Administration of Occupational Safety and Health

Environmental Factors

Electromagnetic field

A variable electromagnetic field travels into the space around it similar to other waves. For example, sound waves or waves on water. However, it is different in that the electromagnetic waves do not need a “carrier” such as air or water but can travel through a vacuum.

Static electric field and static magnetic field are independent phenomena respectively; one of them can exist without the other.

But as the electric field changes over time, a magnetic field is formed and a variable magnetic field also automatically forms an electric field. Therefore, it is inevitable to talk about electromagnetic fields when the fields change over time.

The definition of an electromagnetic field according to the Regulation on the prevention of the harmful effects of the electromagnetic field in the workplace is as follows: Static field, static magnetic field, electric field, magnetic field and electromagnetic field with power fluctuations and frequencies up to 300 GHz (30 cm).

The effects of electromagnetic fields on employees can be both direct and indirect:

Direct effects

Direct physiological effects are effects on the human body that are demonstrably caused by proximity to an electromagnetic field.

Including:

Thermal effects, for example thermal increase in tissues due to energy absorption of electromagnetic fields in tissues.
Thermal-free effects such as muscle, nerve or sensory stimulation.

Effects of this kind can have a detrimental effect on the mental and physical health of the workers affected. Furthermore, sensory stimulation can lead to transient symptoms, such as dizziness or photovoltaic effects, which could cause temporary discomfort, affect thinking or other brain or muscle function, and consequently the employee’s ability to work safely.

Current in limbs

Inderect effects

Indirect effects are the effects of objects within the electromagnetic field that could endanger human safety and health

For example:

Interference with electronic medical devices and equipment, including pacemakers and other implants or medical devices inside or outside the body
Throwing hazard caused by iron magnet components in a static magnetic field
Activation of electronic ignition devices (detonators)
Fire and explosions when flammable materials ignite from sparks caused by induction zones or contact currents or during disruptive discharge
Contact Currents

It is important to keep in mind that the emission limits laid down in the regulation only cover scientifically recognized relationships between short-term direct physiological effects and the harmful effects of electromagnetic fields. The Regulation does not apply to:

Assumed long-term effects
Risks due to contact with current conductors

Risk assessment

When activities are likely to pose a risk due to an electromagnetic field, the employer shall assess the impact of the electromagnetic field that employees experience in the workplace and, where necessary, measure or calculate the extent of the harmful effects of employees.

Further information can be found in the following guidelines for good practices for work in the vicinity of electromagnetic fields:

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Administration of Occupational Safety and Health

Environmental Factors

Electromagnetic field

Effects of electromagnetic fields

Regulation

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