EMF COMP
EMF Modelling
EMFcomp has an unrivalled ability to carry out complex computer modelling of EMF exposure situations.
Our award-winning experts are the only UK specialists able to assess compliance with internal EMF dosimetry limits for both low and high frequency applications. We do this by utilising our state-of-the-art, in-house electromagnetic modelling. Does your organisation requires compliance studies with induced electric fields in the body? Do you need induced current densities or Specific Absorption Rate SAR modelling? We can deliver expert EMF dosimetry. Please get in touch for more information.
Assessing EMF Compliance Correctly
If employees’ EMF exposure exceeds a measured ICNIRP Reference Level or Action Level in the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations (CEMFAW), this does not mean that the working practice must stop. Action Levels are levels at which further investigation is required. This involves EMF modelling of the exposure in a human computer model. Then, we compare results with the less restrictive Exposure Limit Values ELV or ICNIRP Basic Restrictions. Because the CEMFAW Action Levels are set very conservatively, a comparison with modelled results often shows that the Exposure Limit Values are not exceeded. Hence, the working practice can continue. We can carry out this EMF modelling for you.
Award Winning Services
Exposure to electromagnetic fields can harm employees. Accurately assessing compliance with the electromagnetic regulations, guidance and standards ensure that EMF hazards are managed correctly in the workplace. For example, we can carry out an SAR calculation to assess whole body average SAR or localised SAR levels in the head, torso, or limbs.
Providing the UK’s leading EMF services, whether modelling or measurement, is our business. If your company requires an EMF assessment for your facility, dosimetric calculations for your development or EMF analysis of your equipment, our award-winning chartered experts deliver the solution to your compliance problems. Get in touch today for your free consultation.
Modelling Methods
Internal dose quantities in the body cannot be accurately measured. Hence, if an understanding of how EMFs are absorbed in workers for comparisons with the CEMFAW Exposure Limit Values (ELVs) or ICNIRP Basic Restrictions (BRs) is needed, computer modelling provides the solution. How do we do this? To begin with, heterogeneous, anatomically realistic models of humans are utilised, along with the appropriate numerical methods to calculate either the induced electric field or SAR.
For low frequency exposure, we use the Scalar Potential Finite Difference (SPFD) method to calculate induced electric fields in the body. For high frequency exposure, we use the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method to calculate SAR (a surrogate of temperature rise) in male or female models. These complex computational methods take time to compute the required results. However, after a pre-determined time that is dependent on the exposure situation, the method converges to a solution and EMF absorption images (such as those shown on this page) are created and analysed.
Frequently Asked Questions
01Why Do the EMF Regulations (CEMFAW 2016) Exist?
Electromagnetic fields are produced by any electrical device, and can be hazardous to workers. The adverse health effects range from headaches, nausea, and nerve stimulation for low frequency exposure, to RF burns, heatstroke, and hyperthermia for high frequency fields. Above a certain field level, health problems can and will occur. Additionally, electromagnetic fields have the potential to interfere with a worker’s pacemaker, defibrillator, or other active implanted medical device, EMFs can also heat passive implants in the body such as screws, plates, and rods. That is why this group of employees are designated ‘workers at particular risk’.
02How Is Compliance with The EMF Regulations Assessed?
Compliance with the limits in the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations can be achieved by either measurement or calculation. If required, exclusion zones are recommended to mitigate field exposure. We use calibrated, state-of-the-art measurement equipment that measures to the latest HSE guidance and Action Levels set out in their EMF regulations. We use complex computational methods to calculate induced electric fields or SAR in the body, to compare with the Exposure Limit Values in the CEMFAW documentation. The EMF reports we produce following an assessment are in-depth, detailed documents containing information relating the legislation and guidance, methods used, a breakdown of results along with recommendations, action plans and mitigation measures. Our high-quality assessment reports are just one of the reasons why we are an award-wining EMF assessment organisation.
03Who Can Carry Out These CEMFAW Regulation Compliance Assessments?
Only qualified assessors should be used to complete an EMF assessment. The relevant qualification is the Society for Radiological Protection’s (SRP’s) Chartered Radiation Protection Professional (CRadP). All EMFcomp assessors are Chartered Radiation Protection Professionals and Members of the Society for Radiological Protection. EMFcomp itself is an Affiliate of the Society of Radiological Protection, and an Alumnus of the European Space Agency BIC. Our Managing Director is involved with many international safety groups and is currently the Chair of the SRP’s EMF & Optical Radiation Safety Committee. We have a huge amount of knowledge and experience in radiation safety and the new EMF regs, having carried out hundreds of electromagnetic field assessments.
Our company is the UK’s leader in authoritative EMF safety advice and services. Our abilities extend to SAR MRI exposure modelling. We co-wrote the EU’s Guide on EMF Safety for the European Commission, ‘The Practical Guide to the EMF Directive’. This forms the basis for assessing compliance with UK EMF as the electromagnetic regulations were transposed from the EU EMF Directive 2013/35/EU. The advice, measurement, and modelling services that we provide in electromagnetic safety are based on results published in the peer-reviewed scientific literature. We ourselves have published over twenty scientific papers about electromagnetic fields.
