Occupational safety and health: risks related to chemical agents (14th particular Directive, Directive 89/391/EEC)

The Committee adopted a report by Freddy BLAK (PES, DK) on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work (co-operation procedure). The Committee adopted a number of fairly technical amendments to the Council's common position. In order to protect workers from risks caused by chemical agents, indicative occupational exposure limit values should be set at Community level. Binding biological limit values could be drawn up in exceptional circumstances where air monitoring does not give a satisfactory indication of exposure to hazardous chemical agents. The Commission should carry out an assessment of the way in which member states have taken account of the indicative limit values. If the assessment reveals wide differences in standards the Commission should aim at closer harmonisation in this area. Workers should be provided with information on the hazardous chemical agents identified in the risk assessment. In addition, they should have training and information on appropriate precautions and actions to be taken in order to safeguard themselves.�