Aurora News

New Regulations Covering EMFs are now in Force

The Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016 are now in force in the UK. These regulations require employers to assess the risks posed to staff and others from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the workplace.

7 July 2016

Understanding EMF Regulations

Aurora’s Non-Ionising radiation (NIR) specialists have helped many organisations prepare for the implementation of the new regulations, from helping to implement company-wide EMF safety management programmes to carrying out assessments and measurements of EMF sources.

The Regulations require that where staff and others may be exposed to levels of EMF that exceed specific thresholds, the employer must implement appropriate control measures reduce exposure. The employer must take into account the risks to workers at particular risk, such as expectant mothers and workers with active or passive implanted or body worn medical devices (e.g. pacemakers).

There are a number of guidance documents available to assist employers:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has produced guidance to support the legislation and assist employers in ensuring compliance.
The EU Non-Binding Guide for implementing the EMF Directive (2013/35/EU) is a useful practical guide designed to help employers to understand what they will need to do to comply with the requirements of the Directive:

Volume 1 of the guide provides advice on carrying out risk assessments and on the options that may be available where employers need to implement additional protective or preventive measures.

Volume 2 of the guide presents a number of case studies showing employers how to approach assessments.
There is also a guide for small to medium sized enterprises (guide for SMEs) designed to assist employers in carrying out an initial assessment of the risks from EMFs in the workplace.

Exemptions
Some work with EMF sources is exempt from compliance with the exposure limits given in the regulations. However, the other requirements of the regulations will still apply to this work, and so even if your work is exempt, you may still have to take action to ensure that your work is carried out in a safe manner and that the regulations are complied with. More information regarding exemptions can be found on the HSE website.