Electromagnetic radiation: a concern for all businesses

Since 2016, you, as an employer, have been obliged to protect your employees against the risks of electromagnetic radiation. But what exactly are these risks? And how do you ensure the right protection measures?

What is electromagnetic radiation?

Electromagnetic radiation (EMF) is the propagation of electric and magnetic waves through space. It occurs in various forms and is generated by devices or things that involve electricity and voltage.

Sometimes electromagnetic fields are generated as an undesirable side effect, e.g. by high-voltage cables, transformers or large factory motors. In other cases, electromagnetic waves are generated deliberately, for example for the creation of all possible wireless connections (5G, 4G, WIFI, TV, radio, radar, wireless networks, ...) or in microwave ovens.

Do you have electromagnetic radiation in your company?

Electromagnetic fields are found in almost every industry. In the following sectors, particular attention needs to be paid to exposure to electromagnetic fields:

- Universities, research institutes

- Electrical equipment installation and maintenance companies

- Companies with dielectric, induction and microwave heaters

- Electricity production and distribution companies

- Electrochemical companies

- Welding companies: electric welding, arc welding, spot welding, induction welding

- Transmission systems, radar systems, air/water traffic

- Communication masts 5G/4G/3G

- Medical applications: MRI, diathermy, electrosurgery

- Non-destructive testing companies.

There are also companies where attention is needed only in case of deviating circumstances (e.g. personnel or visitors with medical implants):

- Companies with anti-theft detectors
- Security: metal detectors.

Would you like to know whether your company needs to take specific measures to protect its employees against electromagnetic radiation? Feel free to contact us for an analysis of your working environment and tailor-made training.

What are the dangers of electromagnetic radiation?

The long-term dangers of electromagnetic radiation are not known. A great deal of research is being carried out into this, but the decisions are inconclusive up to now.

The effects of short-term electromagnetic radiation have been proven:

- Thermal effects: warming of the body with possible other health effects (such as burning skin) as a result.

- Non-thermal effects: headache, dizziness, muscle and nerve pain, high blood pressure, concentration problems, etc. Some complaints are psychosomatic in nature: they have physical consequences, but psychological causes and are often difficult to explain medically.

In order to limit these effects on the human body, radiation exposure standards have been laid down in the EMF Directive 2013/35/EU. The Flemish standards are stricter than the current international/European standards.

How can you, as a company, limit electromagnetic radiation?

Since July 2016, employers have been obliged to protect their employees against the short-term risks of electromagnetic fields. This is laid down in the Royal Decree of 20 May 2016 regarding the protection of workers’ health and safety against the risks of electromagnetic fields in the workplace.

But how should you deal with this? How do you measure the amount of electromagnetic radiation in your working environment and how can you limit it? This is a very specific and complex issue that most prevention advisers and employers are unaware of.

There are roughly two options:

- Using specialised services: these are often expensive and only provide a one-off, and therefore temporary, solution.

- Take the necessary measures yourself: you can call on Microtron for integral guidance from start to finish and a tailor-made practical training course. This way, your employees know perfectly how to use the measuring devices and how to interpret the results.

How Microtron helps analyse and limit your electromagnetic radiation

Microtron sells Narda's specialized field strength testing and measuring equipment to measure virtually any form of electromagnetic radiation. We supply broadband measuring instruments, selective measuring devices, zone monitors and personal protection equipment for radar installations and mobile phone and high voltage pylons. We will select the ideal EMF meter for you.  depending on your working environment and the available radiation sources. In addition, we explain how to use the meter, how to interpret the measurements and what measures you can take to limit electromagnetic radiation. Thanks to our customised guidance and training, you and/or your prevention advisor will be able to start working on your own in the future.

Looking for an EMF meter or need tailored advice?

CONTACT OUR EMF-SPECIALISTS