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Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields. The situation in Greece
G A Gourzoulidis1, P Tsaprouni2, Ν Skamnakis2
1Hazardous Agents Department, OHS Directorate, Hellenic Ministry of Labor, Greece; Department of Medical Physics, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
Summary
Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) assessments show most workplaces comply with safety limits. However, maintenance procedures pose risks, highlighting the need for accurate hazard assessment and adherence to the EMF Directive.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Exposure
Background:
- Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) is a significant OHS issue.
- European Directive 2013/35/EU addresses EMF exposure management.
- Practical implementation of this directive is crucial for workplace safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the practical implementation of the European Directive 2013/35/EU.
- To assess occupational EMF exposure in various work environments.
- To identify potential risks and challenges in EMF management.
Main Methods:
- Conducted extensive EMF measurements and exposure assessments.
- Performed exposure mapping and identified high-risk areas ('hot spots').
- Evaluated specific workplaces including power production, railways, broadcasting, MRI, industrial, research, and offices.
Main Results:
- Most EMF assessments indicated no occupational overexposure; general public limits were also not exceeded.
- Localized overexposures were manageable through technical and organizational OHS measures.
- Maintenance procedures for EMF-emitting equipment revealed significant overexposure risks.
Conclusions:
- The study clarifies the occupational EMF environment, identifying areas with potential high exposures.
- Accurate risk assessment requires precise exposure identification and understanding of EMF hazards.
- Challenges include overestimating general exposure while underestimating maintenance risks, necessitating careful application of the Directive's complex limits.
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