Abstract

Overview

To evaluate the localized magnetic field (MF) exposure of the cashier's hand due to a particular de-magnetization device (deactivator) for single-use labels of an acousto-magnetic (AM) electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, comprehensive measurements of MF near the surface of the deactivator and numerical computations of the induced electric field strength Ei were performed in high-resolution anatomical hand models of different postures and positions with respect to the deactivator.

Findings

• The measurement results for magnetic induction B were assessed with respect to the action levels (AL) for limb exposure.
• The computational results for Ei were evaluated with respect to the exposure limit values (ELV) for health effects according to EU directive 2013/35/EU.
• Using a newly developed scaling technique, the results highlight the potential overestimation of actual exposure, due to conservative action levels.
• Maximum electric field averages and percentiles indicated varying degrees of compliance, with worst case scenarios showing considerable exposure indices.

Conclusion

The assessment concludes that the investigated device must be considered at least borderline to non-compliance with existing safety standards, emphasizing the importance of precautionary measures such as maintaining a safe distance from the deactivator surface. Compliance with basic safety restrictions is not guaranteed, even when meeting the reference levels.