Directive 2013/35/EU

Protecting workers against electromagnetic fields

Why is this directive essential?

The Directive 2013/35/EU, in force since January 2017, requires employers to assess and limit workers' exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). This regulation aims to guarantee the health and safety of employees, particularly in the face of the direct and indirect biophysical effects of EMF. Our services enable companies to :

Assess the risks associated with electromagnetic fields on their sites.
Measure or calculate exposure levels to verify compliance.
Implement appropriate preventive measures if regulatory thresholds are exceeded.
Train and inform workers about risks and good practice.
Ensure regulatory compliance to avoid penalties.

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Who is affected by the directive?

The directive applies to all companies exposing their employees to electromagnetic fields, in particular :

Manufacturing (arc welding, foundries, manufacture of electric motors).
Telecommunications (radio antennas, radar, mobile networks).
Energy (high-voltage lines, transformers).
Transport (railway electrification, airport infrastructure).
Medical (MRI and other medical equipment using electromagnetic waves).

Employers' obligations

Risk assessment and prevention measures

Identify sources of electromagnetic fields.
Carry out accurate measurements or reliable calculations of exposure.
Compare measured or calculated field levels with the applicable action levels (ALs) and, where necessary, assess compliance with the exposure limit values (ELVs).
Adopt a graduated approach to means of prevention and internal dialogue in the event of levels being exceeded.

Regulatory compliance

Develop a map of risk areas.
Adapt work organisation to limit prolonged exposure.
Install collective and individual protective equipment where necessary.
Reduce interference with implanted medical devices (pacemakers, cochlear implants, etc.).

Employee training and awareness

Inform staff about the risks associated with EMF exposure and the protective measures in place.
Train workers to identify EMF sources and apply good practices to limit their exposure.
Take account of workers at specific risk (pregnant women, wearers of medical implants, young workers).

Medical surveillance and exposure monitoring

Establish appropriate medical monitoring in cases of prolonged exposure or symptoms related to EMFs.
Ensure traceability of exposure for affected employees.

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How can we help you?

Our engineering and regulatory compliance experts can help you comply with the Directive by offering :

Site audits and assessments to identify sources of electromagnetic fields.
Measurements and numerical simulations to quantify exposure.
Support in implementing preventive and compliance measures.
Training tailored to employers and workers.

Standards and regulations covered

Our services comply with current standards, in particular:

Directive 2013/35/EU on the exposure of workers to electromagnetic fields.
Decree no. 2016-1074 of 3 August 2016 (transposition into French law).
French Labour Code (articles R. 4453-1 to R. 4453-34) on risks related to exposure to electromagnetic fields.
ANFR protocol on measurements of exposure to electromagnetic waves.
ISO 9241-6 for the design of working environments.

To sum up: Directive 2013/35/EU in 6 points

Directive aimed at protecting workers against the risks of electromagnetic fields.
Requires employers to assess, measure and prevent employee exposure.
Sets exposure limit values (ELVs) and action levels (ALs).
Requires training and information of personnel.
Transposed into French law via Decree 2016-1074 and the Labour Code.
Major impact for many industrial sectors.

Why choose the expertise of the Emitech Group?

Recognised expertise in EMF exposure measurements and numerical simulations on industrial, medical and transport sites.
Advanced test facilities and modelling tools to guarantee reliable, compliant results.
Full support: audit, assessment, prevention plan, compliance.
Dedicated training to raise awareness among employers and workers of the risks associated with EMF exposure.
Multi-sector experience: industry, energy, telecoms, medical, rail, aeronautics.

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