§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance his Department has issued on the minium safe distance from telecommunications masts for(a) houses and (b) buildings housing animals in respect of microwave radiation. [21251]
§ Mr. RaynsfordGuidance on limiting exposure to electromagnetic radiation is issued by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) which has a statutory function to provide advice to Government on all radiation matters. The guidance specifies restrictions on the exposure of people rather than safe distances from equipment. The NRPB advises that radio waves at ground426W level and in regions accessible to the public and to animals tends to be many times below guideline levels and should present no significant health risk. Telecommunications operators have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and the Management of the Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 to ensure that their work activities, which would include the operation of their apparatus, do not present a risk to employees and the general public.