"New rules to improve the protection of workers exposed to electromagnetic radiation were approved by Parliament on Tuesday. The legislation, already agreed with Council, incorporates new international exposure limits, while leaving some flexibility for the military and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sectors, and obliges employers to assess and reduce risks.
"This text strikes a balance between the health and safety of workers and the possibility of using electromagnetic fields when needed, for example for medical purposes," said Elisabeth Morin-Chartier (EPP, FR), the rapporteur, during the debate before the vote.
The legislation covers all sectors but chiefly concerns workers exposed to a level of risk, for example in the steel industry or people working long hours close to TV and radio broadcasting stations and radar installations.
Tougher limits
The limit values for exposure to electromagnetic fields and the levels at which the employer must take action must now be based on the new, more stringent recommendations of the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation (ICNIRP).
Employers must assess and reduce risks
Under the new rules, employers are obliged to assess the risks of exposure to electromagnetic fields and to take the necessary measures to reduce them. for example by replacing equipment or using interlocks or shielding mechanisms.
Exemptions for magnetic resonance imagery and military applications
Since the system of limit values could restrict the use of certain medical technologies or military applications, the legislation includes exemptions in these sectors provided measures are taken to prevent adverse health effects and safety risks.
Long-term health effects
The new directive addresses the short-term direct biophysical effects (e.g. tissue heating, stimulation of muscles, nerves or sensory organs) and indirect biophysical effects (e.g. interference with medical electronic equipment such as cardiac pacemakers). However, at Parliament's insistence, the Commission is tasked to monitor scientific progress and table new proposals, if necessary, to address possible long-term effects.
Next steps
The legislation still has to be formally approved by the Council, before the end of June so that it can be published in the Official Journal on 1 July 2013."
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