S.L. 424.34 Art. 3Exposure limit values and action levels.

(1) Physical quantities regarding exposure to electromagnetic fields are indicated in Schedule I. Health effects

ELVs, sensory effects ELVs and ALs are set out in Schedules II and III.

(2) Employers shall ensure that the exposure of workers to electromagnetic fields is limited to the health effects ELVs and sensory effects ELVs set out in Schedule II, for non-thermal effects, and in Schedule III, for thermal effects. Compliance with health effects ELVs and sensory effects ELVs must be established by the use of relevant exposure assessment procedures referred to in regulation 4. Where the exposure of workers to electromagnetic fields exceeds the ELVs, the employer shall take immediate action in accordance with regulation 5(8).

(3) For the purpose of these regulations, where it is demonstrated that the relevant ALs set out in Schedules II and III are not exceeded, the employer shall be deemed to be in compliance with the health effects ELVs and sensory effects ELVs. Where the exposure exceeds the ALs, the employer shall act in accordance with regulation 5(2), unless the assessment carried out in accordance with regulations 4(1), (2) and (3) demonstrates that the relevant ELVs are not exceeded and that safety risks can be excluded. Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-regulation (1), exposure may exceed:

(a) low ALs for electric fields (Schedule II, Table B1), where justified by the practice or process, provided that either the sensory effects ELVs (Schedule II, Table A3) are not exceeded; or

(i) the health effects ELVs (Schedule II, Table A2) are not exceeded;

(ii) the excessive spark discharges and contact currents (Schedule II, Table B3) are prevented by specific protection measures as set out in regulation 5(6); and

(iii) information on the situations referred to in regulation 6(f) has been given to workers;

(b) low ALs for magnetic fields (Schedule II, Table B2) where justified by the practice or process, including in the head and torso, during the shift, provided that either the sensory effects ELVs (Schedule II, Table A3) are not exceeded; or

(i) the sensory effects ELVs are exceeded only temporarily;

(ii) the health effects ELVs (Schedule II, Table A2) are not exceeded;

(iii) action is taken, in accordance with regulation 5(9), where there are transient symptoms under paragraph (a) of that regulation; and

(iv) information on the situations referred to in regulation 6(f) has been given to workers.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-regulations (2) and (3), exposure may exceed:

(a) the sensory effects ELVs (Schedule II, Table A1) during the shift, where justified by the practice or process, provided that:

(i) they are exceeded only temporarily;

(ii) the health effects ELVs (Schedule II, Table A1) are not exceeded;

(iii) specific protection measures have been taken in accordance with regulation 5(7);

(iv) action is taken in accordance with regulation 5(9), where there are transient symptoms under paragraph (b) of that regulation; and

(v) information on the situations referred to in regulation 6(f) has been given to workers;

(b) the sensory effects ELVs (Schedule II, Table A3 and Schedule III, Table A2) during the shift, where justified by the practice or process, provided that:

(i) they are exceeded only temporarily;

(ii) the health effects ELVs (Schedule II, Table A2 and Schedule III, Table A1 and Table A3) are not exceeded;

(iii) action is taken in accordance with regulation 5(9), where there are transient symptoms under paragraph (a) of that regulation; and

(iv) information on the situations referred to in regulation 6(f) has been given to workers.