Key Benefits:
f) Exposure limit values related to sensory effects (LLE related to sensory effects): those exposure limit values above which workers may be subject to disorders transient sensory perceptions and small changes in brain functions.
g) Levels of action (NA): the operational levels established to simplify the demonstration of compliance with the corresponding exposure limit values or, where appropriate, to take protective or preventive measures established in this royal decree.
The terminology concerning the action levels used in Annex II is as follows:
1. For electric fields, "lower levels of action" and "higher levels of action" shall mean levels related to specific protection or prevention measures set out in this royal decree.
2. For magnetic fields, 'lower action levels' means the levels corresponding to the ELVs related to sensory effects and 'higher levels of action' than those corresponding to VLE related to effects for the health.
Article 3. Scope of application.
1. The provisions of this royal decree shall apply to activities in which workers are or may be exposed to risks arising from electromagnetic fields as a result of their work.
2. This royal decree refers to the risk to the health and safety of workers due to the known direct biophysical effects and the indirect effects caused by electromagnetic fields. It does not address the possible long-term effects or risks arising from contact with drivers in tension.
3. The exposure limit values set out in this royal decree relate only to the scientifically proven links between short-term direct biophysical effects and exposure to electromagnetic fields.
4. The provisions of Royal Decree 39/1997 of 17 January 1997 on the Regulation of the Prevention Services shall apply in full to the whole of the field referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, without prejudice to the provisions of this Article. more rigorous or specific provisions foreseen in this royal decree.
Article 4. Provisions aimed at avoiding or reducing exposure.
1. The risks arising from exposure to electromagnetic fields shall be removed at their origin or reduced to the lowest possible level, taking into account technical progress and the availability of measures for the control of the risk at source.
The reduction of these risks will be based on the general principles of prevention set out in Article 15 of Law 31/1995 of 8 November.
2. On the basis of the risk assessment referred to in Article 6, where the relevant levels of action are exceeded, the employer shall draw up and implement an action plan including technical and/or organisational measures designed to prevent the Exposure exceeds VLE related to health effects or related VLE with sensory effects.
Such an action plan shall not be necessary when the assessment carried out in accordance with Article 6 (1), (2) and (3) demonstrates that the corresponding exposure limit values shall not be exceeded and risks can be excluded. for the safety of workers.
The action plan will pay particular attention to the following aspects:
(a) the adoption of working methods that lead to less exposure to electromagnetic fields;
(b) the choice of equipment that generates less intense electromagnetic fields, taking into account the work to which they are intended;
(c) technical measures to reduce emission and exposure including, where necessary, the use of locking systems, shields or similar health protection mechanisms;
d) appropriate delimitation and access measures such as signals, labels, ground marks or barriers to limit or control access;
e) in case of exposure to electrical fields, measures and procedures for controlling contact currents and discharges in the form of a spark, by means of technical methods and training of workers;
(f) appropriate programmes for the maintenance of work equipment and places and jobs;
g) the design and layout of workplaces and places of work;
h) the limitation of the duration and intensity of the exposure;
i) the availability of appropriate personal protective equipment.
3. On the basis of the risk assessment referred to in Article 6, the employer shall draw up and implement an action plan including technical and/or organisational measures designed to avoid risks for particularly sensitive workers as well as any other risk due to the indirect effects mentioned in the specified article.
4. In addition to providing the information provided for in Article 8, and in accordance with Article 25 of Law 31/1995 of 8 November 1995, the employer shall adapt the measures referred to in this Article to the needs of the particularly sensitive workers and, where appropriate, specific assessments. In particular, in relation to pregnant workers whose gestational status is known to the employer or workers who have declared that they carry active or passive implanted medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers, or carry other medical devices in the body, such as insulin pumps.
5. The areas of workplaces where, according to the risk assessment, there is a possibility for workers to be exposed to electromagnetic fields that exceed the levels of action will be indicated, according to the with Royal Decree 485/1997 of 14 April 1997 on minimum requirements for signs of safety and health at work. Those areas shall be identified and access limited if necessary. There shall be no need for signalisations or specific access restrictions for electromagnetic fields where access to such areas is conveniently limited for other reasons and provided that the workers have been informed of the risks. derived from electromagnetic fields.
6. Where Article 5.3 (a) applies, specific measures shall be taken such as
(a) the specific training of workers;
b) the use of technical means, such as the grounding of conductive objects or the connection of workers with such objects (equipotential connection);
(c) the use, where appropriate, of personal protective equipment such as insulating footwear, gloves and protective clothing in accordance with the provisions of Royal Decree 773/1997 of 30 May 1997 on minimum requirements for safety and health related to the use by workers of personal protective equipment.
7. Where Article 5.4 (a) applies, specific protective measures shall be taken such as the control of movements.
8. Where Article 5 (3) and (4) apply, and wheted or taken in the body).
2. Risk of projecting ferromagnetic objects in static magnetic fields.
3. Activation of electro-explosive devices (detonators).
4. Fires and explosions resulting from the ignition of flammable materials by sparks caused by induced fields, contact currents or spark discharges.
5. Contact currents.
(d) Exposure limit values (ELV): the values that have been established on the basis of biophysical and biological considerations, in particular on the basis of scientifically proven, short-term direct effects, by example of the thermal effects and electrical stimulation of the tissues.
e) Exposure limit values related to health effects (VLE related to health effects): those exposure limit values above which workers may suffer adverse effects for health health, s ties.
The data obtained from the assessment and, where appropriate, the measurement of the electromagnetic fields shall be retained in such a way as to allow for further consultation. The documentation of the assessment shall be in accordance with the provisions of Article 23 of Law 31/1995 of 8 November and in Article 7 of Royal Decree 39/1997 of 17 January.
5. In the framework of Articles 15 and 16 of Law 31/1995 of 8 November 1995, the employer, when assessing the risks, shall pay particular attention to
following aspects:(a) VLE related to health effects and related VLE with sensory effects as well as the levels of action referred to in Article 5 and Annexes II and III to this royal decree;
(b) the frequency, level, duration and type of exposure, including the distribution of the electromagnetic field by the workplace and in the worker's body;
c) direct biophysical effects;
d) any impact on the health and safety of particularly sensitive workers, especially pregnant workers or workers carrying active or passive implanted medical devices such as pacemakers heart, or other medical devices in the body, such as insulin pumps.
e) any indirect effect;
f) the existence of replacement equipment designed to reduce exposure levels to electromagnetic fields;
(g) the appropriate information obtained from the health surveillance referred to in Article 10;
h) the information provided by the equipment manufacturer;
i) any other relevant health and safety information;
j) multiple exposure sources;
k) simultaneous exposure to multiple frequency fields.
6. The assessment of exposure in workplaces open to the public shall not be necessary, provided that an assessment has already been carried out in accordance with the provisions on limitation of the exposure of the general public to the fields (a) electromagnetic, compliance with the limitations specified therein with regard to workers, and the risks to health and safety are discarded. These requirements shall be deemed to be met where equipment intended for public use is used in accordance with its purpose and safety regulations in the product, applicable to such equipment, which establishes more stringent safety standards. than those foreseen in this royal decree, and no other equipment is used.
7. The employer must have a risk assessment in accordance with Article 16 of Law 31/1995 of 8 November and Chapter II of Section I of Royal Decree 39/1997 of 17 January and shall determine the measures to be taken with Article 4 of this royal decree. The risk assessment may include the reasons why the employer considers that the nature and extent of the risks related to electromagnetic fields make a more detailed assessment of the risks unnecessary. The risk assessment shall be regularly updated, in particular if significant changes have taken place which could leave it out of date, or provided that the results of the health surveillance referred to in Article 10 provide manifest their need.
Article 7. Limitation of exposure.
1. The exposure of workers shall in no case exceed:
(a) VLE related to health effects, unless the conditions laid down in Article 11 (a) or (c) are met.
(b) LLE related to sensory effects, unless the requirements of Article 5 (3) or (4) are met.
2. If, in spite of the measures taken by the employer, the ELVs are exceeded in relation to health effects or related VLE with sensory effects, the employer will intervene immediately to reduce exposure to levels of less than those values. To this end, the employer must determine the reasons why the limit values have been exceeded and will therefore amend the protection and prevention measures, in order to prevent them from being exceeded. It shall also inform the delegates of the prevention of the circumstances that have led to the overexposure.
3. The documentation on the prevention and protection measures adopted shall be kept in such a way as to ensure the monitoring and subsequent consultation, in accordance with the provisions of Article 23 of Law 31/1995, of 8 November and in the Article 7 of Royal Decree 39/1997 of 17 January.
Article 8. Information and training of workers.
In accordance with the provisions of Articles 18.1 and 19 of Law 31/1995 of 8 November 1995, the employer shall ensure that workers who are liable to be exposed in the workplace to the risks arising from the Electromagnetic and/or their representatives receive the necessary information and training on the outcome of the risk assessment provided for in Article 6, in particular on:
(a) Measures taken pursuant to this royal decree.
b) The meaning of the exposure limit values and the levels of action, as well as their numerical values, the possible associated risks and the preventive measures taken.
c) The possible indirect effects of the exposure.
(d) The results of the assessment, measurement or calculations of the exposure levels to electromagnetic fields performed in accordance with Article 6 of this royal decree.
e) The way to detect adverse health effects from exposure and how to report on them.
f) The possibility of symptoms and transient disorders related to effects on the central or peripheral nervous system.
g) The circumstances in which workers are entitled to health surveillance.
h) Safe working practices to minimize the risks arising from exposure.
(i) Especially sensitive workers, as referred to in Article 6.5.d), and in Article 4 (3) and (4) of this Royal Decree.
Article 9. Consultation and participation of workers.
The consultation and participation of workers and their representatives on the issues referred to in this royal decree shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Article 18.2 of Law 31/1995, of 8 of November.
Article 10. Health surveillance.
1. The employer shall ensure adequate monitoring of the health of workers in the light of the risks inherent in work with exposure to electromagnetic fields, as provided for in Article 22 of Law 31/1995 of 8 November 1995. in order to prevent and diagnose as soon as possible any adverse effects on the health of the worker arising from exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Health surveillance will be carried out through the preventive organization that the company has adopted and in accordance with Article 37.3 of Royal Decree 39/1997 of 17 January.
2. Health surveillance shall include the preparation and updating of the clinical-work history of the workers subject to it in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1. The access, confidentiality and content of such stories shall be in accordance with Article 22 (2), (3) and (4) of Law 31/1995 of 8 November in Article 37.3.c) of Royal Decree 39/1ce with good practice.
4. The evaluations referred to in paragraph 1 shall be programmed and carried out at the appropriate intervals in accordance with Article 6 of Royal Decree 39/1997 of 17 January 1997. These evaluations shall be carried out by qualified personnel for the performance of higher-level duties with the industrial hygiene specialty, in accordance with the provisions of Article 37 and Chapter III of Royal Decree 39/1997 of 17 May 1997. January, in terms of the organization of resources for the development of preventive activi 110 MHz as a result of contact with an object in a field electromagnetic, or the flow of the capacitive currents induced in an exposed body. It is expressed in amps (A).
6. Contact Current (IC): Current that appears when a person comes into contact with an object in an electromagnetic field. It is expressed in amps (A). A steady-state contact current occurs when a person is in continuous contact with an object in an electromagnetic field. In the process of establishing such contact, a spark discharge may occur with associated transient currents.
7. Electric charge (Q): magnitude used to measure the discharges in the form of a spark; it is expressed in culombios (C).
8. Energy-specific absorption (SA): is the energy absorbed per unit of mass of biological tissue; expressed in julios divided by kilogram (J/kg).
In this royal decree is used to set limits for pulsating fields in the spectral band of microwaves.
9. Energy-specific absorption rate (SAR) on the entire body or on a localized part thereof, is the rate of energy that is absorbed by unit mass of body tissue. Expressed in watts divided by kilogram (W/kg). Whole-body SAR is a widely accepted measure to relate adverse thermal effects with exposure to radiofrequencies. Together with the mean whole body SAR, local SAR values are necessary to assess and limit the excessive accumulation of energy located in small parts of the body as a result of special exposure conditions. As an example: exposure of a person to few MHz radio frequencies (e.g., dielectric heaters), or people exposed to the nearby field of an antenna.
Of these magnitudes, the ones that can be measured directly are: the electric field intensity (E), the magnetic field intensity (H), the magnetic flux density (B), the power density (S), the contact current (IC) and the current in the limbs (IL)
ANNEX II
Non-thermal effects
Exposure limit values and action levels in the frequency range: 0 Hz-10 MHz
A. Exposure limit values (VLE)
A1. External magnetic flux density exposure limit values from 0 to 1 Hz.
Are the limits for a static magnetic field that is not affected by body tissue.
SLE related to sensory effects are the exposure limit values for normal working conditions; they are related to the vertigo and other physiological effects associated with balance disorders that They appear mainly due to the displacement of the worker within a static magnetic field.
VLE related to health effects under controlled working conditions are temporarily applicable during the working day when justified by the practice or process, provided that measures have been taken. preventive, such as control of movements and information to workers.
Table 1. VLE for external magnetic flow density (B0) from 0 Hz to 1 Hz
|
2 T |
|
| Exposition located on the extremities |
8 T |
|
VLE related to effects for the health: | |
|
working conditions | 8 T |
A2. VLE related to health effects for the "in-situ" electric field from 1 Hz to 10 MHz.
Are the limits for the electrical fields induced inside the body from exposure to electric and magnetic fields variables in time. They are related to the electrical stimulation of all tissues, including the head, of the central and peripheral nervous system.
Table 2. VLE related to health effects for the "in-situ" electric field from 1 Hz to 10 MHz
| E0 (V/m) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hz ≤ f < 3 kHz | 1.1 (peak) | |
|
3 kHz ≤ f ≤ 10 MHz | 3.8 × 10-4 × f (peak) |
Note 1: "f" is the frequency expressed in herzians (Hz).
Note 2: VLE related to health effects for an "in-situ" electric field are spatial peak values in the entire body of the exposed person.
Note 3: The exposure limit values are peak values over time, which are equal to the mean quadratic values (RMS) multiplied by the square root of 2 for the sinusoidal fields. In the case of non-sinusoidal fields, the assessment of the exposure carried out in accordance with Article 6 should be based on the method of the weighting of peaks (filtering in the time domain) explained in the practical guides to which it is carried out. a reference in the specified article; however, other scientifically proven and validated exposure assessment procedures may be applied, provided that they yield approximately equivalent and comparable results.
A3. LLE related to sensory effects for the "in situ" electric field from 1 Hz to 400 Hz.
SLE related to sensory effects (Table 3) are related to the effects of an electrical field on the central nervous system in the head, such as retinal phosphates and minor transient changes in some brain functions.
Table 3. SLE related to sensory effects for the 'in situ' electric field from 1Hz to 400 Hz
| E0 (V/m) | |
|---|---|
| 1 Hz ≤ f < 10 Hz | 0 ,7/f (peak) |
| 10 Hz ≤ f < 25 Hz | 0.07 (peak) |
| 25 Hz ≤ f ≤ 400 Hz | 0.0028 × f (peak) |
Note 1: "f" is the frequency expressed in herzians (Hz).
4. Power Density (S): It is the ratio of the radiant power that impinges perpendicular to a surface, divided by the area of that surface. Expressed in watts divided by square meter (W/m2). It is an appropriate magnitude to express exposure at very high frequencies, where the depth of penetration of the field in the body is low.
5. Limb current (IL): current in the extremities of a person exposed to electromagnetic fields within the range of frequencies between 10 MHz and "cabeza_tabla">Frequency Interval
NA (B)
[μT] (RMS)
NA (B) top
[μT] (RMS)
NA for exposure of the extremities to localized magnetic field
[μT] (RMS)
1 ≤ f < 8 Hz
2.0 × 105/f2
3.0 × 105/f
9.0 × 105/f
8 ≤ f < 25 Hz
2.5 × 104/f
3.0 × 105/f
9.0 × 105/f
25 ≤ f < 300 Hz
1,0 × 103
3.0 × 105/f
9.0 × 105/f
300 Hz ≤ f < 3 kHz
3.0 × 105/f
3.0 × 105/f
9,0 × 105/f
3 kHz ≤ f ≤ 10 MHz
1,0 × 102
1.0 × 102
3.0 × 102
Note 1: "f" is the frequency expressed in herzians (Hz).
Note 2: The lower action levels and the higher action levels are the mean quadratic values (RMS) that are equal to the peak values divided by the square root of 2 for a sinusoidal field. In the case of non-sinusoidal fields, the assessment of the exposure carried out in accordance with Article 6 shall be based on the method for the weighting of peaks (filtered in the time domain) explained in the practical guides referred to in Article 6. in the specified article; however, other scientifically proven and validated exposure assessment procedures may be applied, provided that they yield approximately equivalent and comparable results.
Note 3: Action levels for exposure to magnetic fields represent maximum values in the position of the worker's body. This involves a moderate assessment of exposure and automatic compliance with the exposure limit values in all non-uniform exposure conditions. In order to simplify the assessment of compliance with the exposure limit values, carried out in accordance with Article 6, in non-uniform conditions, criteria shall be laid down for obtaining the spatial average of the exposure limit values. measured fields based on a well established dosimetry in the guide referred to in the specified article. In the case of a very localized source located at a distance of some centimeters from the body, the induced electric field will be determined dosimically on a case by case basis.
B4. Action levels for contact streams.
Table 7. Action levels for the ICcontact stream
| NA (IC) at steady state [mA] (RMS) | |
|---|---|
|
to 2.5 kHz | 1.0 |
| 2.5 ≤ f < 100 kHz | 0.4 x f |
| 100 kHz ≤ f ≤ 10 GHz | 40 |
Note: "f" is the frequency expressed in kHz.
ANNEX III
Thermal Effects
Exposure limit values and levels of ation in the frequency range: 100 kHz-300 GHz
A. Exposure limit values (VLE)
A1. VLE related to health effects for electromagnetic fields from 100 kHz to 6 GHz.
Are the limit values of power absorbed per unit of body tissue mass due to exposure to electric and magnetic fields.
Table 8. VLE related to health effects for 100 kHz to 6 GHz electromagnetic fields
|
VLE related to health effects | SAR averaged over any Six-minute |
|---|---|
| 0.4 W/kg | |
| 10 W/kg | |
|
VLE for thermal stress on the extremities, expressed as SAR localized of the extremities | 20 W/kg |
Note: The averaged mass of localized SAR constitutes a portion of any 10 g of contiguous tissue; the maximum SAR obtained in this way must be the value used to estimate the exposure. These 10 g of tissue should be a mass of contiguous tissue with virtually homogeneous electrical properties. By specifying that this is a mass of contiguous tissue, it is recognised that this concept can be used in computerised dosimetry, although it may be difficult to carry out direct physical measurements. A simple mass of tissue may be used in a cubic or spherical geometric shape.
A2. LLE related to sensory effects for 300 MHz to 6 GHz electromagnetic fields.
They are the limit values for the specific absorption of energy in a small mass of tissue in the head from exposure to electromagnetic fields. These limit values are related to the prevention of hearing effects caused by exposure of the head to a pulsating field whose frequency belongs to the spectral band of microwaves.
Table 9. LLE related to sensory effects for 300 MHz to 6 GHz electromagnetic fields
|
Interval | Localized Energy-Specific Absorption (SA) Table 6. Action levels for magnetic field (B) from 1Hz to 10MHz
Note: The mass considered to evaluate the localized SA is 10 g of tissue. A3. VLE related to health effects for electromagnetic fields from 6 to 300 GHz. Are the power density limit values of an incident electromagnetic wave on the surface of the body. Table 10. Related VLE for health effects for 6 GHz to 300 GHz electromagnetic fields
Note: The average power density is measured on an exposed surface of any 20 cm2. The maximum spatial power densities averaged for 1 cm2 must not be greater than 20 times the value of 50 W/m2. Power densities between 6 and 10 GHz must be averaged for any period of six minutes. The average power densities for frequencies exceeding 10 GHz shall be calculated for a period of time of 68 /f1,05 minutes (in which 'f' is the frequency expressed in GHz) in order to compensate for a progressive reduction of the depth of penetration as frequency increases. B. Action levels (NA) The following tables collect the physical quantities and values that are used to define the action levels. These levels are laid down in such a way as to ensure, by means of a simplified assessment, compliance with the relevant exposure limit values or the values from which protection or prevention measures are to be adopted. relevant to Article 4: -Table 11 indicates the action levels for the electric, NA (E), and magnetic, NA (B) fields as well as the NA (S) power density for time-varying fields. -Table 12 specifies the action levels for the contact stream, NA (IC), and for the current in the NA (IL) limbs. The action levels correspond to the calculated or measured field valu es in the absence of the worker, such as the maximum values in the position of the body or the specified part of the body. B1. Action levels for electric and magnetic fields. The NA (E) and NA (B) are derived from the SAR or power density exposure limit values (Tables 8 and 10) on the basis of the levels related to the internal thermal effects caused by the exposure to fields. external electric and magnetic. Table 11. Action levels for 100 kHz to 300 GHz electric and magnetic fields
Note 1: "f" is the frequency expressed in herzians (Hz). Note 2: The [NA (E)]2 and the media [NA (B)]2 must be averaged for a period of six minutes. For RF pulses, the average peak power density calculated for the duration of the pulse shall not exceed 1,000 times the corresponding NA (S) value. For multiple frequency fields, the analysis is based on the sum, as explained in the practical guides referred to in Article 6. Note 3: NA (E) and NA (B) represent the maximum values calculated or measured at the position of the worker's body. This involves a moderate assessment of exposure and automatic compliance with the exposure limit values in all non-uniform exposure conditions. In order to simplify the assessment of the compliance with the exposure limit values, carried out in accordance with Article 6, under non-uniform conditions, the guide referred to in the article shall lay down criteria for: obtaining the spatial average of the values of the measured fields based on a solidly established dosimetry. In the case of a very localized source located at a distance of a few inches from the body, compliance with the exposure limit values shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. Note 4: Power density must be averaged over an exposed surface of any 20 cm2. The average maximum space power densities for a surface of 1 cm2 shall not be greater than 20 times the value of 50 W/m2. Power densities between 6 and 10 GHz must be averaged for any six-minute period. The average power densities greater than 10 GHz shall be calculated for a time period of 68 /f1,05 minutes (where "f" is the frequency expressed in GHz), in order to compensate for a progressive reduction in penetration depth as the frequency increases. B2. Action levels for the contact currents and the induced currents in the extremities. Table 12. Levels of action for contact currents and induced currents in the extremities
Note: The media [NA (IL)]2 must be averaged for a period of six minutes. 
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