Practical guidelines of a non-binding nature on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work

Directive 98/24/EC lays down provisions for the protection of workers from the risks related to chemical agents. Article 12 of the Directive requires the Commission to issue guidance on Articles 3, 4, 5 and 6, and Annex II.1.3. This publication fulfils this requirement and therefore does not cover the whole Directive but only the subjects of the Articles mentioned, which are:

• methods for the measurement and evaluation of workplace air concentrations;
• risk assessment;
• general principles for prevention;
• specific protection and prevention measures;
• surveillance of the health of workers exposed to lead and its ionic compounds.

The guidelines provide practical information and tools on how to assess and control risks arising from the presence of chemical agents in the workplace. The annexes contain information on R(isk) and S(afety) phrases, simplified risk assessment methodologies, industrial examples, quantitative measurement methods of workplace air concentrations and analytical methods for lead in air and blood. 

Remark
The guidelines were issued in 2007. The information is therefore partly outdated, in particular the information about the labels of chemicals, such as the R and S phrases which have been replaced by H(azards) and P(recautionary) phrases on the basis of the CLP Regulation 2008/1272/EC. Nevertheless, the content of the guide remains relevant, especially the information on preventive measures. Further information on assessing and controlling the risks of chemical agents in the workplace can be found in the Dangerous Substances e-tool and in the database with Practical tools and guidance on dangerous substances. 

Publication details
Published by: Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (European Commission)
Publication date: 2007
Number of pages: 280 pp.