Last updated in December 2000 Health and Safety Reps may be approached by members concerned about the installation of microwave aerials on the roof of buildings. These aerials are usually base transmitters for mobile telephone networks. Cellular mobile phones transmit electromagnetic signals in the form of microwaves.
Mobile phones have a very limited range.
The aerials are normally sited on tall buildings to cover the widest area possible. This has meant that many public sector employers have been approached with financial inducements for the siting of aerials on, or near, their premises. This has been a particular problem within schools and colleges. At present local authorities are often powerless to prevent the erection of these masts since planning permission is not required. As anyone with a microwave oven knows, microwaves have a heating effect on substances containing water.