In the face of increasing internationalization of standardization activity, a need arises for KAN to draw more direct attention to its concerns in European and international decisionmaking processes. In order to facilitate this task, KAN is now opening a branch office in Brussels.

High- and low-frequency electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields represent one of the two sub-categories of non-ionizing radiation, the other being optical radiation (see fig. page 6). Whereas early protective regulations governing the various areas of ionizing radiation (such as X-rays) were introduced some time ago, the area of non-ionizing radiation has been unregulated for a relatively long period of time.

KAN Report 9, “Standardization in the field of non-ionizing radiation”, published in 1996, identified a substantial requirement for standards in the sub-area of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields. Preliminary results from an update of the study indicate that this need remains.

Interview with Mr Marco Vigone

European statutory framework

As markets become increasingly more global, countries outside Europe are signalling a growing interest in the fundamental machinery standards such as EN 292. Ten countries in Asia have already incorporated the majority of these European standards into their body of national standards. The reason for this is the great importance that the European standards structure in the area of machinery safety now enjoys for international machine construction.

Standards not only formulate technical requirements, but also define the associated terminology.

The KAN now also has a presence in Brussels under the roof of the Maison Européenne de la Protection Sociale. The office is located at:

www.cenelec.org