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01/08/2013

New Directive to protect EU workers from harmful electromagnetic fields

The new Directive clarifies the definitions of adverse effects on health,
introduces an updated exposure limits system (frequencies that are recognised
as having harmful effects on the human cardiovascular system or the central
nervous system), as well as a number of provisions to make it easier for
employers to carry out the risk assessments required by law.



The directive was published in the Official Journal on 29 June 2013 and has to
be transposed into national legislation by 1 July 2016.



As employers are obliged to carry out risk evaluations, the proposal introduces
detailed provisions to ensure a proportionate approach as well as to ensure
adequate preventive measures to reduce the exposure of workers to
electromagnetic fields.



The proposal requires employers to give exposed workers and their
representatives the necessary information and training, particularly relating
to the outcome of the risk assessment, the measures taken by the employer, safe
working practices, the detection of adverse effects and the circumstances in
which workers are entitled to health checks.



The proposal also foresees specific provisions for


  • workers maintaining high tension lines,

  • the medical magnetic resonance imaging sector,

  • the armed forces,

  • workers who wear an Active Implantable Medical Device (AIMD),

  • pregnant women.




The proposal only covers workers during their professional activities.

More information


AplusA-online.de - Source: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work