Amended proposal for a COUNCIL DIRECTIVE concerning minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers in the extractive industries for the exploration and exploitation of minerals in mines and quarries
Date: 1992-06-11
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: document, mining extraction, occupational health, occupational safety, working conditions

COMMISSION  OF  THE  EUROPEAN  COMMUNITIES 

C0M(92) 251  final  - SYN  392 

Brussels,  11 June  1992 

Amended  proposal  for a 

COUNCIL  DIRECTIVE 

concerning minimum requirements 

for improving the safety and health protection of 

workers in the extractive industries for the 

exploration and exploitation of minerals 

in mines and quarries 

(presented  by  the Commission  pursuant  to Article  149(3) 
of  the  EEC-Treaty) 

-0 

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

Based on the opinion adopted  by the European  Parliament  in the 
first reading on 13 May 1992, the Commission  submits to Council 
pursuant  to  Article 149  paragraph  3  of  the  EEC  Treaty  an 
amended proposal for a directive. 

There are two different types of proposed amendments: 

The  first  type  is  of  a  more  general  kind  trying  to 
strengthen  the  improvement  of  health  and  safety  of 
workers in the extractive industries. 

The  second  type  refers  to  texts  for  improving  the 
safety  and  health  protection  of  workers,  as  already 
agreed  in  the  "common  position  adopted  by  Council  on 
30 April 1992  with  a  view  to  adopting  a  directive  on 
the  minimum  requirements  for  improving  the  safety  and 
health protection  of workers  in the  mineral-extracting 
industries through drilLing". 

The  layout  and the  aims of the amended  proposal  have  not been 
changed.  In global,  the  amendments  tend  towards  improving  the 
initial  proposal  by  adding  and  defining  some  more  precise 
details. 

Commission Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

- x U , 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
COMMUNITIES 

Having regard to the Treaty 
establishing the European Economic 
Community  and  in particular 
Article  118a thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal  from 
the Commission, prepared  after 
consulting the Safety and Health 
Commission  for the Mining and 
Other Extractive  Industriesi1), 

In cooperation with the European 
Parliament(2), 

Having regard to the opinion of 
the Economic and Social 
Committee v-3)  f 

whereas Article  118a of the Treaty 
provides that the Council  shall 
adopt, by means of directives, 
minimum  requirements  for 
encouraging  improvements, 
especially  in the working 
environment, to ensure a better 
level of protection of the safety 
and health of workers; 

Whereas, under the terms of that 
Article, those directives are to 
avoid  imposing administrative, 
financial and  legal constraints  in 
a way which could hold back the 
creation and development of  small 
and medium-sized  undertakings; 

Whereas the improvement of 
workers'  safety, hygiene and 
health at work  is an objective 
which  should not be  subordinated 
to purely economic considerations; 

Whereas Council  Directive 
89/654/EEC of 30 November  1989 
concerning minimum  safety and 
health requirements  for the 
workplacev4) does not cover the 
extractive industries; 

Whereas the extractive  industries 
are higher than average risk 
activities; 

Whereas the mines and quarries 
sector of these industries  is 
deemed to be of particular 
importance  for  introducing 
improvements  in the protection of 
the safety and health of workers; 

Whereas Article  11 of the proposal 
for a Council Directive  concerning 
minimum  requirements  for  improving 
the safety and health  protection 
of workers  in the  extractive 
industriesl5' 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

- 2 -

provides for the Council, in 
accordance with the procedure laid 
down in Article  118a of the 
Treaty, to adopt minimum 
requirements  for improving the 
safety and health protection in 
the extractive  industries 
concerned with exploration  for and 
exploitation of minerals  in mines 
and quarries; 

Whereas this Directive is an 
individual Directive within the 
meaning of Article  16(1) of 
Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 
June 1989 on the introduction of 
measures to encourage  improvements 
in the safety and health of 
workers at work*6); whereas, 
therefore, the provisions of the 
said Directive are fully 
applicable to the domain of the 
extractive  industries without 
prejudice to more restrictive 
and/or specific  provisions 
contained  in this Directive; 

Whereas this Directive  constitutes 
a practical aspect of the 
realization of the social 
dimension of the internal market, 
in respect of the extractive 
industries as defined by Council 
Decision 74/326/EEC of 27 June 
1974 on the extension of the 
responsibilities of the Mines 
Safety and Health Commission to 
all mineral-extracting 
industries(7); 

Whereas the surface back-up 
facilities of mines and quarries 
which are not essential to 
exploration, extraction  in the 
strict  sense of the word and 
preparation of the extracted 
materials  for sale, for example, 
the transformation of the 
extracted materials, are subject 
to the provisions of Directive 
89/654/EEC; 

Whereas, pursuant to Decision 
74/326/EEC, the Safety and Health 
Commission  for the Mining and 
Other Extractive  Industries is 
consulted by the Commission  on the 
drafting of proposals in this 
field, 

HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

- 3 -

SECTION I 

General provisions 

Article 1 

Subject 

This Directive, which  is an 
individual Directive within 
the meaning of Article 16(1) 
of Directive 89/391/EEC, 
lays down minimum 
requirements  for the safety 
and health protection of 
workers in the extractive 
industries as defined in 
Article 2. 

The provisions of Directive 
89/391/EEC are fully 
applicable to the domain 
referred to in paragraph 1 
of this Directive, without 
prejudice to more 
restrictive and/or specific 
provisions contained  in this 
Directive. 

2. 

Article 2 

Definitions 

For the purpose of this Directive: 

"Extractive industries" 
shall be taken to mean the 
activities of prospecting 
and of extraction  in the 
strict  sense of the word as 
well as of preparation of 
extracted materials for 
sale, but not the processing 
of such extracted 
materials,t2) . 

"workplace" means the whole 
area intended to house 
workstations  in which work 
is carried out,  including 
the immediate  and ancillary 
activities and facilities of 
the extractive  industries 
including  sanitary 
installations, rest-rooms 
and accommodation  where 
provided to which workers 
have access in the course of 
their work, 

Commission Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

- 4 -

"exploration for and 
exploitation of minerals by 
means of boreholes driven 
from the surface  (onshore or 
offshore), 

"exploration for and 
exploitation of minerals in 
surface workings" means all 
mining activities concerned 
with prospecting  for and 
extraction of minerals in 
workings in the open air, 

"exploration for and 
exploitation of minerals in 
underground workings" means 
all mining activities 
concerned with prospecting 
for and extraction of 
minerals in workings 
accessible by shafts and/or 
underground roadways. 

SECTION II 

Obligations of the employer 

Article 3 

General obligations 

1. 

To safeguard the safety and 
health of workers, the 
employer shall take the 
necessary measures to ensure 
that: 

To safeguard the safety and 
health of workers, the 
employer  shall take the 
necessary measures to ensure 
that: 

workplaces are designed, 
constructed, equipped, 
commissioned, operated and 
maintained  in such a way 
that workers can perform 
the work assigned to them 
without danger to 
themselves and/or others, 

responsible supervision is 
present during operation 
of manned workplaces, 

work involving a special 
risk is entrusted only to 
suitably qualified  staff 
and carried out in 
accordance with the 
instructions given, 

a) 

b) 

c) 

workplaces are designed, 
constructed,  equipped, 
commissioned, operated and 
maintained  in such a way 
that workers can perform the 
work assigned to them 
without endangering their 
safety and/or health and/or 
those of other workers; 

responsible  supervision  is 
present during operation of 
manned workplaces, 

work  involving  a special 
risk is entrusted  only to 
competent workers and 
carried out  in accordance 
with the instructions given, 

all safety  instructions 
are comprehensible to the 
workers concerned, 

d) 

all safety  instructions are 
comprehensible to the 
workers concerned, 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

-  5 -

appropriate  first-aid 
facilities are provided, 

any relevant  safety 
exercises are performed at 
regular  intervals. 

The employer  shall ensure 
that a document  concerning 
safety and health, 
herinafter  referred  to as 
"safety and  health 
document",  covering  the 
relevant  requirements  laid 
down  in Articles  6, 9, and 
10 of Directive 89/391/EEC, 
is drawn up and kept up to 
date. 

The safety and health 
document  shall demonstrate 
in particular: 

- that the risks  incurred by 

the workers at the 
workplace have been 
determined  and  assessed; 

- that adequate measures 

will be taken to attain 
the aims of this 
Directive; 

- that the design, use and 

maintenance of the 
workplace and of the 
equipment  are safe. 

The safety  and health 
document must  be drawn up 
prior to the commencement  of 
work and be revised  if the 
workplace has undergone 
major changes, extensions or 
conversions. 

- appropriate  first-aid 

facilities are provided, 

- any relevant  safety 

exercises are performed at 
regular intervals. 

2. 

Prior to the commencement  of 
work, and when changes are 
made during prospection 
and/or extraction of 
minerals, the employer  shall 
forward to the responsible 
authorities: 

e) 

f) 

2. 

- the name of the person or 
corporate body who assumes 
responsibility  for the 
health and safety of all 
operations and personnel, 
whether direct  employees 
or employees of 
contractors at an 
installation or a site for 
the prospection and/or 
extraction of minerals, 

- a document where the risks 
at an installation or a 
site for the prospection 
and/or extraction of 
minerals are assessed  from 
the concept  and design 
stage in an objective 
manner  in order to achieve 
the goals set down in this 
Directive and in its 
Annexes and to follow the 
provisions laid down in 
Articles 6(2), 9 and 10 of 
the Directive 89/391/EEC. 

3. 

The employer  shall report 
forthwith to the responsible 
authorities fatal and/or 
serous occupational 
accidents and dangerous 
situations and give an 
account of the measures 
taken to prevent any 
repetition. 

Article 4 

Protection against fire, 
explosions and noxious  atmospheres 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

-  6 -

The employer  shall take measures 
appropriate to the nature of the 
operation to protect  against, 
detect  and combat the starting and 
propagation of fires and 
explosions as well as the 
occurrence of explosive and/or 
noxious atmospheres. 

Article 5 

Escape and rescue facilities 

To ensure that workers have 
adequate opportunities  for leaving 
all workplaces promptly  and safely 
in the event of danger, the 
employer  shall provide and 
maintain appropriate means for 
escape and rescue. 

Article 6 

Communication, warning and alarm 
systems 

The employer  shall take measures 
to provide the necessary warning 
and other communication  systems to 
enable aid, escape, evacuation and 
rescue immediately,  in case of 
need. 

Article 7 

Provision of sanitary 
installations and rest-rooms 

The employer  shall provide and 
maintain appropriate  sanitary 
installations and rest-rooms, and 
if appropriate,  accommodation. 

Article 8 

Information of workers 

Without prejudice to Article 10 of 
Directive 89/391/EEC, workers 
and/or their representatives shall 
be informed of all measures to be 
taken concerning  safety and health 
at the workplaces, in particular 
of those relating to the 
implementation  of Articles 3 to 7. 

Article 9 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

- 7 -

Health  surveillance 

1. 

2. 

Health surveillance of 
workers as defined in 
Article  14 of Directive 
89/391/EEC must be carried 
out prior to the assigning 
of workers to duties related 
to the activities referred 
to in Article 2 and at 
regular  intervals 
thereafter. 

These health checks may in 
no circumstances  involve the 
workers in financial cost, 
as laid down  in Articles 6 
and 14 of Directive 
89/391/EEC. 

Article 10 

Consultation and participation of 
workers' 

Consultation and participation of 
workers and/or of their 
representatives  shall take place 
in accordance with Article  11 of 
Directive 89/391/EEC on the 
matters covered by this Directive 
and its Annexes. 

SECTION III 

Minimum requirements  for  improving 
the safety and health protection 
of workers 

Article 11 

Exploration  for and exploitation 
of minerals  in mines and quarries 

1. 

2. 

Workplaces concerned with 
exploration  for and 
exploitation of minerals in 
mines and quarries used for 
the first time after 31 
December  1993 must  satisfy 
the minimum  safety and 
health requirements laid 
down in the Annex. 

Workplaces existing before 
31 December  1993 must 
satisfy the minimum  safety 
and health requirements laid 
down in the Annex at the 
latest  nine years after that 
date. 

3. 

When workplaces undergo 
modifications, extensions 
and/or conversions after 31 
December  1993, the employer 

Commission Proposal  (0J No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended proposal 

- 8 

shall take the measures necessary 
to ensure that those 
modifications, extensions and/or 
conversions are in compliance with 
the corresponding minimum 
requirements laid down in the 
Annex. 

SECTION IV 

Other provisions 

Article 12 

Amendments to the Annexes 

Amendments to the Annexes as a 
result of: 

the adoption of Directives, 
technical harmonization and 
standardization, 

and/or 

technical progress, changes 
in international regulations 
or specifications, and new 
findings, 

shall be adopted in accordance 
with the procedure laid down in 
Article 17 of Directive 
89/391/EEC 

On such occasions the Commission 
shall consult the Safety and 
Health Commission for the Mining 
and Other Extractive Industries. 

Article 13 

Final provisions 

1. 

2. 

Member States shall bring  ' 
into force the laws, 
regulations and 
administrative provisions 
necessary to comply with 
this Directive by 31 
December 1993 and shall 
forthwith inform the 
Commission thereof. 

When Member States adopt 
these provisions, these 
shall contain a reference to 
this Directive or shall be 
accompanied by such 
reference at the time of 
their official publication. 
The procedure for such 
reference shall be adopted 
by the Member States. 

The Member States shall 
communicate to the 
Commission the texts of the 
provisions of national law 
which they have already 
adopted or adopt in the 
field governed by this 
Directive. 

3. 

Member States shall report 
to the Commission every five 

Commission Proposal  (0J No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

- 9 -

years on the practical 
implementation of the provisions 
of this Directive, indicating the 
points of view of employers and 
workers. 

The Commission  shall inform the 
European Parliament, the Council, 
the Economic and Social Committee 
and the Safety and Health 
Commission  for the Mining and 
Other Extractive Industries. 

Article 14 

This Directive is addressed to the 
Member States. 

Done at Brussels, 

By the Council 
The President 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPROVING 
THE SAFETY AND HEALTH PROTECTION 
OF WORKERS IN THE EXTRACTIVE 
INDUSTRIES CONCERNED WITH 
EXPLORATION  FOR AND EXPLOITATION 
OF MINERALS  IN MINES AND QUARRIES 

0.1 

PRELIMINARY NOTE 
The obligations  laid down in 
this Annex apply whenever 
required by the features of 
the workplace, the 
operation, the circumstances 
or the hazard. 

0.2 
0.2.1 Part 1 applies to operations 

SCOPE 

and workplaces at mines and 
quarries and ancillary 
surface  installations 
thereof.  Ancillary  surface 
installations are the 
buildings and  installations 
essential to the operation. 

0.2.2  Part 2 applies to operations 
and workplaces in the 
ancillary surface 
installations only of mines 
and quarries. 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

-  10 -

0.2.3  Part 3 applies to operations 

and workplaces in surface 
workings, excluding 
ancillary  surface 
installations thereof. 

0.2.4 Part 4 applies to operations 

and workplaces in 
underground miens, excluding 
ancillary surface 
installations thereof. 

0.2.5  Surface workings are 

therefore subject to the 
provisions of Parts 1, 2 and 
3, and underground mines are 
subject to the provisions of 
Parts 1, 2 and 4. 

1 

COMMON  REQUIREMENTS 
APPLICABLE TO MINES AND 
QUARRIES AND TO ANCILLARY 
SURFACE  INSTALLATIONS 
THEREOF 

1.1  OPERATIONS AND WORKPLACES 

1.1.1 Operations and workplaces 

must be organized  so as to 
provide adequate protection 
against hazards.  Workplaces 
must be kept in good order. 
Hazardous substances or 
deposits must be removed or 
treated  so that, as far as 
possible, they do not pose 
any threat to the health and 
safety of the workforce. 

1.1.2 Workstations must be 

designed, constructed and 
where possible equipped 
according to ergonomlc 
principles. 

1.1.3 Where workstations are 

occupied by lone workers, 
adequate supervision or 
means of communication  must 
be provided. 

1.2.  SUPERVISION  AND  ORGANIZATION 

1.2.1  Person in charge 

Operations and workplaces 
must  at all times be placed 
under the responsibility of 
a person who has the skills 
and competence  suitable for 
the position and has been 
duly authorized by the 
employer. 

A  4  Z  Workstations must be 

designed  and  constructed 
according to ergonomic 
principles, taking  account 
of the need  for workers to 
be able to follow operations 
taking place at their 
workstation. 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

-  11 -

1.2.2  Supervision 

Supervision may only be 
exercised by responsible, 
properly trained persons 
appointed by the employer. 

1.2.2  Supervision 

Supervision must be carried 
out, to ensure workers' 
safety and health protection 
during all operations, by 
persons with the abilities 
and competence  required  for 
supervisory  functions in 
accordance with national 
legislation  and/or practice, 
appointed  by the employer 
and acting on his behalf. 
The employer may personally 
carry out the supervision 
referred  to in the first 
indent  if he possesses the 
abilities  and  competence 
required  by national 
legislation  and/or practice. 

1.2.3 Competent  persons 

At every workplace there 
must be provided a 
sufficient  number of 
competent  persons having the 
abilities and experience 
necessary  to perform the 
tasks to which they are 
assigned. 

1.2.3  Competent  persons 

At every workplace at which 
workers are present  there 
must be a sufficient  number 
of workers having the 
necessary  abilities, 
experience  and training to 
perform the tasks to which 
they  are assigned. 

1.2.3a  Information,  instruction 

and training 

Workers must  be given the 
necessary  information, 
instruction, training and 
retraining  to ensure their 
health and  safety. The 
employer must  ensure that 
workers  receive 
comprehensible  instructions, 
so as not to endanger their 
own or other workers' 
health and  safety. 

1.2.4 Written  instructions 

Where appropriate, written 
instructions  specifying 
practices to be observed to 
ensure the safety of workers 
and the safe use of 
equipment must be provided. 

These must  include 
information on the use of 
emergency equipment  and the 
action to be taken in the 
event of an emergency at or 
near the workplace. 

1.2.4 Written  instructions 
Written  instructions 
specifying  practices to be 
observed  to ensure the 
safety and health of workers 
and the safe use of 
equipment must be provided 
for each workplace. 
These must  include 
information on the use of 
emergency equipment  and the 
action to be taken  in the 
event of an emergency  at or 
near the workplace. 

1.2.5  Safe systems of work 

Safe systems of work shall 
be implemented  at every 
workplace and  for every 
operation. 

Commission Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

-  12 -

1.2.6  Regular safety and health 

checks 
The employer must  organise 
regular checks on safety and 
health measures  for workers 
and on his safety and health 
management  system, to ensure 
that the requirements of 
this directive are adhered 
to. 

1.3.  MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL 
EQUIPMENT AND PLANT 

1.3.1 General 

Without prejudice to _ 
Directive 89/392/EEC<8> 
and Directive 
89/655/EEC<9>, mechanical 
and electrical equipment and 
plant must be designed, 
constructed,  installed, 
commissioned,  operated and 
maintained  so as to ensure 
safe operation.  If located 
in an area within which 
danger of fire or explosion 
from ignition of gas, vapour 
or volatile  liquid exists or 
is likely to exist,  it must 
be suitable  for use in that 
area. 

Equipment must, where 
appropriate, be fitted with 
suitable protective devices 
and fail-safe systems. 

1.3.2 Mechanical equipment and 

plant 

All equipment  and plant must 
be of good  construction, 
sound material, adequate 
strength and  free from 
patent defect  and suitable 
for the purpose  for which it 
is used. 

1.3.3  Electrical equipment  and 

installations 

All electrical equipment and 
installations must be 
sufficient  in size and power 
for the work for which  it is 
to be used, and so designed, 
constructed,  installed and 
protected  as to prevent 
danger. 

1.4  MAINTENANCE 
1.4.1 General maintenance 

There shall be in force a 
suitable scheme providing 
for the systematic 
examination, maintenance 
and, where appropriate, 
testing of mechanical and 
electrical equipment and 
plant. 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
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Amended  proposal 

-  13 -

All maintenance,  examination 
and testing of any part of 
those installations must  be 
carried out by  competent 
persons.  Records of 
examinations and tests must 
be made and kept  in an 
appropriate manner. 

1.4.2  Safety equipment  maintenance 

Safety equipment must  be 
maintained  ready  for use and 
in good order at all times. 
Maintenance must be 
undertaken with due regard 
to operations, to ensure 
that adequate protection  is 
always provided. 

1.5.  PROTECTION AGAINST THE RISKS 
OF EXPLOSION,  FIRE AND 
NOXIOUS ATMOSPHERES 

1.5.1 General 

1.5.1.1 All the measures 

identified  in the risk 
evaluation  exercise 
referred to in Articles 6, 
9 and 10 of Directive 
89/391/EEC*10) must be 
taken both to prevent  and 
detect the occurrence of 
fires and potentially 
explosive and/or  noxious 
atmospheres and to combat 
the dangers due to fires 
and potentially  explosive 
and/or noxious 
atmospheres. 

1.5.1.2 Smoking  is forbidden in 
areas subject to 
particular  fire or 
explosion hazards.  The 
use of any open  flame and 
of any equipment which may 
give rise to an ignition 
hazard  is also prohibited 
in such areas.  Exemptions 
may be made in the  latter 
case if adequate  safety 
precautions have been 
taken to prevent  the 
occurrence of fires or 
explosions. 

1.5.2  Protection against the risk 

of explosion 

1.5.2.1 Where appropriate, 

efficient means must  be 
provided  and used  for 
detecting the presence of 
substances  likely to form 
a potentially explosive 
atmosphere. 

1.5.2.1 Measures must  be taken to 

detect  and measure the 
concentration  of harmful 
and/or  potentially 
explosive  substances in 
the atmosphere, 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

-  14 -

Where the safety and 
health document so 
requires, the  following 
equipment must be 
provided:  monitoring 
devices for automatic and 
continuous  recording of 
gas concentrations at 
specified places, 
automatic  alarms, and 
devices  for automatic 
shutdown of  electrical 
installations and 
combustion engines. 

Where  automatic 
measurements  are provided 
for, the results must be 
recorded  and preserved  as 
specified  in the safety 
and  health  document. 

Where the circumstances so 
require, monitoring 
devices  permanently 
measuring gas 
concentrations at 
specified places, 
automatic  alarms and 
devices  for automatic 
shutdown of electrical 
installations and 
permanently  installed 
combustion  engines must be 
provided. 

1.5.2.2 An explosion  protection 

plan detailing the 
equipment  and the measures 
to be taken in accordance 
with Articles 3, 4, 5 and 
6  to protect  against, 
detect  and combat the 
initiation  and propagation 
of explosions must be 
prepared.  It must be 
brought up to date 
periodically  and held 
available at the 
workplace. 

1.5.3  Protection  against  fire 

risks 

1.5.3.1 Provision must be made for 
fast and effective 
fighting of all fires. 

1.5.3.2 Workplaces must be 

equipped,  if necessary, 
with  suitable fire-
fighting  equipment and, 
where appropriate, with 
fire detectors and alarm 
systems. 

1.5.3.3 Fire-fighting  equipment 

intended  for general use 
must be easily  accessible, 
simple to use and, where 
necessary, protected  from 
damage. 

1.5.3.4 A  fire protection  plan 

detailing the equipment 
and the measures to be 
taken  in accordance  with 
Articles  3, 4, 5 and 6 to 
protect  against, detect 
and combat the outbreak 
and  spread of fires must 
be prepared.  It must be 
brought up to date 
periodically  and held 
available at the 
workplace. 

1.5.3.5 Fire-fighting  equipment 

must be indicated by 
signs. 

Commission Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
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Amended  proposal 

-  15 -

1.5.4 Protection  against  noxious 

atmospheres 

1.5.4.1 Where  appropriate, 

efficient means must be 
provided  and used for 
detecting the presence and 
measuring the 
concentration of noxious 
substances  in the 
atmosphere. 

1.5.4.2 Monitoring  devices 

measuring  dangerous 
concentrations of noxious 
substances must be 
installed  and used in 
accordance with the risk 
evaluation  exercise 
carried  out in accordance 
with  Directive 
89/391/EEC(i:L). 

1.5.4.3 Where noxious  substances 
accumulate or are likely 
to accumulate  in the 
atmosphere,  appropriate 
measures must be taken to 
render them harmless, so 
that the risk to workers 
is minimized. 

1.5.4.4 A noxious  atmosphere 

prevention plan detailing 
the equipment and the 
measures to be taken in 
accordance with Articles 
3, 4, 5 and 6 to protect 
against, detect and combat 
the  formation of noxious 
atmospheres must be 
prepared.  It must be 
brought up to date 
periodically  and held 
available at the 
workplace. 

1.6 

EXPLOSIVES AND  INITIATING 
DEVICES 

Operations  involving the 
storage, transport and use 
of explosives and initiating 
devices must be carried out 
by duly authorized and 
competent  persons.  Such 
operations must be organized 
and performed  in such a way 
that there is no risk to 
workers. 

1.7 

TRAFFIC ROUTES 

1.7.1 It must be possible to reach 

workstations  and workplaces 
without  danger and to leave 
them quickly and safely in 
an emergency. 

1.7.2 Traffic  routes, both for 

vehicles and for workers, 
must be so located and of 
such dimensions that they 
are safe. 

• 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

-  16 -

1.7.3  The dimensions of  traffic 

routes  for persons, products 
and/or equipment must  be 
suitable  for the number of 
potential  users and the type 
of undertaking. 

All measures must be taken 
to ensure the  safety  and 
health of pedestrians  and 
workers employed  on or  in 
the vicinity  of  traffic 
routes. 

1.7.4  Sufficient  clearance must  be 
allowed  between  vehicle 
traffic  routes and doors, 
gates,  footpaths, corridors 
and staircases. 

1.7.5  Where the use of  and 

equipment  rooms  so require, 
traffic  or access  routes 
must be clearly  identified 
for the protection of 
workers. 

1.7.6  Where vehicles or machines 

enter workplaces, traffic 
regulations must  be 
established  as necessary. 

1.8 

OUTDOOR  WORKPLACES 

Where workers  are  employed 
at workstations outdoors, 
such workstations must  as 
far as possible be  arranged 
so that workers  are 
protected  against  inclement 
weather. 

1.9 

DANGEROUS  AREAS 

1.9.1  Areas where there  is a 

particular  hazard  must  be 
indicated,  and warning  signs 
placed. 

1.9.2  Unauthorised  access to 

workplaces with  dangerous 
areas,  including  those where 
there  is a risk of object  or 
workers  falling, must  where 
possible be  prevented. 

1.9.3  Appropriate measures must  be 

taken to ensure  protection 
of the health  and  safety of 
workers  authorized  to enter 
dangerous areas. 

1.10  EMERGENCY  ROUTES AND  EXITS 

Commission Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

-  17 -

1.10.1  In the event of danger, it 
must be possible for 
workers to evacuate the 
workstation and, if 
necessary, the workplace 
quickly  and as safely as 
possible. 

1.10.2  Emergency  routes and exits 
must remain clear and lead 
as directly  as possible to 
he open air, to a safe 
area, a safe  assembly 
point or to an abandonment 
station. 

1.10.3  The number,  distribution 

and dimensions of the 
emergency  routes and exits 
depend on the use, 
equipment  and dimensions 
of the workplaces and the 
maximum  number of persons 
that may be present. 

1.10.4  Emergency  doors must 

either open outwards or, 
if this is not possible, 
be designed  as sliding 
doors. 

1.10.5  Emergency  doors  should not 

be so locked or fastened 
that they  cannot be easily 
and  immediately opened by 
any person who may require 
to use them  in an 
emergency. 

1.10.6  Emergency  doors must not 

be locked by key.  The 
emergency  routes and 
exits, and the traffic 
routes and doors giving 
access to them, must be 
free from obstruction so 
that they can be used at 
any time without 
hindrance. 

1.10.7  Emergency  routes and exits 

requiring  illumination 
must be provided  with 
emergency  lighting of 
adequate  intensity  in case 
the  lighting  fails. 

1.10.8  Specific  emergency  routes 
and exits must be 
indicated by signs. 

1.11  MEANS OF EVACUATION AND 

ESCAPE 

1.11.1  Workers must be trained in 

the appropriate  action to 
be taken  in emergencies. 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

-  18 -

1.11.2  Rescue equipment must be 

kept ready  for use at 
appropriately  sited places 
which are readily 
accessible and  signposted. 

1.11.3  Where escape routes may 

pass through areas 
susceptible to 
irrespirable atmospheres, 
self-rescue apparatus 
appropriate to the risk 
and conditions of escape 
must be provided at the 
workstation. 

1.12. SAFETY EXERCISES 

Safety exercises must be 
held at workplaces at 
regular  intervals.  The main 
purpose of these exercises 
is to instruct  and examine 
persons to whom duties have 
been assigned  in the event 
of emergency,  involving the 
use, handling or operation 
of emergency  equipment. 
Where relevant, these 
persons must  also be able to 
practise the correct use, 
handling or operation of 
that equipment. 

1.13. FIRST AID FACILITIES 

1.13.1  First aid equipment  must 

be available in all places 
where working  conditions 
require it and must be 
appropriate to the 
operation. 

This equipment must be 
indicated by suitable 
signs and easily 
accessible. 

1.13.2  Where appropriate, a 

suitable room where first 
aid can be administered  to 
injured persons must be 
provided.  Clearly visible 
first aid instructions in 
the event of accidents 
must be displayed  in this 
room. 

First aid rooms must be 
provided with essential 
first aid  installations 
and equipment  and be 
easily accessible for 
stretchers.  They must be 
indicated by suitable 
signs. 

1.13.3  A sufficient  number of 

persons must be given 
basic and continuous 
training  in first aid. 

1.14. LIGHTING 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

-  19 -

1.14.1  Workplaces must as far as 
possible receive 
sufficient  natural light 
and be equipped with 
artificial lighting 
adequate  for the 
protection of workers' 
safety and health. 

1.14.2  Lighting  installations 

must be placed  in such a 
way that there is no risk 
of accident to workers as 
a result of the type of 
lighting  fitted. 

1.14.3  Workplaces and 

workstations where workers 
are particularly  exposed 
to risks in the event of 
failure of artificial 
lighting must be provided 
with emergency  lighting of 
adequate  intensity, or 
workers must be provided 
with a personal  lamp. 

1.14.3  Workplaces and 

workstations where workers 
are exposed to risks in 
the event of  failure of 
artificial  lighting must 
be provided with emergency 
lighting of adequate 
intensity, or workers must 
be provided with a 
personal  lamp. 

1.15  CHANGING  ROOMS AND  SANITARY 

INSTALLATIONS 

1.15.1  Changing  rooms 

1.15.1.1 Appropriate  changing 

rooms must be provided 
for workers  if they have 
to wear special work 
clothes and where, for 
reasons of hygiene or 
propriety, they cannot be 
expected to change in 
another room.  Changing 
rooms must be easily 
accessible, have 
sufficient  capacity and 
be provided with seating. 

1.5.1.2 Changing rooms must be 
sufficiently  large and 
have facilities to enable 
all workers to lock away 
their clothes during 
working hours.  Provision 
must be made to enable wet 
working  clothes to be 
dried. 

If circumstances so 
require  (e.g. dangerous 
substances, humidity, 
dirt),  changing rooms for 
work clothes must be 
separate from those for 
ordinary clothes. 

Commission Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

- 20 -

1.15.1.3  Provision must be made 

for separate changing 
rooms or separate use of 
changing  rooms for men 
and women. 

1.15.1.4  If changing rooms are not 

required under point 
1.15.1.1, all workers 
must be provided with a 
place to store their 
clothes. 

1.15.2  Showers and washing 
facilities 

1.15.2.1 Where required by the 

nature of the work or for 
hygienic reasons, an 
adequate number of 
suitable showers must be 
provided  for workers. 

Provision must be made 
for either  separate 
shower rooms or separate 
use of shower rooms for 
men and women. 

1.15.2.2  Shower rooms must permit 

each worker to wash 
without hindrance in 
suitably  hygienic 
conditions and must be 
equipped with hot and 
cold water. 

1.15.2.3  If showers are not 

required under point 
1.15.2.1, an adequate 
number of suitable 
washbasins with hot and 
cold water must be 
provided  in the vicinity 
of the changing rooms. 

1.15.2.4 Where the rooms housing 

the showers or washbasins 
are separate from the 
changing rooms, there 
must be easy 
communication  between the 
two. 

1.16  OVERBURDEN AND OTHER TIPS 

Overburden, dumps, spoil 
heaps and other tips, as 
well as settling lagoons, 
must be designed, 
constructed,  operated and 
maintained  in such a way as 
to ensure their stability, 
as well as the safety and 
health of workers. 

2. 

SPECIAL  REQUIREMENTS 
APPLICABLE TO ANCILLARY 
SURFACE  INSTALLATIONS OF 
MINES AND QUARRIES 

2.1 

STABILITY AND SOLIDITY 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

- 21 -

Ancillary  surface 
installations housing 
workstations must have a 
structure and solidity 
appropriate to the nature of 
their use. 

2.2 

FLOORS, WALLS, CEILINGS AND 
ROOFS 

2.2.1 Floors must be fixed, 

stable, non-slip,  smooth and 
free of dangerous holes or 
dangerous slopes. 

Rooms containing 
workstations must  have 
adequate thermal  insulation, 
bearing  in mind the nature 
of the work involved and the 
physical activity of the 
workers. 

The surfaces of floors, 
walls and ceilings must be 
such that they can be kept 
at an appropriate  standard 
of hygiene. 

2.2.2 Transparent  or translucent 

walls  (particularly glass 
partitions  in the vicinity 
of workstations and traffic 
routes) must be clearly 
indicated.  They must be 
made of safety materials or 
be shielded  from 
workstations and traffic 
routes to prevent workers 
from coming  into contact 
with them or being  injured 
in the event of breakage. 

2.2.3 Access to roofs made of 

materials of  insufficient 
strength must not be 
permitted unless equipment 
is provided to ensure that 
the work can be carried out 
in a safe manner. 

2.3 

ROOM DIMENSIONS 

2.3.1 Workstations must wherever 

possible have sufficient 
floor area and height to 
allow workers to perform 
their work without  risk to 
their safety, health or 
well-being. 

2.3.2 The space available to 

workers at their workstation 
must wherever possible 
permit  sufficient  freedom of 
movement  and allow them to 
perform their work safely. 

2.4  WINDOWS AND  SKYLIGHTS 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

-  22 -

2.4.1 Windows, skylights and 

ventilation devices which 
are meant to be opened, 
adjusted or secured must be 
designed  so that these 
operations can be carried 
out  safely. 

2.4.2 They must not be positioned 

so as to constitute a hazard 
to workers when open. 

2.4.3  It must be possible, with 
the appropriate equipment, 
to clean windows and 
skylights without risk. 

2.5 

DOORS AND GATES 

2.5.1 The position, number and 

dimensions of doors and 
gates, and the materials 
used in their  construction 
must be determined by the 
nature and use of the rooms 
or areas. 

2.5.2 Transparent  doors and gates 

must be marked at eye level. 

2.5.3  Swing doors and gates must 

be transparent  or have 
suitable see-through panels. 

2.5.4 Where there is a danger that 

workers may be injured if 
door8 or gates with 
transparent  or translucent 
surfaces break, such 
surfaces must be protected 
against this risk. 

2.5.5  Sliding doors must be fitted 
with safety devices to 
prevent  them from being 
derailed and falling over. 

2.5.6 Doors and gates opening 

upwards must be fitted with 
a mechanism to secure them 
against  falling back 
accidentally. 

2.5.7 Doors along escape routes 
must be appropriately 
marked.  It must be possible 
to open them at any time. 

2.5.8 Doors for pedestrians must 

be provided  in the  immediate 
vicinity of any gates 
intended primarily  for 
vehicle traffic, unless it 
is safe for pedestrians to 
pas through such gates. 
Such doors must be clearly 
marked and kept  free of 
obstruction. 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

- 23 -

2.5.9 Mechanical doors and gates 

must  function in such a way 
that there is no risk of 
accident to workers. 

They must be fitted with 
easily  identifiable and 
accessible emergency stop 
devices.  Unless they open 
automatically,  in the event 
of a power failure it must 
also be possible to open 
them manually. 

2.6 

VENTILATION OF ROOMS 

2.6.1 Steps shall be taken to 

ensure that there is 
sufficient  fresh air in 
rooms, having regard to the 
working methods used and the 
physical demands placed on 
the workers. 

If a ventilation system is 
used,  it shall be maintained 
in good working order.  Any 
breakdown must be indicated 
by a control system where 
this is necessary for 
workers' health. 

2.6.2 Any air-conditioning or 

mechanical ventilation 
installations must  function 
in such a way that workers 
are not exposed to draughts 
which cause discomfort. 

Any deposit or dirt  likely 
to create an immediate 
danger to the health of 
workers by polluting the 
atmosphere must be removed 
without delay. 

2.7 

ROOM  TEMPERATURE 

2.7.1 During working hours, the 
temperature  in rooms 
containing workstations must 
be suitable for workers, 
having regard to the working 
methods being used and the 
physical demands placed on 
the workers. 

2.7.2 The temperature  in rest 

areas, rooms for duty staff, 
sanitary facilities, 
canteens and first aid rooms 
must be appropriate to the 
particular purpose of such 
areas. 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  orooosal 

* 

- 24 -

2.7.3 Windows, skylights and glass 

partitions should avoid the 
excessive effects of 
sunlight  at workstations, 
having regard to the nature 
of the work and 
workstations. 

2.8 

REST-ROOMS - SANITARY 
INSTALLATIONS 

2.8.1 Rest  rooms 

2.8.1.1 Where the safety, health 
or number of workers so 
requires, workers must be 
provided with an easily 
accessible  rest-room. 

This provision does not 
apply where the workers 
are employed  in offices or 
similar workrooms offering 
equivalent  relaxation 
during breaks. 

2.8.1.2 Rest-rooms must be large 
enough  for the number of 
workers and equipped with 
an adequate number of 
tables and seats with 
backs. 

2.8.1.3 Appropriate measures must 

be taken  in rest-rooms for 
the protection of non-
smokers against tobacco 
smoke. 

2.8.1.4 If working hours are 

regularly  and  frequently 
interrupted  and there is 
no rest-room,  other rooms 
must be provided  in which 
workers can stay during 
such interruptions, 
wherever this is necessary 
for their safety or 
health. 

2.8.2 Lavatories and washbasins 

2.8.2.1 Separate  facilities must 

be provided  in the 
vicinity of workstations, 
rest-rooms, changing rooms 
and rooms housing  showers 
or washbasins, with an 
adequate number of 
lavatories and washbasins. 

2.8.2.2 Provision must be made for 

separate  lavatories or 
separate use of lavatories 
for men and women. 

Commission Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

- 25 -

3. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 
APPLICABLE TO SURFACE 
WORKINGS 

3.1  General 

Surface workings to which 
workers have access must be 
designed,  equipped, 
operated, monitored and 
maintained  so that as far as 
possible there is no danger 
to workers. 

3.2 

Operation 

3.2.1 Operations must not be 

undertaken unless a document 
specifying the requirements 
for workers safety and 
health protection has been 
prepared.  This document 
must be brought up to date 
periodically  and held 
available at the workplace. 

Work must be carried out in 
accordance with this 
document. 

3.2.2 Work must be planned taking 

into account the risk of 
falls or slips of ground. 
In particular, the height 
and slope of overburden 
stripping and extraction 
faces must be appropriate to 
the nature and stability of 
the ground  and the methods 
of working. 

Benches and haul roads must 
be stable enough  for the 
plant used.  They must be 
constructed  and maintained 
in such a way that plant can 
be moved  safely. 

3.2.3  Before the start or re-start 
of work, stripping and 
extraction  faces above work 
areas or haul roads must be 
checked  for loose ground or 
rocks, and scaling must be 
carried out where necessary. 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

- 26 -

3.2.4  Faces and tips must  not be 

worked  in such a way that 
unstable overhangs are 
created. 

3.2.4  Faces and tips must  not be 

worked  in such  a way that 
instability  is created. 

4. 

SPECIAL  REQUIREMENTS 
APPLICABLE TO UNDERGROUND 
WORKINGS 

4.1  GENERAL 

Underground workings to 
which workers have access 
must be designed,  equipped, 
operated, monitored  and 
maintained  so that  as far as 
possible there is no danger 
to workers. 

4.2  OPERATION 

4.2.1 Operations must  not be 

undertaken unless a document 
specifying the requirements 
for workers' safety and 
health protection  has been 
prepared. 

Work must be carried out 
accordance with this 
document. 

in 

4.2.2  Plans of underground 

workings drawn to a scale 
which provides a clear 
representation must be 
prepared.  In addition to 
roadways and winning areas, 
they must  show the known 
features which may  influence 
working  and safety.  They 
must be readily  accessible 
and must be kept  for as long 
as is necessary  for safety 
purposes. 

4.3  OUTLETS 

All mines must  have access 
to the surface via at least 
two separate outlets which 
are soundly constructed  and 
readily accessible to 
underground workers. 

Mechanical man-winding  or 
man-riding  facilities must 
be available  for these 
outlets  if considerable 
physical effort  is involved 
in negotiating  them. 

Commission Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

- 27 -

4.4.  WORKINGS 

Workings must be 
constructed, equipped, 
operated and maintained so 
that workers can work and 
move in them with a minimum 
of risk. 

Roadways must be signposted 
to help workers to find 
their way about the 
workings. 

4.5  TRANSPORT 

4.5.1  Transport  facilities must be 
installed, operated and 
maintained  in such a way as 
to ensure the safety and 
health of drivers, users and 
other persons in the 
vicinity. 

4.5.2 Mechanical man-winding or 
man-riding  facilities must 
be properly  installed and 
used in accordance with 
written instructions. 

4.6 

SUPPORT AND GROUND  STABILITY 

Support must be provided as 
soon as possible after 
excavation, except where the 
stability of the ground 
makes it unnecessary  for the 
safety of workers.  Support 
must be installed in 
accordance with plans and 
written instructions. 

Workings accessible to 
workers must be inspected 
regularly  for ground 
stability, and support 
maintained  accordingly. 

4.7  VENTILATION 

4.7.1 All underground workings to 

which access is permitted 
must be ventilated  in an 
appropriate manner. 

Continuous ventilation must 
be provided to maintain, 
with an adequate safety 
margin: 

- a healthy atmosphere, 

- an atmosphere in which the 

risks of explosion are 
kept under control, 

Commission Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

- 28 -

- an atmosphere  is which 
working conditions are 
adequate while work is in 
progress, having regard to 
the working methods being 
used and the physical 
demands placed on the 
workers. 

4.7.2  Where the requirements of 

point 4.7.1  cannot be met by 
natural ventilation, the 
main ventilation must be 
provided by means of one or 
more mechanical  fans. 

Steps must be taken to 
ensure stable and continuous 
ventilation. 

The depression of the main 
fans must be monitored 
continuously, and an 
automatic alarm must 
indicate unscheduled 
stoppages. 

4.7.3  The ventilation parameters 

must be measured 
periodically  and recorded. 
A ventilation plan 
containing the pertinent 
details of the ventilation 
system must be prepared, 
brought up to date 
periodically  and held 
available at the workplace. 

4.8 

GASSY MINES 

4.8.1  An underground mine is 

regarded  as gassy if 
firedamp is likely to be 
released  in such a quantity 
that the risk of formation 
of an explosive atmosphere 
cannot be excluded. 

4.8.2  The main ventilation must be 
provided by one or more 
mechanical  fans. 

4.8.3  Mining must proceed taking 
account of  firedamp 
emission.  Steps must be 
taken to eliminate as far as 
possible the risks arising 
from firedamp. 

4.8.4  Auxiliary ventilation must 

be limited to development 
and salvage work and to 
places with a direct 
connection to the main 
ventilation current. 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

29 -

Production workings may be 
ventilated  by auxiliary 
systems only  if appropriate 
additional measures are 
taken to ensure the safety 
and health of workers. 

8.5 The ventilation  measurements 
referred  to under point 
4.7.3  must be  supplemented 
by firedamp determinations. 

4.8.5  The ventilation  measurements 
referred  to under point 
4.7.3  must  be  supplemented 
by  firedamp determinations. 

Firedamp  levels must  also be 
continuously monitored  in 
return airways from 
production units using 
mechanized  extraction or 
underwinning  and at the head 
ends of mechanized  blind end 
workings, taking  into 
account  the result of the 
risk evaluation  exercise 
carried  out  in accordance 
with Articles  6, 9 and  10 of 
Directive  89/391/EEC<12). 

Firedamp  levels must also be 
permanently monitored  in 
return airways from 
production units using 
mechanized  extraction or 
underpinning and at the head 
ends of mechanized  blind end 
workings, taking  into 
account the result of the 
risk evaluation exercise 
carried  out  in accordance 
with Articles  6, 9 and  10 of 
Directive  89/391/EEC(12). 

4.8.6 Only explosives and 

initiating  devices 
specifically  for gassy mines 
may be used. 

4.8.7 The provisions of point 
1.5.1.2 are replaced as 
follows: 

- smoking, carrying tobacco 

for smoking  and any 
objects which may be used 
to produce a flame are 
prohibited, 

-  flame cutting, welding and 
other  similar  operations 
are permitted  only in 
exceptional  circumstances 
and subject to specific 
measures ensuring the 
safety and health of the 
workers. 

4.9 

FLAMMABLE  DUSTS 

4.9.1 Coal mines are considered to 

be susceptible to  flammable 
dusts except where the 
result of the risk 
evaluation exercise carried 
out  in accordance with 
Directive  89/391/EECi13) 
shows that  none of the seams 
being worked  contains dust 
liable to propagate an 
explosion. 

4.9.2 The provisions of points 

4.8.6  and 4.8.7  apply 
mutatis mutandis. 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

-  30 -

4.9.3  Steps must be taken to 

reduce flammable dust 
deposits, and to remove, 
neutralize or bind the same. 

4.9.4  Propagation of  flammable 

dust  and/or  firedamp 
explosions which are liable 
to trigger  further  flammable 
dust explosions must be 
limited by  installing a 
system of explosion 
barriers, the locations of 
which must be indicated  in a 
document which  is brought  up 
to date periodically  and 
held available  at the 
workplace. 

4.10  MINES SUSCEPTIBLE TO GAS 
OUTBURSTS, ROCKBURSTS OR 
WATER  INRUSHES 

4.10.1  In parts of mines 

susceptible to gas 
outbursts  (with or without 
the projection of minerals 
or rock),  rockbursts or 
water  inrushes, an 
operating plan must be 
drawn up and  implemented 
so as to ensure, as far as 
possible, a safe system of 
work and the protection of 
workers. 

4.10.2  Measures must be taken to 

identify risk zones, 
protect workers in 
workings approaching or 
traversing these zones, 
and control the risks. 

4.11  FIRES, COMBUSTIONS  AND 

HEATINGS 

4.11.1  Provision must be made for 

the prevention  and, where 
appropriate, the early 
detection of  spontaneous 
combustion. 

4.11.2  Flammable materials taken 
into underground  workings 
must be limited to the 
quantities which are 
strictly  necessary. 

Commission Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

-  31 -

4.12  PRECAUTIONS FOR  WITHDRAWAL 

OF WORKERS 

So that they can withdraw in 
safety, workers must, where 
necessary, be provided with 
self-rescue respiratory 
protection devices which 
they must always keep within 
their reach.  Workers must 
be trained in the use of 
these devices, which must 
remain at the mine and be 
checked regularly to ensure 
that they are in good 
condition. 

4.13  LIGHTING 

The provisions of point  1.13 
are replaced as follows: 

- workers must be provided 
with a suitable personal 
lamp, 

- workstations must as far 
as possible be equipped 
with artificial  lighting 
adequate for the 
protection of workers' 
safety and health, 

-  lighting  installations 

must be placed  in such a 
way that there is no risk 
of accident to workers as 
a result of the type 
fitted. 

4.14  UNDERGROUND WORKFORCE 

ACCOUNTING 

It must be possible to know 
exactly who is underground 
at any time. 

4.15  RESCUE ORGANISATION 

In order to enable suitable 
action to be taken rapidly 
and effectively  in the event 
of a major incident, an 
adequate rescue organization 
must be available to act at 
any site where underground 
extraction or exploratory 
workings are in progress. 
The rescue organization must 
have sufficient trained 
rescue workers and adequate 
rescue equipment  at its 
disposal. 

Commission  Proposal  (OJ No C 58, 
5.3.1992) 

Amended  proposal 

-  32 -

J OJ No C58, 5.3.1992, p. 3 
2  OJ NO C  , 
3  OJ No C  , 
J OJ No L393, 30.12.1989, p. 1 
\  OJ No C32, 7.2.1991, p. 7 
° OJ No L183, 29.6.1989, p. 1 
I OJ No L185, 9.7.1974, p. 8 
°  OJ No L183, 29.6.1989, p. 9 
?nOJ No L393, 30.12.1989, p. 13 
}? OJ No L183, 29.6.1989, p. 1 
}J OJ No L189, 29.6.1989, p. 1 
ii  OJ NO L183, 29.6.1989, p. 1 
13  OJ No L183, 29.6.1989, p. 1 

-  33 

ISSN 0254-1475 

COM(92) 251 final 

DOCUMENTS 

EN 

04 

Catalogue number: CB-CO-92-260-EN-C 

ISBN 92-77-44980-2 

Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
LP2985 Luxembourg