There are few employees who don't use a computer monitor at some point during their working day. So how much are you aware of the health issues relating to CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors?

How do screens affect your health?

Since the early 1980s, the spread of Visual Display Units (VDUs) in the workplace has been enormous. This technology has raised new occupational health and safety issues for VDU users.

VDUs emit radiation which is called electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Studies show there are several adverse health effects from EMR; and CPSU health and safety reps have a role to ensure their workmates are not exposed to unacceptable levels of EMR at work.

WHAT IS ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION?

Electromagnetic radiation is invisible fields of energy produced whenever electric current is flowing. There are two types of these invisible fields - the electric field and the magnetic field. EMR exists in power lines, wiring, lighting and electrical equipment, including VDUs.

Exposure to VDUs is a significant source of long term exposure to EMR. Electrical substations inside buildings and power transmission lines are other significant sources of EMR at the workplace.

THE MYTHS

In the debate about VDU radiation you are likely to encounter the following myths:

"Don't be paranoid - all electrical equipment emits electromagnetic radiation"
This is true but very few electrical devices require the user to sit 50 cms from the equipment for several hours each day.
"There's no proof that VDU radiation is a problem"
There is ample scientific evidence that EMR from VDUs may be associated with cancer and birth deformities. It is fair to say that further research is needed but we should exercise a policy of prudent avoidance in the meantime.
"The Australian standard says we're safe"
The relevant Australian standard is inferior and out of date. CPSU recommends adoption of the Swedish radiation standard.

RADIATION EMISSION LIMITS FOR VDUs

Swedish Standard MPR 2 - 1990

Extremely Low Frequency 5 Herz - 2 Kilo Herz
Very Low Frequency 2 Kilo Herz - 400 Kilo Herz
'rms' is an abbreviation of 'root mean squared' - a measure of mean average.
Herz is a measure of frequency of electric power, ie one cycle per second.
Kilo Herz refers to 1,000 Herz (1,000 cycles per second).
Magnetic field strength is measured in magnetic flux density and usually expressed as 'tesla' (T) or milligrams (mG). One milligauss (one thousandth of a gauss) is equal to one microtesla (one millionth of a tesla).
Electrical field strength is measured in volts(V) per metre. There should be 48 measuring points around the VDU for radiation tests. A less stringent on-site test should measure at the front, sides and back of the VDU. 

HEALTH EFFECTS OF VDU RADIATION

There are several major health effects from EMR and they include cancer, eye cataracts and reproductive problems. VDU radiation (especially extremely low frequency magnetic fields) has been associated with miscarriages and more recently with certain types of cancer such as glioma.

The Australian Radiation Laboratories states: "The overall pattern of results to date indicates an association between magnetic field exposure and cancer that cannot be satisfactorily explained but which cannot be dismissed."

HOW TO HANDLE VDU RADIATION AT WORK

There are four basic steps to resolve a safety dispute at work:

   1. Identify the hazard
   2. Assess the risk
   3. Eliminate or control the risk
   4. Review

1. IDENTIFY THE HAZARD

Determine the level of radiation being emitted from each VDU at your workplace. This may mean getting management to provide you with the radiation emission specifications of the VDUs from the manufacturer.

If the specifications are not available, then ask that tests be conducted of the radiation emissions at the workplace. The Australian Radiation Laboratories rent out radiation testing equipment. Make sure whatever equipment is used that it is capable of measuring 'extremely low frequency' radiation and its measurements are made in 'milliguass'. Consider getting management to purchase a Magnetic Field Meter from a major laboratory supplier.

If management refuses to test the VDUs then consider serving a Provisional Improvement Notice that stipulates testing is required. Get WorkCover to conduct an Investigation and do their own independent testing.

If dissatisfied with WorkCover's involvement, contact the CPSU for the matter to be taken to the Industrial Relations Commission under section 48 of the OHS Act.

2. ASSESS THE RISK

The second step is to discover the degree of health risk posed by the hazard. This means you must discover the level of radiation being emitted from the VDU and match that information against the relevant standard.

Unfortunately there is no existing standard in Australia for extremely low frequency radiation so we must use the best international standard - the Swedish MPR2 limit. (See table)

3. ELIMINATE OR CONTROL THE RISK

Assuming you have found VDUs that do not meet the Swedish limits, you should ask management what they're going to do about it - remember it is their legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace.

(i) Arrange a meeting with management once you have circulated the information you have collected to all your workmates and the CPSU Delegate. Provide management with the information and ask what they are going to do to eliminate the risk to VDU operators.

Ask management to determine how they're going to control the risk posed by the VDUs. This can be achieved by:

• replacing existing equipment with VDUs that are below the Swedish limits (these are readily available on the market);
• shielding the VDUs with appropriate materials;
• reducing exposure time by modifying/redesigning work practices and avoiding/minimising unnecessary use of computers;
• pregnant operators moving to non-VDU duties without loss of earnings;
• turning off VDUs when not in use.

(ii) If you are satisfied with management's response to the problem then make sure they act as they said they would. Make sure there is a written record of what is agreed and the agreed timeframes. Report the outcomes to workmates and the CPSU Delegate.

(iii) If you do not agree with management's response then report this to workmates and the CPSU Delegate. In conjunction with the Delegate convene a meeting of your work group to consider what action should be taken. Consider issuing a Provisional Improvement Notice and calling in a WorkCover Investigator.

4. REVIEW

The final step in resolving a problem with VDU radiation is to review the actions that management have taken. This may mean retesting the VDUs to make sure they meet the standard.