SAIMC


SAIMC: From the office of the CEO

November 2021 SAIMC


Johan Maartens.

Covid-19, vaccination and 5G are both culprits when it comes to the subject of rumours, false information and scare-mongering. I will not be talking about Covid as this is a highly controversial subject. It reminds me of a person who once said that he knows absolutely nothing about politics, but that does not prevent him from having a strong opinion.

Now back to 5G. Claims have been made about a link between 5G and Covid-19. This comes not only from countries where the education systems are known to be ‘not so up- to-date’, but from countries such as the UK and the Netherlands as well.

The ICNIRP Guidelines on Limiting Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields are for the protection of humans exposed to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields in the range 100 kHz to 300 GHz. The guidelines cover many applications such as 5G technologies, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile phones and base stations. These supersede the 100 kHz to 300 GHz part of the ICNIRP (1998) RF guidelines, as well as the 100 kHz to 10 MHz part of the ICNIRP (2010) low-frequency guidelines.

It is important to note that these guidelines are based on the best science currently available and will be reviewed from time to time as new information becomes available. It is also worth noting that the medical field has largely been excluded as qualified medical practitioners have to weigh up the pros and cons of using electromagnetic-based treatments, as these can indirectly cause harm by interfering with implantable medical devices (see ISO 2012).

Therefore, people can rest assured that there are specialists studying the impact of 5G and beyond on humans and the environment. The consensus is that while companies adhere to these guidelines, these electromagnetic fields are safe.

But are they really 100% safe? There is no conclusive evidence either way, but that does not mean that 5G causes Covid-19.

Each one of us needs to ensure that the messages we forward come from a reliable source and not from ‘a boetie’ who has personally read it in a WhatsApp message sent by a masked rumour-monger.

ECSA registration

Time is running out for those who are doing engineering-type work (technicians, technologists and engineers) and whose surnames begin with the letters A-K – you only have next year to register. If you have not started your paperwork yet, chances are you might not finish in time for this first batch. You will then have to wait until all others have registered and work under the supervision of a registered person while you wait your turn.

Yours in automation,

Johan Maartens.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

SAIMC: Johannesburg
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.

Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the COO: A call to action: Elevating our profession through ECSA registration
SAIMC SAIMC
The engineering landscape in South Africa is evolving rapidly, and with it, the expectations placed upon us as practitioners. At the heart of this evolution lies a critical imperative: registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa.

Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch
SAIMC SAIMC
At SAIMC Durban’s October Technology Evening, Nico Erasmus delivered a thought-provoking presentation on a topic close to every automation professional’s heart: PLC and Drive Manufacturer Generational Hardware - UpGrades, UpGates or UpRates?

Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.

Read more...
Why ECSA matters
SAIMC SAIMC
I always knew I had to register as a Professional Engineer. Then I opened the registration guidelines.

Read more...
Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry event
SAIMC SAIMC
The last of SAIMC’s Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry (KS4I) events for 2025 will be held in September.

Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the COO: Enabling AI-ready manufacturing in South Africa
SAIMC SAIMC
Last month, I wrote about the ethical use of AI in our daily lives. This month, I want to explore two concepts, backed by different architectures and technologies, that can assist our manufacturing facilities to exponentially increase the pace of their digital transformation.

Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch hosted its June Technology Evening at the Bryanston Sports Club, where attendees explored a topic beyond the usual scope of process automation.

Read more...
SAIMC: Zambia branch
SAIMC
SAIMC Zambia recently facilitated an industrial visit to the Zamefa Cable Manufacturing Company in Luanshya for twenty automation students from Sinozam. The visit gave students valuable exposure to the advanced technology used in copper and aluminium cable production.

Read more...
SAIMC: Michael Brown named Honorary Senior Member of SAIMC
SAIMC SAIMC
Michael Brown, a recently retired specialist in control loop optimisation, has been named an Honorary Senior Member of the SAIMC, a rare distinction held by only a handful of individuals.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved