COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
C0M(92) 251 final - SYN 392 
Brussels, 11 June 1992 
Amended proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 
concerning minimum requirements 
for improving the safety and health protection of 
workers in the extractive industries for the 
exploration and exploitation of minerals 
in mines and quarries 
(presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 149(3) 
of the EEC-Treaty) 
-0 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
Based on the opinion adopted by the European Parliament in the 
first reading on 13 May 1992, the Commission submits to Council 
pursuant to Article 149 paragraph 3 of the EEC Treaty an 
amended proposal for a directive. 
There are two different types of proposed amendments: 
The first type is of a more general kind trying to 
strengthen the improvement of health and safety of 
workers in the extractive industries. 
The second type refers to texts for improving the 
safety and health protection of workers, as already 
agreed in the "common position adopted by Council on 
30 April 1992 with a view to adopting a directive on 
the minimum requirements for improving the safety and 
health protection of workers in the mineral-extracting 
industries through drilLing". 
The layout and the aims of the amended proposal have not been 
changed. In global, the amendments tend towards improving the 
initial proposal by adding and defining some more precise 
details. 
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Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
COMMUNITIES 
Having regard to the Treaty 
establishing the European Economic 
Community and in particular 
Article 118a thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from 
the Commission, prepared after 
consulting the Safety and Health 
Commission for the Mining and 
Other Extractive Industriesi1), 
In cooperation with the European 
Parliament(2), 
Having regard to the opinion of 
the Economic and Social 
Committee v-3) f 
whereas Article 118a of the Treaty 
provides that the Council shall 
adopt, by means of directives, 
minimum requirements for 
encouraging improvements, 
especially in the working 
environment, to ensure a better 
level of protection of the safety 
and health of workers; 
Whereas, under the terms of that 
Article, those directives are to 
avoid imposing administrative, 
financial and legal constraints in 
a way which could hold back the 
creation and development of small 
and medium-sized undertakings; 
Whereas the improvement of 
workers' safety, hygiene and 
health at work is an objective 
which should not be subordinated 
to purely economic considerations; 
Whereas Council Directive 
89/654/EEC of 30 November 1989 
concerning minimum safety and 
health requirements for the 
workplacev4) does not cover the 
extractive industries; 
Whereas the extractive industries 
are higher than average risk 
activities; 
Whereas the mines and quarries 
sector of these industries is 
deemed to be of particular 
importance for introducing 
improvements in the protection of 
the safety and health of workers; 
Whereas Article 11 of the proposal 
for a Council Directive concerning 
minimum requirements for improving 
the safety and health protection 
of workers in the extractive 
industriesl5' 
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Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
provides for the Council, in 
accordance with the procedure laid 
down in Article 118a of the 
Treaty, to adopt minimum 
requirements for improving the 
safety and health protection in 
the extractive industries 
concerned with exploration for and 
exploitation of minerals in mines 
and quarries; 
Whereas this Directive is an 
individual Directive within the 
meaning of Article 16(1) of 
Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 
June 1989 on the introduction of 
measures to encourage improvements 
in the safety and health of 
workers at work*6); whereas, 
therefore, the provisions of the 
said Directive are fully 
applicable to the domain of the 
extractive industries without 
prejudice to more restrictive 
and/or specific provisions 
contained in this Directive; 
Whereas this Directive constitutes 
a practical aspect of the 
realization of the social 
dimension of the internal market, 
in respect of the extractive 
industries as defined by Council 
Decision 74/326/EEC of 27 June 
1974 on the extension of the 
responsibilities of the Mines 
Safety and Health Commission to 
all mineral-extracting 
industries(7); 
Whereas the surface back-up 
facilities of mines and quarries 
which are not essential to 
exploration, extraction in the 
strict sense of the word and 
preparation of the extracted 
materials for sale, for example, 
the transformation of the 
extracted materials, are subject 
to the provisions of Directive 
89/654/EEC; 
Whereas, pursuant to Decision 
74/326/EEC, the Safety and Health 
Commission for the Mining and 
Other Extractive Industries is 
consulted by the Commission on the 
drafting of proposals in this 
field, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 
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Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) Amended proposal 
SECTION I 
General provisions 
Article 1 
Subject 
2. This Directive, which is an 
individual Directive within 
the meaning of Article 16(1) 
of Directive 89/391/EEC, 
lays down minimum 
requirements for the safety 
and health protection of 
workers in the extractive 
industries as defined in 
Article 2. 
The provisions of Directive 
89/391/EEC are fully 
applicable to the domain 
referred to in paragraph 1 
of this Directive, without 
prejudice to more 
restrictive and/or specific 
provisions contained in this 
Directive. 
Article 2 
Definitions 
For the purpose of this Directive: 
"Extractive industries" 
shall be taken to mean the 
activities of prospecting 
and of extraction in the 
strict sense of the word as 
well as of preparation of 
extracted materials for 
sale, but not the processing 
of such extracted 
materials,t2) . 
"workplace" means the whole 
area intended to house 
workstations in which work 
is carried out, including 
the immediate and ancillary 
activities and facilities of 
the extractive industries 
including sanitary 
installations, rest-rooms 
and accommodation where 
provided to which workers 
have access in the course of 
their work, 
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5.3.1992) Amended proposal 
"exploration for and 
exploitation of minerals by 
means of boreholes driven 
from the surface (onshore or 
offshore), 
"exploration for and 
exploitation of minerals in 
surface workings" means all 
mining activities concerned 
with prospecting for and 
extraction of minerals in 
workings in the open air, 
"exploration for and 
exploitation of minerals in 
underground workings" means 
all mining activities 
concerned with prospecting 
for and extraction of 
minerals in workings 
accessible by shafts and/or 
underground roadways. 
SECTION II 
Obligations of the employer 
Article 3 
General obligations 
1. To safeguard the safety and 
health of workers, the 
employer shall take the 
necessary measures to ensure 
that: To safeguard the safety and 
health of workers, the 
employer shall take the 
necessary measures to ensure 
that: 
workplaces are designed, 
constructed, equipped, 
commissioned, operated and 
maintained in such a way 
that workers can perform 
the work assigned to them 
without danger to 
themselves and/or others, 
responsible supervision is 
present during operation 
of manned workplaces, a) workplaces are designed, 
constructed, equipped, 
commissioned, operated and 
maintained in such a way 
that workers can perform the 
work assigned to them 
without endangering their 
safety and/or health and/or 
those of other workers; 
b) responsible supervision is 
present during operation of 
manned workplaces, 
work involving a special 
risk is entrusted only to 
suitably qualified staff 
and carried out in 
accordance with the 
instructions given, c) work involving a special 
risk is entrusted only to 
competent workers and 
carried out in accordance 
with the instructions given, 
all safety instructions 
are comprehensible to the 
workers concerned, d) all safety instructions are 
comprehensible to the 
workers concerned, 
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5.3.1992) Amended proposal 
- appropriate first-aid 
facilities are provided, e) appropriate first-aid 
facilities are provided, 
- any relevant safety 
exercises are performed at 
regular intervals. f) any relevant safety 
exercises are performed at 
regular intervals. 
2. Prior to the commencement of 
work, and when changes are 
made during prospection 
and/or extraction of 
minerals, the employer shall 
forward to the responsible 
authorities: 2. The employer shall ensure 
that a document concerning 
safety and health, 
herinafter referred to as 
"safety and health 
document", covering the 
relevant requirements laid 
down in Articles 6, 9, and 
10 of Directive 89/391/EEC, 
is drawn up and kept up to 
date. 
- the name of the person or 
corporate body who assumes 
responsibility for the 
health and safety of all 
operations and personnel, 
whether direct employees 
or employees of 
contractors at an 
installation or a site for 
the prospection and/or 
extraction of minerals, The safety and health 
document shall demonstrate 
in particular: 
- that the risks incurred by 
the workers at the 
workplace have been 
determined and assessed; 
- that adequate measures 
will be taken to attain 
the aims of this 
Directive; 
- a document where the risks 
at an installation or a 
site for the prospection 
and/or extraction of 
minerals are assessed from 
the concept and design 
stage in an objective 
manner in order to achieve 
the goals set down in this 
Directive and in its 
Annexes and to follow the 
provisions laid down in 
Articles 6(2), 9 and 10 of 
the Directive 89/391/EEC. - that the design, use and 
maintenance of the 
workplace and of the 
equipment are safe. 
The safety and health 
document must be drawn up 
prior to the commencement of 
work and be revised if the 
workplace has undergone 
major changes, extensions or 
conversions. 
3. The employer shall report 
forthwith to the responsible 
authorities fatal and/or 
serous occupational 
accidents and dangerous 
situations and give an 
account of the measures 
taken to prevent any 
repetition. 
Article 4 
Protection against fire, 
explosions and noxious atmospheres 
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Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
The employer shall take measures 
appropriate to the nature of the 
operation to protect against, 
detect and combat the starting and 
propagation of fires and 
explosions as well as the 
occurrence of explosive and/or 
noxious atmospheres. 
Article 5 
Escape and rescue facilities 
To ensure that workers have 
adequate opportunities for leaving 
all workplaces promptly and safely 
in the event of danger, the 
employer shall provide and 
maintain appropriate means for 
escape and rescue. 
Article 6 
Communication, warning and alarm 
systems 
The employer shall take measures 
to provide the necessary warning 
and other communication systems to 
enable aid, escape, evacuation and 
rescue immediately, in case of 
need. 
Article 7 
Provision of sanitary 
installations and rest-rooms 
The employer shall provide and 
maintain appropriate sanitary 
installations and rest-rooms, and 
if appropriate, accommodation. 
Article 8 
Information of workers 
Without prejudice to Article 10 of 
Directive 89/391/EEC, workers 
and/or their representatives shall 
be informed of all measures to be 
taken concerning safety and health 
at the workplaces, in particular 
of those relating to the 
implementation of Articles 3 to 7. 
Article 9 
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Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
Health surveillance 
1. Health surveillance of 
workers as defined in 
Article 14 of Directive 
89/391/EEC must be carried 
out prior to the assigning 
of workers to duties related 
to the activities referred 
to in Article 2 and at 
regular intervals 
thereafter. 
2. These health checks may in 
no circumstances involve the 
workers in financial cost, 
as laid down in Articles 6 
and 14 of Directive 
89/391/EEC. 
Article 10 
Consultation and participation of 
workers' 
Consultation and participation of 
workers and/or of their 
representatives shall take place 
in accordance with Article 11 of 
Directive 89/391/EEC on the 
matters covered by this Directive 
and its Annexes. 
SECTION III 
Minimum requirements for improving 
the safety and health protection 
of workers 
Article 11 
Exploration for and exploitation 
of minerals in mines and quarries 
1. Workplaces concerned with 
exploration for and 
exploitation of minerals in 
mines and quarries used for 
the first time after 31 
December 1993 must satisfy 
the minimum safety and 
health requirements laid 
down in the Annex. 
2. Workplaces existing before 
31 December 1993 must 
satisfy the minimum safety 
and health requirements laid 
down in the Annex at the 
latest nine years after that 
date. 
3. When workplaces undergo 
modifications, extensions 
and/or conversions after 31 
December 1993, the employer 
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shall take the measures necessary 
to ensure that those 
modifications, extensions and/or 
conversions are in compliance with 
the corresponding minimum 
requirements laid down in the 
Annex. 
SECTION IV 
Other provisions 
Article 12 
Amendments to the Annexes 
Amendments to the Annexes as a 
result of: 
the adoption of Directives, 
technical harmonization and 
standardization, 
and/or 
technical progress, changes 
in international regulations 
or specifications, and new 
findings, 
shall be adopted in accordance 
with the procedure laid down in 
Article 17 of Directive 
89/391/EEC 
On such occasions the Commission 
shall consult the Safety and 
Health Commission for the Mining 
and Other Extractive Industries. 
Article 13 
Final provisions 
1. Member States shall bring ' 
into force the laws, 
regulations and 
administrative provisions 
necessary to comply with 
this Directive by 31 
December 1993 and shall 
forthwith inform the 
Commission thereof. 
When Member States adopt 
these provisions, these 
shall contain a reference to 
this Directive or shall be 
accompanied by such 
reference at the time of 
their official publication. 
The procedure for such 
reference shall be adopted 
by the Member States. 
2. The Member States shall 
communicate to the 
Commission the texts of the 
provisions of national law 
which they have already 
adopted or adopt in the 
field governed by this 
Directive. 
3. Member States shall report 
to the Commission every five 
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Commission Proposal (0J No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
years on the practical 
implementation of the provisions 
of this Directive, indicating the 
points of view of employers and 
workers. 
The Commission shall inform the 
European Parliament, the Council, 
the Economic and Social Committee 
and the Safety and Health 
Commission for the Mining and 
Other Extractive Industries. 
Article 14 
This Directive is addressed to the 
Member States. 
Done at Brussels, 
By the Council 
The President 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPROVING 
THE SAFETY AND HEALTH PROTECTION 
OF WORKERS IN THE EXTRACTIVE 
INDUSTRIES CONCERNED WITH 
EXPLORATION FOR AND EXPLOITATION 
OF MINERALS IN MINES AND QUARRIES 
0.1 PRELIMINARY NOTE 
The obligations laid down in 
this Annex apply whenever 
required by the features of 
the workplace, the 
operation, the circumstances 
or the hazard. 
0.2 SCOPE 
0.2.1 Part 1 applies to operations 
and workplaces at mines and 
quarries and ancillary 
surface installations 
thereof. Ancillary surface 
installations are the 
buildings and installations 
essential to the operation. 
0.2.2 Part 2 applies to operations 
and workplaces in the 
ancillary surface 
installations only of mines 
and quarries. 
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Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) Amended proposal 
0.2.3 Part 3 applies to operations 
and workplaces in surface 
workings, excluding 
ancillary surface 
installations thereof. 
0.2.4 Part 4 applies to operations 
and workplaces in 
underground miens, excluding 
ancillary surface 
installations thereof. 
0.2.5 Surface workings are 
therefore subject to the 
provisions of Parts 1, 2 and 
3, and underground mines are 
subject to the provisions of 
Parts 1, 2 and 4. 
1 COMMON REQUIREMENTS 
APPLICABLE TO MINES AND 
QUARRIES AND TO ANCILLARY 
SURFACE INSTALLATIONS 
THEREOF 
1.1 OPERATIONS AND WORKPLACES 
1.1.1 Operations and workplaces 
must be organized so as to 
provide adequate protection 
against hazards. Workplaces 
must be kept in good order. 
Hazardous substances or 
deposits must be removed or 
treated so that, as far as 
possible, they do not pose 
any threat to the health and 
safety of the workforce. 
1.1.2 Workstations must be 
designed, constructed and 
where possible equipped 
according to ergonomlc 
principles. 
1.1.3 Where workstations are 
occupied by lone workers, 
adequate supervision or 
means of communication must 
be provided. 
1.2. SUPERVISION AND ORGANIZATION 
1.2.1 Person in charge 
Operations and workplaces 
must at all times be placed 
under the responsibility of 
a person who has the skills 
and competence suitable for 
the position and has been 
duly authorized by the 
employer. A 4 Z Workstations must be 
designed and constructed 
according to ergonomic 
principles, taking account 
of the need for workers to 
be able to follow operations 
taking place at their 
workstation. 
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Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, 
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1.2.2 Supervision 
Supervision may only be 
exercised by responsible, 
properly trained persons 
appointed by the employer. 
1.2.3 Competent persons 
At every workplace there 
must be provided a 
sufficient number of 
competent persons having the 
abilities and experience 
necessary to perform the 
tasks to which they are 
assigned. 
1.2.4 Written instructions 
Where appropriate, written 
instructions specifying 
practices to be observed to 
ensure the safety of workers 
and the safe use of 
equipment must be provided. 
These must include 
information on the use of 
emergency equipment and the 
action to be taken in the 
event of an emergency at or 
near the workplace. 1.2.2 Supervision 
Supervision must be carried 
out, to ensure workers' 
safety and health protection 
during all operations, by 
persons with the abilities 
and competence required for 
supervisory functions in 
accordance with national 
legislation and/or practice, 
appointed by the employer 
and acting on his behalf. 
The employer may personally 
carry out the supervision 
referred to in the first 
indent if he possesses the 
abilities and competence 
required by national 
legislation and/or practice. 
1.2.3 Competent persons 
At every workplace at which 
workers are present there 
must be a sufficient number 
of workers having the 
necessary abilities, 
experience and training to 
perform the tasks to which 
they are assigned. 
1.2.3a Information, instruction 
and training 
Workers must be given the 
necessary information, 
instruction, training and 
retraining to ensure their 
health and safety. The 
employer must ensure that 
workers receive 
comprehensible instructions, 
so as not to endanger their 
own or other workers' 
health and safety. 
1.2.4 Written instructions 
Written instructions 
specifying practices to be 
observed to ensure the 
safety and health of workers 
and the safe use of 
equipment must be provided 
for each workplace. 
These must include 
information on the use of 
emergency equipment and the 
action to be taken in the 
event of an emergency at or 
near the workplace. 
1.2.5 Safe systems of work 
Safe systems of work shall 
be implemented at every 
workplace and for every 
operation. 
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1.3. MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL 
EQUIPMENT AND PLANT 
1.3.1 General 
Without prejudice to _ 
Directive 89/392/EEC<8> 
and Directive 
89/655/EEC<9>, mechanical 
and electrical equipment and 
plant must be designed, 
constructed, installed, 
commissioned, operated and 
maintained so as to ensure 
safe operation. If located 
in an area within which 
danger of fire or explosion 
from ignition of gas, vapour 
or volatile liquid exists or 
is likely to exist, it must 
be suitable for use in that 
area. 
Equipment must, where 
appropriate, be fitted with 
suitable protective devices 
and fail-safe systems. 
1.3.2 Mechanical equipment and 
plant 
All equipment and plant must 
be of good construction, 
sound material, adequate 
strength and free from 
patent defect and suitable 
for the purpose for which it 
is used. 
1.3.3 Electrical equipment and 
installations 
All electrical equipment and 
installations must be 
sufficient in size and power 
for the work for which it is 
to be used, and so designed, 
constructed, installed and 
protected as to prevent 
danger. 
1.4 MAINTENANCE 
1.4.1 General maintenance 
There shall be in force a 
suitable scheme providing 
for the systematic 
examination, maintenance 
and, where appropriate, 
testing of mechanical and 
electrical equipment and 
plant. 1.2.6 Regular safety and health 
checks 
The employer must organise 
regular checks on safety and 
health measures for workers 
and on his safety and health 
management system, to ensure 
that the requirements of 
this directive are adhered 
to. 
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Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
All maintenance, examination 
and testing of any part of 
those installations must be 
carried out by competent 
persons. Records of 
examinations and tests must 
be made and kept in an 
appropriate manner. 
1.4.2 Safety equipment maintenance 
Safety equipment must be 
maintained ready for use and 
in good order at all times. 
Maintenance must be 
undertaken with due regard 
to operations, to ensure 
that adequate protection is 
always provided. 
1.5. PROTECTION AGAINST THE RISKS 
OF EXPLOSION, FIRE AND 
NOXIOUS ATMOSPHERES 
1.5.1 General 
1.5.1.1 All the measures 
identified in the risk 
evaluation exercise 
referred to in Articles 6, 
9 and 10 of Directive 
89/391/EEC*10) must be 
taken both to prevent and 
detect the occurrence of 
fires and potentially 
explosive and/or noxious 
atmospheres and to combat 
the dangers due to fires 
and potentially explosive 
and/or noxious 
atmospheres. 
1.5.1.2 Smoking is forbidden in 
areas subject to 
particular fire or 
explosion hazards. The 
use of any open flame and 
of any equipment which may 
give rise to an ignition 
hazard is also prohibited 
in such areas. Exemptions 
may be made in the latter 
case if adequate safety 
precautions have been 
taken to prevent the 
occurrence of fires or 
explosions. 
1.5.2 Protection against the risk 
of explosion 
1.5.2.1 Where appropriate, 1.5.2.1 Measures must be taken to 
efficient means must be detect and measure the 
provided and used for concentration of harmful 
detecting the presence of and/or potentially 
substances likely to form explosive substances in 
a potentially explosive the atmosphere, 
atmosphere. 
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Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, 
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Where the circumstances so 
require, monitoring 
devices permanently 
measuring gas 
concentrations at 
specified places, 
automatic alarms and 
devices for automatic 
shutdown of electrical 
installations and 
permanently installed 
combustion engines must be 
provided. Where the safety and 
health document so 
requires, the following 
equipment must be 
provided: monitoring 
devices for automatic and 
continuous recording of 
gas concentrations at 
specified places, 
automatic alarms, and 
devices for automatic 
shutdown of electrical 
installations and 
combustion engines. 
Where automatic 
measurements are provided 
for, the results must be 
recorded and preserved as 
specified in the safety 
and health document. 
1.5.2.2 An explosion protection 
plan detailing the 
equipment and the measures 
to be taken in accordance 
with Articles 3, 4, 5 and 
6 to protect against, 
detect and combat the 
initiation and propagation 
of explosions must be 
prepared. It must be 
brought up to date 
periodically and held 
available at the 
workplace. 
1.5.3 Protection against fire 
risks 
1.5.3.1 Provision must be made for 
fast and effective 
fighting of all fires. 
1.5.3.2 Workplaces must be 
equipped, if necessary, 
with suitable fire-
fighting equipment and, 
where appropriate, with 
fire detectors and alarm 
systems. 
1.5.3.3 Fire-fighting equipment 
intended for general use 
must be easily accessible, 
simple to use and, where 
necessary, protected from 
damage. 
1.5.3.4 A fire protection plan 
detailing the equipment 
and the measures to be 
taken in accordance with 
Articles 3, 4, 5 and 6 to 
protect against, detect 
and combat the outbreak 
and spread of fires must 
be prepared. It must be 
brought up to date 
periodically and held 
available at the 
workplace. 
1.5.3.5 Fire-fighting equipment 
must be indicated by 
signs. 
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Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
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1.5.4 Protection against noxious 
atmospheres 
1.5.4.1 Where appropriate, 
efficient means must be 
provided and used for 
detecting the presence and 
measuring the 
concentration of noxious 
substances in the 
atmosphere. 
1.5.4.2 Monitoring devices 
measuring dangerous 
concentrations of noxious 
substances must be 
installed and used in 
accordance with the risk 
evaluation exercise 
carried out in accordance 
with Directive 
89/391/EEC(i:L). 
1.5.4.3 Where noxious substances 
accumulate or are likely 
to accumulate in the 
atmosphere, appropriate 
measures must be taken to 
render them harmless, so 
that the risk to workers 
is minimized. 
1.5.4.4 A noxious atmosphere 
prevention plan detailing 
the equipment and the 
measures to be taken in 
accordance with Articles 
3, 4, 5 and 6 to protect 
against, detect and combat 
the formation of noxious 
atmospheres must be 
prepared. It must be 
brought up to date 
periodically and held 
available at the • 
workplace. 
1.6 EXPLOSIVES AND INITIATING 
DEVICES 
Operations involving the 
storage, transport and use 
of explosives and initiating 
devices must be carried out 
by duly authorized and 
competent persons. Such 
operations must be organized 
and performed in such a way 
that there is no risk to 
workers. 
1.7 TRAFFIC ROUTES 
1.7.1 It must be possible to reach 
workstations and workplaces 
without danger and to leave 
them quickly and safely in 
an emergency. 
1.7.2 Traffic routes, both for 
vehicles and for workers, 
must be so located and of 
such dimensions that they 
are safe. 
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Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, 
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1.7.3 The dimensions of traffic 
routes for persons, products 
and/or equipment must be 
suitable for the number of 
potential users and the type 
of undertaking. 
All measures must be taken 
to ensure the safety and 
health of pedestrians and 
workers employed on or in 
the vicinity of traffic 
routes. 
1.7.4 Sufficient clearance must be 
allowed between vehicle 
traffic routes and doors, 
gates, footpaths, corridors 
and staircases. 
1.7.5 Where the use of and 
equipment rooms so require, 
traffic or access routes 
must be clearly identified 
for the protection of 
workers. 
1.7.6 Where vehicles or machines 
enter workplaces, traffic 
regulations must be 
established as necessary. 
1.8 OUTDOOR WORKPLACES 
Where workers are employed 
at workstations outdoors, 
such workstations must as 
far as possible be arranged 
so that workers are 
protected against inclement 
weather. 
1.9 DANGEROUS AREAS 
1.9.1 Areas where there is a 
particular hazard must be 
indicated, and warning signs 
placed. 
1.9.2 Unauthorised access to 
workplaces with dangerous 
areas, including those where 
there is a risk of object or 
workers falling, must where 
possible be prevented. 
1.9.3 Appropriate measures must be 
taken to ensure protection 
of the health and safety of 
workers authorized to enter 
dangerous areas. 
1.10 EMERGENCY ROUTES AND EXITS 
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Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
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1.10.1 In the event of danger, it 
must be possible for 
workers to evacuate the 
workstation and, if 
necessary, the workplace 
quickly and as safely as 
possible. 
1.10.2 Emergency routes and exits 
must remain clear and lead 
as directly as possible to 
he open air, to a safe 
area, a safe assembly 
point or to an abandonment 
station. 
1.10.3 The number, distribution 
and dimensions of the 
emergency routes and exits 
depend on the use, 
equipment and dimensions 
of the workplaces and the 
maximum number of persons 
that may be present. 
1.10.4 Emergency doors must 
either open outwards or, 
if this is not possible, 
be designed as sliding 
doors. 
1.10.5 Emergency doors should not 
be so locked or fastened 
that they cannot be easily 
and immediately opened by 
any person who may require 
to use them in an 
emergency. 
1.10.6 Emergency doors must not 
be locked by key. The 
emergency routes and 
exits, and the traffic 
routes and doors giving 
access to them, must be 
free from obstruction so 
that they can be used at 
any time without 
hindrance. 
1.10.7 Emergency routes and exits 
requiring illumination 
must be provided with 
emergency lighting of 
adequate intensity in case 
the lighting fails. 
1.10.8 Specific emergency routes 
and exits must be 
indicated by signs. 
1.11 MEANS OF EVACUATION AND 
ESCAPE 
1.11.1 Workers must be trained in 
the appropriate action to 
be taken in emergencies. 
- 18 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) Amended proposal 
1.11.2 Rescue equipment must be 
kept ready for use at 
appropriately sited places 
which are readily 
accessible and signposted. 
1.11.3 Where escape routes may 
pass through areas 
susceptible to 
irrespirable atmospheres, 
self-rescue apparatus 
appropriate to the risk 
and conditions of escape 
must be provided at the 
workstation. 
1.12. SAFETY EXERCISES 
Safety exercises must be 
held at workplaces at 
regular intervals. The main 
purpose of these exercises 
is to instruct and examine 
persons to whom duties have 
been assigned in the event 
of emergency, involving the 
use, handling or operation 
of emergency equipment. 
Where relevant, these 
persons must also be able to 
practise the correct use, 
handling or operation of 
that equipment. 
1.13. FIRST AID FACILITIES 
1.13.1 First aid equipment must 
be available in all places 
where working conditions 
require it and must be 
appropriate to the 
operation. 
This equipment must be 
indicated by suitable 
signs and easily 
accessible. 
1.13.2 Where appropriate, a 
suitable room where first 
aid can be administered to 
injured persons must be 
provided. Clearly visible 
first aid instructions in 
the event of accidents 
must be displayed in this 
room. 
First aid rooms must be 
provided with essential 
first aid installations 
and equipment and be 
easily accessible for 
stretchers. They must be 
indicated by suitable 
signs. 
1.13.3 A sufficient number of 
persons must be given 
basic and continuous 
training in first aid. 
1.14. LIGHTING 
- 19 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) Amended proposal 
1.14.1 Workplaces must as far as 
possible receive 
sufficient natural light 
and be equipped with 
artificial lighting 
adequate for the 
protection of workers' 
safety and health. 
1.14.2 Lighting installations 
must be placed in such a 
way that there is no risk 
of accident to workers as 
a result of the type of 
lighting fitted. 
1.14.3 Workplaces and 
workstations where workers 
are particularly exposed 
to risks in the event of 
failure of artificial 
lighting must be provided 
with emergency lighting of 
adequate intensity, or 
workers must be provided 
with a personal lamp. 1.14.3 Workplaces and 
workstations where workers 
are exposed to risks in 
the event of failure of 
artificial lighting must 
be provided with emergency 
lighting of adequate 
intensity, or workers must 
be provided with a 
personal lamp. 
1.15 CHANGING ROOMS AND SANITARY 
INSTALLATIONS 
1.15.1 Changing rooms 
1.15.1.1 Appropriate changing 
rooms must be provided 
for workers if they have 
to wear special work 
clothes and where, for 
reasons of hygiene or 
propriety, they cannot be 
expected to change in 
another room. Changing 
rooms must be easily 
accessible, have 
sufficient capacity and 
be provided with seating. 
1.5.1.2 Changing rooms must be 
sufficiently large and 
have facilities to enable 
all workers to lock away 
their clothes during 
working hours. Provision 
must be made to enable wet 
working clothes to be 
dried. 
If circumstances so 
require (e.g. dangerous 
substances, humidity, 
dirt), changing rooms for 
work clothes must be 
separate from those for 
ordinary clothes. 
- 20 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
1.15.1.3 Provision must be made 
for separate changing 
rooms or separate use of 
changing rooms for men 
and women. 
1.15.1.4 If changing rooms are not 
required under point 
1.15.1.1, all workers 
must be provided with a 
place to store their 
clothes. 
1.15.2 Showers and washing 
facilities 
1.15.2.1 Where required by the 
nature of the work or for 
hygienic reasons, an 
adequate number of 
suitable showers must be 
provided for workers. 
Provision must be made 
for either separate 
shower rooms or separate 
use of shower rooms for 
men and women. 
1.15.2.2 Shower rooms must permit 
each worker to wash 
without hindrance in 
suitably hygienic 
conditions and must be 
equipped with hot and 
cold water. 
1.15.2.3 If showers are not 
required under point 
1.15.2.1, an adequate 
number of suitable 
washbasins with hot and 
cold water must be 
provided in the vicinity 
of the changing rooms. 
1.15.2.4 Where the rooms housing 
the showers or washbasins 
are separate from the 
changing rooms, there 
must be easy 
communication between the 
two. 
1.16 OVERBURDEN AND OTHER TIPS 
Overburden, dumps, spoil 
heaps and other tips, as 
well as settling lagoons, 
must be designed, 
constructed, operated and 
maintained in such a way as 
to ensure their stability, 
as well as the safety and 
health of workers. 
2. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 
APPLICABLE TO ANCILLARY 
SURFACE INSTALLATIONS OF 
MINES AND QUARRIES 
2.1 STABILITY AND SOLIDITY 
- 21 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
Ancillary surface 
installations housing 
workstations must have a 
structure and solidity 
appropriate to the nature of 
their use. 
2.2 FLOORS, WALLS, CEILINGS AND 
ROOFS 
2.2.1 Floors must be fixed, 
stable, non-slip, smooth and 
free of dangerous holes or 
dangerous slopes. 
Rooms containing 
workstations must have 
adequate thermal insulation, 
bearing in mind the nature 
of the work involved and the 
physical activity of the 
workers. 
The surfaces of floors, 
walls and ceilings must be 
such that they can be kept 
at an appropriate standard 
of hygiene. 
2.2.2 Transparent or translucent 
walls (particularly glass 
partitions in the vicinity 
of workstations and traffic 
routes) must be clearly 
indicated. They must be 
made of safety materials or 
be shielded from 
workstations and traffic 
routes to prevent workers 
from coming into contact 
with them or being injured 
in the event of breakage. 
2.2.3 Access to roofs made of 
materials of insufficient 
strength must not be 
permitted unless equipment 
is provided to ensure that 
the work can be carried out 
in a safe manner. 
2.3 ROOM DIMENSIONS 
2.3.1 Workstations must wherever 
possible have sufficient 
floor area and height to 
allow workers to perform 
their work without risk to 
their safety, health or 
well-being. 
2.3.2 The space available to 
workers at their workstation 
must wherever possible 
permit sufficient freedom of 
movement and allow them to 
perform their work safely. 
2.4 WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHTS 
- 22 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
2.4.1 Windows, skylights and 
ventilation devices which 
are meant to be opened, 
adjusted or secured must be 
designed so that these 
operations can be carried 
out safely. 
2.4.2 They must not be positioned 
so as to constitute a hazard 
to workers when open. 
2.4.3 It must be possible, with 
the appropriate equipment, 
to clean windows and 
skylights without risk. 
2.5 DOORS AND GATES 
2.5.1 The position, number and 
dimensions of doors and 
gates, and the materials 
used in their construction 
must be determined by the 
nature and use of the rooms 
or areas. 
2.5.2 Transparent doors and gates 
must be marked at eye level. 
2.5.3 Swing doors and gates must 
be transparent or have 
suitable see-through panels. 
2.5.4 Where there is a danger that 
workers may be injured if 
door8 or gates with 
transparent or translucent 
surfaces break, such 
surfaces must be protected 
against this risk. 
2.5.5 Sliding doors must be fitted 
with safety devices to 
prevent them from being 
derailed and falling over. 
2.5.6 Doors and gates opening 
upwards must be fitted with 
a mechanism to secure them 
against falling back 
accidentally. 
2.5.7 Doors along escape routes 
must be appropriately 
marked. It must be possible 
to open them at any time. 
2.5.8 Doors for pedestrians must 
be provided in the immediate 
vicinity of any gates 
intended primarily for 
vehicle traffic, unless it 
is safe for pedestrians to 
pas through such gates. 
Such doors must be clearly 
marked and kept free of 
obstruction. 
- 23 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
2.5.9 Mechanical doors and gates 
must function in such a way 
that there is no risk of 
accident to workers. 
They must be fitted with 
easily identifiable and 
accessible emergency stop 
devices. Unless they open 
automatically, in the event 
of a power failure it must 
also be possible to open 
them manually. 
2.6 VENTILATION OF ROOMS 
2.6.1 Steps shall be taken to 
ensure that there is 
sufficient fresh air in 
rooms, having regard to the 
working methods used and the 
physical demands placed on 
the workers. 
If a ventilation system is 
used, it shall be maintained 
in good working order. Any 
breakdown must be indicated 
by a control system where 
this is necessary for 
workers' health. 
2.6.2 Any air-conditioning or 
mechanical ventilation 
installations must function 
in such a way that workers 
are not exposed to draughts 
which cause discomfort. 
Any deposit or dirt likely 
to create an immediate 
danger to the health of 
workers by polluting the 
atmosphere must be removed 
without delay. 
2.7 ROOM TEMPERATURE 
2.7.1 During working hours, the 
temperature in rooms 
containing workstations must 
be suitable for workers, 
having regard to the working 
methods being used and the 
physical demands placed on 
the workers. 
2.7.2 The temperature in rest 
areas, rooms for duty staff, 
sanitary facilities, 
canteens and first aid rooms 
must be appropriate to the 
particular purpose of such 
areas. 
- 24 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended orooosal 
5.3.1992) * 
2.7.3 Windows, skylights and glass partitions should avoid the excessive effects of sunlight at workstations, having regard to the nature of the work and workstations. 
2.8 REST-ROOMS - SANITARY 
INSTALLATIONS 
2.8.1 Rest rooms 
2.8.1.1 Where the safety, health or number of workers so requires, workers must be provided with an easily accessible rest-room. 
This provision does not apply where the workers are employed in offices or similar workrooms offering equivalent relaxation during breaks. 
2.8.1.2 Rest-rooms must be large enough for the number of workers and equipped with an adequate number of tables and seats with backs. 
2.8.1.3 Appropriate measures must be taken in rest-rooms for the protection of non-smokers against tobacco smoke. 
2.8.1.4 If working hours are regularly and frequently interrupted and there is no rest-room, other rooms must be provided in which workers can stay during such interruptions, wherever this is necessary for their safety or health. 
2.8.2 Lavatories and washbasins 
2.8.2.1 Separate facilities must be provided in the vicinity of workstations, rest-rooms, changing rooms and rooms housing showers or washbasins, with an adequate number of lavatories and washbasins. 
2.8.2.2 Provision must be made for separate lavatories or separate use of lavatories for men and women. 
- 25 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
3. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 
APPLICABLE TO SURFACE 
WORKINGS 
3.1 General 
Surface workings to which 
workers have access must be 
designed, equipped, 
operated, monitored and 
maintained so that as far as 
possible there is no danger 
to workers. 
3.2 Operation 
3.2.1 Operations must not be 
undertaken unless a document 
specifying the requirements 
for workers safety and 
health protection has been 
prepared. This document 
must be brought up to date 
periodically and held 
available at the workplace. 
Work must be carried out in 
accordance with this 
document. 
3.2.2 Work must be planned taking 
into account the risk of 
falls or slips of ground. 
In particular, the height 
and slope of overburden 
stripping and extraction 
faces must be appropriate to 
the nature and stability of 
the ground and the methods 
of working. 
Benches and haul roads must 
be stable enough for the 
plant used. They must be 
constructed and maintained 
in such a way that plant can 
be moved safely. 
3.2.3 Before the start or re-start 
of work, stripping and 
extraction faces above work 
areas or haul roads must be 
checked for loose ground or 
rocks, and scaling must be 
carried out where necessary. 
- 26 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) Amended proposal 
3.2.4 Faces and tips must not be 
worked in such a way that 
unstable overhangs are 
created. 3.2.4 Faces and tips must not be 
worked in such a way that 
instability is created. 
4. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 
APPLICABLE TO UNDERGROUND 
WORKINGS 
4.1 GENERAL 
Underground workings to 
which workers have access 
must be designed, equipped, 
operated, monitored and 
maintained so that as far as 
possible there is no danger 
to workers. 
4.2 OPERATION 
4.2.1 Operations must not be 
undertaken unless a document 
specifying the requirements 
for workers' safety and 
health protection has been 
prepared. 
Work must be carried out 
accordance with this 
document. in 
4.2.2 Plans of underground 
workings drawn to a scale 
which provides a clear 
representation must be 
prepared. In addition to 
roadways and winning areas, 
they must show the known 
features which may influence 
working and safety. They 
must be readily accessible 
and must be kept for as long 
as is necessary for safety 
purposes. 
4.3 OUTLETS 
All mines must have access 
to the surface via at least 
two separate outlets which 
are soundly constructed and 
readily accessible to 
underground workers. 
Mechanical man-winding or 
man-riding facilities must 
be available for these 
outlets if considerable 
physical effort is involved 
in negotiating them. 
- 27 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
4.4. WORKINGS 
Workings must be 
constructed, equipped, 
operated and maintained so 
that workers can work and 
move in them with a minimum 
of risk. 
Roadways must be signposted 
to help workers to find 
their way about the 
workings. 
4.5 TRANSPORT 
4.5.1 Transport facilities must be 
installed, operated and 
maintained in such a way as 
to ensure the safety and 
health of drivers, users and 
other persons in the 
vicinity. 
4.5.2 Mechanical man-winding or 
man-riding facilities must 
be properly installed and 
used in accordance with 
written instructions. 
4.6 SUPPORT AND GROUND STABILITY 
Support must be provided as 
soon as possible after 
excavation, except where the 
stability of the ground 
makes it unnecessary for the 
safety of workers. Support 
must be installed in 
accordance with plans and 
written instructions. 
Workings accessible to 
workers must be inspected 
regularly for ground 
stability, and support 
maintained accordingly. 
4.7 VENTILATION 
4.7.1 All underground workings to 
which access is permitted 
must be ventilated in an 
appropriate manner. 
Continuous ventilation must 
be provided to maintain, 
with an adequate safety 
margin: 
- a healthy atmosphere, 
- an atmosphere in which the 
risks of explosion are 
kept under control, 
- 28 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) Amended proposal 
- an atmosphere is which 
working conditions are 
adequate while work is in 
progress, having regard to 
the working methods being 
used and the physical 
demands placed on the 
workers. 
4.7.2 Where the requirements of 
point 4.7.1 cannot be met by 
natural ventilation, the 
main ventilation must be 
provided by means of one or 
more mechanical fans. 
Steps must be taken to 
ensure stable and continuous 
ventilation. 
The depression of the main 
fans must be monitored 
continuously, and an 
automatic alarm must 
indicate unscheduled 
stoppages. 
4.7.3 The ventilation parameters 
must be measured 
periodically and recorded. 
A ventilation plan 
containing the pertinent 
details of the ventilation 
system must be prepared, 
brought up to date 
periodically and held 
available at the workplace. 
4.8 GASSY MINES 
4.8.1 An underground mine is 
regarded as gassy if 
firedamp is likely to be 
released in such a quantity 
that the risk of formation 
of an explosive atmosphere 
cannot be excluded. 
4.8.2 The main ventilation must be 
provided by one or more 
mechanical fans. 
4.8.3 Mining must proceed taking 
account of firedamp 
emission. Steps must be 
taken to eliminate as far as 
possible the risks arising 
from firedamp. 
4.8.4 Auxiliary ventilation must 
be limited to development 
and salvage work and to 
places with a direct 
connection to the main 
ventilation current. 
29 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) Amended proposal 
Production workings may be 
ventilated by auxiliary 
systems only if appropriate 
additional measures are 
taken to ensure the safety 
and health of workers. 
8.5 The ventilation measurements 
referred to under point 
4.7.3 must be supplemented 
by firedamp determinations. 4.8.5 The ventilation measurements 
referred to under point 
4.7.3 must be supplemented 
by firedamp determinations. 
Firedamp levels must also be 
permanently monitored in 
return airways from 
production units using 
mechanized extraction or 
underpinning and at the head 
ends of mechanized blind end 
workings, taking into 
account the result of the 
risk evaluation exercise 
carried out in accordance 
with Articles 6, 9 and 10 of 
Directive 89/391/EEC(12). 
4.8.6 Only explosives and 
initiating devices 
specifically for gassy mines 
may be used. 
4.8.7 The provisions of point 
1.5.1.2 are replaced as 
follows: 
- smoking, carrying tobacco 
for smoking and any 
objects which may be used 
to produce a flame are 
prohibited, 
- flame cutting, welding and 
other similar operations 
are permitted only in 
exceptional circumstances 
and subject to specific 
measures ensuring the 
safety and health of the 
workers. Firedamp levels must also be 
continuously monitored in 
return airways from 
production units using 
mechanized extraction or 
underwinning and at the head 
ends of mechanized blind end 
workings, taking into 
account the result of the 
risk evaluation exercise 
carried out in accordance 
with Articles 6, 9 and 10 of 
Directive 89/391/EEC<12). 
4.9 FLAMMABLE DUSTS 
4.9.1 Coal mines are considered to 
be susceptible to flammable 
dusts except where the 
result of the risk 
evaluation exercise carried 
out in accordance with 
Directive 89/391/EECi13) 
shows that none of the seams 
being worked contains dust 
liable to propagate an 
explosion. 
4.9.2 The provisions of points 
4.8.6 and 4.8.7 apply 
mutatis mutandis. 
- 30 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
4.9.3 Steps must be taken to 
reduce flammable dust 
deposits, and to remove, 
neutralize or bind the same. 
4.9.4 Propagation of flammable 
dust and/or firedamp 
explosions which are liable 
to trigger further flammable 
dust explosions must be 
limited by installing a 
system of explosion 
barriers, the locations of 
which must be indicated in a 
document which is brought up 
to date periodically and 
held available at the 
workplace. 
4.10 MINES SUSCEPTIBLE TO GAS 
OUTBURSTS, ROCKBURSTS OR 
WATER INRUSHES 
4.10.1 In parts of mines 
susceptible to gas 
outbursts (with or without 
the projection of minerals 
or rock), rockbursts or 
water inrushes, an 
operating plan must be 
drawn up and implemented 
so as to ensure, as far as 
possible, a safe system of 
work and the protection of 
workers. 
4.10.2 Measures must be taken to 
identify risk zones, 
protect workers in 
workings approaching or 
traversing these zones, 
and control the risks. 
4.11 FIRES, COMBUSTIONS AND 
HEATINGS 
4.11.1 Provision must be made for 
the prevention and, where 
appropriate, the early 
detection of spontaneous 
combustion. 
4.11.2 Flammable materials taken 
into underground workings 
must be limited to the 
quantities which are 
strictly necessary. 
- 31 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
4.12 PRECAUTIONS FOR WITHDRAWAL 
OF WORKERS 
So that they can withdraw in 
safety, workers must, where 
necessary, be provided with 
self-rescue respiratory 
protection devices which 
they must always keep within 
their reach. Workers must 
be trained in the use of 
these devices, which must 
remain at the mine and be 
checked regularly to ensure 
that they are in good 
condition. 
4.13 LIGHTING 
The provisions of point 1.13 
are replaced as follows: 
- workers must be provided 
with a suitable personal 
lamp, 
- workstations must as far 
as possible be equipped 
with artificial lighting 
adequate for the 
protection of workers' 
safety and health, 
- lighting installations 
must be placed in such a 
way that there is no risk 
of accident to workers as 
a result of the type 
fitted. 
4.14 UNDERGROUND WORKFORCE 
ACCOUNTING 
It must be possible to know 
exactly who is underground 
at any time. 
4.15 RESCUE ORGANISATION 
In order to enable suitable 
action to be taken rapidly 
and effectively in the event 
of a major incident, an 
adequate rescue organization 
must be available to act at 
any site where underground 
extraction or exploratory 
workings are in progress. 
The rescue organization must 
have sufficient trained 
rescue workers and adequate 
rescue equipment at its 
disposal. 
- 32 -
Commission Proposal (OJ No C 58, Amended proposal 
5.3.1992) 
J OJ No C58, 5.3.1992, p. 3 
2 OJ NO C , 
3 OJ No C , 
J OJ No L393, 30.12.1989, p. 1 
\ OJ No C32, 7.2.1991, p. 7 
° OJ No L183, 29.6.1989, p. 1 
I OJ No L185, 9.7.1974, p. 8 
° OJ No L183, 29.6.1989, p. 9 
?nOJ No L393, 30.12.1989, p. 13 
}? OJ No L183, 29.6.1989, p. 1 
}J OJ No L189, 29.6.1989, p. 1 
ii OJ NO L183, 29.6.1989, p. 1 
13 OJ No L183, 29.6.1989, p. 1 
- 33 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(92) 251 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 04 
Catalogue number: CB-CO-92-260-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-44980-2 
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