RD 299/2016

RD 299/2016: electromagnetic fields in the workplace.

RD 299/2016, of 22 July, regulates the risks of exposure to electromagnetic fields in the workplace. This Royal Decree, obliges the measurement of electromagnetic fields in the environment of workers who are potentially exposed.

The Wavecontrol SMP2 meter, which we have at our disposal, can measure these fields with accuracy and legal validity.

How are electromagnetic fields produced?

Physical principles

Electromagnetic fields are produced by the following physical principles:

  • Electric currents(Ampere's Law - Maxwell). They produce magnetic fields. It is a complex law: the fields depend on the paths followed by the currents, their intensity, the surrounding materials, etc. For the simplified example of a long electric cable (such as a high voltage line), we can say that the magnetic field is proportional to the current intensity.
  • Magnets. They produce static magnetic fields.
  • Static electric charges(Coulomb's Law). Static charges generate electric field.

An electric or magnetic field that is alternating can couple and propagate in the form of electromagnetic radiation. These fields, as well as the electromagnetic radiation they emit, attenuate with distance.

Devices that produce electromagnetic fields

In today's society, extensive use is made of electricity and electromagnetic waves. Therefore, these fields are omnipresent in our environment and can be caused by:

  • Telecommunication devicesThey usually have electromagnetic radiation as their operating principle. It is unavoidable
    Wavecontrol field meter

    Wavecontrol SMP2 field meter

    emitting fields. They are high frequency fields.

    • Mobile telephone stations (900 Mhz, 1800Mhz, 2GHz and 4GHz for the most part).
    • Telecommunication terminals: Mobile phones, cordless phones, radio transmitters.
    • Telecommunications centers: Throughout the high frequency range.
    • Indoor telephone installations (pico-cells, on the same frequencies as telephone stations).
    • Office communication devices: WiFi (2.4 and 5Ghz), DECT telephony (1.8 to 1.9Ghz).
  • Devices that work with high electric current intensities (In general, they are usually low frequencies, 50Hz)
    • Electrical wiring. High voltage lines. Medium and low voltage lines.
    • Electricity generation and transformation centers.
    • Electrified railway networks.
  • Radars: Present in airports, military and aerospace installations, navigation, etc.
  • Industrial plants handling high power: electrical machinery, motors, electro-magnets, hydrolysis systems, galvanizing, etc.
  • Sanitary installations that use electromagnetic fields as an operating principle.

The legislated fields are in the frequencies between 0 Hz and 300 GHz. However, most of the electromagnetic fields generated by the activities are between 1Hz and 5Ghz frequency.

Industries affected by RD 299/2016

In most everyday uses of electricity and electromagnetism, the fields used or produced unintentionally are of very low intensity and do not represent a health hazard.

However, RD 299/2016 establishes some sectors and activities in which it is perceptive to perform measurements in order to ensure the safety of workers. Among others, it applies to the following sectors:

  • Telecommunications
  • Generation and handling of electrical energy
  • Heavy industries
  • Sanitary systems
  • Railway sector
  • Aeronautics, aviation and airports

Application of Royal Decree RD 299/2016

The company is obliged to assess and prevent risks that may arise from electromagnetic fields and penalties of up to €820,000 are established in the event of non-compliance.

The risk assessment may be carried out by companies that provide the Occupational Risk Prevention service, or by the company's own department. The evaluation must be carried out:

  • With the periodicity indicated in article 6 of RD 39/1997.
  • Guaranteeing the Exposure Limit Values or Action Levels established in RD 299/2016.
  • With approved instrumentation to perform legal metrology and with valid calibration certificate.

In K2Ingenieros we have all the necessary tools and knowledge to perform these measurements. We can perform the measurements and report or, alternatively, you can rent our instruments.

Advice on electromagnetic pollution reduction

In case of need, we can help you to reduce exposure to electromagnetic pollution, intervening in different areas:

  • To know the sources of electromagnetic radiation.
  • To see if it is possible to reduce the emission of these sources or to shield them
  • Finding less exposed locations for workers, providing training and information to workers.

Contact with us

We have all the instruments and experience for:

  • To rent, the instruments. Approved and with current calibration.
  • Perform the measurements by ourselves.
  • Write the pertinent reports.