What does Decree 2016-1074 say about electromagnetic risk assessment for workers?
- 04/10/2019
- At work, EMF & Health, Environmental health
Coming into force on 1st of January 2017, the decree 2016-1074 allows the assessment of the electromagnetic risk to which workers may be exposed. It creates a new chapter in the single document by adding a category relating to waves and electromagnetic fields.
Long delayed because of application difficulties, particularly in the field of medical imaging (MRI), it is the result of European Directive 2013/35/EU. The result of a compromise, it opens up a regulatory space within the professional framework on a subject where the prevention of electromagnetic risks and societal issues are intertwined.
Decree 2016-1074 defines two categories of exposure limit values (ELVs) of increasing seriousness: exposure limit values relating to sensory effects and exposure limit values relating to the effects of electromagnetic fields on health. Exposure limit values are given for information only. They are internal to the human body and it is impossible to measure these values in the work environment. With the exception of the static field, “action values” have therefore been defined, which can be assessed by calculation, simulations or measurements of electromagnetic fields.
The values triggering the action or VA are expressed in electric or magnetic fields. As with ELVs, VAs are given for frequency bands, so it is necessary to refer to the frequency band of the electromagnetic field source concerned by the electromagnetic risk assessment. For certain frequency bands, the value triggering action is even specific to the electromagnetic source in question, obtained directly from its operating frequency. It should be noted that there are categories of low VA action values corresponding to sensory effects and high VA action values relating to health effects.
Values triggering action of the VA limbs type are to be taken into account when the work situation causes the worker to be exposed to electromagnetic fields in the area of his limbs. This is the case, for example, for magnetic particle operators, who can magnetise parts by hand in a zone exceeding the values that trigger VA-type action by members during non-destructive testing. A table of values triggering action linked to indirect effects is also provided. There are specific values for the static field (0 Hz, for example a magnet) for wearers of implanted medical devices and risks associated with the projection of objects.
Section 4 of Article 1: electromagnetic risk assessment work
Section 4 of Article 1 describes the electromagnetic risk assessment work to be carried out by the person responsible for occupational risk prevention. In particular, it is necessary to carry out a preliminary survey of electromagnetic sources, similar to an audit of sources of electromagnetic fields in the workplace.
During this identification phase, the focus is on work situations or workstations. Equipment alone is never compliant or non-compliant in terms of worker exposure to electromagnetic fields! It is the work situation that generates the risk.
There are many different sources of emission or radiation of electromagnetic fields, which can be classified into three categories:
- Static field sources linked to the presence of a magnet. This field is constant over time and its frequency is zero (0 Hz).
- Medium, low and extremely low frequency field sources: these include electrical structures generating a magnetic field at 50 Hz (overhead or underground power lines, transformers, etc.). Other industrial equipment such as soldering stations, induction furnaces, electrolysis cells and electrochemical processes are also at risk in this frequency range.
- High-frequency sources and all telecommunications equipment. This is the field of radio frequencies such as radio, television, WiFi, mobile telephony (relay antennas), walkie-talkies and private mobile networks (PMR), radar, etc.
The regulations specify that the electromagnetic risk can be assessed by calculation or by documentary means, by simulations of electromagnetic fields and by measurements of electromagnetic fields. Exposure to multiple fields and special cases such as young people under 18, pregnant women and wearers of active implanted medical devices must be taken into account.
No action is required and the assessment ends there if the employer shows that the values triggering action have not been exceeded. This assessment can also be stopped even if the action values are exceeded if the following cumulative conditions are met: the action values only concern direct biophysical effects, the employer has shown that the exposure limit values are not exceeded, and the safety risks can be ruled out.
Section 5 of Decree 2016-1074: rules and means of prevention
If this is not the case, you need to turn to Section 5 of Decree 2016-1074, which sets out the rules and means for preventing worker exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Electromagnetic risk can be dealt with by means of traditional preventive measures (personal protective equipment or appropriate signage, for example) and other more specific measures. It’s important to remember that electromagnetic fields are often easy, inexpensive and even free to prevent.
The most effective way of reducing exposure to electromagnetic fields is to move away from them. In many cases, moving away from the source of electromagnetic radiation and/or the worker, by reorganising his or her workstation, is enough to bring the thresholds below the values that trigger action. In some cases, where it is complicated to move the operator away from the source, we can look at the conditions of use and power settings to adjust the levels of electromagnetic radiation.
The training of workers exposed to electromagnetic fields is described in Section 6 of Decree 2016-1074, and the end of Article 1 includes provisions governing the exceeding of exposure limit values relating to sensory effects for all workers.
A specific provision governs the exceeding of exposure limit values relating to the effects of electromagnetic fields on health in the context of medical imaging and the use of equipment such as MRI scanners.
Special cases need to be taken into account whenassessing electromagnetic risk: These include pregnant women, who must not be exposed to thresholds higher than those for the general public during their pregnancy, and young people under the age of 18, who must not under any circumstances find themselves in a situation where exposure limit values are exceeded.
Am I concerned by the electromagnetic risk assessment?
The answer to the question “Am I concerned by the electromagnetic risk assessment” is yes! All employers must assess this electromagnetic risk, but in low-risk situations they will be able to conclude fairly quickly that their workplaces are compliant.
Electromagnetic risk is often accompanied by questions about “electromagnetic fields”. Even in low-risk situations such as offices, where wireless equipment such as WiFi or mobile telephony (relay antenna) is used, it may be appropriate to carry out measurements to address both regulatory and societal issues, by transparently showing employees their levels ofexposure to electromagnetic fields.
For more information, visit the INRS website and its section dedicated to electromagnetic fields. The European Union also has guides in two volumes containing very detailed case studies to help you in your electromagnetic risk assessment work.
