ICD`s and elec tric fork truck chargers

[Freddie588]

Hello all , I have recently changed my work position due to my heart condition . Having just had an ICD fitted , could anyone say whether it is safe to be close to industrial battery chargers for forklift trucks .

[Hidden]

Hi Freddie, I'm not an expert in this subject, although I am a general EHS professional so do have some experience with IEDs & EMF fields. You should inform your manager and request a risk assessment in conjunction with your EHS & occupational health department. It is your employers responsibility to risk assess your work near electromagnetic fields as part of the Control of EMF at Work Regulations 2016 (CEMFAWR 2016) and Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations. they should contract a competent person to do this. Their approach should involve obtaining data from the charger manufacturer of EMF generated and comparing this with limits in both the regulations and the ICD data sheet/specs & CEMFAWR. The lowest limit should be used. The fields generated can also be measured directly using a EMF radiation tester - these are available quite cheaply, although they should have traceable calibration if they are to be relied on. there are 2 types of EMF field - static & dynamic. You are probably looking at dynamic fields in the charger - static fields are generated by bar magnets and the like. A different meter will be required to measure the latter. Your employer also has a duty under the Equality Act to make reasonable adjustments to your work and working environment to make work safe for you if it is found your exposure could put you at risk otherwise.

[sturon]

I would suggest you contact your cardiology department and talk to one of the physiology staff. They can contact the manufacturer of your devise for advise.

Regards Ron.

[Freddie588 in reply to sturon]

Thank you Sturon ,I have an appointment next week. I will check then