Overview of standards for workers

In 50 Hz, here are the reference levels for occupational exposure:

• Magnetic flux density: 1000 µT
• Electric field: 10 kV/m
• Contact currents: 1 mA

In 50 Hz, here are the action levels (ALs)  for occupational exposure:

• Magnetic flux density: 1000 µT rms (low ALs), 6000 µT rms (high ALs) and 18 mT rms for exposure of limbs to a localised magnetic field
• Electric field: 10 kV/m rms (low ALs), 20 kV/m rms (high ALs)
• Contact currents: 1 mA

The Member States should bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the Directive 2013/35/EU no later than 1st July 2016: see Belgian legislation as an example.

Here is a comparison of international policies on electromagnetic fields made by Rianne Stam of the Laboratory for Radiation Research in the Netherlands.

With the following links you will also find further information on Standards and Guidelines around the world:

• Exposure limits for people (EMFs.info)
• Global Health Observatory (GHO) data (World Health Organization, WHO)

• Non-binding guide to good practice for implementing Directive 2013/35/EU Electromagnetic Fields (EU Commission)
• Literature review – Risk management and EMF policy
• Health risk issues – see Standards and recommendations chapter