Workplace EMF personnel protection with Wavecontrol

Wavecontrol solutions through EMCO in the DACH region

EMCO Elektronik GmbH is the local sales and technical contact for Wavecontrol solutions and products in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The portfolio addresses application-specific electromagnetic field assessment and personnel protection at workplaces with relevant EMF exposure.

For operators, safety managers and technical departments, this means that both field assessment and supplementary personnel warning can be considered within the respective application environment.

EMF exposure and personnel protection at the workplace

EMF exposure assessment addresses the effects of electromagnetic fields on the environment and particularly on people. Its purpose is to evaluate exposure according to defined limit values, support personnel safety and help prevent potential adverse health effects.

A technical assessment is particularly relevant where employees work close to transmitting installations, high-power RF systems, radar installations or other electromagnetic field sources. The appropriate measurement approach depends on the existing sources, the frequencies involved and the applicable exposure limit framework.

EMF assessment from DC to 90 GHz

The Wavecontrol solutions presented in the EMCO News Special enable assessments across a broad range from DC to 90 GHz. This allows different electrical, magnetic and high-frequency field sources to be considered within an application-specific measurement solution.

• Covered range: DC to 90 GHz.
• Measurement task: Assessment of electromagnetic fields for personnel protection.
• Assessment basis: International exposure limits.
• Traceability: Solutions with accredited calibration.

The required measurement solution cannot be selected solely on the basis of its maximum frequency. The type of field source, the relevant frequency range and the intended exposure assessment method must also be considered.

Additional warning through RF personal monitors

An RF personal monitor can be used as a supplementary measure. It warns personnel at the workplace of potentially hazardous field exposure by means of an optical and acoustic alarm.

Field assessment and personal warning perform different functions. Measurement solutions are used to record and evaluate an exposure situation, while the personal monitor provides an additional warning function for employees working in potentially exposed areas.

Specific monitor models, alarm thresholds and configuration options are not specified in the provided information.

Typical application environments

EMF personnel protection is relevant wherever employees may be exposed to electromagnetic fields during their work. The application situations shown include:

• Mobile communications and transmitting infrastructure: Work close to antennas and RF transmitting equipment.
• Radar installations: Activities in the vicinity of high-power radar and radio systems.
• Electrical infrastructure: Work areas close to electrical installations and power supply equipment.
• Maintenance and technical inspection: Assessment of personnel exposure during temporary work in EMF-relevant areas.

The suitability of a measurement or warning solution must be evaluated individually for each workplace. Different sources may produce different frequency ranges, field types and exposure conditions.

Important technical selection criteria

Before selecting a suitable Wavecontrol solution, the actual measurement task and workplace conditions should be defined. Important technical considerations include:

• Existing field sources: The type and operating conditions of equipment generating electromagnetic fields.
• Relevant frequency range: Matching the frequencies present at the workplace with the measurement range of the selected solution.
• Assessment or warning: Distinguishing between a measurement-based exposure assessment and a supplementary personal warning function.
• Exposure limit framework: Selection according to the international limits applicable to the workplace.
• Calibration: Consideration of the required measurement traceability and accredited calibration.

The provided document does not specify individual measuring instruments, probes, personal monitors, standards or system configurations. These points must therefore be defined according to the application and the EMF sources present.

EMCO supports technical selection

EMCO supports users in Germany, Austria and Switzerland with the technical evaluation and selection of a suitable Wavecontrol solution. The existing field sources, required frequency range, applicable exposure limit framework and need for an additional personal warning function can be considered together.

This provides the basis for an individual solution adapted to the workplace, the measurement task and the required protection of employees and colleagues.