job rotation and engineering controls.
  • Implement a schedule of health surveillance, including formal recording of the results.
  • Assist with ongoing training and guidance.

Every survey is followed by a detailed, easy-to-understand report that clearly identifies the results of EMF Testing and the effectiveness of current control measures. The report will recommend improvements and any gaps in legislative compliance. The report also provides you with risk-ranked actions so that you can focus resources on the higher-risk items first.

We help businesses of all types manage their workplace health hazards. Our experienced consultants can provide practical advice on how to achieve adequate control through process changes, improvements, or adopting/changing work practices to reduce the risk as low as reasonably practicable.

Whatever your Occupational Hygiene needs are, Blue Turtle Ltd is here to help your business protect your workforce and help you meet your legal obligations. Call us today to discuss your needs or if you prefer, complete the online form with a brief outline of your business needs and/or concerns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are EMF occupational limits the same for the general public?

Is radiation the same as electromagnetic waves?

What is the difference between ionising and non-ionising EMFs?

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Unit 8A, Netherton Business Centre, Kemnay, Inverurie, AB51 5LX

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126 West Regent Street Glasgow, G2 2RQ

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