Posted By tony fog Hi all, Some advice needed on where to find information on the safe working levels from Computers and servers. I've carried out a workstation risk assessment, given them the leaflet from the HSE on VDU's and computers,and re assurred her but his lady still adamant that the servers opposite her are affecting her health( there about 20 ft away just small office server rack). We have offered to move her and convince her of the safety of such equipment. I know it usually perception of such equipment and usually others things such as lighting etc,but was wondering if any one had any further advice or information to convince her that all such equipment has to comply with legal limits. Thanks

Posted By J Knight Hi Tony, what specific effects is she claiming? Here's my take on some of the harms I've heard attributed to electronics: Radiation: no evidence, the idea that DSE emitted beta radiation was based on flawed research which unfortunately was topical just before the DSE regs were adopted: Noise: possible, certainly as a noise nuisance though not as anything needing treatment under Noise at Work regs: VOCs: electronics do emit small quantities of VOCs, but there's no real evidence that they cause harm in the minute we're talking about here quantities: Heat: servers do run hot, and this could be a real issue but easily dealt with in the normal ways you'd deal with any heat source: EMF: topical issue but the latest research suggests that EMFs generated by electronic and electrical equipment are not strong enough to cause health effects; very topical because of a 'debate' about wireless networks, especially in schools. I honestly think that genuine health effects from proximity to a server are unlikely, but that the nuisance value from the noise and maybe the heat should be investigated, John

Posted By anon1234 How are they alleged to be affecting her health? Without this information it is difficult to assertain whether there is much more you can do.