Semi-quantitative methodology to assess health and safety risks arising from exposure to electromagnetic fields up to 300 GHz at workplaces according to Italian regulations

International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics : JOSE · 2022 · Unclear · Insufficient evidence

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UnclearInsufficient evidencePaper 806

Study snapshot

PublicationInternational journal of occupational safety and ergonomics : JOSE · 2022

Study typepolicy

Reported directionUnclear

Evidence ratingInsufficient

Abstract

Semi-quantitative methodology to assess health and safety risks arising from exposure to electromagnetic fields up to 300 GHz at workplaces according to Italian regulations Laura Filosa, Vanni Lopresto. Semi-quantitative methodology to assess health and safety risks arising from exposure to electromagnetic fields up to 300 GHz at workplaces according to Italian regulations. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2022 May 16;1-41. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2077511. 3557482410803548.2022.2077511. Abstract This paper is focused a semi-quantitative methodology to assess and manage the health and safety risks arising from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) up to 300 GHz at workplaces as well as to identify the priorities of intervention, based on the requirements of European directive 2013/35/EU and Italian regulations. The study includes a synthetic overview on the effects arising from EMF exposure and the related regulatory framework on protection. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis is carried-out on the risk assessment process as well as on the technical and organisational measures for risk mitigation and their adaptation to the specific requirements of workers at particular risk, based on technical standards and best practice guides issued by international and national (Italian) standardisation bodies. Conclusions The EMF risk assessment process outlined in this paper takes into account the provisions of Directive 2013/35/EU [32] and of technical standard EN 50499:2019 [48], as well as the peculiar requirements of Italian regulations as referred to in the Framework Law 36/2001 [43] and relevant implementation decrees [41][42] along with the Legislative Decree 81/2008 and s.m.a. [39]. To this end, a useful compass to assess and manage EMF exposure at workplaces taking into account the specific provisions of Italian regulations is represented by the EMF Guide CEI 106-45 [44]. A semi-quantitative methodology for EMF risk assessment is proposed based on a two-dimensional matrix for risk analysis. The matrix reports the indexes of risk calculated as the product of the severity rate of a dangerous event and the likelihood of occurrence of such an event. The severity rating assigned to the effect should reflect the expected outcome of the hazardous event, meanwhile the probability of occurrence should take into account a number of factors related to the workplace and work practice. In relation to assessed index of risk can be identified the prevention and protection measures for risk mitigation as well as the intervention priorities, which shall be adapted to the workers at particular risk. The outcomes of the risk assessment process should be documented in the risk assessment report along with the improvement actions included in the Company Program for the Reduction of Exposure to EMF. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typepolicy

Effect directionunclear

PopulationWorkplaces/workers (including workers at particular risk)

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureNot supplied

Evidence strengthInsufficientConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

The paper proposes a semi-quantitative EMF workplace risk assessment methodology (up to 300 GHz) based on a two-dimensional risk matrix where risk index is the product of severity and likelihood. It outlines a risk assessment process aligned with Directive 2013/35/EU, EN 50499:2019, and Italian regulations, and describes technical/organizational mitigation measures and documentation requirements, including adaptations for workers at particular risk.

Outcomes measured

Health and safety risk assessment methodology for EMF exposure at workplaces
Risk mitigation measures and intervention priorities
Regulatory/standards-based compliance process (Directive 2013/35/EU; Italian regulations; EN 50499:2019; CEI 106-45)

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "policy",
  "exposure": {
    "band": null,
    "source": "occupational",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Workplaces/workers (including workers at particular risk)",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Health and safety risk assessment methodology for EMF exposure at workplaces",
    "Risk mitigation measures and intervention priorities",
    "Regulatory/standards-based compliance process (Directive 2013/35/EU; Italian regulations; EN 50499:2019; CEI 106-45)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "The paper proposes a semi-quantitative EMF workplace risk assessment methodology (up to 300 GHz) based on a two-dimensional risk matrix where risk index is the product of severity and likelihood. It outlines a risk assessment process aligned with Directive 2013/35/EU, EN 50499:2019, and Italian regulations, and describes technical/organizational mitigation measures and documentation requirements, including adaptations for workers at particular risk.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [],
  "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "electromagnetic fields",
    "workplace exposure",
    "occupational safety",
    "risk assessment",
    "semi-quantitative methodology",
    "Directive 2013/35/EU",
    "EN 50499:2019",
    "Italian regulations",
    "risk mitigation",
    "300 GHz"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.92,
      "reason": "Focuses on assessing and managing EMF exposure risks at workplaces."
    },
    {
      "slug": "who-icnirp",
      "weight": 0.25,
      "reason": "Discusses regulatory framework and technical standards for EMF protection (not explicitly WHO/ICNIRP in abstract)."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2077511
PubMed: 35574824

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