EMF Directive impacts workplace specifications

The requirements of the new EMF Directive 2004/04/EC could create new business opportunities for electrical engineers and contractors involved in workplace specification and build.

Directive 2004/04/EC aims to protect workers in the EU from the potentially harmful effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the workplace.

Its publication is a direct result of Council Directive 89/391/EC on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the health and safety of workers.

This directive outlined a need for protection from "physical agents" and EMFs have been determined to be such a "physical agent".

Others include noise and vibration.

Previous legislation has dealt with limiting public exposure to electromagnetic fields, but Directive 2004/04/EC specifically provides guidance for protection in the workplace - as workplaces are controlled environments with a likelihood of potentially stronger electromagnetic fields.

Scientific opinion is divided on what the exact dangers of EMFs are.

Some feel that they are carcinogenic and can be linked to the development of certain cancers; and some feel that the research data on risks are so far inconclusive, and so until compelling evidence is available to blame EMFs for specific health issues would be reactionary and unscientific.

The truth is yet to be determined, but the World Health Organisation is concerned enough about EMFs to continue its research.

Specified in the directive, the main areas of concern are described as "the known short-term adverse effects in the human body caused by the circulation of induced currents and by energy absorption as well as contact currents" (Article 1.2).

In lay terms this means vertigo and nausea (caused by the movement of biological material - like blood, in a static magnetic field), the heating of tissue and microelectric shocks.

These are therefore the primary risks to be reduced.

Point 7 of the introduction states: "The level of exposure to electromagnetic fields can be more effectively reduced by incorporating preventative measures into the design of workstations and by selecting equipment, procedures and methods so as to give priority to reducing risk at source".

In addition, the directive also requires that employers "measure and or calculate the levels of magnetic fields to which workers are exposed" in the workplace (Article 4.1) and that "the assessment, measurement and or calculations shall be planned and carried out by competent services or persons at suitable intervals".

And that: "Data obtained from the assessment, measurement and or calculation of the level of exposure shall be preserved in a suitable form so as to permit consultation at a later stage" (Article 4.4).

Essentially, under the directive, employers have a number of specific responsibilities for ensuring minimal EMF risk and maximum protection for employees.

Broadly speaking these could be defined as: minimising EMF in the workplace through intelligent design of the workspace; ensuring the measurement of EMF against appropriate international standards and the ongoing assessment of any risks; the maintenance of records on ongoing EMF levels for future reference; the education of workers on EMF risks and advice on risk management; and the monitoring of workers' health.

Although many companies retain suitably qualified individuals who are capable of performing EMF assessment, many don't.

It is with these organisations, that the greatest opportunities for suppliers exist.

Most professionals involved in the installation and build of electrical equipment in workplaces and have easy access to EM engineers and test laboratories; many have experienced EM engineers on staff and the competence and equipment to perform the relevant measurement and calculations for employers.

So offering intelligent EM workspace design and audit services, either through themselves or in conjunction with their accredited partners is an easy development of their existing services based on familiar skills and practices.

Fundamentally there are four ways in which electrical contractors could help.

First, the design of electrical wiring circuits and the location of power generating and management equipment and its proximity to workers should be carefully considered to minimise EMFs and offer maximum protection for workers.

Many contractors are doing this as a matter of course, but by highlighting specific EM related design advice to a client, it will raise their awareness of the directive's requirements.

It will also demonstrate a visible "duty of care" regarding EMF that will assist clients with their compliance and the audit process.

Secondly, it is also being considered whether contractors could opt to use equipment in the build that already has EMC certification from a recognised certification body.

These products have been extensively tested in specialist EM test facilities and may enable the manufacturer to be able to supply appropriate test reports and measurements for the equipment for EMF.

Thirdly, contractors could also provide guidance to clients of appropriate test facilities where necessary, or recommend third party guidance from a certification body if additional reassurances are required.

And fourthly, contractors could also work with clients to set up appropriate EM audit, assessment and re-audit procedures.

The necessary measurement and calculation of EM risk, as specified by the directive forms an obvious basis for the audit process.

However, a contractor's knowledge and experience of international electrical safety standards mandated M/351 and their application that will help your clients comply with the directive.

Considerations like the additional inclusion of a provision for the education of workers, or the safe storage of EM assessment reports could add extra value to the process.

The measurement and assessment of EMF risk in the workplace, and finding ways to minimise it, is an ongoing issue.

It is therefore vital that contractors and engineers should keep their knowledge of EMF standards and legislation up to date, as it will help them to provide valuable services to help their clients comply with their regulatory obligations.

As new technology enters a workplace it will need to be assessed.

We inevitably create new technology to help us work more efficiently, so too we have an obligation to make sure that the technology is as safe as it can be.

That can only be achieved with expert guidance and advice.

Also, in the directive, employers are obliged to modify the workplace where possible to "make adjustments in the light of technical progress and scientific knowledge regarding to the risks related to exposure to electromagnetic fields with a view to improving the safety and protection of workers" (Introduction, Point 8).

Again ongoing technical assistance will be required, as many organisations do not have the relevant expertise in house to give them appropriate advice on this area.

And finally the most important reason for electrical contractors and installers to keep abreast of the EMF best practice for worker safety, is that no one conclusively knows the effects are of EMF on the human body.

Until we do, experts must help employers manage the risks of it, to make working environments as a safe as possible.

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