ABSTRACT
Electromagnetic hazards sometimes occur in the workplace, since industrial machines and medical equipment are driven by sources of high-energy electromagnetic fields (EMF). In contrast to legally binding protection measures, which have to be established against acute occupational hazards (e.g. electric shocks), protection measures against non-lethal biophysical symptoms, which may be experienced by workers due to EMF exposure, may not be mandatory. For example, in Japan there are no legal binding measures against temporal sensational changes (e.g. vertigo, dizziness and headaches) when moving through a very strong, static magnetic field, such as in the vicinity of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. Nowadays, however, with electromagnetic hazards present nearly everywhere, managing such hazards and applying non-binding safety measures has become essential in order to create a safer and healthier workplace. This chapter explains the general concepts regarding the management of electromagnetic hazards by applying non-binding safety measures from an occupational health and safety perspective.
