Risk Assessment for Workers with Wearable Medical Devices Exposed to Electromagnetic Fields

Abstract

Overview

The prevalence of wearable medical devices (WMDs) has significantly increased across all age groups, including workers. This paper tackles the vulnerability of these workers to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and the need for specific risk assessments as per EU Directive 2013/35/EU.

Current Standards

There currently lacks a global standard for conducting risk assessments on workers using WMDs exposed to EMFs, pinpointing a significant gap in workplace safety protocols.

Guidelines and Findings

• Initial discussion about the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements as per EN 60601-1-2, a technical standard for medical electrical equipment.
• Provides general guidelines on how to conduct risk assessments, involving comparison of workplace EM field values against the immunity levels outlined in medical equipment standards.
• Assessment concludes an acceptable risk when field values are below immunity test levels and the worker is distanced more than the EMC test standard of typically 30 cm from the EM source.
• Emphasizes the need for case-by-case evaluation when field values exceed standards or if proper distancing isn’t maintained.

Conclusion

This study proposes practical steps for employers and health physicists aimed at minimizing the risks for workers using WMDs against EMFs based on existing equipment standards and specific situational analysis.