IEC 62822-2:2016

Overview

IEC 62822-2:2016 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focusing on the assessment of restrictions related to human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by arc welding equipment. This standard specifically addresses electric welding equipment used in occupational settings by professionals as well as by laymen. It covers electromagnetic fields in the frequency range from 0 Hz to 300 GHz and provides methods to evaluate compliance with safety limits designed to protect human health.

The standard outlines requirements and assessment procedures to measure and calculate electromagnetic field exposure from arc welding equipment. It is essential for manufacturers, safety engineers, and regulatory authorities to ensure occupational safety and adherence to international EMF exposure guidelines.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability: Covers arc welding and allied processes equipment intended for occupational use, including by non-professionals.
• EMF Frequency Range: Full assessment of exposure to electromagnetic fields from static fields (0 Hz) up to high frequencies (300 GHz).
• Exposure Assessment Requirements: Details methods for measuring external electromagnetic fields around welding equipment.
• Calculation Models: Analytical and numerical models are provided to calculate intracorporeal (inside the body) electromagnetic exposure levels.
• Measurement Techniques: Prescribes spatial and time averaging methods to accurately determine exposure in typical welding environments.
• Assessment Conditions:
  • Differentiates exposure assessment for head, trunk, and limbs.
  • Considers operating modes of welding currents including pulsed and non-sinusoidal waveforms.
• Uncertainty and Spectral Analysis: Addresses assessment uncertainties and the importance of spectral analysis for non-sinusoidal signals.
• Documentation: Specifies requirements for EMF data sheets and comprehensive assessment reports to document compliance status.
• Annexes: Provide examples of EMF data sheet structure, assessment case studies, and coupling factors for exposure evaluation.

Applications

IEC 62822-2:2016 offers practical guidance and technical procedures for:

• Manufacturers of Arc Welding Equipment: Ensuring designs comply with international EMF exposure safety limits before market release.
• Occupational Safety Professionals: Evaluating exposure levels in workplaces where arc welding is performed to protect operator health.
• Regulators and Certification Bodies: Developing protocols for conformity assessment related to occupational electromagnetic field hazards.
• Health and Safety Auditors: Using standardized measurement and calculation methods to audit workplaces for electromagnetic field exposure.
• Research and Development: Supporting innovation in welding equipment technologies by considering electromagnetic emissions and their mitigation.

By adhering to this standard, stakeholders promote safer working environments, reduce risks of EMF-related health effects, and improve product acceptance in international markets.

Related Standards

To ensure comprehensive EMF safety and welding equipment compliance, IEC 62822-2:2016 should be considered alongside:

• IEC 62822-1: General requirements and EMF exposure assessment methods for electric welding equipment.
• IEC 62822 Series: Covers various types of welding equipment and their respective EMF exposure evaluations.
• International EMF Exposure Guidelines: Such as those published by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
• Occupational Health and Safety Standards: Local and international regulations relating to worker electromagnetic field exposure limits.
• Other IEC Electrotechnical Standards: Concerning electrical safety, performance, and testing of welding equipment.

Keywords

Electric welding equipment, arc welding, electromagnetic fields exposure, EMF assessment, occupational safety, IEC 62822-2, human exposure limits, welding current, EMF measurement, EMF calculation models, electromagnetic safety standards, occupational health, EMF data sheet, international welding standards, welding equipment certification.