EHS Global Alert - Sample - Health and Safety
17 February 2005
ISSN
1546-9026
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Australia - Commonwealth and NSW
Australian Standard for the safe storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids revised
Safe Design Guideline proposed
Australia - Commonwealth and Victoria
Australian Standard for the safe storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids revised
Safe Design Guideline proposed
Victoria: Fall prevention guidelines released
Victoria: SafetyMAP health and safety auditing tool standards revised
There is no activity to report this month.
Proposal for a National Health and Safety Policy under discussion
There is no activity to report this month.
There is no activity to report this month.
Guideline for emergency measures for hazardous chemicals adopted
Rules on safety training and training institutes specified
Strict safety control over installations producing or storing hazardous chemicals applied
Supervision on operators handling special equipment tightened
Regulation on fire protection and its manual on technical provisions
There is no activity to report this month.
There is no activity to report this month.
Commission's development of an EU strategy on mercury
Commission Directive amending plant protection products Directive
Draft Directive on workers' exposure to optical radiation issued
Adopted a Decree on the Protection of Employees from Vibration
There is no activity to report this month.
Compulsory membership in Occupational Insurance Associations is legal
Proposal for stricter control of high activity sealed radioactive sources
There is no activity to report this month.
There is no activity to report this month.
There is no activity to report this month.
There is no activity to report this month.
There is no activity to report this month.
Circular issued on prevention of fire in facilities with a high risk of incidents
Guidelines regarding microbiological diagnosis and legionella issued
Regulations regarding the installation and use of pressure equipment and assemblies adopted
Transposed Directive 2001/45/EU on minimum safety requirements of working equipment for working at height
2004 inspection results of tank lorries and vehicles transporting dangerous goods released
There is no activity to report this month.
Official Mexican Norm for procedures on safety with chemical substances
Publication of the manual for organization of the Mexican Labor Ministry
ADR/RID implemented in Regulations on Transport of Dangerous Goods by road and by rail
There is no activity to report this month.
Medical prophylactic cards for workers exposed to asbestos
Ordinance on Carcinogenic and Mutagenic Substances adopted
Ordinance on the Protection of the Health and Safety of Workers from the Risks Related to Chemical Agents at Work adopted
There is no activity to report this month.
Amendment to the law "On Fire Safety"
Amendments to the law "On sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the public"
Federal law "On insurance premiums for mandatory social insurance in relation to occupational accidents and illnesses for the year 2005" was adopted.
Order approving a list of harmful and/or dangerous industrial factors and types of occupation has been signed.
Resolution "On the state fire safety control"
Ministry of Manpower to raise occupational health and safety standards after studying Europe's self regulatory framework
Scaffold contractor fined for violating safety requirements under the Factories Act
Circular instruction issued regarding compensation for work-related upper respiratory tract disorders
Draft circular instruction issued regarding compensation for work-aggravated asthma
Safety management of tower cranes to be tightened
Scope and frequency of medical examination to be increased
Strict safety management for prevention of industrial accident required
Updated list of institutions for indoor air quality assessment released
There is no activity to report this month.
A Governmental action program on reduced administration for companies
Regulations on the supervision of certain environmental dangerous activities
Review of Regulations on thermosetting plastics
There is no activity to report this month.
There is no activity to report this month.
There is no activity to report this month.
There is no activity to report this month.
There is no activity to report this month.
SELECT COUNTRY ABSTRACTS
Argentina
______________________________
National Prevention Program on occupational accident and illness aimed at Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) adopted [8358]
Health and Safety - Management
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
04-January-2005
On 4 January 2005, the Superintendence
of Occupational Risks (SRT) adopted Resolution 1/2005 to establish a National
Prevention Program concerning occupational accidents and illnesses at Small
and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) operating in Argentina. It aims at improving
safety conditions at the workplace by reducing the number of occupational
accidents and illnesses at SMEs by 10 per cent.
Resolución 1/2005 por la que se crea el Programa para la Prevención de Accidentes de Trabajo y Enfermedades Profesionales en PYMES // Resolution 1/2005 on the Prevention Program concerning occupational accidents and illnesses at SMEs
Back to Table of Contents—Argentina
Australia - Commonwealth and NSW
______________________________
Australian Standard for the safe storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids revised [8287]
Health and Safety - Management
Action: Guidance - Date of Adoption:
29-October-2004
On 29 October 2004 a completely revised
edition of AS 1940-2004, The storage and handling of flammable and combustible
liquids, was published to supersede the 1993 edition. This is a major Standard
that is referenced in the dangerous goods regulations of several states
and territories throughout Australia and can otherwise be used as best
practice guidance. The Standard was amended and reissued in November 2004.
Australian Standard 1940-2004, The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
Back to Table of Contents—Australia - Commonwealth and NSW
______________________________
Safe Design Guideline proposed [8244]
Health and Safety - Equipment
Products - Design
Action: Guidance -
On 24 January 2005 the National Occupational
Health and Safety Commission published a Proposal of Safe Design Guideline
and opened a consultation procedure concerning the Proposal. The aim of
the Guideline is to eliminate hazards at the design stage. The Guideline
should provide clear definitions applying to safe design of buildings and
structures, plants, substances and systems of work. The Guideline is targeting
the designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and employers.
Safe Design Guideline
Back to Table of Contents—Australia - Commonwealth and NSW
Australia - Commonwealth and Victoria
______________________________
Australian Standard for the safe storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids revised [8287]
Health and Safety - Management
Action: Guidance - Date of Adoption:
29-October-2004
On 29 October 2004 a completely revised
edition of AS 1940-2004, The storage and handling of flammable and combustible
liquids, was published to supersede the 1993 edition. This is a major Standard
that is referenced in the dangerous goods regulations of several states
and territories throughout Australia and can otherwise be used as best
practice guidance. The Standard was amended and reissued in November 2004.
Australian Standard 1940-2004, The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
Back to Table of Contents—Australia - Commonwealth and Victoria
______________________________
Safe Design Guideline proposed [8244]
Health and Safety - Equipment
Products - Design
Action: Guidance -
On 24 January 2005 the National Occupational
Health and Safety Commission published a Proposal of Safe Design Guideline
and opened a consultation procedure concerning the Proposal. The aim of
the Guideline is to eliminate hazards at the design stage. The Guideline
should provide clear definitions applying to safe design of buildings and
structures, plants, substances and systems of work. The Guideline is targeting
the designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and employers.
Safe Design Guideline
Back to Table of Contents—Australia - Commonwealth and Victoria
______________________________
Victoria: Fall prevention guidelines released [8245]
Health and Safety - Construction
Health and Safety - Safe Operating Procedures
Action: Guidance - Date of Adoption:
01-December-2004
From September 2004 to December 2004
WorkSafe Victoria developed a series of fall protection guidance notes
and fact sheets available from the WorkSafe website. These aim to aid interpretation
for particular industry groups after the revision of the Occupational Health
and Safety (Prevention of Falls) Regulation 2003 in force since 31 March
2004 to all Victorian workplaces where there is a chance of someone falling
more than 2 metres. These documents include fact sheets on Basic steps
to preventing falls from height, and Contractor Management; guidance notes
on Falls Prevention Working on Roofs, and Falls Prevention Advice and Compliance
With OHS Regulations 2003 in the Agriculture sector; and other publications
on the Prevention of falls in the transport of waste and recyclables, and
the Prevention of falls in the transport of steel.
Fall Prevention Fact Sheets (WorkSafe Victoria 2004)
Back to Table of Contents—Australia - Commonwealth and Victoria
______________________________
Victoria: SafetyMAP health and safety auditing tool standards revised [8246]
Health and Safety - Management
Action: Guidance - Date of Adoption:
06-January-2005
On 6 January 2005, WorkSafe Victoria
revised the series of Standards underlying their Safety Management Achievement
Program (SafetyMAP) Audit scheme. These standards guide the conduct of
SafetyMAP audits and the issue of SafetyMAP certificates by accredited
Certificate Bodies. SafetyMAP is a tool for undertaking an independent
audit and review of an organization's health and safety management system
inline with the legislation requirements. SafetyMAP audit criteria enable
an organization to measure the performance of its health and safety program,
implement a cycle of continuous improvement, compare its health and safety
performance system to a recognized benchmark, and gain recognition for
the standards achieved by its management of health and safety. The central
document "Auditing health and safety management systems 4th edition" and
the Standards are available from the WorkSafe website.
Back to Table of Contents—Australia - Commonwealth and Victoria
Austria
______________________________
Radiation Protection Act amended [5188]
Environment - Radiation
Health and Safety - Exposure
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
10-December-2004
On 10 December 2004, an amendment to
the Radiation Protection Act (Strahlenschutzgesetz) was issued which implements
amongst others Council Directive 2003/122/Euratom on the control of high-activity
sealed radioactive sources and orphan sources. It also introduces new requirements
on the import, export and transfer of radioactive substances. Another newly
introduced section deals with the information of the public with regard
to exposure to radon.
Strahlenschutz-EU-Anpassungsgesetz 2004 (BGBl. I Nr. 137/2004)
Back to Table of Contents—Austria
Brazil
______________________________
Proposal for a National Health and Safety Policy under discussion [8306]
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Action: Proposal -
Since November 2004, a proposal for the
establishment of a National Health and Safety Policy (Política Nacional
de Segurança e Saúde do Trabalhador - PNSST) has been under discussion
by the Ministries of Labour (Ministério do Trabalho), Social Security (Ministério
da Previdência Social) and Health (Ministério da Saúde) to ensure that
all aspects of occupational health and safety are integrated. Each of the
Ministries already prepared proposed issues to be integrated in a future
National Health and Safety Policy.
Back to Table of Contents—Brazil
Chile
______________________________
Proposal for a law on sexual harassment [8391]
Health and Safety - Persons
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Action: Proposal - Date of Adoption:
19-January-2005
On 19 January 2005 the Chamber of Deputies
accepted the final comments, after ten years of discussion, on the Proposal
for a Law for Sexual Harassment, as a prior step to the promulgation by
the President of the Republic. If approved, the Law will modify important
norms such as the Labor Code and the Administrative Statute. The Law will
define sexual harassment, establish the procedures to report sexual harassment,
establish the mechanisms for defense from false accusations of sexual harassment,
and establish the sanctions for false reports. In addition, the Law will
establish the possibility for employees to terminate a contract due to
sexual harassment.
Proyecto de Ley sobre Acoso Sexual (presentada el 24 de octubre de 1994) // Proposal for a Law on Sexual Harassment (first draft on 24 October 2004)
Back to Table of Contents—Chile
China
______________________________
Guideline for emergency measures for hazardous chemicals adopted [6740]
Environment - Operations
Health and Safety - Emergency Response
Health and Safety - Management
Health and Safety - Occupational Medicine
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
08-April-2004
On 8 April 2004, the Guideline on the
Emergency Response Plan for Accidents involving Hazardous Chemicals) was
adopted by the State Administration of Work Safety. The Guideline of 8
April 2004 provides a detailed guide for setting up an emergency response
plan for a facility producing, handling, storing, transporting, using or
disposing of hazardous chemicals. The Guideline of 8 April 2004 contains
detailed provisions on an emergency response plan, including, amongst others:
hazard source, emergency response department and emergency response personnel,
and their responsibility, warning and notification procedure, emergency
response facilities or equipment, evacuation, entry control to accident
areas, inspection, rescue and control measures, first aid and medical treatment
for injured persons, internal and external rescue security, emergency rescuing
procedure, first aid training plan, emergency drill plan.
Guideline on the Emergency Response Plan for Accidents involving Hazardous Chemicals (8 April 2004, State Administration of Work Safety)
Back to Table of Contents—China
______________________________
Rules on safety training and training institutes specified [8182]
Health and Safety - Management
Health and Safety - Persons
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
28-December-2004
On 1 February 2005, the Measures on Safe
Production Training of 28 December 2004 entered into force, which were
adopted by the State Administration of Work Safety. Pursuant to the Safe
Production Law of 29 June 2002, the Measures of 28 December 2004 stipulates
detailed requirements on qualification of safety training institutes, categories
of safety training and test of persons subject to safety training.
Measures on Safe Production Training (28 December 2004, State Administration of Work Safety)
Back to Table of Contents—China
______________________________
Strict safety control over installations producing or storing hazardous chemicals applied [8052]
Environment - Operations
Health and Safety - Construction
Health and Safety - Equipment
Health and Safety - Management
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
14-December-2004
On 1 January 2005, the Measures on Safety
Inspection of Construction Project for Production and Storage of Hazardous
Chemicals of 14 December 2004 entered into force, which were issued by
the State Administration of Work Safety. Pursuant to the Regulation on
Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals of 26 January 2002, the Measures
of 14 December 2004 stipulate that, when constructing installations producing
or storing hazardous chemicals, the facility shall obtain an Opinion of
Safety Inspection from the local Safe Production Supervision Bureau.
Measures on Safety Inspection of Construction Project for Production and Storage of Hazardous Chemicals (14 December 2004, State Administration of Work Safety)
Back to Table of Contents—China
______________________________
Supervision on operators handling special equipment tightened [8197]
Health and Safety - Equipment
Health and Safety - Persons
Health and Safety - Safe Operating Procedures
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
10-January-2005
On 10 January 2005, the Measures on the
Supervision of Special Operators were issued by the State Administration
of Quality, Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. Pursuant to the Regulation
on Safety Supervision of Special Equipment of 11 March 2003, the Measures
of 10 January 2005 stipulate types of operations involving special equipment
and detailed requirement regarding qualification of operators of special
equipment.
Measures on the Supervision of Special Operators (10 January 2005, State Administration of Quality, Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine)
Back to Table of Contents—China
Colombia
______________________________
Technical Regulation on the use and maintenance of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders and tanks adopted [8328]
Health and Safety - Equipment
Products - Safety
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
29-December-2004
On 29 December 2004 the Ministry of Mines
and Energy adopted Resolution 18-1788 of 2004 which approved the Technical
Regulation on the use and maintenance of stationary tanks and cylinders
aimed at the public supply service of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It
applies to all cylinders and stationary tanks manufactured or imported
into Colombia for this purpose. This Resolution has a validity date until
the 29 December 2005, after which it shall be subject to further review.
Resolución 18-1788 de 29 de diciembre de 2004 por la cual se expide el Reglamento Técnico pra cilindros y tanques estacionarios utilizados en la prestación del servicio público domiciliario de Gas Licuado del Petróleo, GLP, y sus procesos de mantenimiento // Resolution 18-1788 of 29 December 2004 on the Technical Regulation concerning the use of stationary tanks and cylinders to be used during the public supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, and their maintenance (Official Bulletin 45.782 of 29-Dec-04)
Back to Table of Contents—Colombia
Costa Rica
______________________________
Regulation on fire protection and its manual on technical provisions [8351]
Health and Safety - Fire Protection
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
10-January-2005
On 17 January 2005 the National Insurance
Institute (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) published simultaneously the
Regulation for human safety and fire protection, and the Manual on general
technical provisions for the Regulation for human safety and fire protection
(Law 8228). The Regulation provides that the National Insurance Institute
is the body in charge of issuing the technical norms regulating human safety
and fire protection in public places. The Manual establishes general construction
requirements concerning construction projects, existing building or any
other place intended for temporary or permanent human occupation. The Manual
classifies the types of fire and constructions, and establishes fire-fighting
requirements depending on this classification.
Reglamento técnico general sobre seguridad humana y protección conra incendios (publicado el 17 de enero de 2005) + Manual de disposiciones técnicas generales al reglamento sobre seguridad humana y protección contra incendios - Ley 8228 (publicado el 17 de enero de 2005) // General technical Regulation on human safety and fire protection (published on 17 January 2005) + Manual for general technical provisions to the Regulation for human safety and fire protection - Law 8228 (published on 17 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—Costa Rica
Denmark
______________________________
Statutory Order on Asbestos adopted [8285]
Environment - Dangerous Substances
Health and Safety - Exposure
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
21-December-2004
On 21 December 2004, the Danish Working
Environment Authority adopted Statutory Order on Asbestos (1502/2004).
The Statutory Order (1502/2004) is implementing Directive 2003/18/EC on
the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos
at work. The Statutory Order lays down provisions regarding the manufacturing,
import, use and disposal of asbestos and materials containing asbestos
and work which may involve exposure to asbestos dust or asbestos containing
materials. As regards work with asbestos, it is required that the workers
undergo specific training, approved by the Danish Working Environment Authority.
Bekendtgørelse om asbest. Arbejdstilsynets bekendtgørelse nr. 1502 af 21. december 2004 // Statutory Order on Asbestos. Statutory Order of the Danish Working Environment Authority nr. 1502 of 21 December 2004
Back to Table of Contents—Denmark
European Union
______________________________
Commission's development of an EU strategy on mercury [6827]
Environment - Dangerous Substances
Health and Safety - Exposure
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Products - Chemical Restrictions
Action: Proposal - Date of Adoption:
15-March-2004
On 28 January 2005 the European Commission
published its Mercury Strategy, to be forwarded to the European Council
and Parliament for adoption. The strategy, accompanied by an extended impact
assessment, calls for restrictions on the demand, supply, emissions and
measures to protect vulnerable populations against exposure. Previously,
on 15 March 2004 the European Commission issued a consultation paper concerning
the Development of an EU Mercury Strategy. The purpose of this document
was to open an invitation to all interested parties in the preparation
of an EU strategy. The paper presents an analysis of the situation relating
to the use, control, emissions and impacts of mercury and its compounds.
Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - Community Strategy Concerning Mercury
Back to Table of Contents—European Union
______________________________
Commission Directive amending plant protection products Directive [6755]
Environment - Dangerous Substances
Environment - Soil
Health and Safety - Exposure
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
01-October-2004
On 19 January 2005 the European Commission
issued Directive 2005/2/EC concerning Ampelomyces quisqualis and Gliocladium
catenulatum and Directive 2005/3/EC concerning imazosulfuron, laminarin,
methoxyfenozide and s-metolachlor. Both Directives amend Council Directive
91/414/EEC to include the aforementioned substances as active substances
in its Annex I. Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerns the authorization,
placing on the market, use and control within the Community of plant protection
products in commercial form and the placing on the market and control within
the Community of active substances intended for such purpose. Annex I of
the PPP Directive establishes the authorized active substances for incorporation
in plant protection products to be put on the market.
Commission Directive 2004/30/EC of 10 March 2004 amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC to include benzoic acid, flazasulfuron and pyraclostrobin as active substances (OJ L77 pp.50-53)+Commission Directive 2004/627/EC of 31 August 2004 allowing Member States to extend provisional authorisations granted for the new active substances etoxazole and carvone OJ L283 p.17+Commission Directive 2004/99/EC of 1 October 2004 amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC to include acetamiprid and thiacloprid as active substances (OJ L309 p.6, of 6 October 2004) + Commission Directives 2005/2/EC and 2005/3/EC amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC to include Ampelomyces quisqualis and Gliocladium catenulatum and imazosulfuron, laminarin, methoxyfenozide and s-metolachlor as active substances (OJ L 020 pp 15-23)
Back to Table of Contents—European Union
______________________________
Draft Directive on workers' exposure to optical radiation issued [8248]
Health and Safety - Exposure
Health and Safety - Management
Action: Proposal -
In December 2004, the Council reached
political agreement on the draft proposal for a Directive (COM(92)560)
of the European Parliament and the Council on the minimum health and requirements
regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents
(optical radiation). The draft proposal for a Directive is the 19th individual
Directive within the meaning of framework Directive 89/391/EEC on safety
and health of workers at work. The draft proposal for a Directive (COM(92)560)
aims at protecting workers from risks to their health and safety arising
from optical radiation. The draft proposal for a Directive (COM(92)560)
refers in particular to the adverse effects of optical radiation to the
eyes and skin of the workers. The provisions regarding optical radiation
are to be considered as minimum requirements, and the Member States might
adopt more favorable provisions for the protection of workers.
Draft proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council on the minimum health and requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (optical radiation) (19th individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC)
Back to Table of Contents—European Union
Finland
______________________________
Adopted a Decree on the Protection of Employees from Vibration [8337]
Health and Safety - Exposure
Health and Safety - Management
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
27-January-2005
On 27 January 2005, the Decree 48/2005
on the Protection of Employees from Vibration was adopted. The Decree aims
to transpose the European Directive 2002/44/EC on vibration in order to
help protect employees from actual or potential risks arising from exposure
to vibration at work. The Decree applies to employees in all sectors, specifies
threshold values for exposure and details the duties placed on employers.
Decree 48/2005 on the Protection of Employees from Vibration // Valtioneuvoston asetus työntekijöiden suojelemisesta tärinästä aiheutuvilta vaaroilta 48/2005
Back to Table of Contents—Finland
Germany
______________________________
Compulsory membership in Occupational Insurance Associations is legal [8329]
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Action: Jurisprudence - Date of Adoption:
05-January-2005
In January 2005, the Social Court of
Frankfort (Sozialgericht Frankfurt) has dismissed in first instance the
case of an entrepreneur against the compulsory membership in one of the
German Occupational Insurance Associations (Berufsgenossenschaften - BGs).
The compulsory membership is not contrary to EU legislation.
Court decision S 16 U 393/03 Sozialgericht Frankfurt
Back to Table of Contents—Germany
______________________________
Proposal for stricter control of high activity sealed radioactive sources [8354]
Environment - Radiation
Health and Safety - Exposure
Action: Proposal -
On 12 January 2005, the Federal Cabinet
has issued a proposal for an Act to Control High Activity Sealed Radioactive
Sources. The proposal would aim to transpose European Directive 2003/122/EURATOM
on the same subject into German legislation. It would amend the Atomic
Energy Act (AtG) and the Ordinance on Radiation Protection (StrSchV) in
order to create a central national register at the Federal Office for Radiation
Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz - BfS). The proposal still requires
approval of the Federal Parliament and the Federal Council. It is planned
to enter into force on 1 January 2006.
Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Kontrolle hochradioactiver Strahlenquellen & Verordnung fuer die Umsetzung von EURATOM-Richtlinien zum Strahlenschutz // Proposal for an Act to Control High Activity Sealed Radioactive Sources & Ordinance on for the transposal of EURATOM Directives on radiation protection
Back to Table of Contents—Germany
Italy
______________________________
Circular issued on prevention of fire in facilities with a high risk of incidents [8389]
Health and Safety - Fire Protection
Action: Guidance - Date of Adoption:
24-January-2005
On 24 January 2004, the Ministry of Internal
Affairs issued a Circular concerning the prevention of fire in facilities
with a high risk of incidents and which are subject to presenting a safety
report. The scope of the Circular is to clarify certain aspects of Presidential
Decree 2004/200 amending Presidential Decree 1982/577 concerning the completion
of services on prevention and supervision.
Lettera circolare (prot. DCPST/A4/RS/115) 24 gennaio 2005 - Prevenzione incendi nelle attività a rischio di incidente rilevante soggette alla presentazione del rapporto di sicurezza // Circular letter (prot. DCPST/A4/RS/115) 24 January 2005 - Prevention of fire in facilities with a high risk of incidents and subject to presenting a safety report
Back to Table of Contents—Italy
______________________________
Guidelines regarding microbiological diagnosis and legionella issued [8381]
Environment - Water
Health and Safety - Exposure
Action: Guidance - Date of Adoption:
13-January-2005
In accordance with art. 4 of Legislative
Decree 28 August 1997, n. 281 an agreement on guidelines regarding microbiological
diagnosis and legionella was reached on 13 January 2005. The agreement
aims at providing advice on how to organize the activities in laboratories
when diagnosing legionella and to provide guidelines on the environmental
control of legionella. The guidelines lay down detailed requirements regarding
the design of the laboratory, the necessary equipment and the qualifications
of the staff whose task is to diagnose legionella.
Provvedimento 13 gennaio 2005 - Accordo, ai sensi dell'articolo 4 del decreto legislativo 28 agosto 1997, n. 281, tra il Ministero della salute e i presidenti delle regioni e delle province autonome, avente ad oggetto "Linee guida recanti indicazioni ai laboratori con attività di diagnosi microbiologica e controllo ambientale della legionellosi // Legislative Measure 13 January 2005 - Agreement in accordance with article 4 of Legislative Decree 28 August 1997, n. 281, between the Ministry of Health and the Chairmen of Regions and the Autonomous Provinces, having as a subject "Guidelines on indications for Laboratories dealing with Microbiological Diagnosis and Environmental Control of Legionella
Back to Table of Contents—Italy
______________________________
Regulations regarding the installation and use of pressure equipment and assemblies adopted [8368]
Health and Safety - Equipment
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
01-December-2004
On 1 December 2004, the Ministry of Productive
Activities together with the Ministry of Welfare adopted Decree n. 329
- Regulations on provisions regarding the installation and use of pressure
equipment and their assemblies. Decree n. 329 lays down provisions regarding
the verification procedures when pressure equipment has been installed,
the obligations of the user as regards the periodical verifications and
tests of pressure equipment and the provisions to be complied with when
pressure equipment has been repaired or modified. Decree 1 December 2004,
n. 329 is related to Legislative Decree 25 February 2000, n. 93, transposing
Directive 97/23/EC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States
concerning pressure equipment.
Decreto 1 dicembre 2004, n. 329 - Regolamento recante norme per la messa in servizio ed utilizzazione delle attrezzature a pressione e degli insiemi di cui articolo 19 del decreto legislativo 25 febbraio 2000, n. 93 // Decree 1 December 2004, n. 329 - Regulations on provisions regarding the installation and use of pressure equipment and
Back to Table of Contents—Italy
______________________________
Transposed Directive 2001/45/EU on minimum safety requirements of working equipment for working at height [6176]
Health and Safety - Equipment
Health and Safety - Safe Operating Procedures
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
08-July-2003
On 8 July 2003 it was adopted Legislative
Decree 235/2003 aimed at transposing directive 2001/45/EC on the use of
work equipment provided for temporary work at a height. The scope of the
Decree covers the assessment, installation, use, and related training in
relation to ladders, scaffolding, and safety ropes to be used for work
at height, now defined as any activity exposing the workers at the risk
of fall from a height of 2 meters or more. The new requirements are being
fully integrated in the text of the D.L.gs 626/94 under a new set of sub-articles
n. 36, entering into force on 19 July 2005. In relation to D.L.gs 626/94
and the amendments introduced due the implementation of directive 2001/45/EC,
ISPESL (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Prevention) has issued
guidelines for workers exposed to risks of falling from heights.
Decreto Legislativo 8 luglio 2003, n.235 - Attuazione della direttiva 2001/45/CE relativa ai requisiti minimi di sicurezza e di salute per l'uso delle attrezzature di lavoro da parte dei lavoratori (G.U. N. 198 del 27 Agosto 2003) // Legislative Decree 8 July 2003, N. 235 - Transposition of Directive 2001/45/EC concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment by workers at work (O.J. N. 198 of 27 August 2003)
Back to Table of Contents—Italy
Japan
______________________________
2004 inspection results of tank lorries and vehicles transporting dangerous goods released [8239]
Environment - Dangerous Substances
Environment - Operations
Health and Safety - Equipment
Action: Background News - Date of Adoption:
20-January-2005
On 20 January 2005, inspection results
of November 2004 of tank lorries and vehicles transporting dangerous goods
were released by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. The inspection
results of 20 January 2005 show that percentage of tank lorries and vehicles,
which do not meet required technical standards, has not been decreasing
since 2000. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency announced that it will
tighten inspection and control of tank lorries and vehicles transporting
dangerous goods.
Inspection Results of November 2004 of Tank Lorries and Vehicles Transporting Dangerous Goods (20 January 2005, Fire and Disaster Management Agency)
Back to Table of Contents—Japan
Mexico
______________________________
Official Mexican Norm on procedures for safety with chemical substances [6133]
Health and Safety - Exposure
Health and Safety - Management
Health and Safety - Safe Operating Procedures
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
14-January-2005
On 14 January 2005, the Ministry of Labor
and Social Security (Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social - STPS)
published NOM-028-STPS-2004, on procedures for safety with chemical substances,
in order to prevent and protect workers and premises from injuries and
damages in work places. The Norm is applicable to every work place where
operations involving chemical substances take place, in quantities equal
to or exceeding the limits established in Appendix A of the same Norm.
The Norm excludes from its application economic activities involving Liquefied
Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-028-STPS-2004, Organización del Trabajo-Seguridad en los procesos de sustancias químicas // Official Mexican Norm NOM-028-STPS-2004, Organization of Work-Safety on chemical substances procedures
Back to Table of Contents—Mexico
_____________________________
Publication of the manual for organization of the Mexican Labor Ministry [8294]
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Action: Guidance - Date of Adoption:
19-January-2005
On 19 January 2005 the Ministry of Labor
and Social Security published the Manual for General Organization of this
Ministry. The Manual contains the basic structure, responsibilities, administrative
bodies and independent offices, of this Ministry. The Manual is published
pursuant to the goals established in the National Plan for Development
2001-2006 for this Ministry.
Manual de Organización General de la Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (publicado el 19 de enero de 2005) // Manual for General Organization of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (published on 19 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—Mexico
Netherlands
______________________________
Reorganization of Working Conditions Inspectorate [5856]
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Action: Policy - Date of Adoption: 21-January-2004
On 21 January 2005 a Decision
on the Organization, Mandate and Powers of the Working Conditions Inspectorate
(Arbeidsinspectie) was adopted with a view to fixing and reorganising the
structure of the organisation for 2005.
Organisatie-, mandaaat- en volmachtsbesluit Arbeidsinspectie 2005(Staatscourant 3 februari 2005, nr. 24 / pag. 25)// Decision on the Organisation, Mandate and Powers of the Working Conditions Inspectorate 2005
Back to Table of Contents—Netherlands
New Zealand
______________________________
Health and safety self assessment sheet released [8242]
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Action: Guidance - Date of Adoption:
01-January-2005
In January 2005 Occupational Safety and
Health Service (OSH) released the Workplace Self-assessment Sheet for employment
relations and health and safety matters, as a self help tool for workplace
management. This 4 page checklist contains a series of questions on employment
relations, workers induction and workplace health and safety etc aimed
at ensuring companies are aware of and comply with legislative requirements,
and can identify where they need further information or to improve their
performance. The document also provides contact details for the appropriate
contact people to obtain further information. The self-assessment sheet
is not mandatory but one of a number of self-help guidance documents released
by OSH to help businesses comply with their workplace obligations.
Workplace Self-Assessment Sheet (Department of Labour, January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—New Zealand
Norway
______________________________
ADR/RID implemented in Regulations on Transport of Dangerous Goods by road and by rail [8259]
Environment - Dangerous Substances
Health and Safety - Management
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
15-October-2004
The Directorate for Civil Protection
and Emergency Planning has amended Regulations on transport of dangerous
goods by road and by rail (FOR 2002/1264) with the purpose of implementing
the revised version of ADR/RID which is applicable in Norway as of 1 January
2005. ADR/RID cover transport of dangerous goods by road and by rail. The
2005 version of ADR/RID contains several modifications, including: securing
requirements, training of personnel, information of persons in charge,
examination for safety advisors, classification of infectious substances,
etc.
Forskrift av 11.november 2002 om transport av farlig gods på veg og jernbane med veiledning (FOR 2002/1264). Gjeldende fra 1. januar 2005 // Regulations of 11 November 2002 on transport of dangerous goods on road and by rail with guidelines (FOR 2002/1264). Applicable as of 1 Januar 2005
Back to Table of Contents—Norway
Peru
______________________________
Resolution establishing a technical norm on safety signs [8296]
Health and Safety - Management
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
13-January-2005
On 13 January 2005 the Commission of
Technical and Commercial Regulations issued Resolution No. 0131-2004/CRT-INDECOPI
approving Peruvian Technical Norm NTP 399.010-1:2004. The approved Norm
establishes guidelines for design of safety signs, including colors, symbols,
forms and dimensions. The Resolution cancels NTP 399.010:1974 which established
requirements for design of safety signs.
Resolución No. 0131-2004/CRT-INDECOPI de la Comisión de Reglamentos Técnicos y Comerciales, que aprueba la Norma Técnica Peruana NTP 399.010:2004 sobre diseño de señales de seguridad (publicada el 13 de enero de 2005) // Resolution No. 0131-2004/CRT-INDECOPI of the Commission for Technical and Commercial Regulations, approving the Peruvian Technical Norm NTP 399.010:2004 on design of safety signs (published on 13 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—Peru
Poland
______________________________
Medical prophylactic cards for workers exposed to asbestos [8341]
Environment - Dangerous Substances
Health and Safety - Occupational Medicine
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
10-January-2005
On 10 January 2005, the Minister of Health
adopted the Ordinance on the Format of Medical Prophylactic Cards for Workers
Exposed to Asbestos, Methods of Completing Updating and Them (Dz. U. 2005,
No 13, item 109). The Ordinance applies to current and former employees
of 28 facilities which use asbestos in technological processes. The Ordinance
sets out the format of medical prophylactic card, methods of completing
and updating it.
Ordinance of the Minister of Health of 10 January 2005 on the Format of Medical Prophylactic Cards for Workers Exposed to Asbestos, Methods of Completing and Updating Them
Back to Table of Contents—Poland
______________________________
Ordinance on Carcinogenic and Mutagenic Substances adopted [8349]
Health and Safety - Exposure
Health and Safety - Management
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
01-December-2004
On 1 December 2004, the Minister of Health
adopted the Ordinance on Carcinogenic and Mutagenic Substances, Preparations,
Agents and Technological Processes at Work (Dz. U. 2004, No 280, item 2771).
The Ordinance sets out the list of 819 substances, preparations, agents
and technological processes which are used at work and which have carcinogenic
and mutagenic effects. It also lays down the principles of registering
these substances, works and persons using them, and the principles of workers'
protection and monitoring their health.
Ordinance of the Minister of Health of 1 December 2004 on Carcinogenic and Mutagenic Substances, Preparations, Agents and Technological Processes at Work (Dz. U. 2004, No 280, item 2771)
Back to Table of Contents—Poland
______________________________
Ordinance on the Protection of the Health and Safety of Workers from the Risks Related to Chemical Agents at Work adopted [8345]
Health and Safety - Exposure
Health and Safety - Management
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
30-December-2004
On 30 December 2004, the Minister of
Health adopted the Ordinance on the Protection of the Health and Safety
of Workers from the Risks Related to Chemical Agents at Work (Dz. U. 2005,
No 11, item 86). The Ordinance sets out the employers' obligations with
regard to health and safety of workers exposed to hazardous chemicals.
Ordinance of the Minister of Health of 30 December 2004 on the Protection of the Health and Safety of Workers from the Risks Related to Chemical Agents at Work (Dz. U. 2005, No 11, item 86)
Back to Table of Contents—Poland
Russia
______________________________
Amendment to the law "On Fire Safety" [8212]
Health and Safety - Fire Protection
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
22-August-2004
Glavnyi Gosudarstvennyi Inspektor po
Pozharnomu Nadzoru). The Federal fire safety bodies conducting the state
fire safety control are given a broad range of powers both in relation
to private persons and legal entities. The amendments also state that the
persons personally responsible for the compliance with the fire safety
regulations within organizations are the heads (rukovoditeli) of such organizations.
Back to Table of Contents—Russia
______________________________
Amendments to the law "On sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the public" [8218]
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption: 22-August-2004
Back to Table of Contents—Russia
______________________________
Federal law "On insurance premiums for mandatory social insurance in relation to occupational accidents and illnesses for the year 2005" was adopted. [8225]
Health and Safety - Persons
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
29-December-2004
On 29 December 2004 the President of
the Russian Federation has signed a Federal Law No.207-FZ "On insurance
premiums for mandatory social insurance in relation to occupational accidents
and illnesses for the year 2005". The law determines the amounts of
insurance premiums payable by employers on mandatory social insurance against
occupational illnesses and accidents, depending on a category of occupational
risk and lists certain categories of employers that will be entitled to
pay discounted premiums on the social insurance against occupational illnesses
and accidents.
Federal law of 29 December 2004 No. 207 "On insurance premiums for mandatory social insurance in relation to occupational accidents and illnesses for the year 2005"
Back to Table of Contents—Russia
______________________________
Order approving a list of harmful and/or dangerous industrial factors and types of occupation has been signed. [8220]
Health and Safety - Occupational Medicine
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
16-August-2004
On 16 August 2004 the Ministry of Healthcare
and Social Development of the Russian Federation was signed an Order No.83 "On
approval of a list of harmful and/or dangerous industrial factors and types
of work requiring to a preliminary and regular medical examination of workers
performing such types of work". The order has ratified (pursuant to
the resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of 27 October
2003 No.646 "On harmful and/or dangerous industrial factors and types
of work subject to a preliminary and regular medical examination of workers
performing such types of work") a list of harmful and/or dangerous
industrial factors and types of work subject to compulsory regular and
preliminary medical examinations of workers employed to do such types of
work and the procedure for the compulsory medical examinations.
Prikaz ot 16 avgusta 2004 g. No. 83 ob utverzhdenii perechnej vrednyh i (ili) opasnyh proizvodstvennyh faktorov i rabot, pri vypolnenii kotoryh provodjatsja predvaritel'nye i periodicheskie medicinskie osmotry (obsledovanija), i porjadka provedenija jetih osmotrov (obsledovanij)
Back to Table of Contents—Russia
______________________________
Resolution "On the state fire safety control" [8219]
Health and Safety - Fire Protection
Health and Safety - Liability
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
21-December-2004
On 21 December 2004 the Government of
the Russian Federation has adopted a resolution No.820 "On the state
fire safety control". The resolution determines that the authorized
personnel of the state fire safety control bodies - the state fire safety
inspectors will enforce the fire safety rules. The resolution also determines
the competences of the state fire safety control bodies and of the state
fire safety inspectors.
Postanovlenie Pravitelstva Rossiiskoy Federacii 21.12.04 "O gosudarstvennom pozharnom nadzore"
Back to Table of Contents—Russia
Singapore
______________________________
Ministry of Manpower to raise occupational health and safety standards after studying Europe's self regulatory framework [8355]
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Action: Background News -
The Ministry of Manpower announced on
23 January 2005 that it intends to study best occupational safety and health
practices in Sweden, the United Kingdom, France and Germany with the aim
of improving regulations and the overall framework governing occupational
health and safety in Singapore.
Back to Table of Contents—Singapore
______________________________
Scaffold contractor fined for violating safety requirements under the Factories Act [8344]
Health and Safety - Safe Operating Procedures
Action: Jurisprudence -
On 13 January 2005 a scaffold contractor
was convicted and fined SG$ 12,000 for failing to implement safe work procedures
for the erection of a work platform at height. The Factories Act and its
subsidiary legislation requires that hazards be identified and safe work
procedures be implemented before carrying out work at height, including
the erection of scaffolds. This was subsequent to an incident on 12 October
2003 in which a metal decking of the work platform was not secured and
the scaffold erector was killed after falling from the platform 30 meters
above the ground.
Back to Table of Contents—Singapore
South Africa
______________________________
Circular instruction issued regarding compensation for work-related upper respiratory tract disorders [8322]
Health and Safety - Exposure
Health and Safety - Occupational Medicine
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
28-January-2005
On 28 January 2005 the Department of
Labour issued Circular Instruction No. 187 to clarify issues regarding
compensation for work-related upper respiratory tract disorders under the
Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, 1993 (COIDA).
The Circular Instruction addresses diagnosis and impairment, what benefits
are available for temporary or partial disablement, how claims should be
made and how incidents of the disease should be reported. Various lung
diseases and disorders are compensable disease in terms of COIDA, and the
Circular Instruction gives guidance to claimants and employers in terms
of their rights and obligations.
Circular Instruction Regarding Compensation for Work-Related Respiratory Tract Disorders (Circular Instruction No. 187) (GN119 of GG27216 of 28 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—South Africa
______________________________
Draft circular instruction issued regarding compensation for work-aggravated asthma [8323]
Health and Safety - Management
Health and Safety - Occupational Medicine
Action: Proposal -
On 28 January 2005 the Department of
Labour issued draft Circular Instruction No. 184 to clarify issues regarding
compensation for work-aggravated asthma (as opposed to asthma that is caused
by the work environment) under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries
and Diseases Act, 1993 (COIDA). It aims to clarify diagnosis and impairment,
what benefits are available for temporary or partial disablement (based
on lung function), how claims should be made and how incidents of the disease
should be reported.
Draft Circular Instruction Regarding Compensation for Work-Aggravated Asthma (Circular Instruction No. 184) (GN118 of GG27216 of 28 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—South Africa
South Korea
______________________________
Safety management of tower cranes to be tightened [8192]
Health and Safety - Equipment
Health and Safety - Management
Health and Safety - Safe Operating Procedures
Action: Proposal -
On 15 January 2005, amendments to the
Regulation on Industrial Safety Standards were proposed by the Ministry
of Labor. Pursuant to the Industrial Safety and Health Act, the proposed
Regulation of 15 January 2005 would require strict safety management of
operations involving tower cranes. Amongst others, when performing operations
involving tower cranes, the employer would have to make operating procedures
and inform the procedures to involved workers.
Proposed Amendments to the Regulation on Industrial Safety Standards (15 January 2005, Ministry of Labor)
Back to Table of Contents—South Korea
______________________________
Scope and frequency of medical examination to be increased [8223]
Health and Safety - Construction
Health and Safety - Exposure
Health and Safety - Occupational Medicine
Health and Safety - Persons
Action: Proposal -
On 24 December 2004, amendments to Enforcement
Regulation of Industrial Safety and Health Act was proposed by the Ministry
of Labor. The proposed Enforcement Regulation of 24 December 2004 contains
requirements on frequency of work environment assessment, medical examination
upon employment, medical examination for office workers, special medical
examination for operations handling hazard factors, and health management
of workers handling benzene, nickel or cadmium.
Proposed Amendments to Enforcement Regulation of Industrial Safety and Health Act (24 December 2004, Ministry of Labor)
Back to Table of Contents—South Korea
______________________________
Strict safety management for prevention of industrial accident required [8004]
Health and Safety - Liability
Health and Safety - Management
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
28-December-2004
On 28 December 2004, amendments to the
Enforcement Ordinance of the Industrial Safety and Health Act were adopted
by the National Assembly. The amended Enforcement Ordinance of 28 December
2004 provides that, when having an industrial accident causing 2 or more
fatalities, the facility will be subject to an order of suspension. If
carrying out operations emitting high-level of noise, the employer shall
appoint an appropriate safety manager.
Amendments to Enforcement Ordinance of Industrial Safety and Health Act (28 December 2004, National Assembly)
Back to Table of Contents—South Korea
______________________________
Updated list of institutions for indoor air quality assessment released [7771]
Environment - Air/Climate/Odor
Health and Safety - Indoor Air Quality
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption:
29-January-2005
On 29 January 2005, the updated List
of Institutions for Indoor Air Quality Assessment was released by the Ministry
of Environment. Pursuant to the Act on the Management of Indoor Air Quality
in Buildings for Public Use of 29 May 2003, the facility is required to
carry out an indoor air quality measurement by contracting qualified institutions
designated by the Ministry of Environment.
List of Institutions for Indoor Air Quality Assessment (29 January 2005, Ministry of Environment)
Back to Table of Contents—South Korea
Sweden
______________________________
A Governmental action program on reduced administration for companies [8257]
Environment - Dangerous Substances
Environment - Public Policy
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Action: Proposal - Date of Adoption:
03-December-2004
On 3 December 2004 the Swedish Government
publish the communication (Skr. 2004/05:48) on reduced administration for
companies etc. The communication is a 291-step action program containing
concrete measures to reduce the administrative burden on companies. The
action program is a result of the combined efforts of all ministries and
46 public agencies reviewing existing Regulations relating to business
activities and present a set of measures to reduce the administrative costs
faced by enterprises.
Communication (Skr. 2004/05:48) on reduced administration for companies etc. // Skrivelse (Skr. 2004/05:48 om minskad administration för företagen m.m.
Back to Table of Contents—Sweden
______________________________
Regulations on the supervision of certain environmental dangerous activities [8258]
Environment - Air/Climate/Odor
Health and Safety - Management
Action: Legislation - On the 1 January 2005 the Ordinance (SFS 2004:989) on supervision of certain environmental dangerous activities entered into force implementing Article 5.1 (that existing installations operate in accordance with BAT, energy efficiency and that a permit includes all measures necessary for compliance with the requirements of Articles 3 and 10) in the Directive 96/61/EC concerning integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC Directive).
Ordinance (SFS 2004:989) on supervision of certain environmental dangerous activities // Förordning (2004:989) om översyn av vissa miljöfarliga verksamheter
Back to Table of Contents—Sweden
______________________________
Review of Regulations on thermosetting plastics [8266]
Health and Safety - Persons
Action: Proposal - During year 2003 and 2004 the Swedish the Work Environment Authority's reviewed the Regulations (AFS 1996:4) on Thermosetting Plastics. The reviewed work aims to update Regulations (AFS 1996:4) on Thermosetting Plastics because of the technical and knowledge progress in the area of Thermosetting Plastics. Furthermore, to repeal articles in (AFS 1996:4) already covered in other legislation and regulation.
Revision of Regulations (AFS 1996:4) on Thermosetting Plastics // Revidering av föreskrifterna (AFS 1996:4)om härdplaster
Back to Table of Contents—Sweden
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