What electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are
An EMF is produced whenever a piece of electrical or electronic equipment (such as a TV, food mixer, computer or mobile phone) is used.
EMFs are static electric, static magnetic and time-varying electric, magnetic and electromagnetic (radio wave) fields with frequencies up to 300 GHz.
They are present in virtually all workplaces and, if they are of high enough intensity, an employer may need to take action to ensure employees are protected from any adverse effects.
It is your employer's responsibility to:
- assess and manage the health and safety risks at your workplace by conducting a suitable and sufficient risk assessment
- ensure that employees who are likely to be exposed to risks from EMFs at work, and/or their representatives, receive any necessary information and training relating to the outcome of the risk assessment
The effects of EMFs
Exposure to high levels of EMFs can give rise to effects that may be irritating or unpleasant.
The effects that occur depend on the frequency range and intensity of the EMFs to which an employee is exposed.
Low-frequency and high-frequency EMFs affect the human body in different ways. However between frequencies of 100 kHz and 10 MHz both effects may occur.In reality, these effects are extremely rare and will not occur in most day-to-day work situations. In the UK, within those sectors with significant exposure to EMFs, notably the health care sector, energy distribution, engineering, broadcasting, transport and telecommunications, the risks are generally well understood and well-managed.
In recent years, many different countries have undertaken research, measuring and investigating EMF levels in the environment. There is currently no well-established scientific evidence of long-term effects.
More information on the effects of EMFs can be found in A guide to the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations[1].
Employers’ duties
As part of managing the health and safety of their business, employers already need to control the risks in the workplace. This is a requirement under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations[2].
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 Control of Electronic Fields at Work Regulations (PDF) [3] transpose the requirements of European Commission Directive 2013/35/EU. This Directive lays down the minimum requirements for the protection of employees from risks to their health and safety arising, or likely to arise, from exposure to electromagnetic fields.
These Regulations, often abbreviated to CEMFAW Regulations, place duties on employers to assess an employees' potential exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) with reference to action levels (ALs) and exposure limit values (ELVs).
The majority of employers will not need to take any additional action to reduce the risk from EMFs. This is because either:
- the levels of EMF in most workplaces are already at safe levels, or
- in workplaces where employees may be exposed to higher levels of EMFs, the levels and associated risks will already have been assessed and managed
Find out more
You can find more information on the CEMFAW Regulations and employers’ duties[4].
A guide to the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations[5] will help employers understand and meet the requirements of the CEMFAW Regulations. It will also be useful to others with responsibility for health and safety, such as employees and safety representatives
Information about exemptions from exposure limits in the CEMFAW Regulations[6]
Research into EMFs involving HSE
- Research Report 1018[7] – Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) in the welding environment - Prepared by TWI Ltd for the Health and Safety Executive.
- HSE-funded research commissioned from MCL-T Ltd (PDF) [8]on the potential impact of the Directive on MRI in healthcare was published on 13 June 2007.
- Research Report 338 (PDF) [9]- Measurement and analysis of magnetic fields from welding processes-Prepared by TWI Ltd for the Health and Safety Executive.