DECEMBER 2013
ISSUE 03
1.0MOBILE PHONES AND HEALTH RISKS
1.1Mobile phones operate using radio waves, a form of non-ionising radiation (radio frequency (RF) radiation). Theiruse has been accompanied by some public concerns about potentialhealth effectsarising from exposure to RF produced by both phones and the base station (masts) that serve them.
1.2There is a large body of scientific evidence on the effects of exposure to radio waves. In 1999, the Government established the Independent Expert Group on mobile phones, who reported their findings in May 2000 (the Stewart Report).
1.3The Stewart Report advocated a precautionary approach until more robust long term scientific evidence was available, and recommended the adoption of the guideline limits for exposure set by the International Committee on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
1.4This continues to be the national advice available from Public Health England(PHE) who monitor the results of research related to the effects of radio waves on health.
1.5The scientific consensus is that, apart from the increased risk of a road accident due to mobile phone use when driving, there is no clear evidence of adverse health effects at the levels normally encountered from the use of mobile phones or from phone mastswhich are below internationally agreed guidelines.
1.6All mobile phones must meet the ICNIRPexposure guidelines.
1.7Radio Waves: reducing exposure
1.7.1PHE recommend that excessive use of mobile phones by children should be discouraged.
1.7.2The international guidelines provide protection for the population as a whole, PHE recommend adults make their own choices about reducing their exposure should they so wish but be able to do this from an informed position.
1.7.3Measures that can be taken to reduce exposure include
- Moving the phone away from the body.
- The use of the 3G mode of transmission instead of the older 2G mode.
- Using hands-free kits, keeping calls short, making calls where the network signals are strong.
- Choosing a phone with a low specific energy absorption rate (SAR) value quoted by the manufacturer.
1.7.4Exposures from devices held further away from the body such as wireless-enabled laptop computers, and transmitter masts in the community are very much lower than those from mobile phones andPHE considers that community or individual measures to reduce such exposures are unnecessary.
1.8Mobile Phone base stations (Masts)
- As Corporate Landlord Hertfordshire County Council must be informed of any approach to install mobile phone masts on a school site. HCC will then be responsible for assessing the operators proposal and co-ordinating a response. Following the process outlined in PGN59 ‘Mobile Phone Masts Procedure’.
- Further advice is available from Hertfordshire Property and Technology.
- Any proposed installation should comply with the ICNIRP guideline limits for emission levels. The beam of greatest intensity (BGI) should not fall on school sites or buildings except with the agreement of the school and parents.
- PHE carries out surveys of exposure levels in the environment around base stations. Measurements made by Ofcom and PHE show that exposure at publicly-accessible locations near to base stations is very much below the ICNIRP guidelines.
2.0USE OF MOBILE PHONES IN SCHOOLS
2.1ICT including the use of mobile devices are a feature of our society and seen as an essential resource to support learning and teaching.
2.2It is essential that pupils are aware of e safety and know how to stay safe when using any ICT. The management of ICT, including the use of mobile technologies should be detailed in the school policy for
e safety and cover the use of mobile technologies.
2.3Generally pupils are permitted to bring personal mobile devices/phones to school but these must not be used for personal purposes within lesson time.
3.0USEWHEN DRIVING
3.1Regulationswhich came into force on 1stDecember 2003, made it a specific offence to use a hand-held phone, or similar device, when driving.
3.2Whilst the use of a mobile phone in a fixed cradle or via Bluetooth technology is legally permitted, using a hands free phone whilst driving can impair reactions and lead to distraction. Therefore HCC do not require employees to use mobile phones when driving.
3.3Individual drivers may be prosecuted (for failure to have proper control) if theyuse hands-free phones when driving.
3.4Staff involved in road traffic accidents whilst using a mobile telephone may be
may also be subject to disciplinary action.
4.0Wi-Fi
4.1Wi-Fi is a particular type of wireless local area network (WLAN). With regard to the potential exposure of staff and pupils to radio frequency (RF) radiation HCC follows the advice of PHE.
4.2On the basis of current scientific information, exposures from Wi-Fi equipment satisfy international guidelines and are less than those from mobile phones.
4.3PHE continue to state that wireless networks are safe for use in schools and as is the case with mobile phones, this situation is kept under review so that parents and others can have as much reassurance as possible.
4.4The HCC policy relating to Wi-Fi technology is available on Compass.
5.0FURTHER INFORMATION
- Public Health England : Mobile phones
- Public Health England : Wi-fi
On the Grid:
- Anti bullying resources
- E Safety
- Wi-Fi
CS Education Health and Safety Policies and Procedures Dec 2013 Issue 3 Page 1 of 3