Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields in electrical utilities: field measurement, risk evaluation and safety control strategies

This article aimed to assess occupational exposure to power-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) at various sites of electrical infrastructure in Jordan, including high-voltage (HV) substations, a thermal power plant and a photovoltaic station. Field measurements were taken under steady-state operating conditions and compared with occupational exposure guidelines recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard. The magnetic flux densities at the three sites were all below these guidelines. The electric field strengths at some HV substations occasionally exceeded the ICNIRP occupational reference levels but remained below the IEEE guideline levels. The results provide insight into EMF hotspots, the most hazardous sites and effective ways to avoid EMF exposure in power system environments. These measures include implementing engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment to reduce workers' exposure to EMFs, thereby improving workplace safety and EMF risk management policies.