What do the regulations state?

The Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations state that you must assess the levels of EMFs to which your employees may be exposed in the workplace. These should be below a set of exposure limit values (ELVs).
When appropriate, you should assess the risks of employees’ exposure, provide information and training on the actions being taken and implement the removal or control of those risks. All information must be made available to your safety representatives.

Exposure limit values and action levels

The requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations are based on two sets of values related to EMFs: ALs and ELVs. ELVs are the legal limitations on the exposure of employees to EMFs and primarily relate to the levels of exposure to EMFs within the body.

Is health surveillance necessary?

The Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations only relate to short-term effects resulting from exposure to EMFs. While it is possible to incur health effects, there is no well-established scientific evidence of long-term effects. Therefore, health surveillance is only likely to be needed in very limited circumstances.
Where an employee is exposed to EMFs in excess of the exposure limit values and they report experiencing a health effect, you must make sure that health surveillance and medical examinations are provided as appropriate.

In July 2016, the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations came into force. As an employer, you have a duty of care to your workplace and employees. This includes considering any risks from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

What do I need to do as an employer?

You’ll need to assess exposure to EMFs in your workplace and these will vary dependent on the working environment. You can find a list of equipment that emits EMFs in HSG281.

Employees at particular risk

Expectant mothers and workers who have declared the use of active implanted medical devices (AIMDs), passive implanted medical devices (PIMDs) or body-worn medical devices (BWMDs) are at risk.

What can we do to help?

 

  • Provide advance source location questionnaire at larger companies to reduce open area scan time1. Provide advance source location questionnaire at larger companies to reduce open area scan time

  • Carry out open area scan to find EMF leak from building earth lines2. Carry out open area scan to find EMF leak from building earth lines

  • Identifying sources of electromagnetic fields3. Identifying sources of electromagnetic fields(machinery, PC’s, kitchen equipment etc.)

  • Assess exposure levels and staff’s potential exposure limit4. Assess exposure levels and staff’s potential exposure limit

  • Assess risk in the workplace & activities

  • Assess at risk staff & higher risk staff such as hearing aid users etc.

  • One to one interview with exposed staff if required

  • Suggesting any possible simple improvements to work area or repair / replacement of equipment to control risk in the workplace (or home if assessment is on a domestic property)

  • Guiding your staff through HSE exemption certification or notification

  • Enter certification on your behalf if required

We are here to help

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Control of Electromagnetic Fields Leaflet