WRITTEN QUESTION E-1707/96 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (25 June 1996)

Subject: Protection of workers exposed to carcinogens at work

The proposal for a Council Directive (COM(95) 0425 ((OJ C 317, 28.11.1995, p. 16.))) amending for the first time Directive 90/394/EEC ((OJ C 196, 26.7.1990, p. 1.)) on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens at work is a significant step forward for the protection of workers and the strengthening of regulatory checks. However, does the Commission not consider that it is essential to:

1. provide an explanatory notice, which would be particularly useful for SMEs, to help employers and workers understand how the directive applies to their working environment,

2. review the classification of carcinogens,

3. explain the scope and duration of the exemptions proposed,

4. specify the limit value of 1 ppm proposed for benzene,

5. standardize the measuring procedures,

6. promote cooperation with and between specialized institutes and other bodies working in the area of health and safety at work,

7. encourage the production of comparable statistical data?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (16 July 1996)

The Commission thanks the Honourable Member for his favourable assessment of its proposal for amendments to the Directive mentioned in his question.

The Commission is fully in agreement with some of the suggestions made and, following adoption of the proposal by the Council, it could provide an explanatory notice on the application of the amended Directive and propose a uniform method for measuring benzene in air.

With regard to the proposed limit value for benzene and the temporary exemptions provided for, the Commission made its decision on the basis of existing scientific data and socioeconomic considerations. These points have been discussed with the social partners and accepted as regards their intended aim. It goes without saying that all other provisions of a preventive nature laid down in the original Directive will also have to be applied.

The Commission does not consider it appropriate to undertake a review of the classification of carcinogens, which falls within the scope of Directive 67/548/EEC ((OJ 196, 16.8.1967. )), which also relates to the labelling and packaging of dangerous substances. However, as the Honourable Member will see, the Commission's proposal to use the classification criteria laid down in Annex VI to Directive 67/548/EEC when implementing the proposed amendments to the Directive could enable the carcinogenic effect of as yet unclassified substances to be taken into consideration if need be.

The call to promote cooperation between specialised institutes could be met in the context of the Safety Action for Europe (SAFE) programme and the activities of the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work, which was recently set up in Bilbao.

With regard to the final question, which concerned statistics, the Commission has been working in this area since 1991 for the purpose of devising a common methodology allowing comparable statistical data to be obtained concerning both occupational accidents and diseases. Results should be available fairly soon.