MACHINE SAFETY FEATURE
Dealing with the new electromagnetic work regulation
T
he Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016 came into force
in the UK, and other European Union Member States, in July 2016. It covers the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from electromagnetic fields. It forms one of a series of Physical Agents Directives for vibration, acoustic noise and optical radiation concerned with workplace safety and the safety of the public. The Physical Agents Directive (EMF)
identifies the need for competent services, or persons, to undertake a workplace assessment. While the exact definition of a competent service, or person, is not currently regulated, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) definition is: “Someone who has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities that allow them to assist you properly. The level of competence required will depend on the complexity of the situation and the particular help you need.” For EMF, this means that suitable persons
should be appointed with the responsibility for EMF safety, their role can be summarised as follows: - Receive relevant training on the EMF sources, measurement and calculation procedures
- Have access to current EMF Directive, guidance and standards
- Liaise with employer/operator to understand hazards for the site - Perform periodic risk assessment, calculation and measurement - Produce report and records for
employer/operator - Ensure safety controls identified and applied correctly - Consult with other workers - Provide training in safe operation/maintenance of EMF sources where necessary for workers and visitors
- Assist with EMF exposure incident investigation, advise on medical examination The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK has produced ‘A guide to the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016’, which states: “Where employees may be exposed to higher levels of EMFs, the levels and associated risks should already be assessed and managed under the Management of the Health & Safety at Work Regulations (MHSW).” A risk assessment of EMF hazards in the
workplace can therefore be made in five steps, using the HSE general guide to risk assessment: - Identify the hazards - Decide who might be harmed and how - Evaluate the risks and precautions - Record and implement findings - Review your assessment and update if necessary As a starting point to identify EMF
hazards, the standard EN 50499 ‘Procedure for the Assessment of the Exposure of Workers to Electromagnetic Fields’, describes an approach to identifying hazards by using an initial assessment that contains lists of equipment that are not an EMF hazard and those that might be. Equipment is deemed to comply without
further assessment if it is for example, CE Marked equipment that meets harmonised standards for EMF, or equipment that already meets general public exposure levels. Examples of equipment likely to require further assessment includes electricity supply networks, industrial magnetisers/ demagnetisers, electric welding and industrial microwave heating and drying machinery. Where equipment is identified as producing an EMF hazard, a detailed assessment will be required to identify any safety controls together with safe operating procedures and procedures to be adopted in case of accidental or suspected overexposure, including a process for medical examinations. The Physical Agents Directive (EMF) includes safety controls in its Article 5 ‘Provisions Aimed at Avoiding or Reducing Risks’. This includes controls such as zoning, barriers and signs, beam elevation, locking off access, selecting alternative equipment that emits less EMF and restructuring the layout of the workplace. Occupational only controls include introducing alternative working methods to reduce exposure, the use of interlocks and shielding on equipment, limiting exposure by reducing the power or turning equipment off and the use of personal protective equipment. EN 50499 also uses a Zoning scheme to categorise the workplace. A Zone 0 workplace is one in which the exposure levels are in accordance with general public exposure levels. Zone 1 workplace exposures may be greater than general public exposure levels, but will be compliant with occupational exposure levels. Zone 2 exposures may be greater than the occupational exposure levels. If access is required to Zone 2, then remedial measures to reduce exposure or to restrict access should be taken. This may require special authorisation and temporary controls to reduce exposure (e.g. Permit to Work). EMF assessment process can be
complex and once completed, may result in significant changes to the workplace environment. Organisations should take action now and implement a process that will ensure that the equipment they use poses no risk to their employees.
TÜV SÜD
www.tuv-sud.co.uk
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017 27
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