Hi, does anyone have any risk assessments for using hand held radios they would be willing to share? In particular looking at the specific absorption rates inline with the formulisation of exposure levels new EMF Directive? Ta

Im with you on this one, assess significant risks?

You could read this guidance, all 348 pages : https://www.gov.uk/gover...ectromagnetic_fields.pdf or you could just take it as read that the risk is low to minimal and focus on something else like lone working ( which is why they are using radios, I assume)

Also put it in pouch/holster and secure when leaning over sewage tanks. £800.00 later obviously really good radio. Why was it not in the pouch "I forgot" ??

In perspective a lot of cancer scares originated around SAR levels of mobile phones - many years ago I rejected certain devices for the family based upon supposedly high levels. Then as with noise actual exposure and blanket concerns become ludicrous in the cold light of real research. Try finding SAR figures for modern mobiles without a deep search in the fine print of an on-line manual. If the radio handsets are provided with relevant Declaration of Conformity attested by a reputable test house no real issue. Do consider why these are being issued and how they are to be used - in many circumstances a simple hand set is not the best answer rather a transceiver and extension speaker/microphone. Recall one incident where a lone worker summoned help by leaning his head to speak as both arms had become stuck carrying out a task - if they had been issued a standard walkie talkie it is likely they could have remained trapped for several hours

The risk assessment is a requirement for those who may be at particular risk (for example workers who wear active or passive implanted medical devices, pregnant workers) where we're required to look at the SAR and potential levels of exposure to ensure they stay within the action levels. We did manage to get SAR information from Motorola, but unfortunately a lot of the radios we use have high SAR levels. The issue is around using the radios for lengths of time when you have particular medical conditions, for example where a hand held radio is transmitting in close proximity (15cm) to a person fitted with an AIMD an electromagnetic compatibility effect could cause the AIMD to malfunction. The other issue is around the use of radios around particular ordnance where it could cause an electro explosive device to initiate causing an explosion. The requirement to assess this risk has always been present and has not come about due to the EMF Directive requirements this year.