No C 284/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 10. 11. 89 
Re-examined proposal for a Council Directive concerning the minimum safety and health 
requirements for the workplace (') 
COM(89) 520 final — SYN 124 
(Submitted by the Commission pursuant to Article 149.2(d) of the EEC Treaty on 17 October 
1989) 
(89/C 284/03) 
O OJ No C 115, 8. 5. 1989, p. 34. 
REVISED COMMISSION PROPOSAL FOLLOWING THE AMENDMENTS 
ADOPTED BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AT THE 
COMMON POSITION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL SECOND READING ON 13 SEPTEMBER 1989 
Grounds and recitals unchanged 
Articles 1 to 3 unchanged 
Article 4 
Replaced by: 
Workplaces extent on 1 January 1993 must satisfy the 
provisions of this Directive and those laid down in 
Annex II by 1 January 1995 at the latest. 
Articles 5 and 6 unchanged 
Article 7 
Article 7 (1) Paragraph 1 replaced by: 
The employer shall inform the workers and/or their 
representatives of all measures to be taken regarding 
safety and health at the workplace and shall consult 
them and allow their participation in accordance with 
Articles 10 and 11 of Directive 89/391/EEC and/or the 
basis of the provisions of Annex I and/or Annex II. 
Articles 8 to 10 unchanged 
10. 11. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 284/9 
COMMON POSITION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL REVISED COMMISSION PROPOSAL FOLLOWING 
ANNEX I ANNEX I 
MINIMUM SAFETY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS 
FOR WORKPLACES USED FOR THE FIRST TIME AS 
REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 3 OF THE DIRECTIVE MINIMUM SAFETY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS 
FOR WORKPLACES USED FOR THE FIRST TIME AS 
REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 3 OF THE DIRECTIVE 
Preliminary note 
The obligations laid down in this Annex apply only 
where the relevant hazard is present at the workplace 
concerned. Preliminary note 
The obligations laid down in this Annex apply in each 
instance where required by the characteristics of the 
workplace or activity, and the corresponding circum­
stances or hazard. 
Stability and solidity 
Buildings which house workplaces must have a structure 
and solidity appropriate to the nature of their use. 
Electrical installations 
Electrical 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 
accidents caused by direct or indirect contact. 
The design, construction and choice of material and 
protection devices must be appropriate to the voltage, 
external conditions and the competence of persons with 
access to parts of the installation. 
4. Emergency routes and exits 
4.1. The emergency routes and exits must remain clear and 
lead as directly as possible to the open air or to a safe 
area. 4. Emergency routes and exits 
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 the 
emergency exits depend on the use, equipment and 
surface area of the workplaces and the maximum 
number of persons that may be present. 4.3. The number, distribution and dimensions of escape 
routes and emergency exits shall depend on the use, 
equipment and surface area of the workplaces and the 
maximum number of persons who may be present. 
Escape routes and emergency exits must be available in 
sufficient number. 
4.4. Emergency doors must be easy to open and open 
ouwards. 
Sliding or revolving doors are not permitted if they are 
specifically intended as emergency exits. 4.4. Emergency exit doors and doors leading to escape 
routes must be easy to open and open outwards. 
Sliding or revolving doors shall not be permitted as 
emergency exits. 
4.5. Specific emergency routes and exits must be indicated 
by signs in accordance with the national regulations 
transposing Directive 77/576/EEC (') into law. 
Such signs must be placed at appropriate points and be 
made to last. 
No C 284/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 10. 11. 89 
COMMON POSITION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL REVISED COMMISSION PROPOSAL FOLLOWING 
4.6. Emergency doors must not be locked. 
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. 
4.7. In case the lighting fails, emergency exits requiring 
illumination must be provided with emergency lighting 
of adequate intensity. 4.7. In case the lighting fails, emergency exits and escape 
routes requiring illumination must be provided with 
emergency lighting of adequate intensity. 
5. Fire detection and fire-fighting 
5.1. Depending on the dimensions, height and use of the 
buildings, on the equipment and substances they contain 
and on the maximum potential number of people 
present, workplaces must be equipped with discerningly 
distributed fire detectors and an alarm system and 
appropriate automatic and/or manual fire-fighting 
equipment. 5. Fire detection and fire-fighting 
Depending on the dimensions and use of the buildings, 
the equipment they contain, the physical and chemical 
characteristics of the substances used and on the 
maximum potential number of people present, work­
places must be equipped with appropriate fire-fighting 
equipment, and in particular suitably distributed fire 
detectors and alarm systems. 
5.2. Non-automatic fire-fighting equipment must be easily 
accessible and simple to use. 
It must be indicated by signs in accordance with the 
national regulations transposing Directive 77/576/EEC 
into law. 
Such signs must be placed at appropriate points and be 
made last. 
Fire detectors, alarm systems and automatic or 
non-automatic fire-fighting equipment must be regularly 
checked to ensure that they are in working order. 
6. Ventilation of enclosed workplaces 
6.1. The air in enclosed rooms must be naturally or artifi­
cially renewed so that workers have a sufficient supply 
of air of an adequate quality, having regard to the work 
they are carrying out. 6. Ventilation of enclosed workplaces 
6.1. The air in enclosed rooms shall be kept sufficiently fresh 
during working hours, having regard to the working 
methods used and the physical efforts required of the 
workers. If a forced ventilation system is used, it shall be 
in working order at all times. Any breakdown must be 
indicated by a control system. 
6.2. Mechanical ventilation installation must operate in such 
a way that workers are not exposed to draughts. 
Climate control and/or ventilation installations shall 
operate in such a way that workers are not exposed to 
draughts or temperatures which cause discomfort. They 
must at all times be operational and must be cleaned at 
regular intervals under appropriate conditions of 
hygiene. Any deposit or dirt likely to create a hazard by 
polluting the atmosphere must be removed without 
delay. 
7. Room temperature 
7.1. During working hours, the temperature in rooms 
containing workplaces must be adequate for human 
beings, having regard to the working methods being 
used and the physical demands placed on the workers. 
10. 11. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 284/11 
COMMON POSITION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL REVISED COMMISSION PROPOSAL FOLLOWING 
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 in workplaces to be avoided, 
having regard to the nature of the work and of the 
workplace. 
8. Natural and artificial room lighting 
8.1. Workplaces must as far as possible receive sufficient 
natural light and be equipped with artificial lighting 
adequate for workers' safety and health. 
8.2. Lighting installations in rooms containing workplaces 
and in passageways 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. Workplaces in which workers are especially exposed to 
risks in the event of failure of artificial lighting must be 
provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity. 
9. Floors walls, ceilings and roofs of rooms 
9.1. The floors of workplaces must have no dangerous 
bumps, holes or slopes and must be fixed, stable and not 
slippery. 
Workplaces containing workstations must be adequately 
insulated, bearing in mind the type of undertaking 
involved and the physical activity of the workers. 
9.2. The surfaces of floors, walls and ceilings in rooms must 
be such that they can be cleaned or refurbished under 
appropriate hygienic conditions. 
9.3. Transparent or translucent walls, in particular all-glass 
partitions, in the vicinity of workplaces and traffic 
routes must be clearly indicated and made of safety 
material or be shielded from such places or traffic routes 
to prevent workers from coming into 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 
safely. 
10. Windows and skylights 
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. 
No C 284/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 10. 11. 89 
COMMON POSITION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL REVISED COMMISSION PROPOSAL FOLLOWING 
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 in and around the 
building. 
11. Doors, gates and automatic doors 
11.1. The position, number and dimensions of doors and 
gates are determined by the nature and use of the rooms 
or areas. 11. Doors, gates and automatic doors 
11.1. The position, number, construction and dimensions of 
doors and gates shall be determined by the nature and 
use of the 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. It must be possible to open them from the 
inside at any time without special assistance. 
It must be possible to open the doors when the work­
places are occupied. 
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 — dangerous areas 
12.1. Traffic routes, including stairs, fixed ladders and 
loading bays and ramps, must be located and dimen­
sioned to ensure easy, safe and appropriate access for 
pedestrians or vehicles 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/or goods traffic 
must be dimensioned in accordance with the number of 
potential users and the type of undertaking. 
If means of transport are used on traffic routes, a 
sufficient safety clearance must be provided for 
pedestrians. 
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COMMON POSITION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL REVISED COMMISSION PROPOSAL FOLLOWING 
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 workplaces contain dangerous areas in which, 
owing to the nature of the work, there is a risk of the 
worker or objects falling, the places must be equipped, 
as far as possible, with devices preventing unauthorized 
workers from entering those areas. 
Appropriate measures must be taken to protect workers 
authorized to enter dangerous areas. 
Dangerous areas must be clearly indicated. 
13. Specific measures for escalators and travelators 
Escalators and travelators must function safely. 
They must be fitted with easily identifiable and 
accessible emergency shut-down devices. 13. Specific measures for escalators and travelators 
Escalators and travelators must be fitted with all relevant 
safety devices. They must be fitted with easily ident­
ifiable and accessible emergency shut-down devices. 
14. Loading bays and ramps 
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 exit point. 
Where technically feasible, bays over a certain length 
must have an exit point at each end. 
14.3. Loading ramps must as far as possible be safe enough to 
prevent workers from falling off. 
15. Room dimensions and air space in rooms — freedom of 
movement at the workstation 
15.1. Workrooms must have sufficient surface area, height 
and air space to allow workers to perform their work 
without risk to their safety, health or well-being. 
15.2. The dimensions of the free unoccupied area at the 
workstation must be calculated to allow workers 
sufficient freedom of movement to perform their work. 
If this is not possible for reasons specific to the 
workplace the worker must be provided with sufficient 
freedom of movement near his workstation. 
No C 284/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 10. 11. 89 
COMMON POSITION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL REVISED COMMISSION PROPOSAL FOLLOWING 
16. Rest rooms 
16.1. Where the safety or health of workers, in particular 
because of the type of activity carried out or the 
presence of more than a certain number of employees, 
so require, workers must be provided with an easily 
accessible rest room. 
This provision does not apply if the workers are 
employed in offices or similar workrooms providing 
equivalent relaxation during breaks. 
16.2. Rest rooms must be large enough and equipped with an 
adequate number of tables and chairs for the number of 
workers. 
16.3. In staff rest rooms appropriate measures must be 
introduced for the protection of non-smokers against 
discomfort caused by tobacco smoke. 
16.4. If working hours are regularly and frequently inter­
rupted and there is no rest room, other rooms must be 
provided in which workers can stay during such inter­
ruptions, wherever this is required for the safety or 
health of workers. 
Appropriate measures should be taken for the protection 
of non-smokers against discomfort caused by tobacco 
smoke. 
16.5. Pregnant women and nursing mothers must be able to 
lie down to rest in appropriate conditions. 
17. Sanitary equipment 
17.1. Changing rooms and lockers 
17.1.1. Changing rooms must be provided for workers if they 
have to wear special work clothes and where, for 
reasons of health and propriety, they cannot be expected 
to change in another room. 
Changing rooms must be easily accessible. 
17.1.2. Changing rooms must be sufficiently large and have 
facilities to enable each worker to lock away his clothes 
during his time at work. 
If circumstances so require (e.g. dangerous substances, 
humidity, dirt), lockers for work clothes must be 
separate from those for ordinary clothes. 
17.1.3. If changing rooms are not required under 17.1.1., each 
worker must be provided with a place to store his 
clothes. 
17.2. Showers and washbasins 
17.2.1. Adequate and suitable showers must be provided for 
workers if required by the nature of the work or for 
health reasons. 17. Sanitary equipment 
17.1. Changing rooms and lockers 
Changing rooms must be easily accessible and equipped 
with seats; separate changing rooms must be provided 
for men and women. 
10. 11. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 284/15 
COMMON POSITION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL REVISED COMMISSION PROPOSAL FOLLOWING 
17.2.2. The showers 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. 
Washrooms must be physically separate from changing 
rooms but have direct access to them. 
17.2.3. Where showers are not required under 17.2.1., wash­
basins with running water (hot if necessary) must be 
provided in the vicinity of the workstations. 17.2.3. Where showers are not required under 17.2.1., wash 
basins with hot and cold running water must be 
provided in the vicinity of the workstations and 
changing rooms. 
Separate showers and washrooms must be provided for 
men and women. 
17.3. Lavatories and washbasins 
Separate facilities must be provided in the vicinity of 
workstations with an adequate number of lavatories and 
washbasins. 17.3. Separate facilities for workers must be provided in the 
vicinity of their workstations and in the vicinity of rest 
rooms, changing rooms and washrooms, and must have 
an adequate number of lavatories and wash basins. 
Totally separate facilities must be provided for men and 
women. 
18. First aid rooms 
18.1. One or more first aid rooms must be provided where the 
size of the premises, type of activity being carried out 
and frequency of accidents so dictate. 18. First aid rooms 
18.2. 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 transposing Directive 77/576/EEC 
into law. 
19. Handicapped workers 
Workplaces must be fitted out to take account of handi­
capped workers, if necessary. 
This provision applies in particular to the doors, 
passageways, staircases, lavatories, washrooms and 
workstations occupied directly by handicapped persons. In addition, first-aid equipment must be available in all 
places where working conditions require it; this 
equipment must be suitably marked and easily accessible. 
20. Outdoor workplaces (special provisions) 
20.1. Workstations, traffic routes and other areas or instal­
lations outdoors which are used by the workers in the 
course of their activity must be designed in such a way 
that pedestrians and vehicles can circulate without 
danger. 20. Outdoor workplaces (special provisions) 
No C 284/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 10. 11. 89 
COMMON POSITION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL 
Sections 12, 13 and 14 also apply to main traffic routes 
on the site of the undertaking (traffic routes leading to 
fixed workstations), to traffic routes used for the regular 
maintenance and supervision of the undertakings instal­
lations and to loading bays. 
Section 12 is also applicable to outdoor workplaces. 
20.2. Workplaces outdoors must be adequately lit by artificial 
lighting if daylight is not adequate. REVISED COMMISSION PROPOSAL FOLLOWING 
20.3. When workers are employed at workstations outdoors, 
such workstations must as far as possible be arranged so 
that workers: 
(a) are protected against inclement weather conditions 
and if necessary against falling objects; 
(b) are not exposed to harmful noise levels nor to 
harmful external influences such as gases, vapours 
or dust; 
(c) are able to leave their workstations swiftly in the 
event of danger or are able to be rapidly assisted. (c) are able to leave their workstations swiftly in the 
event of danger or are able to be rapidly assisted 
— cannot slip or fall. 
21. Protection against other nuisances 
In workplaces, rest areas, rooms for duty staff and 
medical rooms, the following must, as far as possible, be 
eliminated or reduced to a tolerably low level: 
(a) mechanical vibration, 
(b) electrical charges perceptible to humans, 
(c) nauseous odours, 
(d) draughts, 
(e) heat radiation, 
(f) noise, including that which may be due to external 
sources. 
22. Maintenance, repairs and cleaning 
The safety equipment intended to prevent or eliminate 
hazards shall be regularly maintained and checked to 
ensure that it is in working order. The workplaces shall 
be maintained and any faults found rectified without 
delay. 
ANNEX II ANNEX II 
MINIMUM HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS 
FOR WORKPLACES ALREADY IN USE, AS REFERRED 
TO IN ARTICLE 4 OF THE DIRECTIVE MINIMUM HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS 
FOR WORKPLACES ALREADY IN USE, AS REFERRED 
TO IN ARTICLE 4 OF THE DIRECTIVE 
1. Preliminary note 
The obligations laid down in this Annex apply only 
where the relevant hazard is present at the workplace 
concerned. Preliminary note 
The obligations laid down in this Annex apply in each 
instance where required by the characteristics of the 
workplace or activity, and the corresponding circum­
stances or hazard. 
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COMMON POSITION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL REVISED COMMISSION PROPOSAL FOLLOWING 
2. Buildings which have workplaces must have a structure 
and solidity appropriate to the nature of their use. 
3. Electrical 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 
accidents caused by direct or indirect contact. 
The design, construction and choice of material and 
protection devices must be appropriate to the voltage, 
external conditions and the competence of persons with 
access to parts of the installation. 
3. (a) A sufficient number of fire alarm systems and adequate 
fire-fighting equipment must be provided in work areas. 
Workplaces must be equipped with first-aid equipment 
and fire-fighting equipment. The areas where this 
equipment is stored must be properly marked. These 
signs must be placed at appropriate points and be of a 
permanent nature. 
4. Emergency routes and exits must lead as directly as 4. Emergency routes and exits must lead as directly as 
possible to the open air or to a safe area. possible to the open air or to a safe area. It must not be 
possible to lock emergency doors. 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. 
In the event of danger, it must be possible for workers 
to evacuate all workstations quickly and as safely as 
possible. 
There must be an adequate number of escape routes and 
emergency exits. 
Emergency exit doors must be easy to open and open 
outwards. 
Sliding or revolving doors are not permitted if they are 
specifically intended as emergency exits. 
Specific emergency routes and exits must be indicated by 
signs in accordance with the national regulations trans­
posing Directive 77/576/EEC into law. 
Such signs must be placed at appropriate points and be 
made to last. 
5. If the workplaces contain dangerous areas, owing to the 
nature of the work, which means that there is a risk of 
the worker or objects falling, the places must be 
equipped, as far as possible, with devices preventing 
unauthorized workers form entering those areas. 
Appropriate measures must be taken to protect workers 
authorized to enter dangerous areas. 
Dangerous areas must be clearly indicated. 
5. (a) Workplaces must receive as much natural light as 
possible and be equipped with adequate artificial 
lighting. 
6. Workplaces in which workers are especially exposed to 6. Emergency routes and exits and workplaces in which 
risks in the event of failure of artificial lighting must be workers are especially exposed to risks in the event of 
provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity. failure of artificial lighting must be provided with 
emergency lighting of adequate intensity. 
No C 284/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 10. 11. 89 
COMMON POSITION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL 
7. Transparent doors must be appropriately marked at a 
conspicuous level. 
Swing doors must be transparent or have see-through 
panels. REVISED COMMISSION PROPOSAL FOLLOWING 
8. Workplaces must be organized in such a way that 
pedestrians and vehicles can circulate without danger. 
8. (a) In enclosed workrooms workers must at all times have a 
sufficient quantity of air of satisfactory quality, and the 
room temperature must always be healthy and tolerable. 
Workplaces must be fitted out in such a way that 
workers have separate rooms equipped with an adequate 
number of lavoratories and washbasins. 9. Workplaces must be fitted out in such a way that 
workers have in their vicinity separate rooms equipped 
with an adequate number of lavatories, washbasins and, 
where the nature of the work so requires, shower 
facilities. Washbasins and showers should have hot and 
cold running water. 
9. (a) Where workers must wear special working clothes and, 
for reasons of health or decency, cannot be asked to 
change in another room, they must be provided with a 
sufficient number of suitable changing rooms which are 
easily accessible and are equipped with separate lockers 
for working clothes and ordinary clothes. 
9. (b) Separate toilets and, if necessary, showers and changing 
rooms must be provided for men and women. 
10. Appropriate measures for the protection of non-smokers 
must be taken in respect of staff rest rooms. 10. Where the safety and health of the workers so requires, 
in particular on account of the type of activity carried 
out and where the number of workers exceeds a certain 
level they must be provided with a sufficient number of 
appropriate, easily accessible rest rooms equipped with 
tables and seats with backs. Appropriate measures must 
be taken in these rooms for the protection of 
non-smokers from discomfort caused by tobacco smoke. 
This provision does not apply where personnel work in 
offices or similar workrooms offering equivalent rest 
facilities during breaks. 
10. (a) Pregnant women and nursing mothers must be able to 
lie down and rest in suitable conditions. 
10. (b) The design of workplaces must be such as to take 
account of any handicaps which workers might have. 
This applies particularly to doors, traffic routes, stairs 
and steps, toilets, washbasins, and, if necessary, showers, 
and the workstations used by the handicapped them­
selves. 
10. (c) Workplaces, traffic routes and other outdoor facilities 
used by workers shall be designed in such a way that 
they: 
— present no danger, 
— are adequately lit, 
— are protected from the weather, 
— are exposed as little as possible to external 
influences, e.g. noise, dust, etc.