There was a great article in the Spring 2024 issue of Radiation Protection Today about who, in the context of IRR17, is a qualified person. The same points apply to EMF competence, i. e. a competent person should have:
• A combination of training, knowledge and experience, and the ability to ensure equipment is safe and does not present a risk to health
• An understanding of instrumentation and testing methodology
• Awareness of the legislation e. g. CEMFAW or other national regulations
• Understanding of good practice guides( and International Electrotechnical Commission( IEC) standards where appropriate).
Undertaking EMF measurements in London
In addition, the Non-Binding Guide that accompanied the EMF Directive provides some good pointers. An expert service should be able to:
• Provide measurement instruments capable of measuring the fields of interest( electric, magnetic or both) across an appropriate frequency range
• Demonstrate traceability of calibration to an appropriate national standard
• Estimate the uncertainty on any measurements made
• Select appropriate ALs or ELVs and generate data that are appropriate for comparison
• Demonstrate a system of quality assurance to ensure that data are reliable
• Provide a written report with clear conclusions and any recommendations for further actions
An EMF assessment for a worker at particular risk – in this case an electrician fitted with a pacemaker. Cables carrying high current may have an associated magnetic field sufficient to interfere with the operation of the pacemaker.
Reliable services will be able to demonstrate that staff have suitable academic qualifications and have experience of relevant EMF assessments. There is no EMFequivalent to Laser Protection Adviser( LPA) or Radiation Protection Adviser( RPA) accreditation, so, if in any doubt, an employer needs to ask questions.
Radiation Protection Today Spring 2025 33