COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMVIUNITIES 
C0M(91) 117 final - SYN 279 
Brussels, 9 ApriI 1991 
Amended proposal for a Council Directive 
on the Implementation of minimum safety and health requirements 
at temporary or mobile work sites 
(presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 149(3) 
of the EEC-Treaty) 
EXPLANATORY MEUORANDUy 
Following the opinion of the European Parliament on a first reading, 
Issued on 22.2.1991, the Commission Is forwarding to the Council an 
amended proposal for a Directive pursuant to Article 149(3) of the EEC 
Treaty. 
The amended text Incorporates many of the amendments proposed by the 
European Parliament, In whole or In part, particularly with reference 
to: 
a more restrictive definition regarding the exclusion of 
extractive Industries from the scope of the proposal for a 
directIve; 
creation of a general obligation to draw up a health and safety 
plan for all types of work site; 
Increased efficiency of procedures for consultation and 
participation of workers, by Including alI the undertakings 
present on a work site when necessary; 
Certain details In Annex IV have also been specified. 
Although the Commission's amended proposal has the same general 
structure as the initial proposal, It Includes a number of provisions 
and practical procedures to reinforce the main principles, which are 
the coordination between different employers and possibly self-employed 
persons, and the participation of workers In matters of health and 
safety. 
Amended proposal for a Council Directive 
on the implementation of minimum safety and health requirements 
at temporary or mobile work sites 
(presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 149(3) 
of the EEC-Treaty) 
/\ ?A/> 
INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION 
Proposal for a Council Directive on 
the implementation of minimum safety 
and health requirements at temporary 
or mobile work sites 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty 
establishing the European Economic 
Community, and In particular Article 
118 A thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from 
the Commission, submitted after 
consulting the Advisory Committee on 
Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection 
at Work, 
In cooperation with the European 
Par I lament, 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Economic and Social Committee, 
Whereas the communication from the 
Commission on Its programme 
concerning safety, hygiene and health 
at work*1' provides for the adoption 
of a directive designed to guarantee 
the safety and health of workers at 
temporary or mobile work sites; 
Whereas, in its resolution of 21 
December 1987 on safety, hygiene and 
health at work*2), the Council took 
note of the Commission's intention of 
submitting to the Council In the near 
future minimum requirements 
concerning temporary or mobile work 
sites; 
Whereas temporary or mobile work 
sites constitute an area of activity 
that exposes workers to particularly 
high levels of r isk; 
Whereas more than half of the 
occupational accidents occurring on 
work sites in the Community are 
related to the selection of 
unsatisfactory architectural and/or 
organizational options or to poor 
planning of the works at the project 
design stage; AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
(Where no alternative version is 
given in this column, the text is 
unchanged) 
(1) OJ No C 28, 3 
(2) OJ No C 28, 3 2. 1988, p.3. 
2. 1988, p.1 . I* A U-a 
INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION 
Whereas in each Member State the 
authorities responsible for safety 
and health at work must be Informed, 
at the project design stage, of the 
execution of large-scale and/or 
dangerous works; 
Whereas, when a project is being 
carried out, a large number of 
occupational accidents may be caused 
by inadequate coordination, 
particularly where various 
undertakings work simultaneously or 
In succession at the same temporary 
or mobile work site; 
Whereas It is therefore necessary to 
Improve coordination between the 
various parties concerned at the 
project design stage and also when 
the work Is being carried out; 
Whereas compliance with the minimum 
requirements designed to guarantee a 
better standard of safety and health 
at temporary or mobile work sites is 
essential to ensure the safety and 
health of workers-, 
Whereas, moreover, se If-empIoyed 
persons may, through their activities 
on a temporary or mobile work site, 
jeopardize the safety and health of 
workers; 
Whereas it Is therefore necessary to 
extend to self-employed persons 
certain relevant provisions of 
Council Directive 89/655/EEC of 30 
November 1989 concerning the minimum 
safety and health requirements for 
the use of work equipment by workers 
at work(1>, and of Council Directive 
89/656/EEC of 30 November 1989 
concerning the minimum health and 
safety requirements for the use by 
workers of personal protective 
equipment at the workplace*2^; 
Whereas this Directive is an 
individual directive within the 
meaning of Article 16(1) of Council 
Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
(1) OJ No L 393, 30. 12. 1989, p. 13 
(2) OJ No L 393, 30.12.1989, p. 18. 
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IN IT!AL PROPOSAL 
EY THE COMMISSION 
on the Introduction of measures to 
encourage Improvements in the safety 
and health of workers at work*1) 
whereas, therefore, the provisions of 
the said Directive are fully 
applicable to temporary or mobile 
work sites, without prejudice to more 
stringent and/or specific provisions 
contained in this Directive; 
Whereas this Directive constitutes a 
practical step towards the 
achievement of the social dimension 
of the internal market with special 
reference to the subject matter of 
Council Directive 89/106/EEC on 
construction products*2^; 
Whereas, pursuant to Decision 
74/325/EEC<4>, as last amended by 
the 1985 Act of Accession of Spain 
and Portugal, the Advisory Committee 
on Safety, Hygiene and Health 
Protection at Work Is consulted by 
the Commission with a view to drawing 
up proposals In this field, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE : AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT Ï0 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 "HE 
Whereas this Directive constitutes a 
practical step towards the 
achievement of the social dimension 
of the Internal market with special 
reference to the subject matter of 
Council Directive 89/106/EEC<2> on 
construction products and the 
subject matter of Council Directive 
89/440/EEC on public works 
contracts*3^; 
SCQEE 
Article 1 
This Directive shall apply to 
temporary or mobile work sites as 
defined in Article 2, to the 
exclusion of extractive Industries Article 1 
This Directive shall apply to 
temporary or mobile work sites as 
defined in Article 2, to the 
exclusion of drilling and extraction 
in the extractive industries. 
DEFINITIONS 
Article 2 
For the purposes of this Directive: 
temporary or mobile work sites, 
hereinafter referred to as "work 
sites" means any site at which 
building and civil engineering 
works are carried out; a non-
exhaustive list of such works is 
given in Annex 1 ; - temporary or mobile work sites, 
hereinafter referred to as "work 
sites" means any work site at 
which works are carried out as 
indicated in the non-exhaustive 
11st given in Annex 1 ; 
(1) OJ No L 183, 29.6.1989, p.1 
(2) OJ No L 40, 11.2.1989, p.12 
(3) OJ No L 210, 21.7.1989, p.1 
(4) OJ No L 185, 9.7.1974, p.15 
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INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION 
cllent(s) means any natural or 
legal person(s) for whom a 
project is carried out; 
project supervlsor(s) means any 
natural or legal person(s) 
responsible for the design and/or 
execution of a project, acting on 
behalf of the client(s); 
self-employed persons means any 
person other than those referred 
to in Article 3 (a) and (b) of 
Directive 89/391/EEC whose 
professional activity is carried 
out wholly or in part on a work 
site in order to contribute to 
the execution of a project. AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
PRIOR NOTICE 
Article 3 
1. The Member States shall take the 
necessary steps to ensure that, 
before the commencement of works on 
their territory, the cllent(s) 
forward(s) to the authorities 
responsible for safety and health at 
work a "prior notice" containing the 
information indicated in Annex II. In 
particular, this notice shall 
indicate the name(s) of the person(s) 
responsible for coordinating the 
safety and health of workers: 
- during the "project design" 
stage 
- during the "project execution" 
stage. 
A copy of this notice shall be 
available at all times on the site. 
2. However, in the case of works the 
planned duration of which is less 
than 30 working days, excluding those 
of the types listed In Annex III, the 
Member States may regard the 
forwarding of the "prior notice" as 
optlonal. 
GENERAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PRINCIPLES 
TO RF TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT 
At the project design stage 1. The Member States shall take the 
necessary steps to ensure that, 
before the commencement of works on 
their territory, the cllent(s) 
forward(s) to the authorities 
responsible for safety and health at 
work a "prior notice" containing the 
information Indicated in Annex II. 
In particular, this notice shall 
give the name(s) of the person(s) 
responsible for coordinating the 
safety and health of workers: 
- during the "project design" 
stage 
- during the "project execution" 
stage. 
A copy of this notice shall be 
prominently displayed at all times 
on the site. 
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BY THE COMMISSION 
Article 4 
The project supervisor(s) shall take 
account of the general principles of 
prevention concerning safety and 
health set out in Article 6 (2) and 
(3) (a) of Directive 89/391/EEC 
during the stages of project design, 
study and preparation, In particular 
when architectural and/or 
organizational aspects are being 
decided, in order to plan the 
various works or work stages 
which are to take place 
simultaneously or In succession; 
when estimating the period 
required for completing these 
various types of works or work 
stages. »t»>.- t tv. 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
Article 5 
The person(s) Indicated In the "prior 
notice" as being responsible for 
coordinating safety and health during 
the "project design" stage, as 
referred to in Article 3, shall: 
a) ensure that the provisions of 
Article 4 are implemented; 
b) in the case of works coming under 
one or more of the categories 
listed in Annex III, draw up a 
safety and health plan setting 
out the specific rules applicable 
to the site concerned; 
c) prepare documents adapted to the 
characteristics of the structure 
containing appropriate safety and 
health Information to be taken 
into account during any 
subsequent works. b) prepare a safety and health plan 
indicating the rules applicable to 
the work site concerned; this plan 
shall also set out the specific 
rules applicable in the case of 
works coming under one or more of 
the categories listed in Annex III. 
During the project execution stage 
Article 6 
1. The person(s) designated in the 
"prior notice" as being 
responsible for coordinating 
safety and health at the site 
during the "project execution" 
stage: 
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INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION 
a) shall ensure that the employers 
and, wherever necessary, self-
employed persons: 
apply the principles set out 
In Article 7 In a consistent 
manner ; 
take account, when 
required, of the safety 
and health plan required 
under Article 5(b); AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
take account of the safety and 
health plan required under 
Article 5(b); 
b) shall adapt, where necessary, 
this safety and health plan 
to take account of the 
progress of the work and any 
changes which have occurred; 
c) shalI organize the 
cooperation In matters of 
safety and health provided 
for In Article 6 (4) of 
Directive 89/391/EEC, 
ensuring that self-employed 
persons are brought Into this 
process whenever necessary; 
d) shall make arrangements to 
check that the working 
procedures are being 
Implemented correctly; 
e) shall take the necessary 
steps to ensure that no 
unauthorized person enters 
the site. c) shall organize cooperation 
and coordination between 
employers on measures to 
protect workers and prevent 
accidents, and mutual 
Information as provided for 
In Article 6 (4) of Directive 
89/391/EEC, ensuring that 
self-employed persons are 
brought Into this process 
whenever necessary; 
2. The implementation of the 
provisions In 1 shall not affect 
the principle of employers' 
responsibility towards their 
respective workers. 
Article 7 
When the work is being carried out, 
the principles set out in Article 6 
(1), (2), (3) and (5) of Directive 
89/391/EEC shall be applied, In 
particular as regards: 
keeping the site In good order 
and In a satisfactory state of 
clean IIness; 
choosing the location of 
workstations bearing In mind how 
access to these workplaces is 
obtained, and determining routes 
or areas for the passage and 
movement of workers and 
equipment ; 
the conditions under which 
various materials are handled; 
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INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION 
technical maintenance, pre-
startup and regular checks on the 
operating efficiency of 
installations and equipment with 
a view to correcting any faults 
which might affect the safety and 
health of workers; 
the demarcation and laying out of 
areas for the storage of various 
materials, in particular where 
dangerous materials or substances 
are concerned; 
the conditions under which the 
dangerous materials used are 
removed; 
the storage and disposal or 
removal of wastes and surplus 
mater la Is; 
the adaptation, based on progress 
made with the work, of the actual 
period to be allocated for the 
various types of works or work 
stages. AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
OBLIGATIONS OF EMPLOYERS 
Article 8 
In order to preserve the safety and 
health of all persons present at the 
site, under the conditions set out In 
Article 6, employers shall, when 
Implementing Article 7, take measures 
in respect of their own workers that 
are In line with the minimum 
requirements set out In Annex IV. 
OBLIGATIONS OF SELF-EMPLOYED PERSONS 
Article 9 
In order to preserve the safety and 
health of all persons present on the 
site, self-employed persons shall 
comply mutatis mutandis with: 
a) the principles set out in Article 
7 of this Directive; 
b) Articles 3, 4 (1), (2), (3), (4), 
(9), and 5 of Council Directive 
89/656/EEC; 
c) Article 4 of Council Directive 
89/655/EEC; 
d) the relevant provisions of Annex 
IV of this Directive. a) the principles set out in Article 
13 of Directive 89/391/EEC and 
Article 7 of this Directive; 
INFORMATION 
Article 10 
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INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION 
Without prejudice to Article 10 of 
Directive 89/391/EEC, workers and/or 
their representatives shall be 
Informed of all the measures to be 
taken concerning the safety and 
health of workers at the site. In 
particular, they shall be Informed of 
the measures relating to the 
Implementation of Articles 6, 7 and 8 
and, where necessary, of the safety 
and health plan referred to In 
Article 5 (b). AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TC THt 
OPINION OF THE EUROPE! 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.''39 J 
Without prejudice to Article if o 
Directive 89/391/EEC, workers and v 
their representatives shall be 
Informed of all the measures to be 
taken concerning the safety and 
health of workers at the site. In 
particular, they shall be informed 
of the measures relating to the 
Implementation of Articles 6, 7 and 
8 and, where necessary, of the 
safety and health plan referred to 
In Article 5 (b). 
CONSULTATION Ann PARTICIPATIF 
Article ii 
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 Articles 6(1), 7 and 8 of 
this Directive. 
AMENDMENTS TO THE ANNEXES 
Article 12 
Amendments of a strictly technical 
nature to Annexes II, III and IV 
resulting from: 
- the adoption of directives on 
technical harmonization and 
standardization, 
technical progress and changes in 
International regulations and 
specifications or knowledge with 
regard to work sites, 
shall be adopted in accordance with 
the procedure laid down in Article 17 
of Directive 89/391/EEC. (NO CHANGE TO ENGLISH) 
Consultation and participation of 
workers and/or of their 
representatives on the matters 
covered by Article 6(1), Article 7 
and Article 8 shall take place: 
- In accordance with Article 11 of 
Directive 89/391/EEC 
- and, whenever necessary, 
including workers from other 
undertakings and/or 
establishments present on the 
work site, and/or their 
représentât Ives. 
1. FINAL PROVISIONS 
Article 13 
Member States shall bring into 
force the laws, regulations and 
administrative provisions 
necessary to comply with this 
Directive by 31 December 1993 at 
the latest. They shall 
immediately notify the commission 
thereof. Member States shall bring into 
force the laws, regulations and 
administrative provisions 
necessary to comply with this 
Directive by 31 December 1992 at 
the latest. They shall 
Immediately notify the Commission 
thereof. 
- Page 8 -
INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
The provisions adopted pursuant to 
the first subparagraph shall make 
express reference to this Directive When the Member States adopt 
these provisions, the provisions 
shall contain a reference to this 
Directive or shall be accompanied 
by such a reference when they are 
published In official form. The 
arrangements for this reference 
shall be decided by the Member 
States. 
2. 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 Direct ive. 
3. Member States shall report to the 
Commission every five 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 
Council, the European Parliament, 
the Economic and Social 
Committee, and the Advisory 
Committee on Safety, Hygiene and 
Health Protection at Work. 3. Member States shall report to the 
Commission every four 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 
Council, the European Parliament, 
the Economic and Social 
Committee, and the Advisory 
Committee on Safety, Hygiene and 
Health Protection at Work. 
The Commission shall submit 
periodically to the Council, the 
European Parliament and the 
Economic and Social Committee a 
report on the implementation of 
this Directive, taking Into 
account paragraphs 2 and 3. 
Article 14 
This Direct ive 
Member States. Is addressed to the 
ANNEX I 
NON-EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF THE BUILDING 
AND CIVIL ENGINEERING WORK REFERRED 
TO IN THE DEFINITION OF TEMPORARY OR 
MOBILE WORK SITES IN ARTICLE 2 (first 
indent) : 
- Excavation 
- Earthworks 
- Construct ion 
- Installation and removal of 
prefabricated elements 
- Landscaping and fitting out 
- Altérât Ions 
- Rénovât Ion 
- Repairs 
- DismantIing 
- Demo I 111on 
- Upkeep 
INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION 
Maintenance 
ANNEX II 
CONTENTS OF THE PRIOR NOTICE REFERRED 
TO IN ARTICLE 3 
Pate of notifi^tlnn. 
1. Exact address of the site: 
2- Cllent(s) (name(s) and 
address(es)): 
3. Type of project: 
4. Project supervlsor(s) (name(s) 
and address(es)): 
5. Safety and health coordinator(s) 
during the "project design" stage 
(name(s) and address(es)): 
6. Safety and health coordlnator(s) 
during the "project execution" 
stage (name(s) and address(es)): 
7. Date planned for start of work: 
8. Planned duration of works: 
9. Estimated maximum number of 
workers on the site: 
10. Planned number of contractors and 
self-employed persons on the 
site: AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22 02,198 
Maintenance, decorating arid 
cleaning work 
Environmental technical 
activities 
11. Details of contractors already 
chosen: 
12. Estimated value of the works: 
ANNEX III 
LIST OF WORKS INVOLVING RISKS TO THE 
SAFETY AND HEALTH OF WORKERS FOR 
WHICH, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR 
DURATION, THE PRIOR NOTICE REFERRED 
TO IN ARTICLE 3, PARAGRAPH 2, IS 
REQUIRED AND FOR WHICH THE SAFETY AND 
HEALTH PLAN REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 5 
MUST BE PREPARED: 
1) Works which, by their very 
nature, put workers seriously at 
risk from falling objects or 
dis lodgement of materials, or of 
being burled or entrapped, or of 
falIing or drowning . ANNEX 111 
LIST OF WORKS INVOLVING RISKS TO THE 
SAFETY AND HEALTH OF WORKERS FOR 
WHICH, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR 
DURATION, THE PRIOR NOTICE REFERRED 
TO IN ARTICLE 3, PARAGRAPH 2, IS 
REQUIRED AND FOR WHICH SPECIFIC 
MEASURES MUST BE INDICATED IN THE 
SAFETY PLAN REFERRED TO IN 
ARTICLE 5b): 
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INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
BY THE COMMISSION OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
2) Works which, by their very 
nature, expose workers to a 
serious risk arising from the use 
or presence of chemical, physical 
or biological agents. 
3) Work carried out by divers having 
a system of air supply or by 
workers in caissons with a 
compressed-air atmosphere. 
4) Work Involving the use of 
explosives. 
ANNEX IV 
MINIMUM SAFETY AND HEALTH 
REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK SITES 
Pre»Iminarv remark 
The obligations laid down in this 
Annex apply wherever required by the 
features of the work site, the 
activity, the circumstances or a 
hazard. 
1. Minimum requirements of a general 
nature 
Workers: 
must be protected against 
climatic conditions that may 
Jeopardize their safety and 
health; 
must be protected, wherever this 
is technical I y possible, by means 
of collective measures against 
falling objects and falls from a 
height; 
must not be exposed to harmful 
levels of chemical, physical or 
biological pollutants. 
2. Stability and solidity 
Materials, equipment and, more 
generally, any component which, when 
moving in any way, may affect the 
safety and health of workers must be 
stabilized In an appropriate and safe 
manner. 
2.1 Rooms (huts and workshops In 
partIcular) 
Rooms must have a structure and 
stability appropriate to the nature 
of their use. 
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INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
BY THE COMMISSION OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
2.2 Mobile or fixed workstations 
which are elevated or situated below 
ground level 
Mobile or fixed workstations which 
are elevated or situated below ground 
level must be solid and stable, 
account being taken of: 
the number of workers occupying 
them 
the maximum loads which they may 
have to bear and their 
distribution 
the external Influences to which 
they may be exposed. 
If the supports and other components 
of these workstations are not 
intrinsically stable, they must be 
made stable by means of appropriate 
and safe attachment to avoid any 
sudden or unintentional movement of 
the whole, or parts, of these 
workstatIons. 
2.3. Checking 
The stability and solidity referred 
to in 2.2 must be subjected to 
suitable checks, especially if the 
height or depth of the workstation is 
changed. 
3. installatlon of energy 
distribution system 
The installations must be designed 
and constructed so as not to present 
a fire or explosion hazard; persons 
must be adequately protected against 
the risk of electrocution caused by 
direct or indirect contact. 
The design, construction and choice 
of material and protection devices 
must take account of the type and 
power of the energy distributed, 
external conditions and the 
competence of persons with access to 
parts of the Installation. 
The site Installations, especially 
those subject to external Influences, 
must be regularly checked and 
maintained. 
Installations existing before the 
work commences must be Identified, 
checked and clearly marked. 
4. Emergency routes and exits 
4.1 Emergency routes and exits must 
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INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION 
remain clear and lead as directly as 
possible to a safe area. 
4.2 In the event of danger, it must 
be possible for workers to evacuate 
all workstations quickly and as 
safely as possible. 
4.3 The number, distribution and 
dimensions of emergency routes and 
exits depend on the use, equipment 
and dimensions of the site and of the 
rooms and the maximum number of 
persons that may be present. 
4.4 Emergency doors must open 
outwards. AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
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. 
Sliding or revolving doors may not be 
designated as emergency exits. 
4.5 Specific emergency routes and 
exits must be Indicated by signs in 
accordance with the national 
regulations Implementing Directive 
77/576/EEC<1>. 
Such signs must be sufficiently 
resistant and be placed at 
appropriate points. 
4.6 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. 
4.7 Emergency routes and exits 
requiring illumination must be 
provided with emergency lighting of 
adequate intensity In case the 
I Ighting falIs. 
5. Fire detection and fire fighting 
5.1 Depending on the characteristics 
of the site, the dimensions and use 
of the rooms, the on-site equipment, 
the physical and chemical properties 
of the substances present and the 
maximum potential number of people 
present, an adequate number of 
appropriate fire-fighting devices 
and, where required, fire detectors 
and alarm systems must be provided. 5.1 Depending on the characteristics 
of the site, the dimensions and use 
of the rooms, the on-site equipment, 
the physical and chemical properties 
of the substances present and the 
maximum potential number of people 
present, an adequate number of 
appropriate fire-fighting devices 
and, where required, fire detectors 
and alarm systems must be provided. 
(1) OJ No L 229, 7.9.1977, p.12 
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INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
Such fire-fighting devices, fire 
detectors and fire alarms must be 
regularly checked and maintained. 
Appropriate tests and drills must 
carried out at regular Intervals. be 
5.2 Non-automatic fire-fighting 
equipment must be easily accessible 
and simple to use. 
The equipment must be Indicated by 
signs in accordance with the national 
regulations Implementing Directive 
77/576/EEC. 
Such signs must be sufficiently 
resistant and be placed at 
appropriate points. 
6. Ventilation 
6.1 Steps shall be taken to ensure 
that there Is sufficient fresh air, 
having regard to the working methods 
used and the physical demands placed 
on the workers. 
If a forced ventilation system 
used, it must be maintained In 
working order. is 
Any breakdown must be indicated by a 
control system where this Is 
necessary for workers' health. 
6.2 If air-conditioning or mechanical 
ventilation Installations are used, 
they must operate 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. 
7. Temperature 
7.1 During working hours, the 
temperature must be adequate for 
human beings, having regard to the 
working methods used and the physical 
demands placed on the workers. 
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. 
7.3 Windows, skylights and glass 
partitions should allow excessive 
effects of sunlight to be avoided, 
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INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
having regard to the nature of the 
work and local custom. 
8. Natural and art IfIclal lighting 
of workstations, rooms and 
traffic routes on the site 
8.1 Workstations, rooms and traffic 
routes on the site must be provided 
with sufficient artificial lighting 
at night and when natural daylight Is 
inadequate; where necessary, portable 
IIght sources that are protected 
against Impact shall be used. 
8.2 Lighting Installations for rooms, 
workstations and traffic routes 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. 
8.3 Rooms, workstations and traffic 
routes where workers are especially 
exposed to risks in the event of 
artificial lighting must be provided 
with emergency lighting of adequate 
Intensity. 
8.4 The approach roads and perimeter 
of the site must be signposted and 
marked so as to ensure that they are 
clearly visible and identifiable. 
9. Floors, walls, ceilings and roofs 
of rooms 
9.1 The floors of workplaces must not 
have dangerous bumps, holes or slopes 
and must be fixed, stable and not 
siippery. 
9.2 The surfaces of floors, walls and 
ceilings In rooms must be such that 
they can be cleaned or refurbished to 
an appropriate standard of hygiene. 
9.3 Transparent or translucent walls, 
in particular all-glass partitions, 
In rooms or In the vicinity of 
workstations and traffic routes must 
be clearly Indicated and made of 
safety material or be shielded from 
such workstations or traffic routes 
to prevent workers from coming into 
- Page 15 -
INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION 
contact with walls or being injured 
should the walls shatter. 
9.4 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. 
10. windows and sky IIghts 
10.1 It must be possible for workers 
to open, close, adjust or secure 
windows, skylights and ventilators in 
a safe manner. When open, they must 
not be positioned so as to constitute 
a hazard to workers. 
10.2 Windows and skylights must be 
designed In conjunction with 
equipment or otherwise fitted with 
devices allowing them to be cleaned 
without risk to the workers carrying 
out this work or to workers present. 
11. Doors and gates 
11.1 The position, number and 
dimensions of doors and gates, and 
the materials used in their 
construction, are determined by the 
nature and use of rooms or areas. 
11.2 Transparent doors must be 
appropriately marked at a conspicuous 
level. 
11.3 Swing doors and gates must be 
transparent or have see-through 
panels. 
11.4 If transparent or translucent 
surfaces In doors and gates are not 
made of safety material and if there 
Is a danger that workers may be 
injured if a door or gate should 
shatter, the surfaces must be 
protected against breakage. 
11.5 Sliding doors must be fitted 
with a safety device to prevent them 
from being derailed and falling over. 
11.6 Doors and gates opening upwards 
must be fitted with a mechanism to 
secure them against falling back. 
11.7 Doors along escape routes must 
be appropriately marked. AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
Page 16 -
INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION 
11.8 Doors for pedestrians must be 
provided in the Immediate vicinity of 
any gates Intended essentially for 
vehicle traffic, unless It Is safe 
for pedestrians to pass through; such 
doors must be clearly marked and left 
permanently unobstructed. 
11.9 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 
shut-down devices and, unless they 
open automatically In the event of a 
power failure, it must also be 
possible to open them manually. 
12. Traffic routes - danger areas 
12.1 Traffic routes, Including 
stairs, fixed ladders and loading 
bays and ramps, must be calculated, 
located, laid out and made negotiable 
to ensure easy, safe and appropriate 
access in such a way as not to 
endanger workers employed in the 
vicinity of these traffic routes. 
12.2 Routes used for pedestrian 
traffic and/goods traffic must be 
dimensioned in accordance with the 
number of potential users and the 
type of activity concerned. 
If means of transport are used on 
traffic routes, a sufficient safety 
clearance or adequate protective 
devices must be provided for 
pedestrI ans. 
12.3 Sufficient clearance must be 
allowed between vehicle traffic 
routes and doors, gates, passages for 
pedestrians, corridors and 
staircases. 
12.4 Where the use and equipment of 
rooms so requires for the protection 
of workers, traffic routes must be 
clearly Identified. 
12.5 If the site contains danger 
areas In which, owing to the AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
- Page 17 
INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION 
nature of the work, there Is a risk 
of the worker or objects falling, 
these areas must be equipped with 
devices preventing unauthorized 
workers from entering them. 
Appropriate measures must be taken to 
protect workers authorized to enter 
danger areas. 
Danger areas must be clearly 
Indicated. AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
13. Specific measures for escalators 
and travelators 
Escalators and travelators must 
functIon safely. 
They must be equipped with any 
necessary safety devices. 
They must be fitted with easily 
Identifiable and accessible emergency 
shut-down devices. 
14. Loading bays and ramos 
14.1 Loading bays and ramps must be 
suitable for the dimensions of the 
loads to be transported. 
14.2 Loading bays must have at least 
one ex It point. 
14.3 Loading ramps must be 
sufficiently safe to prevent workers 
from falIIng off. 
15. Room dimensions and air space In 
rooms - freedom of movement at 
the workstation 
15.1 Rooms containing workplaces must 
have sufficient floor area and height 
to allow workers to perform their 
work without risk to their safety, 
health or well-being. 
15.2 The floor area at the 
workstation must be such as to allow 
workers sufficient freedom of 
movement to perform their work. 
If this is not possible for reasons 
specific to the workstation, the 
worker must be provided with 
sufficient freedom of movement near 
his workstat ion. 
16. First-aid rooms 
16.1 One or more first-aid rooms must 
be provided where the scale of the 
works, the types of activity being 
- Page 18 *-
INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION 
carried out and frequency of 
accidents so dictate. 
16.2 First-aid rooms must be fitted 
with essential first aid 
installations and equipment and be 
easily accessible to stretchers. 
They must be signposted In accordance 
with the national regulations 
implementing Directive 77/576/EEC. 
16.3 In addition, first-aid equipment 
must be available at all places where 
working conditions require It. 
This equipment must be suitably 
marked and easily accessible. 
17. Sanitary equipment AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
16.3 In addition, first-aid 
equipment must be available at all 
places where working conditions 
require it. 
This equipment must be suitably 
marked and easily accessible. 
A clearly displayed sign must also 
be provided showing the address and 
telephone number of the local 
emergency service. 
17. Sanitary eoulpment 
This shall comply with satisfactory 
standards of hygiene. 
17.1 Changing rooms and lockers 
17.1.1 Appropriate changing rooms 
must be provided for workers if they 
have to wear special work cloths. 
Changing rooms must be easily 
accessible, be of sufficient capacity 
and be provided with seating. 
17.1.2 Changing rooms must be 
sufficiently large and have 
facilities to enable each worker, 
where necessary, to dry his working 
clothes as well as his own clothing 
and personal effects and to lock them 
away. 
If circumstances so require (e.g. 
dangerous substances, humidity, 
dirt), facilities must be provided to 
enable working clothes to be kept In 
a place separate from workers' own 
clothes and personal effects. 
17.1.3 Provision must be made for 
separate changing rooms or separate 
use of changing rooms for men and 
women. 
17.1.4 If changing rooms are not 
required, each workers must be 
provided with a place In which he can 
lock away his own clothes and 
personal effects. 
- Page 19 -
INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED FKOPuSAL PURSUANT iO lHt 
BY THE COMMISSION OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
17.2 Lavatories and washbasins 
Special facilities with an adequate 
number of lavatories and washbasins 
must be provided for workers in the 
vicinity of workstations, rest rooms, 
changing rooms and rooms housing 
showers or washbasins. 
Provision must be made for separate 
lavatories or separate use of 
lavatories for men and women. 
17.3 Showers and washbasins 
17.3.1 Suitable showers In sufficient 
numbers must be provided for workers 
if required by the nature of the work 
or for health reasons. 
Provision must be made for separate 
shower rooms or separate use of 
shower rooms for men and women. 
17.3.2 The shower rooms must be 
sufficiently large to permit each 
worker to wash without hindrance In 
conditions of an appropriate standard 
of hygiene. 
The showers must be equipped with hot 
and cold running water. 
17.3.3 Where showers are not required 
under the first subparagraph of 
17.3.1 Aadequate and suitable 
washbasins with running water (hot 
water if necessary) must br provided 
in the vicinity of the workstations 
and the changing rooms. 
Such washbasins must be separate for, 
or used separately by, men and women 
when so required for reasons of 
propriety. 
17.3.4 Where the rooms housing the 
showers or washbasins are separate 
from the changing rooms, there must 
be easy communication between the 
two. 
18. Rest rooms and/or accommodation 
axaas. 
18.1 Where the safety or health or 
workers, in particular because of the 
type of activity carried out or the 
presence of more than a certain 
number of employees as well as the 
remote nature of the site, so 
require, workers must be provided 
with easily accessible rest and 
accommodation facilities. 
18.2 est rooms and accommodation 
areas must be large enough and 
equipped with an adequate number of 
tables and seats with backs for the 
- Page 20 -
INITIAL PROPOSAL 
BY THE COMMISSION 
number of workers concerned. 
18.3 If there are no facilities of 
this kind, other facilities must be 
provided in which workers can stay 
during Interruptions In work. 
18.4 Appropriate measures should be 
taken for the protection of non-
smokers against discomfort caused by 
tobacco smoke. 
19. Pregnant women and nursing 
mothers 
Pregnant women and nursing mothers 
must be able to I le down to rest in 
appropriate conditions. 
20. Handicapped workers 
Workstations must be organized to 
take account of handicapped workers, 
if necessary. 
This provision applies In particular 
to the doors, passageways, 
staircases, showers, washbasins, 
lavatories and workstatIons used or 
occupied directly by handicapped 
persons. 
21. MI see I Ianeous orovI s Ions 
21.1 Workers must be provided at the 
site with a sufficient quantity of 
drinking water and possibly another 
suitable non-alcoholic beverage both 
In occupied rooms and In the vicinity 
of workstations. 
21.2 Workers must be provided with 
facilities enabling them to prepare 
and take their meals in satisfactory 
condlt ions. AMENDED PROPOSAL PURSUANT TO THE 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF 22.02.1991 
- Page 21 -
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(91) 117 final 
DOCUMENTS 
SN 04 
Catalogue number •: CB-CO-91-147-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-71029-2 
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