Search Legislation

Directive 2013/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the CouncilShow full title

Directive 2013/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (electromagnetic fields) (20th individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC) and repealing Directive 2004/40/EC

 Help about what version

What Version

 Help about advanced features

Advanced Features

 Help about UK-EU Regulation

Legislation originating from the EU

When the UK left the EU, legislation.gov.uk published EU legislation that had been published by the EU up to IP completion day (31 December 2020 11.00 p.m.). On legislation.gov.uk, these items of legislation are kept up-to-date with any amendments made by the UK since then.

Close

This item of legislation originated from the EU

Legislation.gov.uk publishes the UK version. EUR-Lex publishes the EU version. The EU Exit Web Archive holds a snapshot of EUR-Lex’s version from IP completion day (31 December 2020 11.00 p.m.).

Changes over time for: Directive 2013/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (Annexes only)

 Help about opening options

Status:

EU Directives are published on this site to aid cross referencing from UK legislation. Since IP completion day (31 December 2020 11.00 p.m.) no amendments have been applied to this version.

ANNEX IU.K. PHYSICAL QUANTITIES REGARDING THE EXPOSURE TO ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS

The following physical quantities are used to describe the exposure to electromagnetic fields:

  • Electric field strength (E) is a vector quantity that corresponds to the force exerted on a charged particle regardless of its motion in space. It is expressed in volt per metre (Vm–1). A distinction has to be made between the environmental electric field and the electric field present in the body (in situ) as a result of exposure to the environmental electric field.

  • Limb current (IL) is the current in the limbs of a person exposed to electromagnetic fields in the frequency range from 10 MHz to 110 MHz as a result of contact with an object in an electromagnetic field or the flow of capacitive currents induced in the exposed body. It is expressed in ampere (A).

  • Contact current (IC) is a current that appears when a person comes into contact with an object in an electromagnetic field. It is expressed in ampere (A). A steady state contact current occurs when a person is in continuous contact with an object in an electromagnetic field. In the process of making such contact, a spark discharge may occur with associated transient currents.

  • Electric charge (Q) is an appropriate quantity used for spark discharge and is expressed in coulomb (C).

  • Magnetic field strength (H) is a vector quantity that, together with the magnetic flux density, specifies a magnetic field at any point in space. It is expressed in ampere per metre (Am–1).

  • Magnetic flux density (B) is a vector quantity resulting in a force that acts on moving charges, expressed in tesla (T). In free space and in biological materials, magnetic flux density and magnetic field strength can be interchanged using the magnetic field strength of H = 1 Am–1 equivalence to magnetic flux density of T (approximately 1,25 microtesla).

  • Power density (S) is an appropriate quantity used for very high frequencies, where the depth of penetration in the body is low. It is the radiant power incident perpendicular to a surface, divided by the area of the surface. It is expressed in watt per square metre (Wm–2).

  • Specific energy absorption (SA) is an energy absorbed per unit mass of biological tissue, expressed in joule per kilogram (Jkg–1). In this Directive, it is used for establishing limits for effects from pulsed microwave radiation.

  • Specific energy absorption rate (SAR), averaged over the whole body or over parts of the body, is the rate at which energy is absorbed per unit mass of body tissue and is expressed in watt per kilogram (Wkg–1). Whole-body SAR is a widely accepted quantity for relating adverse thermal effects to radio frequency (RF) exposure. Besides the whole-body average SAR, local SAR values are necessary to evaluate and limit excessive energy deposition in small parts of the body resulting from special exposure conditions. Examples of such conditions include: an individual exposed to RF in the low MHz range (e.g. from dielectric heaters) and individuals exposed in the near field of an antenna.

Of these quantities, magnetic flux density (B), contact current (IC), limb current (IL), electric field strength (E), magnetic field strength (H), and power density (S) can be measured directly.

ANNEX IIU.K.

NON-THERMAL EFFECTS EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES AND ACTION LEVELS IN THE FREQUENCY RANGE FROM 0 Hz TO 10 MHz U.K.

A.EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES (ELVs)U.K.

ELVs below 1 Hz (Table A1) are limits for static magnetic field which is not affected by the tissue of the body.

ELVs for frequencies from 1 Hz to 10 MHz (Table A2) are limits for electric fields induced in the body from exposure to time-varying electric and magnetic fields.

ELVs for external magnetic flux density from 0 to 1 Hz

The sensory effects ELV is the ELV for normal working conditions (Table A1) and is related to vertigo and other physiological effects related to disturbance of the human balance organ resulting mainly from moving in a static magnetic field

The health effects ELV for controlled working conditions (Table A1) is applicable on a temporary basis during the shift when justified by the practice or process, provided that preventive measures, such as controlling movements and providing information to workers, have been adopted.

Table A1

ELVs for external magnetic flux density (B0) from 0 to 1 Hz

Sensory effects ELVs
Normal working conditions2 T
Localised limbs exposure8 T
Health effects ELVs
Controlled working conditions8 T

Health effects ELVs for internal electric field strength from 1 Hz to 10 MHz

Health effects ELVs (Table A2) are related to electric stimulation of all peripheral and central nervous system tissues in the body, including the head.

Table A2

Health effects ELVs for internal electric field strength from 1 Hz to 10 MHz

Frequency rangeHealth effects ELVs
1 Hz ≤ f < 3 kHz1,1 Vm–1 (peak)
3 kHz ≤ f ≤ 10 MHz3,8 × 10– 4 f Vm–1 (peak)
Note A2-1:f is the frequency expressed in hertz (Hz).U.K.
Note A2-2:The health effects ELVs for internal electric field are spatial peak values in the entire body of the exposed subject.U.K.
Note A2-3:The ELVs are peak values in time which are equal to the Root-Mean-Square (RMS) values multiplied by √2 for sinusoidal fields. In the case of non-sinusoidal fields, exposure evaluation carried out in accordance with Article 4 shall be based on the weighted peak method (filtering in time domain), explained in the practical guides referred to in Article 14 but other scientifically proven and validated exposure evaluation procedures can be applied, provided that they lead to approximately equivalent and comparable results.U.K.

Sensory effects ELVs for internal electric field strength from 1 Hz to 400 Hz

The sensory effects ELVs (Table A3) are related to electric field effects on the central nervous system in the head, i.e. retinal phosphenes and minor transient changes in some brain functions.

Table A3

Sensory effects ELVs for internal electric field strength from 1 to 400 Hz

Frequency rangeSensory effects ELVs
1 ≤ f < 10 Hz0,7/f Vm–1 (peak)
10 ≤ f < 25 Hz0,07 Vm–1 (peak)
25 ≤ f ≤ 400 Hz0,0028 f Vm–1 (peak)
Note A3-1:f is the frequency expressed in hertz (Hz).U.K.
Note A3-2:The sensory effects ELVs for internal electric field are spatial peak values in the head of the exposed subject.U.K.
Note A3-3:The ELVs are peak values in time which are equal to the Root-Mean-Square (RMS) values multiplied by √2 for sinusoidal fields. In the case of non-sinusoidal fields, the exposure evaluation carried out in accordance with Article 4 shall be based on the weighted peak method (filtering in time domain), explained in the practical guides referred to in Article 14, but other scientifically proven and validated exposure evaluation procedures can be applied, provided that they lead to approximately equivalent and comparable results.U.K.

B.ACTION LEVELS (ALs)U.K.

The following physical quantities and values are used to specify the action levels (ALs), the magnitude of which are established to ensure by simplified assessment the compliance with relevant ELVs or at which relevant protection or prevention measures specified in Article 5 must be taken:

  • Low ALs(E) and high ALs(E) for electric field strength E of time varying electric fields as specified in Table B1;

  • Low ALs(B) and high ALs(B) for magnetic flux density B of time varying magnetic fields as specified in Table B2;

  • ALs(IC) for contact current as specified in Table B3;

  • ALs(B0) for magnetic flux density of static magnetic fields as specified in Table B4.

ALs correspond to calculated or measured electric and magnetic field values at the workplace in the absence of the worker.

Action levels (ALs) for exposure to electric fields

Low ALs (Table B1) for external electric field are based on limiting the internal electric field below the ELVs (Tables A2 and A3) and limiting spark discharges in the working environment.

Below high ALs, the internal electric field does not exceed the ELVs (Tables A2 and A3) and annoying spark discharges are prevented, provided that the protection measures referred to in Article 5(6) are taken.

Table B1

ALs for exposure to electric fields from 1 Hz to 10 MHz

Frequency rangeElectric field strength Low ALs (E)[Vm–1] (RMS)Electric field strength High ALs (E) [Vm–1] (RMS)
1 ≤ f < 25 Hz2,0 × 1042,0 × 104
25 ≤ f < 50 Hz5,0 × 105/f2,0 × 104
50 Hz ≤ f < 1,64 kHz5,0 × 105/f1,0 × 106/f
1,64 ≤ f < 3 kHz5,0 × 105/f6,1 × 102
3 kHz ≤ f ≤ 10 MHz1,7 × 1026,1 × 102
Note B1-1:f is the frequency expressed in hertz (Hz).U.K.
Note B1-2:The low ALs (E) and high ALs (E) are the Root-Mean-Square (RMS) values of the electric field strength which are equal to the peak values divided by √2 for sinusoidal fields. In the case of non-sinusoidal fields, the exposure evaluation carried out in accordance with Article 4 shall be based on the weighted peak method (filtering in time domain), explained in the practical guides referred to in Article 14, but other scientifically proven and validated exposure evaluation procedures can be applied, provided that they lead to approximately equivalent and comparable results.U.K.
Note B1-3:ALs represent maximum calculated or measured values at the workers’ body position. This results in a conservative exposure assessment and automatic compliance with ELVs in all non-uniform exposure conditions. In order to simplify the assessment of compliance with ELVs, carried out in accordance with Article 4, in specific non-uniform conditions, criteria for the spatial averaging of measured fields based on established dosimetry will be laid down in the practical guides referred to in Article 14. In the case of a very localised source within a distance of a few centimetres from the body, the induced electric field shall be determined dosimetrically, case by case.U.K.

Action levels (ALs) for exposure to magnetic fields

Low ALs (Table B2) are, for frequencies below 400 Hz, derived from the sensory effects ELVs (Table A3) and, for frequencies above 400 Hz, from the health effects ELVs for internal electric field (Table A2).

High ALs (Table B2) are derived from the health effects ELVs for internal electric field related to electric stimulation of peripheral and autonomous nerve tissues in head and trunk (Table A2). Compliance with the high ALs ensures that health effects ELVs are not exceeded, but the effects related to retinal phosphenes and minor transient changes in brain activity are possible, if the exposure of the head exceeds the low ALs for exposures up to 400 Hz. In such a case, Article 5(6) applies.

ALs for exposure of limbs are derived from the health effects ELVs for internal electric field related to electric stimulation of the tissues in limbs by taking into account that the magnetic field is coupled more weakly to the limbs than to the whole body.

Table B2

ALs for exposure to magnetic fields from 1 Hz to 10 MHz

Frequency rangeMagnetic flux density Low ALs(B)[μT] (RMS)Magnetic flux density High ALs(B) [μT] (RMS)Magnetic flux density ALs for exposure of limbs to a localised magnetic field [μT] (RMS)
1 ≤ f < 8 Hz2,0 × 105/f23,0 × 105/f9,0 × 105/f
8 ≤ f < 25 Hz2,5 × 104/f3,0 × 105/f9,0 × 105/f
25 ≤ f < 300 Hz1,0 × 1033,0 × 105/f9,0 × 105/f
300 Hz ≤ f < 3 kHz3,0 × 105/f3,0 × 105/f9,0 × 105/f
3 kHz ≤ f ≤ 10 MHz1,0 × 1021,0 × 1023,0 × 102
Note B2-1:f is the frequency expressed in hertz (Hz).U.K.
Note B2-2:The low ALs and the high ALs are the Root-Mean-Square (RMS) values which are equal to the peak values divided by √2 for sinusoidal fields. In the case of non-sinusoidal fields the exposure evaluation carried out in accordance with Article 4 shall be based on the weighted peak method (filtering in time domain), explained in practical guides referred to in Article 14, but other scientifically proven and validated exposure evaluation procedures can be applied, provided that they lead to approximately equivalent and comparable results.U.K.
Note B2-3:ALs for exposure to magnetic fields represent maximum values at the workers’ body position. This results in a conservative exposure assessment and automatic compliance with ELVs in all non-uniform exposure conditions. In order to simplify the assessment of compliance with ELVs, carried out in accordance with Article 4, in specific non-uniform conditions, criteria for the spatial averaging of measured fields based on established dosimetry will be laid down in the practical guides referred to in Article 14. In the case of a very localised source within a distance of a few centimetres from the body, the induced electric field shall be determined dosimetrically, case by case.U.K.
Table B3

ALs for contact current IC

FrequencyALs (IC) steady state contact current [mA] (RMS)
up to 2,5 kHz1,0
2,5 ≤ f < 100 kHz0,4 f
100 ≤ f ≤ 10 000 kHz40
Note B3-1:f is the frequency expressed in kilohertz (kHz).U.K.

Action levels (ALs) for magnetic flux density of static magnetic fields

Table B4

ALs for magnetic flux density of static magnetic fields

HazardsALs(B0)
Interference with active implanted devices, e.g. cardiac pacemakers0,5 mT
Attraction and projectile risk in the fringe field of high field strength sources (> 100 mT)3 mT

ANNEX IIIU.K.

THERMAL EFFECTS EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES AND ACTION LEVELS IN THE FREQUENCY RANGE FROM 100 kHz TO 300 GHz U.K.

A.EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES (ELVs)U.K.

Health effects ELVs for frequencies from 100 kHz to 6 GHz (Table A1) are limits for energy and power absorbed per unit mass of body tissue generated from exposure to electric and magnetic fields.

Sensory effects ELVs for frequencies from 0,3 to 6 GHz (Table A2) are limits on absorbed energy in a small mass of tissue in the head from exposure to electromagnetic fields.

Health effects ELVs for frequencies above 6 GHz (Table A3) are limits for power density of an electromagnetic wave incident on the body surface.

Table A1

Health effects ELVs for exposure to electromagnetic fields from 100 kHz to 6 GHz

Health effects ELVsSAR values averaged over any six-minute period
ELVs related to whole body heat stress expressed as averaged SAR in the body0,4 Wkg–1
ELVs related to localised heat stress in head and trunk expressed as localised SAR in the body10 Wkg–1
ELVs related to localised heat stress in the limbs expressed as localised SAR in the limbs20 Wkg–1
Note A1-1:Localised SAR averaging mass is any 10 g of contiguous tissue; the maximum SAR so obtained should be the value used for estimating exposure. This 10 g of tissue is intended to be a mass of contiguous tissue with roughly homogeneous electrical properties. In specifying a contiguous mass of tissue, it is recognised that this concept may be used in computational dosimetry but may present difficulties for direct physical measurements. A simple geometry, such as cubic or spheric tissue mass, can be used.U.K.

Sensory effects ELVs from 0,3 GHz to 6 GHz

This sensory effects ELVs (Table A2) is related to avoiding auditory effects caused by exposures of the head to pulsed microwave radiation.

Table A2

Sensory effects ELVs for exposure to electromagnetic fields from 0,3 to 6 GHz

Frequency rangeLocalised specific energy absorption (SA)
0,3 ≤ f ≤ 6 GHz10 mJkg–1
Note A2-1:Localised SA averaging mass is 10 g of tissue.U.K.
Table A3

Health effects ELVs for exposure to electromagnetic fields from 6 to 300 GHz

Frequency rangeHealth effects ELVs related to power density
6 ≤ f ≤ 300 GHz50 Wm–2
Note A3-1:The power density shall be averaged over any 20 cm2 of exposed area. Spatial maximum power densities averaged over 1 cm2 should not exceed 20 times the value of 50 Wm–2. Power densities from 6 to 10 GHz are to be averaged over any six-minute period. Above 10 GHz, the power density shall be averaged over any 68/f1,05-minute period (where f is the frequency in GHz) to compensate for progressively shorter penetration depth, as the frequency increases.U.K.

B.ACTION LEVELS (ALs)U.K.

The following physical quantities and values are used to specify the action levels (ALs), the magnitude of which are established to ensure by simplified assessment the compliance with the relevant ELVs or at which relevant protection or prevention measures specified in Article 5 must be taken:

  • ALs(E) for electric field strength E of time varying electric field, as specified in Table B1;

  • ALs(B) for magnetic flux density B of time varying magnetic field, as specified in Table B1;

  • ALs(S) for power density of electromagnetic waves, as specified in Table B1;

  • ALs(IC) for contact current, as specified in Table B2;

  • ALs(IL) for limb current, as specified in Table B2;

ALs correspond to calculated or measured field values at the workplace in the absence of the worker, as maximum value at the position of the body or specified part of the body.

Action levels (ALs) for exposure to electric and magnetic fields

ALs(E) and ALs(B) are derived from the SAR or power density ELVs (Tables A1 and A3) based on the thresholds related to internal thermal effects caused by exposure to (external) electric and magnetic fields.

Table B1

ALs for exposure to electric and magnetic fields from 100 kHz to 300 GHz

Frequency rangeElectric field strength ALs(E) [Vm–1] (RMS)Magnetic flux density ALs(B) [μT] (RMS)Power density ALs(S) [Wm–2]
100 kHz ≤ f < 1 MHz6,1 × 1022,0 × 106/f
1≤ f < 10 MHz6,1 × 108/f2,0 × 106/f
10 ≤ f < 400 MHz610,2
400 MHz ≤ f < 2 GHz3 × 10–3 f½1,0 × 10–5 f½
2 ≤ f < 6 GHz1,4 × 1024,5 × 10–1
6 ≤ f ≤ 300 GHz1,4 × 1024,5 × 10–150
Note B1-1:f is the frequency expressed in hertz (Hz).U.K.
Note B1-2:[ALs(E)]2 and [ALs(B)]2 are to be averaged over a six-minute period. For RF pulses, the peak power density averaged over the pulse width shall not exceed 1 000 times the respective ALs(S) value. For multi-frequency fields, the analysis shall be based on summation, as explained in the practical guides referred to in Article 14.U.K.
Note B1-3:ALs(E) and ALs(B) represent maximum calculated or measured values at the workers’ body position. This results in a conservative exposure assessment and automatic compliance with ELVs in all non-uniform exposure conditions. In order to simplify the assessment of compliance with ELVs, carried out in accordance with Article 4, in specific non-uniform conditions, criteria for the spatial averaging of measured fields based on established dosimetry will be laid down in the practical guides referred to in Article 14. In the case of a very localised source within a distance of a few centimetres from the body, compliance with ELVs shall be determined dosimetrically, case by case.U.K.
Note B1-4:The power density shall be averaged over any 20 cm2 of exposed area. Spatial maximum power densities averaged over 1 cm2 should not exceed 20 times the value of 50 Wm–2. Power densities from 6 to 10 GHz are to be averaged over any six-minute period. Above 10 GHz, the power density shall be averaged over any 68/f1,05-minute period (where f is the frequency in GHz) to compensate for progressively shorter penetration depth as the frequency increases.U.K.
Table B2

ALs for steady state contact currents and induced limb currents

Frequency rangeSteady state contact current, ALs(IC) [mA] (RMS)Induced limb current in any limb, ALs(IL) [mA] (RMS)
100 kHz ≤ f < 10 MHz40
10 ≤ f ≤ 110 MHz40100
Note B2-1:[ALs(IL)]2 is to be averaged over a six-minute period.U.K.

ANNEX IVU.K.

Correlation table

Directive 2004/40/ECThis Directive
Article 1(1)Article 1(1)
Article 1(2)Article 1(2) and (3)
Article 1(3)Article 1(4)
Article 1(4)Article 1(5)
Article 1(5)Article 1(6)
Article 2(a)Article 2(a)
Article 2(b)
Article 2(c)
Article 2(b)Article 2(d), (e) and (f)
Article 2(c)Article 2(g)
Article 3(1)Article 3(1)
Article 3(2)Article 3(1)
Article 3(2)
Article 3(3)Article 3(2) and (3)
Article 3(4)
Article 4(1)Article 4(1)
Article 4(2)Article 4(2) and (3)
Article 4(3)Article 4(3)
Article 4(4)Article 4(4)
Article 4(5)(a)Article 4(5)(b)
Article 4(5)(b)Article 4(5)(a)
Article 4(5)(c)
Article 4(5)(c)Article 4(5)(d)
Article 4(5)(d)Article 4(5)(e)
Article 4(5)(d)(i)
Article 4(5)(d)(ii)
Article 4(5)(d)(iii)
Article 4(5)(d)(iv)
Article 4(5)(e)Article 4(5)(f)
Article 4(5)(f)Article 4(5)(g)
Article 4(5)(h)
Article 4(5)(i)
Article 4(5)(g)Article 4(5)(j)
Article 4(5)(h)Article 4(5)(k)
Article 4(6)
Article 4(6)Article 4(7)
Article 5(1)Article 5(1)
Article 5(2), introductory wordingArticle 5(2), introductory wording
Article 5(2)(a) to (c)Article 5(2)(a) to (c)
Article 5(2)(d)
Article 5(2)(e)
Article 5(2)(d) to (g)Article 5(2)(f) to (i)
Article 5(4)
Article 5(3)Article 5(5)
Article 5(6)
Article 5(7)
Article 5(4)Article 5(8)
Article 5(9)
Article 5(5)Article 5(3)
Article 6, introductory wordingArticle 6, introductory wording
Article 6(a)Article 6(a)
Article 6(b)Article 6(b)
Article 6(c)
Article 6(c)Article 6(d)
Article 6(d)Article 6(e)
Article 6(f)
Article 6(e)Article 6(g)
Article 6(f)Article 6(h)
Article 6(i)
Article 7Article 7
Article 8(1)Article 8(1)
Article 8(2)
Article 8(3)Article 8(2)
Article 9Article 9
Article 10
Article 10(1)Article 11(1)(c)
Article 10(2)(a)Article 11(1)(a)
Article 10(2)(b)Article 11(1)(b)
Article 11
Article 12
Article 13
Article 14
Article 15
Article 13(1)Article 16(1)
Article 13(2)Article 16(2)
Article 17
Article 14Article 18
Article 15Article 19
AnnexAnnex I, Annex II and Annex III
Annex IV

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As adopted by EU): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was first adopted in the EU. No changes have been applied to the text.

Point in Time: This becomes available after navigating to view revised legislation as it stood at a certain point in time via Advanced Features > Show Timeline of Changes or via a point in time advanced search.

Close

See additional information alongside the content

Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as adopted version that was used for the EU Official Journal
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

Timeline of Changes

This timeline shows the different versions taken from EUR-Lex before exit day and during the implementation period as well as any subsequent versions created after the implementation period as a result of changes made by UK legislation.

The dates for the EU versions are taken from the document dates on EUR-Lex and may not always coincide with when the changes came into force for the document.

For any versions created after the implementation period as a result of changes made by UK legislation the date will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. For further information see our guide to revised legislation on Understanding Legislation.

Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as adopted version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources