Phone Mast Safety: What Landlords Need to Know About ICNIRP and RF Emissions

Gemma Wright
Aug 7
2 min read

If you host a mobile phone mast on your property, you’ve probably heard of ICNIRP — but what does it really mean, and what are your responsibilities as a landlord?

At Phone Mast People, we act for landlords nationwide and often get asked about safety, radiation, and legal obligations. Here’s what you need to know.

🔍 What is ICNIRP?

ICNIRP stands for the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. It’s an independent scientific body that sets exposure guidelines for things like:

Mobile phone mast emissions (radiofrequency or RF energy)
Microwaves
Magnetic fields from power lines

Their aim is to protect human health by limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

🧍‍♀️ Does ICNIRP Only Protect the Public?

Not exactly. ICNIRP sets two levels of protection:

Public exposure limits (stricter): These apply to the general population — including pregnant women, children, and those with medical implants.
Occupational exposure limits (higher): These apply to trained workers who understand and manage their exposure.

So while operators self-certify their equipment as “ICNIRP compliant” (typically under public limits), that doesn’t mean all areas around a mast are safe for unprotected or untrained access — especially on rooftops or near antennas.

🧾 What This Means for Landlords

Even with an ICNIRP certificate in place, you still have legal duties under CEMFAW 2016 (Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations). If you or contractors need to access areas near antennas (e.g. for roof repairs, guttering, or surveys), you need to:

Know where the RF exclusion zones are
Arrange switch-off procedures if entry into high-risk areas is needed
Ensure contractors are aware of any RF risks
Include clear clauses in your lease giving you the right to request switch-offs and safe access

We recommend you do not rely solely on the operator’s self-certification.

📡 Can Phone Mast People Help?

Yes. At Phone Mast People, we:

Review and negotiate safety clauses in leases
Assist with RF risk assessments
Arrange independent RF testing where appropriate
Ensure your rights and responsibilities as a landlord are clear and enforceable

⚠️ Safety Is About Access, Not Just Emissions

One of the most common oversights is the failure to plan for safe access to areas within or near RF exclusion zones. If your building has a mast, access to your own roof may be restricted unless equipment is powered down temporarily.

If you or your contractors fall into a protected category — such as being pregnant or having a medical implant — ICNIRP public limits apply, and extra precautions are necessary.

✅ Take Control of Your Site

Phone mast leases are often written to favour the operator — including vague or weak provisions on safety. But as a landlord, the legal responsibility for your site doesn’t stop when you sign a lease.

Make sure your lease gives you the right to manage access and safety, not just assume the operator will handle it.

📞 Need Advice?

If you’d like us to review your lease or arrange an independent RF test, get in touch. We’ll make sure your legal, safety, and practical obligations are covered — and that your mast site works for you, not just the operator.