Ofcom is holding a public consultation on proposed measures to require all those with transmitting equipment capable of generating more than 10 watts EIRP to demonstrate compliance with international guidelines for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF).
An assessment would have to be carried out every time a change was made to an antenna or equipment. It appears the assessment would have to be based on the total EMF level that could theoretically be generated if all the transmitting equipment at a location is running maximum permitted power simultaneously.
In their document – Proposed measures to require compliance with international guidelines for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) – Ofcom say:
We are proposing to include a specific condition in Wireless Telegraphy Act licences requiring licensees to comply with the relevant levels from the ICNIRP Guidelines. This condition would apply to all equipment which can transmit at powers above 10 Watts [EIRP].
Ofcom may, from time to time, conduct EMF compliance checks and audits. Licensees, installers and users should therefore be in a position to explain the steps they took to ensure compliance with the basic restrictions for general public exposure and provide records demonstrating their compliance. To this end, they should have appropriate processes in place that will enable them to:
a) Identify the measurements, tests, calculations or other procedures they have carried out.
b) Explain why they considered those procedures were appropriate.
c) Provide evidence that a site is compliant with the basic restrictions, including by providing, where appropriate, test measurements, calculation results and/or certificates of compliance.
d) Explain how they ensure they continue to comply with the basic restrictions, including (i) when they modify radio equipment or a site; (ii) where for any other reason the power anticipated to be transmitted from the site has increased above that originally assumed; and (iii) when they become aware that a site may not be complying with the basic restrictions.
e) Explain what measures are in place to ensure members of the public cannot unknowingly enter areas close to antennas where exposure may exceed the basic restrictions.
Responses to this consultation must be made by May 15, 2020.
Download the Consultation document PDF and the response form at
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/limiting-exposure-to-emf
RSGB briefing paper on the EMF consultation published February 28, 2020
https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/rsgb-notices/2020/02/28/rsgb-emc-briefing-paper-now-available/