What is EMF...
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An EMF is produced whenever a piece of electrical or electronic equipment (i.e. TV, food mixer, computer mobile phone etc.) is used. The levels of EMF diminish proportionally, the further away you get from the source, typically reducing greatly after the first meter from the device. EMFs are static electric, static magnetic and time-varying electric, magnetic and electromagnetic (radio wave) fields with frequencies up to 300 GHz. EMFs are present in virtually all workplaces. The effects of EMF on the body depend heavily on the intensity, frequency and type of wave.
Employers as part of managing the health and safety of their business already need to control the risks in the workplace. Employers need to think about what might cause harm to people and take reasonable steps to prevent harm – this includes considering any risks arising from exposure to EMFs. The EU directive 2013/35/EU on the health & safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks of electromagnetic fields was transposed into UK law and became “The Control of Electronic Fields at Work Regulations” or CEMFAW for short.
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What must you do as an Employer?
The law is clear, as an employer, you must:
The law is clear, as an employer, you must:
- Assess all risks.
- Measure or calculate levels.
- Devise and implement an action plan.
- Provide information and training.
- Monitor and react to changes.
How to conduct an Audit
The diagram on the left shows how to conduct an audit, using the test methodology according to EN 50499.
The diagram on the left shows how to conduct an audit, using the test methodology according to EN 50499.
Making Measurements
There are various options available to those wishing to make measurements.
Short Term Measurements - Handheld equipment is available for use with short terms measurements.
Long Term Measurements - Fixed, permanent monitoring equipment is available for use in situations where long term measurement is required.
There are various options available to those wishing to make measurements.
Short Term Measurements - Handheld equipment is available for use with short terms measurements.
Long Term Measurements - Fixed, permanent monitoring equipment is available for use in situations where long term measurement is required.
Examples of Long Term Monitoring Results
Failure to Comply
As an employer, it is vital that this directive is taken seriously. Failure to comply with CEMFAW not only puts you in breach of the latest Health and Safety law, it also invalidates your insurance policy.
Click Here to find our more about your options for where to go from here and how Aspen can help you achieve compliance.
As an employer, it is vital that this directive is taken seriously. Failure to comply with CEMFAW not only puts you in breach of the latest Health and Safety law, it also invalidates your insurance policy.
Click Here to find our more about your options for where to go from here and how Aspen can help you achieve compliance.