EMF
We are your trusted partner for comprehensive services in the field of electromagnetic fields (EMF). We offer you:
Measurement: Precise detection and analysis of electromagnetic fields to ensure safety and compliance in your environment. We use calibrated measurement technology ranging from 5 Hz to 18 GHz. We can selectively detect and evaluate frequencies up to 100 kHz. Our services are available both in the lab and on-site as part of workplace assessments.
Consulting: Expert advice on minimizing electromagnetic fields and ensuring a safe working environment for all, especially for individuals with active and passive medical implants and other vulnerable groups. This also includes defining technical and organizational corrective measures within the scope of workplace evaluation.
Risk Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of potential risks and hazards by qualified professionals in accordance with §2 paragraph 8 EMVF. This includes interdisciplinary collaboration in occupational health care with designated occupational physicians and statutory accident insurance providers.
Expert Reports: Based on our extensive expertise and proven knowledge, we prepare expert reports for both private and public clients.
Areas of Activity
Electromagnetic Fields in the Workplace: Investigation and assessment of electromagnetic fields in work environments to ensure that workplace conditions comply with applicable regulations.
Exposure Assessments in Electromagnetic Fields: Conducting measurements and evaluations of exposure to electromagnetic fields in accordance with the Federal Immission Control Act.
Compliance of Machinery and Equipment (CE): Ensuring that machinery and equipment meet European safety and health requirements, including CE marking. This also includes the evaluation of radio equipment under the RED Directive (2014/53/EU).
EMF – Electromagnetic Fields
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) are areas where electric and magnetic forces are present. They are generated wherever electrical devices are operated. EMF can originate from natural sources like the Earth’s magnetic field or from artificial sources such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, and industrial machinery.
EMF fields are now ubiquitous in many work environments due to the use of powerful production and processing machines. Consequently, employees are consistently exposed to EMF from electrically operated devices, making it legally mandatory to assess these exposures.
In modern medical technology, the use of electromagnetic fields for diagnosis and treatment has become indispensable, and special safety requirements must be observed here as well.
Because different areas of electromagnetic fields have distinct physical properties, it is essential to differentiate their effects on the human body based on these areas.
Static EMF Fields (0 Hz)
Geomagnetic Field, Permanent Magnets : Static electric and magnetic fields are forms of electromagnetic fields that exhibit no temporal variation. These fields are characterized by their constancy over time, in contrast to time-varying fields which have a frequency. Static fields are essentially described by their force effects (caliber effects).
Low-Frequency EMF Fields (1 Hz – 199 kHz)
Power Supply Networks and Distributions : The alternating current in power lines generates a low-frequency electromagnetic field.
Household Appliances : Devices such as refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and electric stoves generate low-frequency fields when they are in operation.
Industrial Machines : Welding machines, induction furnaces, transformers.
Low-frequency electromagnetic fields induce currents in the body. These can lead to irritation effects on the sensory organs, as well as on the nerves and muscles.
High-Frequency EMF Fields (100 kHz – 300 GHz)
High-frequency electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF), which include frequencies above 100 kHz and extend into the microwave radiation range, have various effects on the human body. These effects can vary depending on the intensity and duration of exposure. These fields originate from the following sources:
Wi-Fi Routers : These devices emit high-frequency signals to enable wireless networks.
Mobile Phones and Communication Devices : Mobile phones emit high-frequency electromagnetic fields, particularly when sending or receiving data or making calls.
Microwave Ovens : These use high-frequency microwaves to heat food.
The effect of high-frequency electromagnetic fields on the body is essentially described by the absorption of radiation power in body tissues (thermal effects).
In addition to these described direct effects, there are also indirect effects to consider, such as the potential influence on active and passive medical implants. This also includes the risk of static charges and possible contact currents.
In industrial applications, electromagnetic fields can be significantly stronger than those from everyday applications. Therefore, it must be ensured that these fields do not have harmful health effects on employees and are subject to separate assessment.
Laws, Regulations, Technical Rules
- DIRECTIVE 2013/35/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 26 June 2013 on minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to risks arising from physical agents (electromagnetic fields)
- 1999/519/EC: Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz – 300 GHz)
- Twenty-Sixth Regulation on the Implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act (Regulation on Electromagnetic Fields – 26th BImSchV)
- Regulation for the Protection of Employees from Risks Due to Electromagnetic Fields (Electromagnetic Fields Protection Regulation – EMFV), as of 15.11.2016
- DIRECTIVE 2014/53/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 16 April 2014 on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment and repealing Directive 1999/5/EC
- Technical Rules for the Occupational Safety Regulation on Electromagnetic Fields (TREMF), Parts NF, HF, MR, as of 01/2023
Research Reports
Research Report
400-D
Electromagnetic Fields at the Workplace, Final Report as of 11/2011
Research Report
451
Electromagnetic Fields at the Workplace, Safety of Employees with Active and Passive Body Aids Exposed to Electromagnetic Fields, as of 01/2015
Standards
EN 62233:2008
Methods for Measuring Electromagnetic Fields from Household Appliances and Similar Electrical Devices in Terms of Safety for Persons in Electromagnetic Fields
EN IEC 62311:2020
Assessment of Electrical and Electronic Equipment with Respect to Limits on Exposure of Persons to Electromagnetic Fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz)
EN 62479:2010
Assessment of Compliance of Electronic and Electrical Devices of Low Power with Basic Limits for the Safety of Persons in Electromagnetic Fields (10 MHz to 300 GHz)
EN 50413:2019
Basic Standard for Measurement and Calculation Procedures for the Exposure of Persons to Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz)
Rely on our expertise and experience for a swift processing of your concerns. Our solution-oriented approach ensures effective and tailored handling of your questions. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you further.