Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)

EMF’s are invisible electric and magnetic fields that are emitted by all electronic & electrical equipment when in use and are present in most workplaces.

Following the adoption of the European Directive 2013/35/EU – The Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work (CEMFAW) Regulations 2016 came into effect in July 2016.

As part of these regulations, all organisations are required to undertake an assessment of the risks from exposure to EMF’s. Activities and equipment that are at higher risk include welding, electrical supply, magnetic equipment, medical equipment, none destructive testing (NDT), microwaves and metal working.

As part of the CEMFAW regulations employers are required to:

• Undertake an assessment of the risks from exposure to EMF’s
• If required, produce an EMF action plan
• Identify any at-risk individuals and ensure they are protected
• Provide instruction, information and training to employees on risk and controls
• Provide health surveillance if at risk personnel are identified

EMF exposure health effects depend upon the strength of electrical and magnetic fields generated, the type of equipment used and its frequency emitted.

Health effects are either direct or indirect. Direct health effects could be thermal or sensory such as heating the body tissue, nausea/vertigo. Indirect effects refer to interference of active medical implanted devices or generation of sparks.

Workers who are at particular risk ar; expectant mothers and those with medical implanted devices.

As part of an EMF survey, Validate Consulting will undertake a comprehensive measurement service of the work site and risk assessment.

What the survey includes:

• Evaluation of EMF levels and exposures with comparison to action levels and Exposure limits.
• EMF action plans and equipment zoning
• Information, instruction and training on EMF’s in the workplace.

If you have any questions or would like more information please do not hesitate to get in touch via our contact section or email.