In today’s industrial, commercial and technology-driven workplaces, an Occupational Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Risk Assessment has become an important component of workplace health and safety management.
Electrical installations and equipment—including switchgear, transformers, motor control centres, welding equipment, induction heating systems, variable speed drives and wireless communication systems—all generate electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While EMFs produced by most workplace equipment are well within recognised exposure limits, certain activities and installations can result in elevated field strengths that require assessment.
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Electromagnetic Fields) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 337 of 2016), which implement EU Directive 2013/35/EU, Irish employers have a legal duty to assess the risks arising from electromagnetic fields where employees may be exposed. Particular consideration must also be given to workers who may be particularly at risk, including those with active implantable medical devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).
Our Occupational EMF Risk Assessments identify potential EMF sources, measure electric, magnetic and radiofrequency fields where appropriate, compare results against recognised ICNIRP reference levels, and provide practical recommendations to help organisations demonstrate compliance with Irish legislation while maintaining a safe working environment.
Protecting Employees Who May Be Particularly at Risk
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Electromagnetic Fields) Regulations 2016 (implementing EU Directive 2013/35/EU), employers must consider workers who may be particularly at risk from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs).
These employees may include those with:
Although workplace EMF levels may be well below occupational exposure limits, some medical devices can be susceptible to electromagnetic interference at considerably lower field strengths. This means that a standard workplace EMF assessment may not always be sufficient to demonstrate that risks to these employees have been adequately considered.
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Electromagnetic Fields) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 337 of 2016), Irish employers are required to assess the risks arising from electromagnetic fields (EMFs) where employees may be exposed during the course of their work. The requirement for an EMF assessment depends on the nature of the workplace, the equipment in use and the potential for employee exposure, rather than the size of the organisation.
For many office-based environments, such as administrative offices or call centres, where employees are primarily using computers, standard office equipment and low-power wireless devices, EMF exposure is typically well below recognised occupational reference levels. In these circumstances, a documented risk assessment supported by manufacturer information or industry guidance may be sufficient.
However, workplaces that operate high-current electrical installations, industrial processing equipment, high-frequency systems or specialist machinery may require a more detailed Occupational EMF Risk Assessment involving on-site measurements and evaluation against recognised exposure guidelines.
Industries and processes where elevated EMF exposure may require further assessment include:
In these environments, an Occupational EMF Risk Assessment helps employers identify potential sources of electromagnetic fields, evaluate employee exposure, protect workers who may be particularly at risk, and demonstrate compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Electromagnetic Fields) Regulations 2016, EU Directive 2013/35/EU, and the assessment methodology described in EN 50499
If you are looking for professional EMF testing and consulting
services, contact EMF Inspections today.
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