AMENDED PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DIRECTIVE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MINIMUM SAFETY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AT TEMPORARY OR MOBILE WORK SITES
Date: 1991-04-09
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: building industry, occupational safety, public health, public works, safety standard

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 

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) 

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; 

(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 
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AMENDED  PROPOSAL  PURSUANT  TO THE 
OPINION OF THE  EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF  22.02.1991 

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 

(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 

AMENDED  PROPOSAL  PURSUANT  Ï0 
OPINION OF THE  EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF  22.02.1991 

"HE 

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 : 

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 

Article 1 

This Directive shall  apply  to 
temporary or mobile work  sites as 
defined  in Article  2, to the 
exclusion of extractive  Industries 

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 ; 

(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 

-  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 ; 

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AMENDED PROPOSAL  PURSUANT TO THE 
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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. 

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 

»t»>.-  t  tv. 
OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF  22.02.1991 

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. 

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. 

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: 

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. 

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INITIAL PROPOSAL 
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AMENDED  PROPOSAL PURSUANT  TO THE 
OPINION OF THE  EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF  22.02.1991 

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); 

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; 

take account  of  the safety  and 
health plan  required  under 
Article 5(b); 

c)  shalI organize the 

c)  shall  organize  cooperation 

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. 

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; 

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; 

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AMENDED  PROPOSAL  PURSUANT  TO THE 
OPINION OF THE  EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF  22.02.1991 

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. 

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. 

INFORMATION 

Article  10 

a) the principles  set out  in Article 
13 of Directive 89/391/EEC and 
Article 7 of  this Directive; 

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INITIAL PROPOSAL 
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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 E U R O P E! 
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). 

(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. 

C O N S U L T A T I ON  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. 

FINAL  PROVISIONS 

Article 13 

1. 

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. 

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The provisions adopted  pursuant  to 
the first  subparagraph  shall  make 
express  reference  to this Directive 

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. 

AMENDED  PROPOSAL  PURSUANT  TO THE 
OPINION OF THE  EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT OF  22.02.1991 

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. 

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 

AMENDED  PROPOSAL  PURSUANT TO 
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Maintenance, decorating arid 
cleaning work 
Environmental  technical 
activities 

INITIAL  PROPOSAL 
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Maintenance 

ANNEX  II 

CONTENTS OF THE PRIOR NOTICE REFERRED 
TO  IN ARTICLE 3 

Pate of  n o t i f i ^t l n n. 

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: 

11. Details of contractors already 

chosen: 

12. Estimated value of  the works: 

ANNEX  III 

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 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  . 

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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AMENDED  PROPOSAL  PURSUANT  TO THE 
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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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AMENDED  PROPOSAL  PURSUANT TO THE 
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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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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. 

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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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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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 

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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. 

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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 

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PARLIAMENT OF  22.02.1991 

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. 

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 

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INITIAL  PROPOSAL 
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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. 

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  equipment 

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. 

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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 

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PARLIAMENT OF  22.02.1991 

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. 

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