The Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Directive - Directive 2013/35/EU

We need you and your input!

In June 2013 the European Commission (EC) adopted the EMF Directive which covers the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks of electromagnetic fields. Member States, including the UK, are currently working on how the Directive will be transposed and have until 1st July 2016 to complete this work.

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are a type of non-ionising radiation that is created whenever electrical energy is used. The majority of sources of EMF found both at home and in the workplace produce extremely low levels of exposure e.g. computer and IT equipment, electric fan heaters etc. therefore it is unlikely the Directive will apply. However there are other EMF sources in workplaces that can give much higher levels and would therefore be covered by the Directive. The plastics sector is one of the industries that use equipment that is likely to have levels of exposure in the workplace that will be covered by the Directive. Equipment such as dielectric welders and magnets used in plastic manufacturing and recycling could be covered by the Directive.

What is happening?

HSE has been working with stakeholders such as the BPF and the SIMPL partners to ensure industry views on how the Directive is transposed and its impact on business are considered. HSE has formed an Implementation Working Group (IWG). The IWG consists of Industry Representatives, Trade Unions, and HSE staff. The role of the IWG is to help HSE fully understand the impact of the Directive on business and develop generic UK Guidance for all industries.
The EC will publish a ‘Practical Guide’ early in 2016 supporting the Directive to help all businesses understand how the Directive affects their work and will contain industry case studies.  UK Guidance will be produced to help UK businesses understand how to comply with the law.  The UK Guidance will be published in spring 2016.

Why we need you

The plastics sector through the Safety in Manufacturing Plastics (SIMPL) initiative have been invited to nominate a representative for the IWG. Your input into how the Directive could affect your business would support both industry and the nominee to provide feedback on how it should be transposed and the impact it may have. Industry should start to consider how the Directive may impact on their day to day work and processes. This could include:

•    Liaising or setting up a meeting with colleagues and considering what action might be required for your business/industry.
•    Consider the type of activities and equipment in the plastics industry that may generate EMFs, for example welding used to heat seal plastics, the level of EMF being generated, and what steps you can put in place to minimise any EMF exposure to workers. 

You can join the EMF Community of Interest to keep updated on the transposition plan. Interested people can join by e-mailing [email protected]

More information about the EMF Directive can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/europe/euronews/dossiers/emf-directive.htm

Please share with us a list of potential equipment affected by 22 Dec by emailing Sara Cammarano at [email protected]