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EMF Legal Requirements – Employers & Public

The CEMFAW (Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work) Regulations – EMF Legal Requirements

New legislation came into force on 1 July 2016 to protect workers from the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the workplace. In essence, the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work (CEMFAW) Regulations 2016 are the transposition into UK law of EU Directive 2013/35/EU and the effect is to introduce, for the first time, mandatory limits on workers’ exposure to EMFs while they are engaged in their professional duties. These regulations do not cover the general public (see below).  The safety thresholds are based on long established limits for occupational situations issued by ICNIRP (International Committee on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection).

HAVS Legal Obligations for Employers
Meter hitting limit of usage
Working environments that are this legislation covers include:

  • MRI scanners
  • Electric railway
  • Power stations
  • Electrical distribution networks
  • Welding
  • RF environments (mobile phone base stations)
  • Heavy industrial sites

MRI Scanners

MRI & Diagnostic Imaging

Electromagnetic field monitoring is critical in MRI suites to ensure safe exposure levels for staff and compliance with ICNIRP and CEMFAW regulations. MRI scanners generate strong static and RF fields, requiring precise measurement of field homogeneity, leakage, and shielding effectiveness. Microrad meters provide reliable monitoring solutions for radiology departments and medical research facilities.

Electric Railway

Railways & Electrified Transport

Railway electrification systems produce significant electromagnetic fields that must be monitored to ensure worker safety and system performance. High-voltage overhead lines, trackside substations, and rolling stock generate AC and DC fields that require accurate measurement to assess exposure risks and compliance with regulatory limits. Microrad meters offer robust solutions for railway operators and maintenance teams.

Power Stations

Power Stations

Power stations generate complex electromagnetic environments due to high-voltage transmission and heavy electrical equipment. Monitoring EMF exposure is essential for personnel safety, equipment reliability, and compliance with CEMFAW and ICNIRP guidelines. MicroRad meters provide high-precision field measurements for both AC and DC environments in power generation facilities.

Electrical Distribution Networks

Electrical Distribution Networks

Substations, transformers, and high-voltage cables create electromagnetic fields that require continuous monitoring to ensure worker safety and mitigate interference risks. MicroRad meters support utilities and engineers with accurate EMF assessments for live-line maintenance, substation management, and compliance with exposure regulations.

RF Environments (Mobile Phone Base Stations)

RF Environments (Mobile Phone Base Stations)

Telecommunications infrastructure, including mobile phone masts and base stations, emits RF fields that must be monitored for safety and compliance. MicroRad meters enable precise assessment of RF exposure levels for network operators, engineers, and regulatory compliance teams, ensuring adherence to national and international EMF limits.

Military & Aerospace Radar

Military and Aerospace Radar

Radar systems used in defence, aviation, and aerospace applications emit high-intensity RF signals that require precise monitoring to ensure personnel safety and operational integrity. Exposure to radar emissions must be carefully managed to comply with ICNIRP and military safety standards. MicroRad meters provide accurate field measurements for aircraft maintenance crews, defence contractors, and regulatory bodies, ensuring safe working conditions around high-powered radar installations.

Welding

Welding

Industrial welding processes produce intense electromagnetic fields, particularly in high-frequency and arc welding applications. Prolonged exposure can pose health risks, making accurate measurement essential for workplace safety. Microrad meters help manufacturers and safety officers assess and control EMF exposure in welding environments.

Heavy Industrial Sites

Heavy Industrial Sites

Factories, steelworks, and large manufacturing plants operate powerful electrical machinery that generates substantial electromagnetic fields. Monitoring these fields is crucial for protecting workers and maintaining equipment performance. MicroRad solutions provide accurate, real-time EMF assessment to support safety and regulatory compliance in demanding industrial environments.

LAW ON EMF / ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS

The Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work (CEMFAW) Regulations came into force in 2016 and require employers to:

What Employers Must Do

The Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work (CEMFAW) Regulations 2016 require UK employers to assess and manage the risks of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the workplace. This applies anywhere EMF levels may exceed public exposure thresholds.

  • Conduct risk assessments for EMF exposure
  • Compare exposure against action and limit values
  • Implement reduction and control measures
  • Inform and train employees
  • Restrict access where required
  • Maintain and review exposure records

Monitoring & Compliance

To demonstrate compliance, employers must measure EMFs accurately in work environments. This includes:

  • Static magnetic fields – MRI, magnets
  • Low-frequency fields – power systems
  • RF fields – mobile networks, radar, induction

Monitoring must use suitable calibrated equipment capable of capturing relevant field metrics in real-world conditions.

How HAVSco Can Help

We supply professional-grade EMF monitoring tools from Microrad, suitable for all CEMFAW-related assessment needs:

  • Broadband isotropic field meters
  • Directional and band-specific probes
  • Drone-compatible and portable systems
  • Data logging and software reporting tools

Explore EMF Monitoring Equipment

The CEMFAW Regulations require every employer to carry out an EMF risk assessment. In most cases, no further action will be necessary, but wherever an industrial process uses EMFs or where equipment operates at high voltage or current levels in excess of 100A, health-and-safety dutyholders may need to take additional steps in order to protect workers. Broadcast and telecommunications workplaces are other areas where strong fields occur routinely, but here the equipment is usually designed to generate external EMFs intentionally, so all major operators are well aware of the issue and have appropriate measures in place.

Away from the workplace, in public and residential areas, ICNIRP has issued guidance and limits to ensure that the general public is not at risk. These limits are significantly lower than those which apply for occupational situations.

Exposure limits
Employers must assess the levels of EMF to which their workers may be exposed. The regulations list a set of limits (ELVs, exposure Limit values) which should not be exceeded.  Action Levels (ALs) are also specified. These are lower than the ELVs but steps should be taken to reduce any fields that exceed these values. (eg, changing working practices, additional screening, reducing exposure time, etc…)

Click here for a table of the CEMFAW (2016) limit data.

Click here for a graphical presentation of the limit data.

Other standards

EN 50500   Measurement procedures for magnetic fields related to railway environments.

EN50505   Measurement procedures for EM radiation from welding and allied equipment.
EN50444

EN62233   Measurement methods for assessing human exposure from household appliances

It is clear from the requirements above that to comply with the law, employers must monitor the electromagnetic fields their employees are exposed to. HAVSco provides expert guidance and a range of proven Microrad EMF monitoring solutions to suit your environment. If you’re unsure where to start, we can help you assess your obligations, select the right equipment, and build a practical, defensible compliance strategy—no guesswork required.

Unsure How CEMFAW Applies to Your Workplace?

We help employers assess EMF risks and meet their legal obligations using proven, measurable monitoring systems.

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