EMF Assessment of Workplaces (EMFV / other regulations)

Since introduction of the EMFV—the ordinance on the protection of employees from electromagnetic fields—this service has been increasingly requested by companies that do not have a staff member with documented expertise in EMF. The primary focus is the protection of occupationally exposed and instructed individuals. The applicable exposure limits are higher than those for the general public (non-instructed individuals). A critical factor in every assessment is the consideration of particularly vulnerable individuals, such as those who use active or passive medical implants or other body-worn medical devices. Measurements are conducted within a frequency range of 0 Hz to 6 GHz (up to a maximum of 110 GHz). A formal report, including documented measurement points (with images and descriptions) throughout the facility, provides an overview of the exposure levels for both occupationally exposed personnel and particularly vulnerable individuals. Projections based on the maximum output of an EMF source, as well as calculations to determine the required minimum safety distances from such sources, are performed in accordance with established physical laws governing electromagnetic fields.

Exposure assessments can be conducted either with simulations or via on-site measurements. These assessments primarily focus on mobile communication systems, but also encompass systems for emergency services (BOS/TETRA) and broadcasting infrastructure. In addition to performing measurements and extrapolations (based on maximum system load), the scope of work includes moderating public events. In this capacity, waveLAB Ruhr often serves as a technical intermediary between the general public and network operators.

Shielding effectiveness measurements allow the determination of the attenuation properties of buildings or materials with respect to electric and/or magnetic fields. This process involves generating and measuring a field on one side of the building or material, while measuring the attenuated field on the other side. The difference between the two field strengths directly yields the shielding effectiveness in dB. We conduct measurements within the 9 kHz to 6 GHz range, which also encompasses the so-called lightning frequencies of 20 kHz and 1 MHz.

A SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) measurement determines the amount of electromagnetic field energy (radio-frequency radiation) absorbed by human tissue when using a device such as a mobile phone or a wearable.

The device under test is positioned against a model—referred to as a “phantom”—filled with a tissue-equivalent liquid, shaped to represent a human head or body. An electric field probe submerged in the liquid measures the field strength and calculates the extent to which the tissue is heated by the radiation (expressed in W/kg). This process ensures that the devices pose no health risks, thereby qualifying them for market approval. We primarily test wireless systems including 2G, 3G, 4G, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi; other protocols can be evaluated upon request.

waveLAB Ruhr GmbH operates a premium acoustic chamber equipped with a variety of absorbers and reflectors that ensure a low, controlled reverberation time. In combination with instrumentation from Hottinger Brüel & Kjær—used for measuring frequency, sound power, and sound insulation—the facility enables the analysis of product and machinery acoustics, as well as the investigation of the acoustic behavior of individual components. Furthermore, the company offers on-site noise immission measurements and the simulation of noise forecasting (using FGEU Winfield / Narda EFC-400 software).

At waveLAB Ruhr GmbH, radiated immunity testing can also be conducted using a “stripline” setup. Due to a smaller septum-to-ground-plane distance (approx. 90 cm) compared to measurements in a GTEM cell (approx. 1.35 m), the chamber can generate interference fields of up to 200 V/m at frequencies reaching approximately 1 GHz, while requiring relatively low input power. At frequencies up to 4 GHz, field strengths of up to 100 V/m can still be achieved.

These tests are designed for products that present specific challenges, such as defense-related equipment (e.g., in accordance with the VG 95373-SF 03 G standard) or components for automotive applications.

For instance, when performing immunity testing on drones, waveLAB Ruhr can utilize pulse generators capable of producing very fast rise times and high field strengths, thereby replicating the military requirements specified in the MIL-STD-461G RS105 standard.