WRITTEN QUESTION E-1582/01 by Helle Thorning-Schmidt (PSE) to the Commission. Protection of workers from organic solvents.
Date: 2001-06-01
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: dangerous substance, occupational health, occupational safety, solvent, substitute product

C 350 E/196

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

11.12.2001

pilchardus walbaum(cid:146). This reserve is not only justified by a legitimate interest of the Community legislator
but it is also in line with international standards on this matter, like the Codex Alimentarius.

Moreover, that Regulation (EEC) No 2136/89 was not enacted as a way to afford protection to the
Community industry is shown by the fact that around 38 % of all sardines consumed in the Community
are imported.

The Commission would like to take this opportunity to inform the Honourable Member that Peru has
requested WTO consultations concerning Regulation (EEC) No 2136/89. The Commission will use these
consultations to explain in detail to the Peruvian authorities why Regulation (EEC) No 2136/89 is fully
compatible with the Community international obligations.

(2001/C 350 E/212)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1582/01

by Helle Thorning-Schmidt (PSE) to the Commission

Subject: Protection of workers from organic solvents

(1 June 2001)

Many European workers, painters among them, are exposed on a daily basis to hazardous substances and
materials, including organic solvents.

One of the main features of European work environment legislation is an emphasis on substituting
hazardous with non-hazardous substances. However, it is not always possible to do so.

Is the Commission considering the possibility of submitting a proposal to improve protection against
organic solvents, and is the Commission familiar with national systems which provide employees and
employers with easily assimilated instructions on the safety measures to take if it is not possible to
substitute hazardous with non-hazardous substances?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(17 July 2001)

The Commission is familiar with the problem raised by the Honourable Member, which concerns the
replacement of a hazardous substance by one which is not hazardous or less hazardous to workers(cid:146) health.

This is also one of the employers(cid:146) obligations set out in Article 6 (2) of Council Directive 98/24/EC of
7 April 1998 on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical
agents at work (1).

The Honourable Member is correct in stating that substitution is not always possible, in particular because
of
the specific characteristics of certain chemical substances. However, Article 6 (2) requires other
protection and prevention measures to be taken in such a situation.

With particular regard to organic solvents, the Commission is aware that certain Member States have
produced guidelines to be followed by employees in order to minimise the risks associated with the use of
these chemical substances.

Taking account of experience in the Member States, and in accordance with Article 12 (2) of the above-
mentioned Council Directive, the Commission will in the near future draw up practical guidelines of a non-
binding nature, which will cover inter alia the subject raised by the Honourable Member.

(1) OJ L 131, 5.5.1998.