In case of inconsistency or discrepancy between
the English version and the original Japanese one,the latter shall prevail.

Guidelines for Use of Mobile Phones and Other Devices in Hospitals– For Secure, Safe Use of Wireless Communication Devices in Hospitals –August 19, 2014
Electromagnetic Compatibility Conference Japan

1.

Objectives and Background to Guidelines

Hospitals (which hereinafter shall include medical clinics with less than 20 hospital beds) have been
setting their own rules for using mobile phones and other devices at their facilities, taking into account theregulations concerning the electromagnetic immunity*1 of medical electrical equipment*2 in accordancewith the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act (Act No. 145 of 1960), the guidelines published in 1997 by theElectromagnetic Compatibility Conference Japan, and public manners in a comprehensive way.
In the meantime, we have seen drastic changes in pertinent circumstances, such as the penetrationof mobile phones into daily life, the abolishment of second-generation mobile-phone services, and theimprovement of medical electrical equipment for electromagnetic immunity.
Since proactive approach to mobile phones and other wireless communication devices in hospitals is
expected to offer a significant benefit to both the sophistication and efficiency of medical care and theimprovement of convenience and quality of life (QOL) for patients, it is critical to promote the use of suchdevices while ensuring safety.
These Guidelines have been created in consideration of the above circumstances through a review
by experts, medical associations, wireless service providers, and relevant ministries and agencies inorder to use mobile phones and other wireless communication devices more securely and safely in
hospitals. Hospitals are expected to establish reasonable rules for using mobile phones by reference tothese Guidelines.
The Guidelines for the Use of Mobile Handsets to Prevent Electromagnetic interference with medical
electrical equipment*3 published in 1997 by the Council for Countermeasures Against Unnecessary
Electromagnetic Waves shall be abolished along with the release of these Guidelines.

*1: The ability to prevent interference of electromagnetic energy on the device itself from electricalequipment and other devices nearby*2: Medical equipment driven by electricity that has an electrical circuit and/or a sensor*3: http://www.emcc-info.net/others/keitai.html
12.

Coverage of the Guidelines
New regulations are not implemented according to these Guidelines. Individual hospitals are

expected to establish their own rules for the proper usage of mobile phones referencing these Guidelines,
taking into account their own situations in a comprehensive manner.
While these Guidelines are designed for hospitals, it is desirable to increase recognition among
patients, hospital visitors, hospital staff, and relevant business operators extensively to share facts andideas behind the Guidelines.
As for electromagnetic interference (hereinafter called “EMI”)*4 with medical electrical equipmentused in a home-care setting, they are not in the direct scope of these guidelines because it is necessary
to continue the discussion while considering a variety of electromagnetic environments, as well as theinvolvement of hospital staff in case radio waves affect these devices. Although, hospitals are expected towork on preventing EMI with medical electrical equipment that is similar to those used in hospitals byreference not only to these Guidelines but also to the information contained in the Report on the Use of
Mobile Phones and Other Devices in Hospitals dated August 19, 2014 (hereinafter called the “Report”). To
prevent EMI with pacemakers and other implantable medical electrical equipment used not only insidehospitals, hospitals are advised to refer to the Guidelines for Preventing Interference Effects of Radio
Waves of Various Devices that Use Radio Waves on Implantable Medical Electrical Equipment*5
established by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC).
*4: Electromagnetic interference: Interruptions, obstructions, degradations or limitations of theperformance/function of electronics/electrical equipment caused by electromagnetic fields.
(e.g., the stoppage of medical electrical equipment caused by electric fields emitted from radio
equipment.)*5: http://www.tele.soumu.go.jp/j/sys/ele/medical/chis/index.htm

3.

Establishing Rules for Using Mobile Handsets Targeted at Users of Hospitals
As mobile handsets (which hereinafter mean to include smartphones and tablets with a built-in

cell-phone function) have become increasingly essential to daily life in recent years, it is desirable to allow
the use of mobile handsets by patients and hospital visitors in hospitals (hereinafter called “Hospital
Users”) to the extent possible for improvement of convenience and quality of life for patients. On the other
hand, while medical electrical equipment is required to have a certain level of immunity forelectromagnetic fields, their operation may be affected by mobile handsets when they are used in close
proximity. Another concern is public manners, such as sounds made during phone calls, of ringtones, of2

incoming mail tones, of operation, and of watching TV (hereinafter called “Calls”). Therefore, it isnecessary to place certain restrictions on the use of mobile handsets in hospitals and establish proper
rules for using them. This chapter describes general precautions and concepts on how to establish rules
for using mobile handsets particularly targeted at Hospital Users.
Since the kinds of medical electrical equipment and facilities differ among hospitals, hospitals are
expected to set specific rules properly by reference to these Guidelines, considering their individual
circumstances.
(1) General Precautions
See the following key matters that require attention when hospitals set rules:(a) Setting a Separation
Since radio waves from mobile handsets are attenuated as we separate from handsets, we canprevent EMI with medical electrical equipment by ensuring that there is a certain level ofseparation. On the other hand, it is necessary to avoid putting mobile handsets on medical
electrical equipment as it may greatly interfere with the operation of such devices. By reference tothe recommended separation distance*6 used in the international standards for theelectromagnetic compatibility of medical electrical equipment*7, a general suggestion of the proper
separation distance*8 would be to separate mobile handsets about one meter*9 from the medical
electrical equipment that may be affected*10. If hospitals have confirmed safety based on their own
test results, information from the instruction manual for specific medical electrical equipment, andother sources*11, they may set a separation lower than one meter.
If patients using medical electrical equipment (e.g., users of external pacemakers) are in thevicinity, it is also necessary to set a certain level of separation from medical electrical equipment.

*6: Although JIS T 0601-1-2:2012 uses a term “the recommended separation distance,” these Guidelines
use another term “general suggestion of proper separation distance,” which is also used in the guidelines
set by the Council for Countermeasures Against Unnecessary Electromagnetic Waves, the MIC’s
Guidelines for Preventing Electromagnetic Interference of Various Devices Using Radio Waves with
Implantable Medical electrical equipment.
*7: It refers to as IEC 60601-1-2, based on which JIS T 0601-1-2 (standards in Japan) has been created.
Versions 2001 (Ver. 2), 2004 (Ver. 2.1), and 2007 (Ver. 3) of IEC 60601-1-2 may be considered nearly
equivalent to JIS T 0601-1-2:2012 (Ver. 2). Similarly, Version 1993 (Ver. 1) of IEC 60601-1-2 may beconsidered nearly equivalent to JIS T 0601-1-2: 2002 (Ver. 1). Some imported items adopt EN (EuropeanNorm) and other standards. Medical electrical equipment manufactured and sold in Japan must comply
with these standards in accordance with the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.
3

*8: We have not confirmed the occurrence of any impacts that keep medical professionals from attaining
their purpose of medical care with this level of distance, whereas it should be noted that certain nuisances,such as an abnormal noise from speakers and an effect on the display, possibly occur even though they
do not interfere with the purpose of medical care.
*9: A general suggestion of the proper separation distance in these Guidelines has been establishedbased on the result of an experiment using actual equipment (which was conducted for the formation ofthese guidelines), the standards for electromagnetic compatibility of medical electrical equipment (JIS T
0601-1-2:2012), and other sources. According the wireless access system for current mobile phones inJapan, the recommended separation distance is specifically 1.15 m (calculated with a relative gain of 0dB) if we apply peak power output of 250 mW to the formula in the standards for computing therecommended separation distance. Still, the general suggestion of the proper separation distance has
been set to around one meter because (1) the recommended separation distance would be 0.92 m if wetake into account the relative gain for actual mobile handsets (approximately -2 dB); (2) the maximum
distance for interference effects on medical practice (except for abnormal noises, blurring on the display,etc.) in the experiment (which was limited to the medical electrical equipment that may be affected andnot exhaustive) was 18 cm; and (3) the level of separation should be easy-to-understand for Hospital
Users. Just to be on the safe side, we need to pay attention to older medical electrical equipment placedin hospitals {e.g., JIS T 0601-1-2:2002 (Ver. 1) compliant products that have not been evaluated with all
frequencies used for current mobile phones, older products that do not have corresponding JIS versions.}
Refer to the Report for more detailed measurement outcomes and concepts of separation.
*10: The medical electrical equipment of particular concern include general-purpose infusion pumps,
syringe pumps, blood purifiers, external pacemakers, artificial ventilators, balloon pump driving
apparatuses for auxiliary circulation, percutaneous cardiopulmonary driving apparatuses, auxiliary
artificial heart driving apparatuses, and closed circuit stationary infant incubators.
*11: Refer to 2.2.1. “Reference: Examples of How to State the Recommended Separation Distance(Separations)” and Footnote No. 11 in 2.2.3 in the Report.

(b) Public Manners
Since Calls using mobile handsets in shared space may disturb the rest of other patients, it isappropriate for hospitals to place use restrictions from a perspective of public manners. They areadvised to examine and set specific rules in consideration of their circumstances.
(c) Protecting Personal and Medical Information
While many mobile handsets have recording and camera functions, it is appropriate to avoid theuse of such functions in hospitals in light of protecting personal information and preventing the4

leakage of medical information as a rule. Therefore, hospitals are advised to examine and set
specific rules in consideration of their circumstances as necessary.
(d) Improving a Structure for EMC*12
In hospitals, it is preferable to put someone in charge of realizing a favorable EMC environment.
The EMC Personnel is responsible for establishing rules for using mobile handsets working withother relevant departments while improving a management system for EMC at his/her facilities.
For specific efforts, the EMC Personnel should refer to Chapter 7 “Improving a Management
Structure in Hospitals” and consider the specific circumstances of the facilities.
*12: Electromagnetic compatibility: A status that two or more instruments operate normally without
receiving EMI mutually when either or both emit electromagnetic fields.
(2) Setting Area-specific Rules for Use
Since the kinds of medical electrical equipment, the need for using mobile handsets, and the need forconsideration of others appear to differ greatly among specific areas in hospitals, hospitals need to
set area-specific rules. For the areas where the use of mobile handsets is allowed, they also need to
set up the conditions for use (e.g., separations, precautions for use). See the following approach to
the establishment of area-specific rules for examining and setting rules in hospitals based on theabove guidelines:(a) Waiting Lounges, Lobbies, Cafeterias, Corridors, Elevator Halls, etc.
Since there is no medical electrical equipment in this area normally, hospitals may allow the use ofmobile handsets, including Calls, while reminding Hospital Users of public manners. If a patient
using medical electrical equipment is in this area, mobile handsets in use should be separated byat least the specified separation from medical electrical equipment. If this area is in the vicinity of
the restricted areas, hospitals should set restrictions on the use of mobile handsets as necessary.
Hospitals should remind Hospital Users to avoid using mobile handsets while walking (“texting
while walking”) as it is a dangerous act.
(b) Patient rooms
As medical electrical equipment used in this area is usually limited, the level of interference effectsof the use of mobile handsets on medical electrical equipment appears to be relatively low.
Therefore, mobile handsets may be used in this area. In case there is medical electricalequipment that may be affected in this area, mobile handsets in use should be separated by atleast the specified separation from medical electrical equipment. If a patient using medical
electrical equipment is in this area, mobile handsets in use should be separated by at least the
specified separation from medical electrical equipment. Since Calls could disturb the rest of other
patients in a patient room for multiple patients, it is preferable to set certain restrictions. While the5use of e-mail, Web, and other applications that do not emit a sound is unlikely to disturb the rest ofother patients in the room, hospitals are expected to set restrictions as necessary, such as
prohibiting the use of such applications at night.
(c) Consultation Rooms
It is desirable to avoid the use of mobile handsets in examination rooms so as not to disturb
doctor’s work and other patients. Even if noise and other events occur, the potential effects on
medical practices are limited as much of the medical electrical equipment used in this area are
diagnostic devices. Examination rooms are under the control of hospital staff. If the use of mobile
handsets should affect medical electrical equipment, hospital staff would acknowledge the effects
and deal with the situation by, for example, keeping mobile handsets away from medical electricalequipment. This means that Hospital Users do not need to turn off their mobile handsets in thisarea, provided that, in the case that there are patients using medical electrical equipment, anymobile handsets in use are separated by at least the specified separation from the medical
electrical equipment.
(d) Operating Rooms, Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Laboratories, Treatment Rooms, etc.
Much of the medical electrical equipment used in this area, such as life-support devices, carry asignificant risk if radio waves interfere with such equipment. We should therefore prohibit the useof mobile handsets as a rule. Mobile handsets should be turned off (or switch to airplane or offlinemode) since they may transmit signals even in the standby state.
(e) Mobile Phone Space, Rooms Designated for Mobile Phone Use, etc.
If hospitals have little space where mobile handsets may be used, it is desirable to set up space
for the use of mobile handsets in the appropriate location for the convenience and quality of life for
Hospital Users. Any type of use, including Calls, should be allowed in this area.

[Reference Cases: Establishment of Rules for Using Mobile Handsets by Area]
Areas

Calls

(1) Cafeterias,
waiting

AllowedE-mail, Web, andArea-specific

Other Applications

Precautions

Allowed

rooms,

in use should be

corridors,
elevator

Mobile handsets

separated by athalls,

least theetc.

specifiedseparation from6

medical
electricalequipment.


Use should be
restricted asnecessary if
mobile handsets
in use are in thevicinity of therestricted areas.

Texting while
walking isdangerous andshould be
avoided.

(2) Patient rooms,

Partially allowed*13

Allowed

etc.

Mobile handsets
in use should be
separated by atleast thespecifiedseparation frommedicalelectricalequipment.



In a patientroom formultiplepatients, certain
consideration isnecessary froma perspective of
public manners,
such as placing
restrictions on
Calls.

7

(3) Consultation

Not allowed

rooms

Partly allowed

There is noneed to turn off(No need to switch

mobile handsets

off)(provided thatmobile-phoneusers keep
distance frommedicalelectricalequipment for atleast thespecifiedseparation.)Consideration isnecessary. For
example, useshould be
avoided toprevent the
disturbance tomedicalexamination orother patients.

(4) Operation

Not allowed

Not allowed

Mobile handsets

rooms, ICUs,

should not belaboratories,

used and should

treatment rooms,

be turned off.

etc.

(Or they should
be switched tothe mode that
does not emit
radio waves.

(5) Space for mobile

AllowedAllowedphones, etc.
*13: Which matters should require attention from a perspective of public manners cannot be decided in asingle uniform way. Note that the above cases are for reference only; specific rules are left to the8discretion of individual hospitals.

4.

Establishing Rules for Using Mobile Handsets Targeted at Hospital staff
It is necessary to set rules specifically targeted at hospital staff when hospitals establish rules forusing mobile handsets at their facilities.
Considering that the use of mobile handsets for medical practice contributes to the swift and optimum
operation of medical services, the use thereof, including Calls, may be allowed in principle, on thecondition that hospital staff is fully educated about the prevention of interference with medical electricalequipment. It is important, however, that each hospital confirm that the use of mobile handsets does notaffect medical electrical equipment, in areas, such as operation rooms, where there is medical electricalequipment with a significant risk of interference based on the test result if they have conducted a test on
their own, information from the instruction manual for specific medical electrical equipment, and othersources. Another effective measure is to introduce a system with low power output for medical practice{e.g., the personal handy phone system (PHS) for medical purposes}.
If hospitals use mobile handsets for medical practice, it is necessary to take a measure to avoid
confusion among Hospital Users, such as attaching a dedicated strap to these mobile handsets.
As for the use of mobile handsets for private purposes by hospital staff, it is appropriate to apply thesame rule as that of Hospital Users in the areas where both hospital staff and Hospital Users are present.
Mobile handsets may be used in the areas where access is limited to hospital staff (e.g., nurses’ stations,and staff lounges, medical offices, and other staff rooms) because there is no medical electricalequipment that may be affected by radio waves or Hospital Users to whom consideration should be given
in terms of public manners.

5.

Keeping People Informed about the Rules for Using Mobile Handsets in Hospitals
It is necessary to fully inform Hospital Users, hospital staff, and relevant business operators of thecontent of the rules for using mobile handsets to ensure compliance with the rules. Hospitals shouldcarefully explain the rules to patients orally and through leaflets when admitted, and post signs on thecontent of the rules for use in an easy-to-understand manner in a highly visible location in each area
inside their facilities. Signs should contain rules for using mobile handsets for Calls as distinguished frome-mail, Web, and other applications in a straightforward manner. (See reference examples in the exhibit.)
Hospital staff and relevant business operators are expected to take the lead in complying with therules. Therefore, hospitals should ensure that these individuals are particularly well informed about therules by, for example, distributing memos and posting alert messages.
9

6.

Using Wireless Communications Systems other than Mobile Handsets
With the development of information and communications technologies (ICT) and the application

thereof to medical services in recent years, the use of wireless communication devices as a system for
medical purposes has rapidly gained popularity, and opportunities for use are expected to increase in the
future. See the following approach to the usage of wireless communications systems. (Note: Refer to theReport for details on advanced cases on the application of ICT to medical services using wirelesscommunications systems.)(1) PHS
Actually, Personal Handy-phone System (PHS) handsets manufactured with low output power for
hospital staff have already been implemented at many hospitals. While these handsets may be usedin hospitals, in principle, hospitals should confirm that the use of PHS handsets does not affect any
medical electrical equipment in such areas as operation rooms and ICUs based on the test result if
they have conducted a test on their own, information from the instruction manual for specific medical
electrical equipment, and other sources. However, putting PHS handsets on medical electricalequipment should be prohibited.
(2) Wireless LAN
Since wireless LAN devices generally used in Japan have lower output power than mobile handsets,
they are less likely to interfere with medical electrical equipment. That is why it is consideredappropriate to use them in hospitals, and have already been implemented at many hospitals.
Hospitals should, however, confirm that the use of wireless LAN devices does not affect any medical
electrical equipment in such areas as operation rooms and ICUs based on the test result if they haveconducted a test on their own, information from the instruction manual for specific medical electricalequipment, and other sources. Putting wireless LAN devices on medical electrical equipment should
be prohibited.
As smartphones, tablets, game consoles, mobile routers, and other devices with embedded wireless
LAN connectivity have rapidly gained popularity, the use of such wireless LAN devices by Hospital
Users may cause interference and other problems to the wireless LAN used inside hospitals.
Therefore, hospitals with wireless LAN connectivity need to take such measures as placing
restrictions on the use of wireless LAN devices brought by hospital visitors and recommending theuse of the LAN made available by hospitals to general visitors. Attention should be given particularly
to those who use smartphones and similar devices embedded with both wireless LAN and mobile
phone capabilities.
To implement a wireless LAN, it is necessary to check that radio equipment conforms to the technical10standards in Japan by checking the presence of radio equipment conformity certification marks suchas the Technical Conformity Mark ().

(3) Establishing Femtocell Base Stations*14
Establishing femtocell base stations is likely to expand coverage inside hospitals when they havepoor signal quality. Around a femtocell base station, the transmitted power of mobile handsets
accessing the base station becomes lower under specific conditions compared with accessing a
distant base station. This means that there is less EMI by radio waves from mobile handsets on
surrounding medical electrical equipment. Hospitals are advised to consult professional operators
about specific installation plans in harmony with these Guidelines since the improvement of theelectromagnetic environment is possibly limited and as the effect mentioned above may be achieved
only through the precise configuration of the coverage area.
*14: Small base stations that cover a small area with low output(4) Others
RFID, ZigBee, Bluetooth, and other technologies have become widely used to identify and manage
medical electrical equipment. In implementing any of these technologies, hospitals should check theinterference effects of such technologies on medical electrical equipment based on the test result if
they have conducted a test on their own, information from the instruction manual for specific medical
electrical equipment, and other sources. Since some types of RFID readers may emit strong
electromagnetic waves, interference effects need to be checked carefully in the process of
implementing RFID.

7.

Improving a Management Structure in hospitals
By establishing rules for using mobile handsets by reference to these Guidelines, hospitals are morecapable to properly manage and operate wireless communication devices in their facilities. To makewireless communication devices available more safely and securely along with further development of
ICT for medical services, hospitals need to pay more attention to the management of the EMC
environment by reference to these Guidelines. In particular, advanced treatment hospitals, where many
advanced medical electrical equipment, such as life-support devices, are expected to address thefollowing matters actively using examples from the efforts made in medically advanced countries*14:*14: One example is the Recommendations for EMC/EMI in Healthcare Facilities (2010) put out by the US
Food and Drug Administration. Refer to the Report for details.
(1) Deploying EMC Managers
It is preferable to assign someone (EMC Managers) to work on EMC in hospitals on an ongoing
11basis. Clinical Engineering Technologists or safety management supervisors for medical
equipment can also serve as EMC Managers. It is desirable to assign Certified ClinicalEngineering Specialists or someone who has knowledge about EMC.
(2) Case Examples of Efforts Expected of EMC Managers
To support the utilization of ICT and the prevention of EMI with medical electrical equipment at
the same time, it is preferable that EMC Managers work with relevant departments and play acentral role in promoting the matters described below:(a) Evaluating EMC for Wireless Communication Devices and Medical Electrical
Equipment Used in Hospitals
Hospitals should identify which wireless communications terminals are under their control andwhich ones are not (e.g., mobile handsets brought from outside) and then sort out the users ofthese terminals. They are also expected to understand the areas where medical electricalequipment that requires focused control in terms of EMC is in use and examine rules for using
these terminals to ensure safety.
If medical electrical equipment shows a sign of interference apparently caused by radio waves,
hospitals should work in collaboration with the manufacturer of the medical electricalequipment, take tentative measures such as tightening controls on the use of mobile handsets
in the surrounding area, and record and analyze the situation to identify the cause.
(b) Evaluating and Improving the Electromagnetic environment
Generally, the better the radio wave reception, the less the output power of radio waves frommobile handsets. Therefore, improving radio wave conditions can be effective in improving the
EMC environment. Hospitals are advised to identify areas with poor signal quality and takemeasures as necessary. Examples of measures to improve radio wave conditions include theinstallation of base stations inside the hospitals and indoor repeaters. Hospitals should
consult professional operators for specific steps.
(c) Formulating Rules for Hospital Users and Hospital staff on the Use of Mobile Handsets
Hospitals are expected to establish a structure for examining EMC matters (e.g., EMC
Committee) composed of persons in charge from relevant departments by reference to these
Guidelines, and formulate rules for both Hospital Users and hospital staff while taking into
account the individual situations of hospitals in a comprehensive manner. Members of the
EMC committee should share information on an ongoing basis and review any matters asnecessary.
(d) Building a Structure for Procuring, Implementing, Operating, and Managing Medical
12

Electrical Equipment and Wireless Communication Devices to Build a Favorable EMC
Environment
EMC Managers play a central role in establishing administrative rules for handling medical
electrical equipment and wireless communication devices to build a favorable EMC
environment. In the process, a sufficient structure for communication and coordination should
be built among EMC Managers, the personnel in charge of procuring and managing wirelesscommunication devices, and the personnel in charge of procuring and managing medical
electrical equipment.
When hospitals plan to introduce some medical electronic equipment or wirelesscommunications equipment for the first time, they should obtain sufficient information from the
manufacturers of medical electrical equipment and other sources, and estimate the required
separation by conducting a test if necessary to maintain and improve their EMC environment.
As medical electrical equipment with built-in wireless communication capabilities has become
widely used in recent years, hospitals should work with relevant departments in particularwhen they introduce such equipment for the first time.
(e) Keeping Hospital Users Informed and Educating Hospital staff
Rules for using mobile handsets should be communicated through signs posted on the wall,handouts, floor maps, etc. Hospital staff is educated as well on the necessary knowledge
about EMC.
(f) Collecting Latest Technical Information on an Ongoing Basis
EMC Managers are expected to collect latest information, such as the electromagnetic
immunity of wireless communication devices and medical electrical equipment, from the
manufacturers of such devices, relevant ministries and agencies, and other sources, andattempt to improve their efforts as needed based on the aforementioned information.
8.

Matters Expected of Manufacturers of Medical Electrical Equipment
JIS T 0601-1-2 stipulates that the manufacturers of medical electrical equipment must explain

precautions and other matters in instruction manuals, while the second version of JIS T 0601-1-2:2012
further states that they must document an explanation including the recommended separation distance intechnical briefing papers.
As the application of ICT to medical services becomes more common in the future, it is anticipatedthat there will be an increasing need for improvement of the EMC environment in hospitals to continue toensure security and safety. This means that necessary information should be fully communicated to EMC
Managers of hospitals more than ever.
13

The manufacturers of medical electrical equipment are therefore advised to promote efforts toprovide the information on EMC of medical electrical equipment that helps EMC Managers makedecisions, such as data on separation from mobile handsets, in an easier-to-understand manner basedon the intent of the aforementioned standards and these Guidelines. In particular, they are expected topresent in an easy-to-understand fashion information on risks and warnings for cases such as the placingof mobile handsets closer to the equipment and older medical electrical equipment. They are also
expected to respond to inquiries from hospitals about the said information as promptly as possible, andwork cooperatively with hospitals and other parties to identify the cause if hospitals inform them ofinterference on the delivered medical electrical equipment apparently caused by electromagnetic waves.
They examine the possibility of gaining cooperation from mobile-service operators as needed.
Since there is a need for future development of medical electrical equipment with higher
electromagnetic immunity, the manufacturers of medical electrical equipment should work actively on this
area.

9.

Matters Expected of Mobile Service Providers*15
Based on these Guidelines, wireless service providers are expected to actively keep its users

informed about precautions for use of mobile handsets in hospitals through their websites, instruction
manuals, etc. They are also expected to work cooperatively with the manufacturers of medical electricalequipment and other parties to identify the cause if hospitals inform of interference apparently caused byelectromagnetic waves.
*15: Mobile service providers herein mean any business operators involved in the sales andmanufacturing of mobile handsets, and the operation of telecommunications networks.

14

Exhibit: Examples of Signs Used in hospitals

Use of Mobile Phones:
Allowed・Separate mobile handsets away from medical
electrical equipment for at least one meter.
・Users may make calls, e‐mail, or browse.

Use of Mobile Phones:
Partly Allowed
Phone E-mail/Calls Browse

・Separate mobile handsets away from medical
electrical equipment for at least one meter.
・Users may e‐mail or browse. No phone calls,
please.

Turn Off Mobile
PhonesNote: The above signs are for illustration purposes only. Hospitals are recommended to refer to theseexamples and create proper signs that show their rules in an easy-to-understand fashion.

15