1. This Directive, which is the 20th individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC, lays down minimum requirements for the protection of workers from risks to their health and safety arising, or likely to arise, from exposure to electromagnetic fields during their work.
2. This Directive covers all known direct biophysical effects and indirect effects caused by electromagnetic fields.
3. The exposure limit values (ELVs) laid down in this Directive cover only scientifically well-established links between short-term direct biophysical effects and exposure to electromagnetic fields.
4. This Directive does not cover suggested long-term effects.
The Commission shall keep under review the latest scientific developments. If well-established scientific evidence on suggested long-term effects becomes available, the Commission shall consider a suitable policy response, including, if appropriate, the submission of a legislative proposal to address such effects. The Commission shall, through its report referred to in Article 15, keep the European Parliament and the Council informed in this regard.
5. This Directive does not cover the risks resulting from contact with live conductors.
6. Without prejudice to the more stringent or more specific provisions in this Directive, Directive 89/391/EEC shall continue to apply in full to the whole area referred to in paragraph 1.
Article 2 -
Definitions
For the purposes of this Directive, the following definitions shall apply:
(a)
‘electromagnetic fields’ means static electric, static magnetic and time-varying electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields with frequencies up to 300 GHz;
(b)
‘direct biophysical effects’ means effects in the human body directly caused by its presence in an electromagnetic field, including:
(i)
thermal effects, such as tissue heating through energy absorption from electromagnetic fields in the tissue;
(ii)
non-thermal effects, such as the stimulation of muscles, nerves or sensory organs. These effects might have a detrimental effect on the mental and physical health of exposed workers. Moreover, the stimulation of sensory organs may lead to transient symptoms, such as vertigo or phosphenes. These effects might create temporary annoyance or affect cognition or other brain or muscle functions, and may thereby affect the ability of a worker to work safely (i.e. safety risks); and
(iii)
limb currents;
(c)
‘indirect effects’ means effects, caused by the presence of an object in an electromagnetic field, which may become the cause of a safety or health hazard, such as:
(i)
interference with medical electronic equipment and devices, including cardiac pacemakers and other implants or medical devices worn on the body;
(ii)
the projectile risk from ferromagnetic objects in static magnetic fields;
(iii)
the initiation of electro-explosive devices (detonators);
(iv)
fires and explosions resulting from the ignition of flammable materials by sparks caused by induced fields, contact currents or spark discharges; and
(v)
contact currents;
(d)
‘exposure limit values (ELVs)’ means values established on the basis of biophysical and biological considerations, in particular on the basis of scientifically well-established short-term and acute direct effects, i.e. thermal effects and electrical stimulation of tissues;
(e)
‘health effects ELVs’ means those ELVs above which workers might be subject to adverse health effects, such as thermal heating or stimulation of nerve and muscle tissue;
(f)
‘sensory effects ELVs’ means those ELVs above which workers might be subject to transient disturbed sensory perceptions and minor changes in brain functions;
(g)
‘action levels (ALs)’ means operational levels established for the purpose of simplifying the process of demonstrating the compliance with relevant ELVs or, where appropriate, to take relevant protection or prevention measures specified in this Directive.
The AL terminology used in Annex II is as follows:
(i)
for electric fields, ‘low ALs’ and ‘high ALs’ means levels which relate to the specific protection or prevention measures specified in this Directive; and
(ii)
for magnetic fields, ‘low ALs’ means levels which relate to the sensory effects ELVs and ‘high ALs’ to the health effects ELVs.
Article 3 -
Exposure limit values and action levels
1. Physical quantities regarding exposure to electromagnetic fields are indicated in Annex I. Health effects ELVs, sensory effects ELVs and ALs are set out in Annexes II and III.
2. Member States shall require that employers ensure that the exposure of workers to electromagnetic fields is limited to the health effects ELVs and sensory effects ELVs set out in Annex II, for non-thermal effects, and in Annex III, for thermal effects. Compliance with health effects ELVs and sensory effects ELVs must be established by the use of relevant exposure assessment procedures referred to in Article 4. Where the exposure of workers to electromagnetic fields exceeds the ELVs, the employer shall take immediate action in accordance with Article 5(8).
3. For the purpose of this Directive, where it is demonstrated that the relevant ALs set out in Annex II and III are not exceeded, the employer shall be deemed to be in compliance with the health effects ELVs and sensory effects ELVs. Where the exposure exceeds the ALs, the employer shall act in accordance with Article 5(2), unless the assessment carried out in accordance with Article 4(1), (2) and (3) demonstrates that the relevant ELVs are not exceeded and that safety risks can be excluded.
Notwithstanding the first subparagraph, exposure may exceed:
(a)
low ALs for electric fields (Annex II, Table B1), where justified by the practice or process, provided that either the sensory effects ELVs (Annex II, Table A3) are not exceeded; or
(i)
the health effects ELVs (Annex II, Table A2) are not exceeded;
(ii)
the excessive spark discharges and contact currents (Annex II, Table B3) are prevented by specific protection measures as set out in Article 5(6); and
(iii)
information on the situations referred to in point (f) of Article 6 has been given to workers;
(b)
low ALs for magnetic fields (Annex II, Table B2) where justified by the practice or process, including in the head and torso, during the shift, provided that either the sensory effects ELVs (Annex II, Table A3) are not exceeded; or
(i)
the sensory effects ELVs are exceeded only temporarily;
(ii)
the health effects ELVs (Annex II, Table A2) are not exceeded;
(iii)
action is taken, in accordance with Article 5(9), where there are transient symptoms under point (a) of that paragraph; and
(iv)
information on the situations referred to in point (f) of Article 6 has been given to workers.
4. Notwithstanding paragraphs 2 and 3, exposure may exceed:
(a)
the sensory effects ELVs (Annex II, Table A1) during the shift, where justified by the practice or process, provided that:
(i)
they are exceeded only temporarily;
(ii)
the health effects ELVs (Annex II, Table A1) are not exceeded;
(iii)
specific protection measures have been taken in accordance with Article 5(7);
(iv)
action is taken in accordance with Article 5(9), where there are transient symptoms under point (b) of that paragraph; and
(v)
information on the situations referred to in point (f) of Article 6 has been given to workers;
(b)
the sensory effects ELVs (Annex II, Table A3 and Annex III, Table A2) during the shift, where justified by the practice or process, provided that:
(i)
they are exceeded only temporarily;
(ii)
the health effects ELVs (Annex II, Table A2 and Annex III, Table A1 and Table A3) are not exceeded;
(iii)
action is taken in accordance with Article 5(9), where there are transient symptoms under point (a) of that paragraph; and
(iv)
information on the situations referred to in point (f) of Article 6 has been given to workers.
CHAPTER II - OBLIGATIONS OF EMPLOYERS
Article 4 -
Assessment of risks and determination of exposure
1. In carrying out the obligations laid down in Articles 6(3) and 9(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC, the employer shall assess all risks for workers arising from electromagnetic fields at the workplace and, if necessary, measure or calculate the levels of electromagnetic fields to which workers are exposed.
Without prejudice to Article 10 of Directive 89/391/EEC and Article 6 of this Directive, that assessment can be made public on request in accordance with relevant Union and national laws. In particular, in the case of processing the personal data of employees in the course of such an assessment, any publication shall comply with Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (9) and the national laws of the Member States implementing that Directive. Unless there is an overriding public interest in disclosure, public authorities that are in possession of a copy of the assessment may refuse a request for access to it or a request to make it public, where disclosure would undermine the protection of commercial interests of the employer, including those relating to intellectual property. Employers may refuse to disclose or make public the assessment under the same conditions in accordance with the relevant Union and national laws.
2. For the purpose of the assessment provided for in paragraph 1 of this Article the employer shall identify and assess electromagnetic fields at the workplace, taking into account the relevant practical guides referred to in Article 14 and other relevant standards or guidelines provided by the Member State concerned, including exposure databases. Notwithstanding the employer’s obligations under this Article, the employer shall also be entitled, where relevant, to take into account the emission levels and other appropriate safety-related data provided, by the manufacturer or distributor, for the equipment, in accordance with relevant Union law, including an assessment of risks, if applicable to the exposure conditions at the workplace or place of installation.
3. If compliance with the ELVs cannot be reliably determined on the basis of readily accessible information, the assessment of the exposure shall be carried out on the basis of measurements or calculations. In such a case, the assessment shall take into account uncertainties concerning the measurements or calculations, such as numerical errors, source modelling, phantom geometry and the electrical properties of tissues and materials, determined in accordance with relevant good practice.
4. The assessment, measurement and calculations referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this Article shall be planned and carried out by competent services or persons at suitable intervals, taking into account the guidance given under this Directive and taking particular account of Articles 7 and 11 of Directive 89/391/EEC concerning the necessary competent services or persons and the consultation and participation of workers. The data obtained from the assessment, measurement or calculation of the level of exposure shall be preserved in a suitable traceable form so as to permit consultation at a later stage, in accordance with national law and practice.
5. When carrying out the risk assessment pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 89/391/EEC, the employer shall give particular attention to the following:
(a)
the health effects ELVs, the sensory effects ELVs and the ALs referred to in Article 3 and Annexes II and III to this Directive;
(b)
the frequency, the level, duration and type of exposure, including the distribution over the worker’s body and over the volume of the workplace;
(c)
any direct biophysical effects;
(d)
any effects on the health and safety of workers at particular risk, in particular workers who wear active or passive implanted medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, workers with medical devices worn on the body, such as insulin pumps, and pregnant workers;
(e)
any indirect effects;
(f)
the existence of replacement equipment designed to reduce the level of exposure to electromagnetic fields;
(g)
appropriate information obtained from the health surveillance referred to in Article 8;
(h)
information provided by the manufacturer of equipment;
(i)
other relevant health and safety related information;
(j)
multiple sources of exposure;
(k)
simultaneous exposure to multiple frequency fields.
6. In workplaces open to the public it is not necessary for the exposure assessment to be carried out if an evaluation has already been undertaken in accordance with the provisions on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields, if the restrictions specified in those provisions are respected for workers and if the health and safety risks are excluded. Where equipment intended for the public use is used as intended and complies with Union law on products that establishes stricter safety levels than those provided for by this Directive, and no other equipment is used, these conditions are deemed to be met.
7. The employer shall be in possession of an assessment of the risks in accordance with Article 9(1)(a) of Directive 89/391/EEC and shall identify which measures must be taken in accordance with Article 5 of this Directive. The risk assessment may include the reasons why the employer considers that the nature and the extent of the risks related to electromagnetic fields make a further detailed risk assessment unnecessary. The risk assessment shall be updated on a regular basis, particularly if there have been significant changes which could render it out of date, or if the results of the health surveillance referred to in Article 8 show this to be necessary.
Article 5 -
Provisions aimed at avoiding or reducing risks
1. Taking account of technical progress and the availability of measures to control the production of electromagnetic fields at the source, the employer shall take the necessary actions to ensure that risks arising from electromagnetic fields at the workplace are eliminated or reduced to a minimum.
The reduction of risks arising from exposure to electromagnetic fields shall be based on the general principles of prevention set out in Article 6(2) of Directive 89/391/EEC.
2. On the basis of the risk assessment referred to in Article 4, once the relevant ALs, referred to in Article 3 and in Annexes II and III, are exceeded and unless the assessment carried out in accordance with Article 4(1), (2) and (3) demonstrates that the relevant ELVs are not exceeded and that safety risks can be excluded, the employer shall devise and implement an action plan that shall include technical and/or organisational measures to prevent exposure exceeding the health effects ELVs and sensory effects ELVs, taking into account, in particular:
(a)
other working methods that entail less exposure to electromagnetic fields;
(b)
the choice of equipment emitting less intense electromagnetic fields, taking account of the work to be done;
(c)
technical measures to reduce the emission of electromagnetic fields, including, where necessary, the use of interlocks, shielding or similar health protection mechanisms;
(d)
appropriate delimitation and access measures, such as signals, labels, floor markings, barriers, in order to limit or control access;
(e)
in the case of exposure to electric fields, measures and procedures to manage spark discharges and contact currents through technical means and through the training of workers;
(f)
appropriate maintenance programmes for work equipment, workplaces and workstation systems;
(g)
the design and layout of workplaces and workstations;
(h)
limitations of the duration and intensity of the exposure; and
(i)
the availability of adequate personal protection equipment.
3. On the basis of the risk assessment referred to in Article 4, the employer shall devise and implement an action plan that shall include technical and/or organisational measures to prevent any risks to workers at particular risk, and any risks due to indirect effects, referred to in Article 4.
4. In addition to providing the information set out in Article 6 of this Directive, the employer shall, pursuant to Article 15 of Directive 89/391/EEC, adapt the measures referred to in this Article to the requirements of workers at particular risk and, where applicable, to individual risks assessments, in particular in respect of workers who have declared the use of active or passive implanted medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, or the use of medical devices worn on the body, such as insulin pumps, or in respect of pregnant workers who have informed their employer of their condition.
5. On the basis of the risk assessment referred to in Article 4, workplaces where workers are likely to be exposed to electromagnetic fields that exceed the ALs shall be indicated by appropriate signs in accordance with Annexes II and III and with Council Directive 92/58/EEC of 24 June 1992 on the minimum requirements for the provision of safety and/or health signs at work (ninth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC) (10). The areas in question shall be identified and access to them limited, as appropriate. Where access to these areas is suitably restricted for other reasons and workers are informed of the risks arising from electromagnetic fields, signs and access restrictions specific to electromagnetic fields shall not be required.
6. Where Article 3(3)(a) applies, specific protection measures shall be taken, such as the training of workers in accordance with Article 6 and the use of technical means and personal protection, for example the grounding of work objects, the bonding of workers with work objects (equipotential bonding) and, where appropriate and in accordance with Article 4(1)(a) of Council Directive 89/656/EEC of 30 November 1989 on the minimum health and safety requirements for the use by workers of personal protective equipment at the workplace (third individual directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC) (11), the use of insulating shoes, gloves and protective clothing.
7. Where Article 3(4)(a) applies, specific protection measures, such as controlling movements, shall be taken.
8. Workers shall not be exposed above the health effects ELVs and sensory effects ELVs, unless the conditions under either Article 10(1)(a) or (c) or Articles 3(3) or (4) are fulfilled. If, despite the measures taken by the employer, the health effects ELVs and sensory effects ELVs are exceeded, the employer shall take immediate action to reduce exposure below these ELVs. The employer shall identify and record the reasons why the health effects ELVs and sensory effects ELVs have been exceeded, and shall amend the protection and prevention measures accordingly in order to prevent them being exceeded again. The amended protection and prevention measures shall be preserved in a suitable traceable form so as to permit consultation at a later stage, in accordance with national law and practice.
9. Where paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article 3 apply and where the worker reports transient symptoms, the employer shall, if necessary, update the risk assessment and the prevention measures. Transient symptoms may include:
(a)
sensory perceptions and effects in the functioning of the central nervous system in the head evoked by time varying magnetic fields; and
(b)
static magnetic field effects, such as vertigo and nausea.
Article 6 -
Worker information and training
Without prejudice to Articles 10 and 12 of Directive 89/391/EEC, the employer shall ensure that workers who are likely to be exposed to risks from electromagnetic fields at work and/or their representatives receive any necessary information and training relating to the outcome of the risk assessment provided for in Article 4 of this Directive, concerning in particular:
(a)
measures taken in application of this Directive;
(b)
the values and concepts of the ELVs and ALs, the associated possible risks and the preventive measures taken;
(c)
the possible indirect effects of exposure;
(d)
the results of the assessment, measurement or calculations of the levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields, carried out in accordance with Article 4 of this Directive;
(e)
how to detect adverse health effects of exposure and how to report them;
(f)
the possibility of transient symptoms and sensations related to effects in the central or peripheral nervous system;
(g)
the circumstances in which workers are entitled to health surveillance;
(h)
safe working practices to minimise risks resulting from exposure;
(i)
workers at particular risk, as referred to in Article 4(5)(d) and Article 5(3) and (4) of this Directive.
Article 7 -
Consultation and participation of workers
Consultation and participation of workers and/or their representatives shall take place in accordance with Article 11 of Directive 89/391/EEC.
CHAPTER III - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Article 8 -
Health surveillance
1. With the objective of the prevention and the early diagnosis of any adverse health effects due to exposure to electromagnetic fields, appropriate health surveillance shall be carried out in accordance with Article 14 of Directive 89/391/EEC. Health records and their availability shall be provided for in accordance with national law and/or practice.
2. In accordance with national law and practice, the results of health surveillance shall be preserved in a suitable form that allows them to be consulted at a later date, subject to compliance with confidentiality requirements. Individual workers shall, at their request, have access to their own personal health records.
If any undesired or unexpected health effect is reported by a worker, or in any event where exposure above the ELVs is detected, the employer shall ensure that appropriate medical examinations or individual health surveillance is provided to the worker(s) concerned, in accordance with national law and practice.
Such examinations or surveillance shall be made available during hours chosen by the worker, and any costs arising shall not be borne by the worker.
Article 9 -
Penalties
Member States shall provide for adequate penalties applicable in the event of infringements of national legislation adopted pursuant to this Directive. These penalties must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Article 10 -
Derogations
1. By way of derogation from Article 3 but without prejudice to Article 5(1), the following shall apply:
(a)
exposure may exceed the ELVs if the exposure is related to the installation, testing, use, development, maintenance of or research related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment for patients in the health sector, provided that all the following conditions are met:
(i)
the risk assessment carried out in accordance with Article 4 has demonstrated that the ELVs are exceeded;
(ii)
given the state of the art, all technical and/or organisational measures have been applied;
(iii)
the circumstances duly justify exceeding the ELVs;
(iv)
the characteristics of the workplace, work equipment, or work practices have been taken into account; and
(v)
the employer demonstrates that workers are still protected against adverse health effects and against safety risks, including by ensuring that the instructions for safe use provided by the manufacturer in accordance with Council Directive 93/42/EEC of 14 June 1993 concerning medical devices (12) are followed;
(b)
Member States may allow for an equivalent or more specific protection system to be implemented for personnel working in operational military installations or involved in military activities, including in joint international military exercises, provided that adverse health effects and safety risks are prevented;
(c)
Member States may allow, in duly justified circumstances and only for as long as they remain duly justified, for the ELVs to be temporarily exceeded in specific sectors or for specific activities outside the scope of points (a) and (b). For the purposes of this point, ‘duly justified circumstances’ shall mean circumstances in which the following conditions are met:
(i)
the risk assessment carried out in accordance with Article 4 has shown that the ELVs are exceeded;
(ii)
given the state of the art, all technical and/or organisational measures have been applied;
(iii)
the specific characteristics of the workplace, work equipment, or work practices have been taken into account; and
(iv)
the employer demonstrates that workers are still protected against adverse health effects and safety risks, including using comparable, more specific and internationally recognised standards and guidelines.
2. Member States shall inform the Commission of any derogation under points (b) and (c) of paragraph 1 and shall state the reasons that justify them in the report referred to in Article 15.
Article 11 -
Technical amendments of the Annexes
1. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 12 amending, in a purely technical way, the Annexes, so as to:
(a)
take into account the adoption of regulations and directives in the field of technical harmonisation and standardisation with regard to the design, building, manufacture or construction of work equipment or workplaces;
(b)
take into account technical progress, changes in the most relevant standards or specifications, and new scientific findings concerning electromagnetic fields;
(c)
make adjustments to the ALs where there is new scientific evidence, provided that employers continue to be bound by the existing ELVs set out in Annexes II and III.
2. The Commission shall adopt a delegated act, in accordance with Article 12, to insert into Annex II the ICNIRP guidelines for limiting exposure to electric fields induced by movement of the human body in a static magnetic field and by time-varying magnetic fields below 1 Hz as soon as they are available.
3. Where, in the case of the amendments referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, imperative grounds of urgency so require, the procedure provided for in Article 13 shall apply to delegated acts adopted pursuant to this Article.
Article 12 -
Exercise of the delegation
1. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article.
2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 11 shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from 29 June 2013. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period.
3. The delegation of powers referred to in Article 11 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.
4. As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council.
5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 11 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.
Article 13 -
Urgency procedure
1. Delegated acts adopted under this Article shall enter into force without delay and shall apply as long as no objection is expressed in accordance with paragraph 2. The notification of a delegated act to the European Parliament and to the Council shall state the reasons for the use of the urgency procedure which shall relate to the health and protection of workers.
2. Either the European Parliament or the Council may object to a delegated act in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 12(5). In such a case, the Commission shall repeal the act without delay following the notification of the decision to object by the European Parliament or by the Council.
CHAPTER IV - FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 14 -
Practical guides
In order to facilitate the implementation of this Directive the Commission shall make available non-binding practical guides at the latest six months before 1 July 2016. Those practical guides shall, in particular relate to the following issues:
(a)
the determination of exposure, taking into account appropriate European or international standards, including:
—
calculation methods for the assessment of the ELVs,
—
spatial averaging of external electric and magnetic fields,
—
guidance for dealing with measurements and calculations uncertainties;
(b)
guidance on demonstrating compliance in special types of non-uniform exposure in specific situations, based on well-established dosimetry;
(c)
the description of the ‘weighted peak method’ for the low frequency fields and of the ‘multifrequency fields summation’ for high frequency fields;
(d)
the conduct of the risk assessment and, wherever possible, the provision of simplified techniques, taking into account in particular the needs of SMEs;
(e)
measures aimed at avoiding or reducing risks, including specific prevention measures depending on the level of exposure and the workplace characteristics;
(f)
the establishment of documented working procedures, as well as specific information and training measures for workers exposed to electromagnetic fields during MRI-related activities falling under Article 10(1)(a);
(g)
the evaluation of exposures in the frequency range from 100 kHz to 10 MHz, where both thermal and non-thermal effects are to be considered;
(h)
the guidance on medical examinations and health surveillance to be provided by the employer in accordance with Article 8(2).
The Commission shall work in close cooperation with the Advisory Committee for Safety and Health at Work. The European Parliament shall be kept informed.
Article 15 -
Review and reporting
Taking into account Article 1(4), the report on the practical implementation of this Directive shall be established in accordance with Article 17a of Directive 89/391/EEC.
Article 16 -
Transposition
1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 1 July 2016.
When Member States adopt those provisions, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or be accompanied by such a reference on the occasion of their official publication. Member States shall determine how such a reference is to be made.
2. Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.
Article 17 -
Repeal
1. Directive 2004/40/EC is repealed from 29 June 2013.
2. References to the repealed Directive shall be construed as references to this Directive and shall be read in accordance with the correlation table set out in Annex IV.
Article 18 -
Entry into force
This Directive shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
