Standardised evaluation of the electric field for meeting safety aspects for workers according to directive 2013/35/EU and VEMF

Workers in power supply systems are exposed to electromagnetic fields. These fields must not exceed the limit values set out in EU Directive 2013/35/EU (minimum health and safety requirements for workers with regard to exposure to the risk of physical agents (electromagnetic fields)) in order to protect workers against health risks. In Austria, a group of experts from the National Standardization Committee (OVE) has drawn up a national guideline (OVE guideline R 27) in order to prevent the diversity of assessment procedures. In addition, the guide aims to reduce time and effort in evaluation and documentation of electric and magnetic fields. This article provides an overview of the procedure and an assessment of the evaluated distances determined in accordance with OVE guideline R 27 for the protection of workers with regard to electric fields in substations.