Today I have an appointment with a customer who develops and manufactures microelectronics. It is a fast‐growing organization in a really high‐tech environment. They have invited me to talk to them about developing a new website. It sounds like fun.
I report to the reception desk where I receive a visitor's badge. You've probably seen them before; it's got a magnet that attaches to your jacket. On the back of the badge is a picture with a pacemaker warning. Because of the magnet, the badge should not be worn near a pacemaker. I wonder whether such a small magnet would really be able to disrupt a pacemaker? I don't have a pacemaker, instead I have an S‐ICD. What should I do in my case? I really don't know. However, just to be sure I wear the badge on my right side (the S‐ICD is on the left).
My contact person gives me an extensive briefing on the communication goals of the website. Last year, I was given a tour of the company, but in the meantime, quite a lot has changed. We decide that a new tour might be a good idea.
Since this is an electronic high‐tech environment, I am given a white laboratory jacket and told that I need to be completely static‐free. I smile, I'm a walking battery! A few minutes later, we're walking through the research department where Gryo Gearloose‐type characters are developing new electronics.
This is followed by an enormous production hall with impressive high‐tech equipment. I hesitate and wonder whether it's safe to stand so close to these machines. I know that household equipment rarely causes problems, but when you're in an industrial environment with potentially strong electromagnetic fields and wearing an S‐ICD, it's probably best to be careful. I play it safe and keep my distance. Maybe next time I should ask.
After the tour, I have enough information to get to work. I hand in my badge and leave. Back in the car, I realise that sometimes I'll be confronted with practical questions, and do’s and dont’s regarding certain equipment, but I don't reflect on it for too long. These things are just a simple reminder of the fact that I have an SICD; nothing more and nothing less.
Rob