Non-ionising Electromagnetic Radiation Assessment

The adverse effects of exposure to non-ionising electromagnetic radiation (NIEMR) has been known for a long time.

Non-ionising electromagnetic radiation includes electromagnetic fields (EMF) created by microwaves, radiofrequency radiation (RF), static and extremely low frequency radiation. Occupational exposure to non-optical NIEMR is widespread, due to the use of electrically operated equipment. There are a limited number of situations where high exposure may occur. These include work with broadcasting or communications antennae, use of RF heater sealer machines, diathermy and, at the lower end of the frequency spectrum, induction heaters and smelters.

Exposure of people to high levels of EMFs can give rise to acute effects. The effects that can occur depend on the frequency of the radiation. At low frequencies the effects will be on the central nervous system of the body whilst at high frequencies, heating effects can occur, leading to a rise in body temperature. In reality, these effects are extremely rare and will not occur in most day-to-day work situations

The main source of exposure in the oil and gas industry is work with communications antennae. However, NIEMR by sunlight and in certain applications lasers and overhead power lines also need to be considered during any risk assessment process.

PetroRisk will identify where hazards exist in the operations being reviewed and assess the degree of health risk as part of the OHRA process. Where significant risks are identified, we will review current control measures and where necessary recommend additional measures that need to be put in place to eliminate such risks or, where this is not possible, to reduce the risk to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). e.g. Personnel who may be at risk from NIR must be trained to a suitable level in the hazards and risk reduction measures.

The study can include measurement of exposure to NIEMR e.g. Measurements and Computations of Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) of Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields.

Non-ionising Electromagnetic Radiation Assessment

The adverse effects of exposure to non-ionising electromagnetic radiation (NIEMR) has been known for a long time.

Non-ionising electromagnetic radiation includes electromagnetic fields (EMF) created by microwaves, radiofrequency radiation (RF), static and extremely low frequency radiation. Occupational exposure to non-optical NIEMR is widespread, due to the use of electrically operated equipment. There are a limited number of situations where high exposure may occur. These include work with broadcasting or communications antennae, use of RF heater sealer machines, diathermy and, at the lower end of the frequency spectrum, induction heaters and smelters.

Exposure of people to high levels of EMFs can give rise to acute effects. The effects that can occur depend on the frequency of the radiation. At low frequencies the effects will be on the central nervous system of the body whilst at high frequencies, heating effects can occur, leading to a rise in body temperature. In reality, these effects are extremely rare and will not occur in most day-to-day work situations

The main source of exposure in the oil and gas industry is work with communications antennae. However, NIEMR by sunlight and in certain applications lasers and overhead power lines also need to be considered during any risk assessment process.

PetroRisk will identify where hazards exist in the operations being reviewed and assess the degree of health risk as part of the OHRA process. Where significant risks are identified, we will review current control measures and where necessary recommend additional measures that need to be put in place to eliminate such risks or, where this is not possible, to reduce the risk to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). e.g. Personnel who may be at risk from NIR must be trained to a suitable level in the hazards and risk reduction measures.

The study can include measurement of exposure to NIEMR e.g. Measurements and Computations of Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) of Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields.