Workers' exposure to electromagnetic fields in the industrial sector
MANAGING ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
In the industry
We can help you prevent worker exposure to electromagnetic fields in your industry to ensure their safety. This involves complying with the regulatory limits set out in the European Directive 2013/35/EU and implementing the decree no. 2016-1074, accurately assessing exposure, as well as raising awareness and providing training to ensure a safe, standards-compliant industrial environment.
Compliance with regulatory limits
Do you have to comply with the regulatory limits set by the European Directive 2013/35/EU and implement the decree no. 2016-1074 laying down prevention rules for the health of workers in your industrial sector?
Exposure assessment and measurement
Would you like to work with a qualified specialist in the field of electromagnetic fields who has reliable methods for accurately assessing and measuring the level of exposure of your employees on your industrial site?
Awareness-raising and training
Would you like the assistance of an expert to help you present the results of your measurements at works council meetings? Would you also like to benefit from training to raise awareness of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) prevention, tailored to your industrial environment?
MANAGING ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
Exem's response
Since the 1st of January 2017, employers have to assess the risks of their employees and to ensure that the limit levels defined by the regulations in force are respected. To do this, it is necessary to identify equipment likely to emit electromagnetic fields and to take action if regulatory levels may be exceeded.
At Exem, we are fully aware of the challenges associated with worker exposure in the industrial sector. That’s why we support you in your prevention efforts by paying particular attention to raising awareness of the risks among your qualified personnel (CSR, QSE, QHSE managers, etc.), in accordance with the “non-binding guide to good practice for the implementation of the Directive 2013/35/EU” drawn up by the European Commission.
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Industrial environments can be home to equipment radiating strong electromagnetic fields likely to exceed regulatory levels and operating at frequencies ranging from static magnetic fields
to radio frequencies. This may include electrical equipment (machines, motors, transformers, generators), welding equipment (arc welding, etc.), communications equipment (antennas, radio transceivers, wireless systems), induction heating equipment (industrial furnaces, etc.), control and measurement equipment (temperature control, sensors, etc.).
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Employees at particular risk
It is necessary to identify your employees at particular risk, such as workers carrying an AIMD or pregnant women among your employees (electricians, electronics engineers, machine operators, welders, maintenance personnel, etc.) in order to
put in place appropriate preventive measures to reduce their exposure to electromagnetic fields, as specified in the recommendation 1999/519/EC.
03
In industrial environments, it is crucial to take into account the direct and undesirable effects of electromagnetic field emissions on the health of personnel who are particularly exposed (heating of tissues, stimulation of sensory organs,
nerves or muscles, etc.). Static sources, for example, can have several types of direct effect on those exposed: dizziness, nausea, pacemaker malfunction, magnetisation or heating of implants made of ferromagnetic materials, etc.
Download our white paper on worker exposure to electromagnetic fields
MANAGING ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
Our solutions in detail
First of all, it is crucial to identify the sources of electromagnetic fields and assess the associated risks, particularly for workers presenting particular risks, before protective measures can be put in place.
As a COFRAC-accredited laboratory, we are here to help you bring your industrial facilities into compliance. Our expertise enables us to carry out reliable and accurate measurements, guaranteeing a safe electromagnetic environment for your employees, in compliance with the decree 2016-1074 and the EMC directive.
Sources identification
We carry out an exhaustive inventory of the equipment, situations and activities present in industrial environments in order to identify those likely to generate electromagnetic fields (EMF). Our aim is to determine which equipment complies with the directive and which requires further assessment.
High & low frequency measurements
In the industrial context, we take care to use appropriate equipment depending on the nature of the electromagnetic field, the frequency band of the emissions and the characteristics of the signals. We take into account the relevant physical quantities, such as frequencies and amplitudes, as well as the spatial and temporal characteristics of the electromagnetic waves. This enables us to select the right tools and devices to measure these fields, ensuring an approach tailored to the diversity of electromagnetic sources present in your industry.
NETWORK Indoor Map
Quality network coverage is essential to ensure connectivity for your employees who are constantly dependent on their mobile devices. We assess the network coverage of your premises to ensure uniform and reliable distribution.
Risk assessment
We identify exposure limit values (ELVs) and action threshold values (ATVs), adapting them to each situation and workstation. If the measurement reveals that these values are exceeded, we determine the preventive and protective measures to be put in place. Our aim is to ensure that levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields remain within regulatory thresholds.
EMF Supervision Indoor
We offer Health, Safety and Security (HSE) departments our EMF Supervision Indoor solution. This involves installing sensors to measure electromagnetic fields in their industrial environment (factories, etc.). These sensors enable real-time monitoring of workers' exposure to electromagnetic fields generated by sources such as Wi-Fi, antennas, wireless systems, etc. This real-time monitoring makes it possible to quantify and track exposure levels precisely, making it easier to assess compliance with regulatory thresholds and implement appropriate preventive measures.
We can help you
UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING
FAQs
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about workers’ exposure to electromagnetic fields in the industrial sector.
It transposes the European Directive 2013/35/EU into French law. It concerns the protection of workers against the risks associated with electromagnetic fields. It applies to all employers and workers covered by the Labour Code, in all sectors of activity where workers may be exposed to electromagnetic fields. It specifies that employers are required to carry out a risk assessment to determine the exposure of workers to electromagnetic fields. This assessment must take into account the sources of electromagnetic fields, the levels of exposure, the duration of exposure and the effects on the health and safety of workers.
The need for specific assessments will depend on the categories of workers present in your company. However, some equipment or workplaces always require an in-depth assessment. This is the case for:
- base station antennas, within the exclusion zone designated by the operator,
- lighting equipment controlled by radio frequency or microwave,
- electrical circuits with conductors close together carrying a net current of more than 100 A (including wiring, switching devices, transformers, etc.),
- overhead bare conductors with a nominal voltage greater than 100 kV, or overhead lines with a voltage greater than 150 kV, above the workplace,
- dielectric welding,
- induction heating and welding,
- magnetic particle inspection,
- industrial magnetisers/demagnetisers,
- microwave heating and drying,
- RF plasma devices, including vacuum deposition and sputtering,
- industrial electrolysis, furnaces and arc or induction smelting,
- medical equipment using electromagnetic fields for diagnosis and treatment (e.g. short-wave diathermy, transcranial magnetic stimulation),
- radars for air traffic control, military, weather and long-range radars,
- electric trains and trams,
- broadcasting systems and devices (radio and television: LF, MF, HF, VHF, UHF).
The European Directive 2013/35/EU concerns electromagnetic fields and lays down the minimum rules and indirect effects that may occur due to the presence of objects in the field, leading to a risk to safety or health:
- interference with electronic medical equipment and devices,
- interference with active medical equipment or implants, such as pacemakers or defibrillators,
- interference with medical devices worn on the body, such as insulin pumps,
- interference with passive implants (artificial joints, pins, wires or metal plates),
- effects on shrapnel, body piercings, tattoos and other forms of body art,
- risk of projection of unfixed ferromagnetic objects in static magnetic fields,
- unintentional detonation of detonators,
- fires and explosions resulting from the ignition of flammable or explosive materials,
- electric shocks or burns due to contact currents when a person is in contact with a conductive object in an electric field and only one of the two is earthed.
These could be workers wearing artificial joints, pins, plates, screws, surgical staples, aneurysm clips, stents, prosthetic heart valves, annuloplasty rings, metal contraceptive implants or AIMD casings.
Exposure limit values (ELVs) are values defined to limit the exposure of individuals to the harmful effects of electromagnetic fields. They represent the maximum permissible intensity levels of electromagnetic fields to which people can be exposed without risk to their health and safety.
These values are established by reference authorities, such as the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) at international level, or by national legislation and specific technical standards in certain countries. They are generally defined in terms of different electromagnetic field parameters, such as power density (W/m²), electric field (V/m) or magnetic field (µT or mT). These values vary according to the frequency of the electromagnetic fields and the type of exposure considered.
Action Values (AVs) are specified exposure thresholds which, when exceeded, trigger the obligation for employers to take specific action to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields in the workplace. AVs are defined as part of the regulations on electromagnetic fields to help protect the health and safety of workers.
AVs are often set at levels below the exposure limit values (ELVs), which are the thresholds above which adverse health effects may occur. AVs are intended to serve as an early warning and to prompt action before ELVs are reached.
