Semi-quantitative methodology to assess health and safety risks arising from exposure to electromagnetic fields up to 300 GHz in workplaces according to Italian regulations

Abstract

This article is focused on a semi-quantitative methodology to assess and manage the health and safety risks arising from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) up to 300 GHz in workplaces as well as to identify the priorities of intervention, based on the requirements of European Directive 2013/35/EU and Italian regulations. The study includes a synthetic overview of the effects arising from EMF exposure and the related regulatory framework on protection. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis is carried out on the risk assessment process as well as on the technical and organizational measures for risk mitigation and their adaptation to the specific requirements of workers at particular risk, based on technical standards and best practice guides issued by international and national (Italian) standardization bodies.

Keywords:

• risk assessment
• health and safety
• electromagnetic fields
• workers’ exposure
• workers at particular risk

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Dr Antonietta Rigliari and Dr Maria Grazia Ruffino, occupational physicians, for their valuable advice.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors. The authors alone are responsible for the writing and content of this paper.