Agreement to limit EMF levels in libraries sets precedent.

In June 1995 the Australian Services Union (ASU) and library equipment manufacturer RAECO signed an Australia wide agreement that the Union feels will protect ASU library members from exposure to high electromagnetic fields which has been found in some library security systems.

The signing of the agreement on 22 June 1995 culminated several months work by RAECO and the ASU Occupational Health & Safety Officer Peter Wilson and ASU representative Andrew Blease.

During this time the problem was extensively examined with expert advice from Mr. Brian Lennon from Deakin University. This led to the development of a strategy that will see that no ASU member is exposed to a magnetic field of more than 4 milliGauss (mG) averaged over a normal working day. The agreement came about as a result of some studies that have suggested there may be a link to an increase in susceptibility to some cancers and exposure to electromagnetic fields.

The agreement means that RAECO will provide purchasers with information and installation advice that will meet the objective of ensuring that no user is exposed to a daily dose of more than 4 milliGauss from equipment supplied by them.

From the Agreement:

"Current studies indicate that Extra Low Frequencies (ELFs) increase susceptibility to cancers, they do not generate cancers. It is thought that ELF's "degrade" the immune system. This susceptibility to cancers is only during the period of exposure, it doesn't result in permanent degradation of the immune system. Therefore the longer the exposure, the longer the opportunity for the cancers to take hold. The current understanding is that greatest exposure risk is to the head and torso.

Current evidence suggests health problems could arise with prolonged exposure above 4 mG.

Taking into account the above information the parties have sought to develop recommendations that will ensure no operator is exposed to an average ELF of more than 4 mG over their working day. Peak exposure levels will be determined in consultation with agreed expert advice. For this purpose the ASU agrees to accept Mr. Brian Lennon from Deakin University as the expert advisor."

For copies of the full agreement or further information contact the ASU Victorian Authorities and Services Branch, 116 - 124 Queens-berry Street, Carlton South, Vic. 3053, or ring the ASU Occupational Health & Safety Officer, Peter Wilson on 03-93471955.