CEMFAW 2016: HSE Electromagnetic Fields Rules

Regulatory citation: Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016 (SI 2016/588)

What Are the CEMFAW Regulations?

The Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016 (CEMFAW) protect workers from the known effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). They cover static and time-varying electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields with frequencies up to 300 GHz. The Regulations came into force on 1 July 2016.

They address three types of effect: sensory effects such as nausea or vertigo, health effects such as shocks or heating of body tissue, and indirect effects such as interference with implanted medical devices or ferromagnetic objects being pulled into strong magnetic fields. Suggested long-term effects are not covered.

Why CEMFAW Matters

EMFs are present wherever electrical equipment is used, but HSE says most workplaces are already safe and most employers need no extra action. Higher exposures can occur in sectors such as healthcare, energy distribution, broadcasting, telecommunications and transport, and around equipment such as welding plant and MRI scanners.

Core Requirements

1. Keep Exposure Below the ELVs (Regulation 4)

Employers must ensure employees are not exposed above the exposure limit values (ELVs) in the Schedule. Sensory effect ELVs may be exceeded only where the safety measures in the Schedule are applied. For static magnetic fields, the sensory effect ELV is 2 T for the head and trunk and the health effect ELV is 8 T. Exemptions apply to MRI work for patients in healthcare, provided exposure is as low as reasonably practicable and workers are protected, and to armed forces activities where a suitable exposure limitation system is in place.

2. Assess Exposure (Regulation 5)

Employers must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the field levels employees may be exposed to. Where needed, this includes calculations or measurements. Employers can compare exposure with the action levels (ALs), since exposure below an AL indicates the related ELV is met. Exceeding an AL does not automatically breach an ELV but means further assessment is needed. Manufacturer data and HSE guidance can be used.

3. Prepare an Action Plan (Regulation 7)

Unless the assessment shows compliance with the ELVs, employers must make and implement an action plan. It should consider other working methods, lower-emission equipment, interlocks and screening, demarcation and access control, maintenance, workplace design, limits on exposure time and suitable PPE.

4. Assess Risks, Including Workers at Particular Risk (Regulation 8)

A risk assessment is needed unless the ELVs and indirect effect ALs are not exceeded and no employees are at particular risk. Employees at particular risk include those who have declared a condition that may make them more susceptible, and those working near electro-explosive devices, explosives or flammable atmospheres. The Schedule sets an AL of 0.5 mT for interference with active implanted medical devices and 3 mT for the projectile risk near strong static fields.

5. Eliminate or Reduce Risks (Regulation 9)

Risks must be eliminated or reduced to a minimum so far as reasonably practicable, using the general principles of prevention, technical progress, access restrictions and control of emissions at source.

6. Inform and Train Employees (Regulation 10)

Employees likely to be exposed to identified risks need information and training on control measures, what the ALs and ELVs mean, indirect effects, assessment results, how to detect and report effects, their entitlement to health surveillance and safe working practices.

7. Provide Health Surveillance and Keep Records (Regulations 11–12)

Health surveillance or a medical examination must be provided where an employee is exposed above a health effect ELV and reports a health effect. Employers with five or more employees must record the significant findings of the exposure assessment and, where required, the action plan and risk assessment.

Common Compliance Approaches

Use HSE's Guide First

HSE's HSG281 guide contains tables of common equipment, and HSE says measurement is usually unnecessary where existing information is enough.

Ask Workers About Implants

Invite employees to declare pacemakers or other implanted devices so their exposure can be assessed separately.

Mark Strong Field Areas

Use signs and access control around induction heaters, MRI rooms and large magnets.

Example: CEMFAW in Practice

A metal heat treatment company runs several induction heating units. Using the supplier's emission data and HSE's guide, it finds the action levels could be exceeded within a short distance of the coils. It marks a keep-out zone on the floor, adds signs warning people with implanted medical devices to stay clear, and moves the operator controls further back. One employee with a pacemaker declares the condition and is assigned work away from the units while a specific assessment is carried out.

Related regulations: AOR Regulations 2010, EAWR 1989 electrical safety, MHSWR risk assessments.

Note: This summary reflects the law as it applies in Great Britain, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other enforcing authorities. Northern Ireland has equivalent but separate legislation. Always check the current legislation and HSE guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do most employers need to do anything under CEMFAW?

HSE says most employers need no extra action because EMF levels in most workplaces are already safe. Employers should still check their exposure assessment covers any high-power equipment and any workers at particular risk.

What is the difference between action levels and exposure limit values?

Exposure limit values are the legal limits based on effects in the body. Action levels are easier-to-measure field values. Keeping exposure below an action level shows the related limit value is met.

Are MRI scanners exempt?

Work on MRI equipment for patients in healthcare is exempt from the exposure limit values, but exposure must be kept as low as reasonably practicable and employees must be protected from health effects and safety risks.