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OH&S - Telecommunications Equipment / Electromagnetic Radiation

What is Radiofrequency electromagnetic energy?

Radio Frequency electromagnetic energy (RF EME) or electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is waves of electrical and magnetic energy moving together through space. EMR is a part of everyday life, emitted natural sources like the sun, the earth and the ionosphere. Artificial sources include mobile phone stations, broadcast towers, remote controls and electrical and electronic equipment.

Electro-magnetic fields radiate outwards and become weaker as you move away from the source.

Radiofrequency radiation diagram Click here

How are the exposure standards set?

The exposure standard is set by Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Authority ( ARPANSA ). ARPANSA bases its recommendations on those of the international expert bodies ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection) and the WHO (World Health Organisation).

Exposure limits are based on scientific research data. They are designed to protect against all known adverse effects and to prevent unwanted nuisance effects (physical effects that have no long-term health implications). Occupational exposure does not mean all exposure during a person's work hours; it applies specifically to people who work with radiofrequency equipment. The member of the public limits take into account the possibility that a person might be exposed 24 hours per day.

How am I exposed to radiofrequency radiation?

Most RF fields found in the environment are due to commercial radio and TV broadcasting, and from telecommunications facilities. RF exposure from telecommunications facilities is generally less than from radio or TV broadcasting. A study conducted by ARPANSA found that AM radio often contributed more than 90% of the community’s overall environmental exposure to RF EMR. RF sources in the home include microwave ovens, mobile telephones, burglar alarms, video display units and TV sets.

Relatively high levels of exposure to RF fields can occur to workers in the broadcasting, transport and communications industries when they work in close proximity to RF transmitting antennas and radar systems.

What are the health effects of radiofrequency radiation exposure?

Exposure to sufficiently high levels of RF EMR can heat biological tissue and potentially cause tissue damage. The amount of environmental RF EMR routinely encountered by the general public is too low to produce significant heating or increased body temperature.

At low levels of exposure to RF EMR (i.e. field intensities lower than those that would produce measurable heating) the evidence for production of harmful biological effects is ambiguous and unproven. Although there have been studies reporting a range of biological effects at low levels, there has been no indication that such effects might constitute a human health hazard.

EMR is quite different to “ionising” radiation (such as x-rays) which can produce molecular changes that can lead to damage in biological tissue.

Where and how many towers are located on Swinburne premises?

Under federal legislation, telecommunications companies are able to install mobile phone base stations in any location they require. As a result, there are 4 base stations attached to the BA Building – Hawthorn Campus which are owned by various telecommunication companies.

What is the Level of EMR emitted from the base stations?

According to the a report obtained from Telstra the Maximum Cumulative EME level for ALL CARRIERS is at 0.5% of the ACMA mandated exposure limits. This level is based on the base transmitters operating at maximum power.

What is Swinburne doing about making sure that the towers are not a hazard to my health?

 The University has obtained information regarding Estimated RF EME levels for all mobile phone base stations on the Hawthorn Campus.

Level 11 and 12 of the BA Building was recently tested to determine the levels of RF EMR within the building. The University has received an interim report which indicates that the level of RF EMR within the BA Building is well below that which is recommended by ARPANSA. Once the University has received the report, it will be made available for staff to read. However, staff are welcome to view the attached PowerPoint presentation.

Powerpoint Presentation Click here

What if, I think I am suffering from medical problems as a result of my workplace?

Staff suffering from any symptoms or medical problems should talk to their treating medical practitioner to ensure that the appropriate investigations are undertaken.

Should Staff believe that they are suffering from a medical condition to which they consider is related to their employment at Swinburne, then the staff member concerned needs to report this to either their Manager or the OHS Consultant – HR Incident/Report Forms are located at http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/hr/docs/O1.doc

If staff feel like they need to speak with someone independent of the University, the Employee Assistance Program is available http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/hr/eap.htm

(Source information from ARPANSA and ACA (Australian Communications Authority)

Useful Weblinks

Mobile Telephone Communication Antennas: Are They a Health Hazard?
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/radiationprotection/factsheets/is_antenna.cfm

ARPANSA publications on telecommunication equipment
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/eme/index.cfm

ARPANSA comment on brain tumor cluster at RMIT
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/News/MediaReleases/mr1_120506.cfm

Radio Frequency National Site Archive
Locates all Australian radiofrequency telecommunications installations
http://www.rfnsa.com.au

Victorian Workcover Authority Radiofrequency (RF) radiation - Dangers of exposure
http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/WorkSafe/Home/Forms+and+Publications/Alerts/import_Radiofrequency+%28RF%29+radiation+-+Dangers+of+exposure